PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 A 10-year-old Louisiana girl maintains cool and activates hero mode after her father was severely injured while kayaking.  This unstoppable young girl was kayaking with her dad on Bogue Chitto River in Washington Parish on Wednesday, June 18th. During their father-daughter outing, the duo had an accident that left her father bleeding profusely from his head.  Instead of panicking, this 10-year-old maintained full composure. She was able to pull her dad out of the water and onto a sandbar. She then hopped back into the kayak alone and paddled away for help.  Eventually she was able to reach high ground at Warnerton Bridge approximately a quarter mile upstream, and call out for help. First responders arrived at where the young girl was, in the hopes to provide emergency aid to the injured man. However, when rescuers attempted to wade up the river that the young girl had just traversed alone, they were driven back by strong currents and deep waters. They were amazed th...

 LAGOS FIRST LADY, NDLEA, OTHERS LEAD ANTI-DRUG ABUSE CAMPAIGN AT LASU … Urges Collective Action To End Drug-Related Menace  The campaign against drug abuse and illicit substance use received a significant boost as the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu led a powerful advocacy drive at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo campus, to commemorate the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The sensitisation campaign, organised by the Office of the First Lady, brought together critical stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the LASU War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) team, the Lagos State Ministries of Health and Youth and Social Development, and other advocacy groups. Dr. Sanwo-Olu was joined by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, the Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, and other key figures for an awareness walk from the univ...

 James Gunn just schooled entitled Batman fans with zero filter! The DC Studios boss is "irritated" by the ongoing outrage over The Batman 2's delay and didn't mince words defending director Matt Reeves. "Get off Matt's nuts because it's like, let the guy write the screenplay in the amount of time he needs to write it," James Gunn Says ‘I’m Irritated by People’ Outraged Over ‘The Batman 2’ Delay: ‘Get Off Matt Reeves’ Nuts… He Doesn’t Owe You Something Because You Like His Movie’ Gunn told Entertainment Weekly. Here's the real situation: The Batman 2 was pushed from October 2026 to October 2027, and fans have been relentless in their criticism. But Gunn stands firm on his principle - no DC movie enters production without a finished script.   He even argues that rushing productions with incomplete screenplays is "the No. 1 reason the film industry is dying."  The script is expected in June, and when it arrives, it'll be worth the wai...

 ‎Abia State will continue to protect widows inheritance rights- Mrs Priscilla Otti (First Lady of Abia state) ‎ ‎The wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, has said the state will continue to protect the right of widows and vulnerable women to inherit landed properties in order to enable them to be strong economically, which will further enhance their. ‎ ‎The Abia first lady who was represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor Mrs Adaeze Emetus stated during an event to mark the 2025 International widows day in Umuahia the state capital standard of living. ‎"As wife of the governor, I have consistently condemned harmful widowhood practices including denial to inheritance right of landed properties. My office will remain open to protecting widows" ‎ ‎Mrs Otti noted that despite the huge challenges faced by widows, they can be a shining light to the society if their potentials are properly harnessed, which will further enable them to contribute meaningfully to ...

 ‎God Is Not Happy With What Is Happening In Nigeria- Rev. Fr Ejike Mbaka ‎ ‎Outspoken Catholic priest and leader of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka, has once again raised his voice in a passionate sermon, condemning the political elite for abandoning the people who voted them into office. ‎‎His latest rebuke, delivered at a recent gathering in his ministry, emphasized the stark contrast between the security surrounding politicians and the suffering of everyday Nigerians. ‎ ‎"When one senator is moving, do you know how many policemen will be around him? One House of Reps member—how many policemen? How many military people will be around one governor? Hundreds of them, yet he's in that bulletproof car, And the poor masses who voted for these people are under the sun, under the rain, under bullets!” ‎ ‎His sermon comes at a time when public trust in political leadership continues to erode due to worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and apparent gov...

 INEC Confirms the submitted application of Atiku, El-Rufai for registration of a new party, ADA The National Opposition Coalition Group, has formally applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the registration of a new political party, the All Democratic Alliance, ADA. The opposition coalition is led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. The coalition’s application dated June 19, was acknowledged by INEC on Friday. The formation of ADA, backed by some other key political heavyweights, including former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi and Umar Ardo, convener of the League of Northern Democrats and former aide to President Olusegun Obasanjo, seeks to capitalise on mounting public dissatisfaction and political realignments to stop President Bola Tinubu at the next poll. The coalition also submitted relevant documents, including the party’s constitution, manifesto, logo, and minutes of its foundational meeti...

