PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMENDS GOV. UBA SANI FOR DEVELOPMENTAL STRIDES, PLEDGES MORE SUPPORT FOR KADUNA STATE   *Confers CFR National Honour on Col. Dangiwa Umar   President Bola Tinubu Thursday in Kaduna State, commended the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, for leading the process of restoration of peace, and harmony in the state.   President Tinubu, who was on an official visit to the state, inaugurated the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development in Rigachikun, Igabi Local Council, 300-bed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital, Millennium City, and 100 CNG Buses.   The President noted that the governor had placed the state on the path of progress by prioritizing peace among the people, and initiating a healing process among the various ethnic groups.    President Tinubu promised that the Federal Government would ensure the construction of a light rail project to improve transportation in the state. ...

 LASG SHUTS OKO-OBA ABATTOIR OVER  UNSANITARY ACTIVITIES, WASTE MISMANAGEMENT The Lagos State Government on Thursday announced the shutting down of the Oko-Oba Abbatoir over unsanitary activities, waste mismanagement and unhygenic handling of animal products.  The directive was given by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, after an extensive inspection tour with the media to the Abattoir at Oko-Oba in Agege informing that the Ministry received a petition from the Ministry of Agriculture to intervene as regards various environmental and health infractions going on at the abattoir.  According to him, what was witnessed at the abattoir today is heart-wrenching; the operators have defied and chosen to take the laws into their hands as they slaughter animals and discharge the waste into the public drainage system with impunity, and this is unacceptable. Wahab said that upon the visitation to the Abattoir, it was observed that the op...

 The ongoing Beckham family saga has taken another dramatic turn, with new allegations emerging about money, property ownership, and parenting philosophies that could rival any soap opera storyline.  According to recent reports, Nicola Peltz's family has accused David and Victoria Beckham of being "tight" with their finances when it comes to supporting their eldest son Brooklyn. The controversy centers around the couple's recent £11 million Hollywood mansion purchase, which sources claim was primarily funded by Nicola's trust fund rather than the Beckham family wealth.  The Daily Mail reports that Nelson Peltz, Nicola's billionaire father worth $1.6 billion, had to sign off on releasing funds from his daughter's trust fund to purchase the property. This has apparently led to accusations that the Beckhams aren't adequately providing for Brooklyn, with sources suggesting the family "cuts their children off financially" when they turn 18.  Howev...

Kim Kardashian shared a surprisingly heartfelt text exchange with ChatGPT yesterday, and it's got everyone talking.  The SKIMS founder thanked the AI chatbot for "taking accountability," which she called "huge in my book." The AI responded with what seemed like genuine gratitude: "I really appreciate you saying that. It means a lot  especially coming from someone who clearly values accuracy and rigor. I'll keep raising my game to meet your standards." What do you think about celebrities building relationships with AI? Is this the future of communication, or are we losing something human in the process? .  One more photo below. 

 Telegram Founder Pavel Durov to Leave £17bn Fortune to 106 Children Telegram founder Pavel Durov has announced he will leave his £17 billion fortune to his 106 children—six from relationships and around 100 conceived via sperm donation. In an interview with Le Point, Durov said all his children would have equal rights but won’t access the inheritance for 30 years, urging them to first build independent lives.

 Hostel 9: UNICAL students lament electric shocks, reptiles, harassment Fear and frustration are mounting among female students in Hostel 9 at the University of Calabar, as they grapple with constant electric shocks, animal threats, flooding, and harassment, conditions they say have made life unbearable and unsafe on campus. They have also complained about frequent flooding in their hostels, as well as sexual harassment. When DAILY POST Correspondent visited the hostel yesterday, the students re-echoed these complaints, saying they are not safe anymore. They stated how many of them have suffered electric shocks due to the exposure of naked wires. “Whenever it rains, the hostel will be flooded as a result of leakages in the roofs, and we’ll spend time scooping the water,” one 19-year-old student who gave her name as Maria Eteng disclosed. She lamented that many of their course books and other valuables have often been soaked. Maria said the environment of the hostel is very untidy, ...

 FCCPC Seals France, Belgium, Italy Visa Centres Over Rights Violations, Assault The FCCPC has sealed the Abuja visa centres for France, Belgium, and Italy operated by TLS Contact over alleged unfair practices and obstruction of investigation. The commission said TLS officials failed to provide services paid for, assaulted enforcement officers, and refused summons.  FCCPC warned of legal consequences if the firm fails to cooperate, citing violations of the Consumer Protection Act. Senior TLS officials have been summoned to appear before the Commission by June 20.

