PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU CONFERS NATIONAL HONOUR ON BILL GATES, AN INSPIRATION TO LEADERS President Bola Tinubu said on Tuesday in Lagos that Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and chairman of the Bill Gates Foundation, inspires leaders worldwide by consistently lifting the poor and underprivileged. The President, who conferred the national honour of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Gates, noted the renowned philanthropist's interventions in maternal health, agriculture and infectious disease research. President Tinubu thanked Gates for providing global leadership that prioritises ameliorating the lives and safety of the poor and underprivileged. "Today, I would like to share my happiness and respect and acknowledge one of the greatest human beings in the world. "All I need to say is thank you, Bill Gates, for your indivisible commitment to humanity. It is highly remarkable. It is an inspiration to leaders across the world, i...

 RESPONSE TO AFENIFERE FACTION'S DECEITFUL STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU'S MID-TERM   The statement from a factional Afenifere group raises serious concerns about a penchant and deliberate attempt to find faults and trade in deceit instead of objectivity. The group has found it challenging to accept that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria's comeback story is firmly underway.   The rebellious Afenifere claims that President Bola Tinubu's administration's performance over the past two years has witnessed a regression in human development, economic mismanagement, and democratic backsliding.   This is a jaundiced view, echoing the view of opposition politicians, one of whom the group supported in the 2023 election.   A balanced assessment based on available data reveals a more objective and progressive picture, with significant achievements amid the challenges expected from a country like Nigeria with decades-old problems.   Be...

 Hajj Without Permit Risks 100,000 Riyals Fine, 10-Year Ban – Nigerian Envoy Nigerian pilgrims performing Hajj without a permit risk a 100,000 riyals fine, deportation, and a 10-year ban from Saudi Arabia, says Dr. Modibbo Umar, Chargé d’Affaires in Riyadh. He issued the warning during the 2025 Pre-Arafat Stakeholders’ meeting in Makkah, urging strict compliance with Saudi regulations.

 Drama unfolded in federal court today during Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial when a woman who has been supporting him throughout the proceedings completely lost it in the courtroom. The self-proclaimed Diddy supporter, who has been a regular presence since the trial began, entered the main courtroom and started yelling expletive-filled messages of support directly at Combs. What reportedly began as a simple request from court marshals to remove her hat quickly spiraled into a chaotic scene that required multiple officers to physically remove her from the courtroom. Judge Arun Subramanian immediately demanded her removal as she continued to taunt the marshals. This marks the first major disruption to actually reach the main courtroom where Combs sits with his legal team, though tensions have been building both inside the overflow room and outside the courthouse throughout the trial. The woman has been a constant presence, typically watching proceedings from the ...

 Bus Carrying Market Women Crashes on Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway A bus transporting market women to a village market was involved in a severe accident today along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, between Ubakala and Ntigha.  Eyewitnesses report that the crash occurred when a tyre burst, causing the driver to lose control. The bus veered off the road and plunged into nearby bushland.  A viral video circulating online shows several survivors, predominantly women, sitting on the ground in shock, visibly shaken but grateful to be alive. Many were seen praying and thanking God for their survival in what could have been a deadly incident. Emergency responders and passersby rushed to the scene to provide assistance. While no fatalities have been confirmed at this time, the extent of injuries remains unclear. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, and further details are awaited.

 PRESS RELEASE CP FCT PRESENTS ₦37.3 MILLION TO FAMILIES OF FALLEN OFFICERS: REITERATES THE IGP’s COMMITMENT TO POLICE WELFARE. The Commissioner of Police, FCT Police Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, psc, mnips, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, presented welfare cheques totaling ₦37,388,829.25 to the families of thirty-nine (39) deceased Police officers who served under the FCT Command. The presentation, held at the Command Headquarters in Abuja, was made on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM. The funds were disbursed under the Group Life Assurance (GLA), Nigeria Police Force Welfare Insurance Scheme (IGPFW), and Group Personal Accident (GPA) coverages. Speaking during the event, CP Ajao reaffirmed the IGP’s commitment to Police welfare, noting that the gesture reflects the Force’s dedication to honouring the sacrifices of its officers. These cheques represent more than financial support , they are a symbol of our respect, remembrance, and solidar...

 JUSUN Suspends Nationwide Strike, Directs Members to Resume Work The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has called off its ongoing strike and instructed its members to return to work on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, following extensive deliberations and high-level meetings with key stakeholders. In a communique signed by JUSUN’s National Vice President and 10 other leaders, including representatives from the Federal Judicial Service Commission, Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, National Judicial Institute, FCT High Court, FCT Sharia and Customary Court, and FCT Judicial Service Commission, the union announced the suspension after productive discussions on Tuesday with the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and other stakeholders. The decision to suspend the strike was made to allow further engagement with the Federal Government, with...