 BENUE EMBARKS ON DIGITAL SECURITY REVOLUTION TO COMBAT INSECURITY 20th June, 2025     The Benue Digital Infrastructure Company PLC (BDIC) has launched an ambitious initiative to deploy advanced satellite and digital signal infrastructure across Benue State. Under the leadership of its Managing Director/CEO, Gbande Hembaor Terwase, BDIC is driving forward discussions and deployments that will see real-time surveillance, satellite data analysis, and drone intelligence integrated into the state’s security framework. The initiative aligns with the vision of the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormen Alia, who has consistently emphasized the need to embed digital technology across all sectors of the Benue economy — especially security. As part of this digital transformation, BDIC, in partnership with Proforce Galaxies, a leading space and drone intelligence company, conducted a major satellite and digital border mapping exercise in Abuja. The ope...

 Collapse at coltan mine in eastern Congo kills 12, sources say A collapse at a coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's North Kivu province has killed at least 12 people, a mining source and a civil society source said on Friday, Reuters reported. The sources said that dozens more escaped from the artisanal mine when it collapsed on Thursday. The reasons for the collapse were not immediately clear. Small, artisanal mines around the town of Rubaya produce around one-sixth of the world's supply of coltan, a metallic ore crucial to the production of smartphones and other electronic devices. The M23 rebels have controlled the area since mid-2024 and charge a tax of 15% on the value of that coltan production, rebel officials have told Reuters.

 Minister Umahi Urges South East Governors to Support Tinubu, Lauds Otti’s Road Projects Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, on Thursday called on Abia State Governor Alex Otti and other South East governors to unite in support of President Bola Tinubu, regardless of party affiliations. The plea came during a visit to Otti’s office in Umuahia, following an inspection of federal road projects in Abia, set for commissioning by the President later this year. Umahi praised the longstanding relationship between Tinubu and Otti, emphasizing the President’s commitment to infrastructure development in the South East. “As Ndigbo and people of the South East, we have every reason to stand with President Tinubu, who is working to rewrite our history and relaunch us into the mainstream of the federal government,” Umahi said. He expressed confidence in the region’s governors, stating, “All the governors of the South East are standing with the President.” The minister commended Otti for his administr...

 KANO STRIPS FORMER SSG OF WAZIRIN TITLE  The Gaya Emirate Council in Kano State has stripped Alhaji Usman Alhaji of the traditional title of Wazirin Gaya. Usman Alhaji was a former Secretary to the Kano State Government (SSG) under former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress. The Secretary of the Gaya Emirate Council, Alhaji Bello Halilu, issued the letter withdrawing the Wazirin title just a few days after Usman Alhaji criticized the current NNPP government of Governor Abba Yusuf of gross incompetence.  “This action underscores the Emirate’s commitment to preserving the sanctity, dignity, and integrity of traditional titles in line with established customs and values," Halilu wrote.

 KANO STATE POLICE COMMAND 20TH JUNE 2025 PRESS RELEASE ACT OF MISCHIEF AND DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY: KANO STATE POLICE COMMAND ISSUES STRONG WARNING The Kano State Police Command is miffed by a disturbing viral video showing some unpatriotic individuals engaging in an acts of vandalism and destruction of properties on the roads in the State. This unwarranted act is not only disrespectful but also criminal and constitutes security threats that will not be tolerated. 2.  The Police Command has commenced investigation and profiling of those behind this despicable act in a bid to cause them to face the full consequences of their actions. 3.  The Command warns the public, especially youths, that any form of vandalism and destruction of property will be viewed seriously as the law will take its course, and those found culpable will be brought to justice. 4.  The State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, sfipma, mnim, mnips, masis therefore, urges members ...

 ‘God said let her be’ – Prophet warns those criticizing Judy Austin Prophet Abel Boma, founder of ATB Foundation, has issued a prophetic warning to critics of Judy Austin, Yul Edochie’s second wife. In a recent video he posted on Instagram, the prophet claimed that God revealed a wave of hypocrisy surrounding the actress, urging people to focus on their lives rather than criticising others. He emphasised that God chooses who to bless and forgive, regardless of human judgments. The Port Harcourt based cleric further slammed Judy’s critics, stating that many of them are hypocrites who are morally worse than her, as they secretly sabotage marriages by having affairs outside their relationships. He said in his post, “The Lord is sending a strong message to Nigeria. He is saying to all of you judging a certain woman, Judy, as the second wife of Yul, the Lord is saying let her be. “A lot of hypocrisy is happening around us. The Lord said face your own problems and let the woman have pea...

 Phyna rages at Tinubu over Benue visit, sparks mixed reactions Reality star, Phyna has sparked mixed reactions online after she expressed outrage over President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Yelwata community in Benue State. The community was recently attacked by suspected herdsmen, resulting in the death of over 200 individuals. Tinubu, during the visit to Benue, met some victims of the attack in the hospital. However, the BBNaija star questioned the identity of the victims the President visited in the hospital. She also frowned at the red carpet laid out for the President at the hospital. Phyna suggested that the photos of the hospital visit were photoshopped. In a post she shared on X, Phyna, questioned the purpose of Tinubu’s visit, stating that everyone who experienced the attack was killed and burnt alive, leaving no victims in the hospital for the President to visit. She tweeted, “There were no victims in Yelewata, they were all killed and burnt alive. Who are those in the hopital...