 EFCC Arraigns Medical Doctor for Alleged N39.1m Visa Fraud in Port Harcourt   The Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday,  June 19, 2025 arraigned one Dr. Nekabari Dambere Nathan, a Port Harcourt-based medical doctor before Justice P. I. Ajoku of the Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State for fraud.   Nathan was arraigned alongside his Global Horizons Academy Ltd on a one-count charge, bordering obtaining by false pretence and advance fee fraud to the tune of N N39,157,000,00 (Thirty-nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty-seven Thousand Naira).   The charge reads: “That you, Dr. Nekabari Dambere Nathan and Global Horizons Academy Ltd between 8th April, to 12th December 2023 at Port Harcourt within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, did obtain the sum of Thirty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty-Seven Thousand Naira (N39,157,000,00 only), from Justice To...

  Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina, USA has proclaimed June 14, 2025, as “Igbo Day” in the state. June 14 has been proclaimed “Igbo Day” in North Carolina, USA. Yes. You read that right! Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina has proclaimed June 14, 2025, as “Igbo Day” in the state.  Across oceans and continents, where our people have planted new roots and carried our name with pride, the world is watching, and honoring us.  In the proclamation, the Governor highlighted that thousands of Igbo people have lived in North Carolina for decades, preserving their heritage and promoting cultural values. He commended the work of the Igbo Day Festival Organization,founded in 2022, which has brought families together and created opportunities to share Igbo music, art, and traditions with the broader community. The document noted that the first Igbo Day Festival, held on July 10, 2022, was a major step in strengthening cultural pride and unity. Governor Stein also praised the Ig...

 A refugee from the St. Louis tornado is charged after throwing hot grease on her roommate before stabbing her multiple times. 23-year-old Sanaa-Azzariya McAffe had been living with the victim for approximately three weeks after becoming displaced following a tornado. It is reported that a verbal altercation turned violent.  Officers in Cape Girardeau, Missouri were called to the residence after a neighbor called 911 and reported hearing a woman screaming. Upon gaining entry, they found the victim covered in blood and barely able to stand. The victim was rushed to the hospital for treatment where the extent of her injuries became clear. The victim had been st*bbed in the neck and thigh, she also had cuts to her face and hand. In addition to those wounds, she had burns on her face. When the victim was able to speak with officers she informed them that she had let McAfee stay with her after McAfee's home was destroyed by the tornado that had impacted St. Louis. She told police s...

 UGANDA'S 86-YR-OLD LAWMAKER SEEKS REELECTION AFTER 54 YRS IN GOVT An 86-year-old lawmaker in Uganda is seeking reelection after serving in government for 54 years. Representing Adjumani West parliamentary constituency, Moses Ali said he is still fit for another term in office. Ali is a retired Lieutenant-General, Deputy Prime Minister, and former Minister. He urged his constituents to re-elect him for another term in 2026. Many people bear witness that the veteran lawmaker continues to play a prominent role in the country's political landscape.

 FG closes case against Nnamdi Kanu in terrorism, treason trial The Federal Government on Thursday closed its case in the alleged treason and terrorism charges preferred against the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Counsel to the Federal Government, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, announced the closure of the case after the fifth prosecution witness (PW-5), identified as EEE for security reasons, was led in evidence and cross-examined by Kanu’s lawyer, Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Awomolo told the court that after calling five witnesses in the trial, the prosecution was satisfied that from the avalanche of evidence tendered, including the broadcast of activities of the IPOB leader, the government had sufficiently satisfied the need to close its case. Following the announcement, the lead defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, informed the court that they would be opting for a no-ca...

 Your visit gives us hope and strength – Gov Alia Thanks Tinubu Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has said President Bola Tinubu’s presence and support to the state during the challenging time provided the people with hope and strength. Alia, who said this in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, on Thursday in Makurdi, commended the President for ordering the arrest of the armed herders terrorising the Benue communities and the country at large. The governor appreciated Tinubu for his assurances to work with the state government to bring lasting peace to the state. “We deeply appreciate your commitment to addressing the security challenges, particularly your directive to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector General of Police. Your decisive action to neutralise the threats posed by armed herders reassures us that our safety and the return of our farmers to their lands are priorities for your administration,” he said. “On behalf of the people of Benue, I...

 Two Male Suspects Arrested with 15 Bags of Dagga Worth R3 Million on N1 Near Makhado A multidisciplinary operation conducted on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, led to the arrest of two male suspects after their vehicles, found transporting a total of 15 bags of dagga valued at approximately R3 million, were intercepted along the N1 near Makhado.  The operation, involving the Provincial Flying Squad, Mopani Tracking Team, and Willie K9 Anti-Hijack Security, was launched following intelligence on two suspicious vehicles traveling from Mpumalanga along the R36.  The suspects, aged 19 and 37, are expected to appear in the Makhado Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 20 June 2025, on charges of possession of dagga. More photos below. 

 President Tinubu honours Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar(Rtd), a June 12 campaigner with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).  President Tinubu announced the honour today in an address at the commissioning of a 300-bed hospital and vocational training institute in Kaduna. Abubakar Umar was known as the soldier of democracy. But his name was missing among the June 12 honorees announced on Democracy Day. President Tinubu apologized for the omission.