 Anambra Renames Government House ‘Light House Awka,’ Moves to Seize Buildings Housing Child Beggars Awka, Nigeria – June 3, 2025: The Anambra State Government has officially renamed its newly inaugurated Government House Mini City to “Light House Awka,” aligning with the state’s slogan, “Light of the Nation.” The decision was announced following the 10th Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) meeting held on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the new administrative complex in Awka. In a press statement issued on Tuesday, Commissioner for Information Law Mefor detailed the outcomes of the meeting, the third to be convened in the new Government House. He described the renaming as the result of extensive deliberations to select a fitting title for the expansive facility, which Governor Chukwuma Soludo has hailed as “a functional centre of governance.” The council also aimed to establish the project as a lasting legacy of the Soludo administration, focusing on restoring societal values and res...

 Shehu Sani Accuses El-Rufai, Amaechi of Hypocrisy in Criticizing Tinubu Former Senator Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, has sharply criticized former Governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, accusing them of hypocritical and self-serving attacks on President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speaking at a press briefing in his Kaduna residence, Sani labeled their recent criticisms as insincere, driven by personal disappointment rather than genuine concern for Nigeria’s challenges. Sani specifically took aim at El-Rufai’s remarks at a public lecture honoring Amaechi, where the former Kaduna governor claimed that “urban bandits” had overtaken governance in Nigeria. Dismissing the comments as opportunistic, Sani argued that both leaders lack the moral authority to critique Tinubu, given their failure to address banditry, poverty, and hunger during their tenures. “El-Rufai and Amaechi should bow their heads in shame,” he said. “They are the arch...

 Football Lawmakers Rule for Penalty Retakes After Madrid Controversy The International Football Association Board (IFAB), football’s rule-making body, has clarified the double-touch rule for penalty kicks, ensuring players like Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez get a second chance if they unintentionally touch the ball twice during a spot kick. The ruling, announced Tuesday, follows a controversial incident in a Champions League Madrid derby in March. During the match, Alvarez slipped while taking a penalty in a shootout, inadvertently touching the ball twice as he scored. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review led to the goal being disallowed under Law 14, which governs penalty kicks, and Real Madrid won 4-2. UEFA later acknowledged the need for discussions with FIFA and IFAB to address the rule’s application. IFAB’s new ruling, effective July 1 but immediately adopted for the FIFA Club World Cup starting June 15 in the United States, allows a retake if a player accidentally touches...

 FG Vows to Prosecute Parents, Guardians Involved in Exam Malpractices The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a stern warning that parents and guardians found complicit in examination malpractices will face prosecution. The directive comes alongside an order for all schools to immediately report any threats or breaches of exam conduct to law enforcement and relevant educational authorities. Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunde Alausa, announced the measures in a statement released through the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade. The statement condemned a recent incident at Complete Child Development College in Akure, Ondo State, where thugs, allegedly hired by parents of a student caught cheating during the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), assaulted the Vice Principal, Mr. Rotifa. “The Federal Ministry of Education strongly condemns this unfortunate incident where suspected thugs assaulted the Vice Principal for upholding...

  Bandits collect N30m ransom to release man whose wife they k!lled in their den Bandits have released Yakubu Dada, who was abducted alongside his youngest wife, Lami, along Kontagora Road in Niger State on October 31, 2024. DailyTrust reports that Dada was freed on Monday, June 2, 2025, after his family paid an additional N20 million ransom, bringing the total amount paid to N30 million. The kidnappers had initially collected N10 million in November 2024 but later demanded an additional N20 million and four Bajaj motorcycles, threatening to k!ll Dada if their demands were not met. Tragically, in early May, the bandits k!lled his wife, Lami, to pressure the family. A retired civil servant and resident of the Brighter Area of Minna, Dada was abducted a few kilometers from Kontagora while travelling with his wife. Confirming his release, Dada's eldest wife, Maimuna, said he was released and abandoned by the kidnappers near Kotonkoro in Mariga LGA after receiving the additional N20 mi...

 "SANWO-OLU LISTENS": LASG DISBURSES CHEQUES TO 250 BENEFICIARIES In its continued effort to bring relief to vulnerable residents of Lagos, the Lagos State Government has disbursed cheques to 250 beneficiaries of the Sanwo-Olu Listen Financial Assistance Programme.  Addressing the beneficiaries at the event held today at the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Alausa-Ikeja, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, reiterated the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to alleviating the hardship experienced by indigent and vulnerable residents across the state. He noted that the initiative is not only a testament to the inclusive governance agenda of the current administration but also a demonstration of its unwavering resolve to listen, respond, and cater to the needs of all Lagosians, especially the vulnerable. “This Administration remains committed to listening to the people. The ...