 PMO HOLDS VALEDICTORY MEETING TO HONOUR RETIRING PERMANENT SECRETARY  The Parastatals Monitoring Office (PMO) held a special valedictory meeting in honour of its Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Adetutu Oluremi Ososanya, who is retiring after 35 years of meritorious service to the government of Lagos State.  She was a remarkable and visionary leader whose dedication to service has greatly shaped the progress of the office and the state's civil service. The event was filled with heartfelt tributes, laughter, and appreciation for her impactful leadership. In the same spirit of celebration, the office also marked the birthdays of members of staff who were born in the months of April and May, bringing joy and unity to the PMO family. At PMO, we celebrate excellence, service, and the people who make our office stronger every day. More photos below. 

 Vigilantes in Abia Community Nab Solar Panel Vandal and Accomplice A suspected vandal, identified as Ifeanyi from Amaoho, Amaba, was apprehended by vigilantes in Otampa autonomous community while attempting to sell a stolen solar-powered streetlight for N5,000. The streetlight belonged to a neighboring village. The arrest, made possible through coordinated intelligence and surveillance by the Otampa security outfit and other agencies, also led to the capture of Ifeanyi’s accomplice, Onyebuchi Amadi from Amaogudu, Otampa, who was negotiating to purchase the stolen panel. A community source confirmed that Ifeanyi has been handed over to authorities, and Amaba indigenes have reported the incident to the police for further investigation. Residents of Otampa praised the vigilante team for their diligence and professionalism, noting their restraint in avoiding jungle justice. The arrests mark a significant victory against vandalism of public infrastructure, with locals commending the se...

 UKRAINIAN GIRL TREATED FOR CANCER IN ISRAEL KILLED BY IRANIAN MISSILE  A 7-year-old Ukrainian girl being treated for cancer in Israel has been killed by Iranian missile. Nastya Buryk was being treated for lymphoblastic leukaemia, a rare cancer that attacks blood and bone marrow. She was killed with her mother, grandmother, and two brothers who flew from Ukraine to be be with her in Israel.  Their apartment in Bat Yam was hit by Iranian missiles on June 15. More than 100 people had been killed in the attack. The girl's father, Atem, is part of Ukraine’s 95th Airborne Assault Brigade fighting against Russia.

 LIST OF SUPER FALCONS PLAYERS FOR AFRICAN NATIONS CUP  Below is the list of nominated Super Falcons players submitted by Coach Justin Madugu for upcoming African Nations Cup in Morocco. Goalkeepers: 1• Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France 🇫🇷) 2• Tochukwu Oluehi( Shulalat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦) 3• Rachael Udoka Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons, Nigeria 🇳🇬) Defenders: 4• Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca CF, Mexico 🇲🇽) 5• Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey 🇹🇷) 6• Ashleigh Plumptre (Al-Ittihad, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦) 7• Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA 🇺🇸) 8• Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy 🇮🇹) 9• Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons Nigeria 🇳🇬) 10• Miracle Usani (Edo Queens, Nigeria 🇳🇬) Midfielders: 11• Halimatu Ayinde (Rosengard FC Sweden 🇸🇪) 12• Christy Ucheibe (Benfica FC, Portugal 🇵🇹) 13• Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA 🇺🇸) 14• Jennifer Echegini (PSG, France 🇫🇷) 15• Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿) 16• Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Mad...

 PRESS RELEASE  IGP COMMENDS NIGERIA FORMED POLICE UNIT OFFICERS FOR EXEMPLARY SERVICE IN SOMALIA… Urges Continued Sense of Professionalism The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has commended officers of the Nigeria Formed Police Unit (NFPU) for their outstanding performance, professionalism, and dedication while serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The officers, deployed from 16th October 2023 to 14th June 2025, have recently been redeployed to undertake administrative and NFPU-12 Command Element duties at the AUSSOM Police/Mission Headquarters (PHQ/MHQ) in Somalia, Mogadishu. Despite being trained primarily as Formed Police Unit personnel, these officers demonstrated remarkable adaptability, swiftly adapting to Individual Police Officer (IPO) responsibilities with little or no induction training. Their exceptional intelligence, discipline, and commitment enabled them to quickly master co...

 NIGERIAN COUPLE DEFY HEAVY RAIN, GET MARRIED AT FLOODED VENUE 20th June, 2025       Nigerian couple defy heavy rain, get married at flooded venue. In a heartwarming show of love and resilience, a couple, Mr and Mrs Nsima, conducted their traditional wedding amid heavy rainfall in Ibiaku Awat Nkang community in Ibiono Ibom local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. During the wedding held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, guests, family members and friends are seen dancing, generally having fun and posing for photos at the flooded wedding venue.  More photos below.