 EFCC Arrests Seven Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Thursday, June 19, 2025 arrested seven internet fraudsters in Abuja. They were arrested in the Lifecamp and Kubwa axes of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT following credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them include eight high-end automobiles, expensive laptop computers and mobile phones. They will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.  More photos below . 

 Over 50 youths from the Northwest and Southwest regions are in despair after falling victim to a major job scam in Douala. The victims were lured with promises of high-paying jobs offering 150,000 CFA francs per week and the opportunity to travel to Malaysia. Each person reportedly paid up to 600,000 CFA francs to secure the supposed offer. The fraudulent recruitment was operated from a villa in Bonaberi, where dreams were quietly crushed behind closed doors. Many of the victims, already impacted by the ongoing Anglophone crisis, say they were simply desperate for a better future. Wouri SDO, Marie Syllyac Mvogo, has confirmed that arrests have been made and investigations are currently ongoing. More photos below

 Kogi Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Granted ₦50m Bail in Defamation Case On Thursday, June 19, 2025, Justice Chizoba Orji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court granted Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, a ₦50 million bail after she pleaded not guilty to three counts of alleged defamation. The charges, filed by the Federal Government, involve claims that the senator defamed Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The court stipulated that the bail requires one surety, who must own landed property in Abuja and be a responsible resident of the FCT. Justice Orji adjourned the case to September 23, 2025, for trial commencement. The arraignment drew significant attention, with security operatives deployed around the court premises. Attendees included the senator’s husband, former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili, activist Aisha Yesufu, and numerous supporters. Prosecuting lawyer David Kaswe requested that Akpo...

 PRESS RELEASE POLICE WELFARE: IGP COMMISSIONS POLICE MECHANICAL WORKSHOP, TACTICAL, OPERATIONAL ASSETS. As IGP Warns Individuals, Groups Threatening Peace, Tranquility of Nigeria In line with his commitment and broader initiative aimed at improving the operational capacity and efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has today, June 19th 2025, executed two significant commissioning vital to ensuring that officers of the Nigeria Police Force are adequately equipped and prepared to confront security challenges, enhancing their effectiveness in serving and protecting the public. The IGP today commissioned a state-of-the-art Police Mechanical Workshop equipped with cutting edge facilities and technology. This is a critical support unit of the Force which would ensure the optimal working condition of operational vehicles, enabling timely responses to emergencies and effective police operations. This support unit, ...

 Kenyan policemen appear in court over shooting of civilian during protests A court in Kenya on Thursday gave detectives 15 days to complete investigations of two police officers suspected of shooting and wounding a hawker during the latest street protests over the death of a blogger in custody, AP reported. The officers were arraigned in court two days after the Tuesday shooting on a busy street and under the full glare of cameras. It triggered anger and fury over persistent complaints against police brutality. Tuesday’s protests in the capital followed tensions over the death of the blogger, Albert Ojwang, who was found dead while in custody at the Central Police Station. Ojwang was arrested on June 6 in western Kenya for what police called publishing “false information” about a top police official on social media. Police attributed his death to him “hitting his head against the cell wall,” but activists have questioned the cause of death. Stepped aside Protesters on Tuesday dema...

 MAN WINS N2M ON SPORTS BETTING WITH CHURCH OFFERING  A man confessed on social media to winning N2 million from online sports betting from money pilfered from church offerings. The man claimed to be a member of his church’s financial committee, and took some money from the church purse without authorization to bet. Luckily for him, he won N2 million from Sportybet, but filled with remorse because he stole from his church. He said he is considering turning over his entire winning to the church or running away to another state.

 TENSION IN LESSEL AS YOUTHS INTERCEPT SUSPECTED HERDSMEN AMID RUMOUR OF ATTACK 19th June, 2025     Tension is reportedly escalating in Lessel, the administrative headquarters of Ushongo Local Government Area in Benue State, following the interception of a group of suspected Fulani herdsmen by local youths. The suspects were apprehended while travelling in a bus allegedly carrying undisclosed goods. Eyewitnesses say the youths stopped the vehicle and demanded to verify its contents. However, the suspects refused to disclose the nature of the cargo. Before any further action could be taken by the youths, police officers arrived and took both the suspects and the vehicle into custody. The Divisional Police Station in Lessel received the group, but matters took a more controversial turn when it was revealed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), DSP Abubakar Abba, had quietly transferred the suspects out of the town, reportedly to Makurdi, the state capital. Meanwhil...

  BENUE CATHOLIC CHURCH HOLDS PRAYER WALK FOR PEACE AND THE DEAD 19th June, 2025      Catholic faithful in Benue State are currently embarking on a solemn prayer walk, seeking divine intervention for lasting peace in the state and offering prayers for the souls of those who have lost their lives to ongoing violence. The peaceful procession, which drew participants from various parishes, reflected deep concern over the rising insecurity and the need for unity and healing in the land. More photos below.