 Plateau Pilgrim Dies of Diabetes Complications During Hajj in Makkah A female pilgrim from Plateau State, Hajiya Jamila Muhammad, has died in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during the 2025 Hajj. She reportedly passed away at King Abdul’aziz Hospital due to diabetes-related complications, according to the Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. Her death follows that of a 75-year-old Edo pilgrim, Mrs. Danzumi Adizatu, who also died recently in Makkah after a brief illness.

 NAF Airstrikes neutralise 20 terrorists in Zamfara The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said its airstrikes neutralised over 20 armed terrorists and destroyed more than 21 motorcycles during an air interdiction in Zamfara State on May 31, 2025. NAF’s spokesperson, Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement, said the operation, carried out in the general area south of Mai-Galma in the Maru Local Government Area of the state, was aimed at halting a planned large-scale attack on vulnerable communities by armed bandits. The Air Force said intelligence received indicated that a significant number of terrorists were massing and preparing to strike unsuspecting settlements. “Further intelligence confirmed that the bandits had killed some farmers and abducted a number of civilians, including women and children. “Consequently, NAF aircraft under Operation FANSAN YAMMA was immediately dispatched on armed reconnaissance and possible rescue mission,” Ejodame said. Ejodame said upon arrival at the area, over 30 m...

 Chelsea pass on Sancho so pay Man Utd £5m penalty Chelsea have opted not to sign winger Jadon Sancho on a permanent basis and will instead pay a £5m penalty to send the player back to Manchester United. However the Blues have expressed their interest to AC Milan in signing France goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Sancho moved to Stamford Bridge on loan last summer after his relationship with former United manager Erik ten Hag broke down. United, who signed Sancho for £73m from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, are happy for the 25-year-old to leave. Chelsea did not pay a loan fee for the player and covered just half of his reported £300,000-a-week wages. The Blues had agreed an obligation to buy Sancho for a fee of about 25m if they finished higher than 14th in the Premier League, which they did - or pay to get out of the deal.

 Nigeria committed to become global cocoa processor, says FG Vice President Kashim Shettima has affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to reviving its cocoa industry and the broader agricultural value chain to become a major global processor rather than just a producer of cocoa. He stated this during a meeting with the President of the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), Chris Vincent, in Abuja. Shettima mentioned the recent approval for the establishment of a National Cocoa Management Board as evidence of the government’s dedication. The WCF aims to partner with Nigeria to revitalise Nigeria’s cocoa sector in line with the European Union’s sustainability regulations. He also emphasised Nigeria’s available manpower and the eagerness of its young population to participate in the agricultural sector. “We don’t want to be producers of cocoa; we want to be processors of cocoa because a tonne of cocoa will fetch you $9,000 now, but processed cocoa will get you $30,000. If you turn them into chocolate ...

 EFCC Arraigns Two for False Information in Kaduna  The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has arraigned the duo of Shehu Abdu and Isah Saidu before Justice A.Isiaka for giving false information to the Commission. The defendants who were arraigned on Monday, June 2 2025  are being prosecuted for falsely presenting themselves as friends to Ji Zhou, a Chinese, who was arrested by the EFCC for illegal mining of solid minerals and economic sabotage.  Abdu and Isah while standing as sureties to Zhou for EFCC’s administrative bail, claimed that he was well known to them and promised to produce him whenever he was needed by the Commission and agreed to forfeit the sum of N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira) bail bond if they fail to do so. The suspect was released to them based on the assurances. However, they failed to produce the suspect when he was needed, disclosing that they didn’t know him, but were rented by the suspect throu...

"I’m so disappointed in Papa David Ibiyeomie warning and threatening Nigerians not to talk or criticize him or his church else he will lock them up. Who are you sir that people can’t talk about your church or criticize you? People criticized Jesus and He did not lock them up. And boasting about using police to lock people up, a pastor ooo! These pastors are acting like unbelievers and de-marketing Christianity. They are the reason many people are no longer going to church. A religious leader talking like this. What will you now expect from politician when they become dictatorial?". One more photo below. 

 Press Statement  Tinubu’s Two-Year Achievements Proof of Visionary Leadership – Information Minister  The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stated that the achievements of the Tinubu administration in just two years stand as irrefutable evidence of visionary and courageous leadership. He made this assertion at the inaugural National Dialogue on Citizen Engagement and National Security, themed “One Voice, One Vision: Uniting Perspectives for a Stronger Nigeria”, held in Abuja on Tuesday.  According to the Minister, the event has come at a time when Nigeria is “at the confluence of purpose and possibility.” He stressed that the forum, initiated by the Voice of Nigeria (VON), is not merely a policy talkshop but a deliberate platform to harmonize policy perspectives with the lived experiences of ordinary Nigerians. “Just last week,” Idris buttressed, “we commemorated the second anniversary of the Tinubu administration with ample proof...

 A powerful earthquake struck off the western coast of Turkey early Tuesday morning, injuring dozens and claiming the life of a teenage boy who died shortly after being taken to the hospital, according to local authorities. The quake, measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale, hit near the coastal province of Izmir at approximately 4:17 a.m. local time. The tremor was felt across several provinces, including Aydın, Manisa, and parts of Istanbul, sending residents fleeing into the streets in panic. Emergency response teams were swiftly dispatched to the affected areas. Officials from Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) confirmed that more than 50 people were injured, primarily due to falling debris, shattered glass, and panic-induced incidents such as falls and stampedes. One of the most tragic outcomes of the quake was the death of a 15-year-old boy from the coastal town of Seferihisar. He was initially rescued with minor injuries and transported to a local hospita...

 After spending a few days in Medina, the exalted city of the Prophet, I feel honoured to again stand at the precinct of the blessed House of Allaah (Ka'abah) to perform my umrah ahead of the 2025 Hajj rites.  I ask that Allaah accept our Hajj as an act of ibaadah and grant our humble supplications for our nation, Nigeria, our state, Kwara, and our families.  As our administration works openly and behind the scene with different stakeholders to tackle various challenges of governance, I pray that Allaah bless our modest human efforts and investments -- day and night -- for sustainable peace, prosperity, and security of our people and our communities. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Governor, Kwara State/Chairman, NGF

More than 200 inmates have escaped from a prison in Pakistan after they were moved from their cells for safety amid earthquake tremors, officials have said. Several dozen of the prisoners that broke out of the jail in Karachi were quickly recaptured, police said on Tuesday, but at least 130 are understood to remain unaccounted for. Authorities added that raids are under way to apprehend those still at large. Of the 216 prisoners who had fled from Malir prison during the night, 78 had been recaptured, Kashif Abbasi, a senior police official, told the AP news agency. He stressed that none of the escaped prisoners were convicted fighters. Escapes are not common from Pakistani jails, which have stepped up security measures since an attack on a prison by the Pakistani Taliban in the town of Dera Ismail Khan, which freed hundreds of inmates. One prisoner was killed and three security officials were wounded in a shootout that developed amid a bid to put one of the escapees back into custody. ...

 NAF AIR WAR COLLEGE EMBARKS ON INTERNATIONAL STUDY TOUR TO BOTSWANA AND LESOTHO As part of efforts by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, to deepen strategic insight and broaden professional exposure through deliberate training, participants of Air War Course 11/2025 of the Air Force War College, Makurdi have embarked on an international study tour to Botswana and Lesotho from 1 to 7 June 2025. The tour is themed “Military Industrial Complex and National Security: Lessons for Nigeria.” The delegation, led by the Commandant of the College, Air Vice Marshal PB Phillips, and consisting of 48 course participants, faculty members, and support staff, was divided into two teams to undertake visits to the respective countries. During the week-long engagement, both teams will receive comprehensive briefings from relevant defence institutions, security organisations, and establishments involved in military technology and defence manufacturing. The tour provides par...

 Shakira has canceled her highly anticipated World Pride 2025 concert in Washington D.C., marking the sixth cancellation of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran world tour.  The Colombian superstar cited equipment difficulties from her Boston show that couldn't be resolved in time for Saturday's performance at Nationals Park.    D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser made an emotional public plea: "Shakira, girl get yourself here! We love you, we want to see you!" The cancellations have frustrated fans who traveled internationally for the shows, with one writing about the "unacceptable" short notice. 

 Blake Lively has withdrawn her emotional distress claims against "It Ends With Us" director Justin Baldoni, but only after his legal team sought access to her medical records and therapy notes to defend against her allegations.  Lively is withdrawing emotional distress claims against Justin Baldoni, after Baldoni's legal team sought discovery of her medical records.   The actress wants to withdraw the claims "without prejudice," meaning she could potentially refile them later, but Baldoni's team insists any dismissal must be "with prejudice" to prevent future refiling. This development marks a significant turn in the $400 million legal battle stemming from their contentious collaboration on the domestic violence drama.

 APC Debunks Claims of Automatic Tickets for National Assembly Members Ahead of 2027 Elections The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed reports claiming that the party has granted automatic tickets to all its National Assembly members for the 2027 elections. In a statement issued on Tuesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC labeled the circulating report as “fake news” and urged the public to disregard it. Morka clarified that the report, titled ‘APC Grants Automatic Tickets to All National Assembly Members,’ did not originate from the party and was of “mischievous origin.” “The attention of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has been drawn to a purported breaking news report in viral circulation. The report is FAKE NEWS and should be disregarded in its entirety as it did not emanate from our great party,” he stated. The APC’s statement comes amid heightened political discussions as the 2027 general elections approach, with the party emphas...