PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Spice Girls star, Mel B gets married for 3rd time as she and hairstylist Rory McPhee tie the knot at St Paul’s Cathedral. Celebrities flocked to St Paul’s Cathedral in London for the wedding of Spice Girls star Mel B and her partner Rory McPhee , July 5,2025. The pop singer, 50, and hairdresser McPhee, 37, were long-time friends before starting a relationship in 2018 and getting engaged in 2022, despite the musician having previously sworn off marriage for good. The star, whose real name is Melanie Brown, wore a dramatic white gown with pearl detailing around the neckline and the sheer sleeves, with a long veil covering her hair, which had been swept into an up do. Her Spice Girls bandmate Emma Bunton was among the first stars pictured arriving at the iconic cathedral, attending the nuptials with her husband Jade Jones and their 17-year-old son Beau. The couple reportedly met through Mel B’s cousin, Christian Cooke, who is friends with McPhee. This is the singer’s third marriage. ...

 2027: Kwankwaso currently has no platform to run against Tinubu — NNPP The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) says its 2023 presidential candidate, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso do not have its platform for contest against President Bola Tinubu and or  any other  presidential  candidate at the moment in 2027. The NNPP  National Chairman,  Dr Agbo Major made this known in a statement on Saturday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that  Major was speaking on the backdrop of claims by Elder Buba Galadima that Kwankwaso will stay and run for presidency on the NNPP platform. Galadima, who claimed that there is no evidence that Kwankwaso is joining the All Progressives Congress as speculated, said they would “strategically stay in the NNPP until the whistle is blown for 2027  politics”  urging Nigerians to support Kwankwaso to take over as president. Agbo stated that the NNPP platform is closed to Kwankwaso and Galadima, who had long been expelled fro...

 How Lagos Yahoo Boy duped U.S. President Donald Trump of 2025 inauguration funds In a case that has shocked international law enforcement and stirred diplomatic interest, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has revealed that a Nigerian internet fraudster, identified as Ehiremen Aigbokhan, orchestrated a sophisticated cyber scam that siphoned off more than ₦460 million meant for the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump in January 2025. In a civil forfeiture complaint filed before a U.S. District Court, the FBI detailed how Mr. Aigbokhan, operating out of Lagos, Nigeria, masterminded a cryptocurrency-based fraud that exploited vulnerabilities in digital communication systems. The operation was executed just weeks before the high-profile Trump-Vance inauguration, scheduled for January 20, 2025. The FBI is now seeking a formal arrest warrant for Mr. Aigbokhan, who is also facing charges related to money laundering and wire fraud. Authorities say the case rev...

 Ready to start Gaza ceasefire talks ‘immediately’ – Hamas Hamas said it was ready to start talks “immediately” on a proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, where the civil defence agency said Israel’s ongoing offensive killed 20 people on Saturday. The announcement came after it held consultations with other Palestinian factions and before a visit on Monday by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington, where President Donald Trump is pushing for an end to the war, now in its 21st month. “The movement is ready to engage immediately and seriously in a cycle of negotiations on the mechanism to put in place” the terms of a draft US-backed truce proposal received from mediators, the militant group said in a statement. Hamas ally Islamic Jihad said it supported ceasefire talks, but demanded “guarantees” that Israel “will not resume its aggression” once hostages held in Gaza are freed. Trump, when asked about Hamas’s response aboard Air Force One on Friday, said: “That’s good. Th...

 Tinubu’s name synonymous to hardship – Falz Nigerian rapper and activist, Folarin Falana popularly called Falz, has expressed his candid thoughts on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, stating that hardship is the first thing that comes to mind when he hears the President’s name. In a recent interview with Soundcity, Falz was asked about his association with Tinubu’s name, and he replied succinctly, “Hardship. No elaboration.” This response reflects Falz’s criticism of the current administration’s handling of the country’s economic challenges. In a separate interview with Arise TV, Falz elaborated on his concerns, stating that Nigeria has retrograded under President Tinubu’s leadership. “It goes without saying that more than anything we’ve moved backwards. There is not much progress that has been recorded,” he said. Falz also questioned the effectiveness of the President’s plans, referencing the campaign slogan “Emilokan,” which translates to “it’s my turn.” “And now it ...

 NPA births first wholly Nigerian-owned container vessel In a development that signposts readiness to maximise the gains derivable from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) on 2nd July, at 5:05 AM, berthed the first wholly Nigerian-owned container vessel. The container vessel with International Maritime Organization (IMO) number 9508770, christened MV Ocean Dragon and owned by Clarion Shipping West Africa Limited, has a capacity of 349 Twenty-Foot-Equivalent Units (TEUs). A statement by NPA on Friday said the vessel boosts a concerted investment drive geared towards reaping the cost and time-saving benefits of short-sea shipping by plying in-country maritime trade routes across Nigeria, and the West African sub-region, and offers an efficient alternative to road transport. The vessel is scheduled to operate across West Africa and beyond, servicing ports in Nigeria, Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Egypt...

 43 Nations, Nearly 1,000 Athletes Set to Storm Abeokuta for African U18/U20 Athletics Championships  All eyes are on Abeokuta as the countdown begins in earnest for the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships, scheduled to take place from July 16 to 20, 2025. With just two weeks to go, the Ogun State capital is bracing for a major continental sporting spectacle that will draw 937 athletes and officials from 43 countries across Africa. Preparations are in full swing, as organizers fine-tune logistics to deliver a seamless and world-class event. Key components such as transportation, accommodation, feeding, competition services, and team liaison are reportedly being handled with precision to ensure a memorable championship experience for all participants. Top African athletics nations Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Egypt—have all confirmed participation, alongside other strong contenders like Ghana, Algeria, Morocco, Cameroon, Senegal, and Uganda. Host country ...

 Abia Police Command Records Major Breakthroughs, Arrests 245 Suspects in Crime Crackdown The Abia State Police Command has made significant strides in its fight against crime, apprehending 245 suspects and rescuing multiple victims in a series of operations conducted between January and June 2025. The efforts, which also led to the recovery of illegal firearms, vehicles, and illicit drugs, underscore the command’s commitment to enhancing public safety across the state. During a press briefing on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the Command Headquarters in Umuahia, Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa detailed the achievements. The operations resulted in the arrest of 230 male and 15 female suspects, many of whom are now facing prosecution. Additionally, nine kidnapped victims and 18 trafficked children were rescued, while a range of weapons, stolen property, and drugs were seized. Among the high-profile cases, police arrested 35-year-old Chisom Chikwendu from Ngor Okpuala, Imo State, linked...

 NLC Vows to Resist National Assembly’s Plan to Decentralize Minimum Wage The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has pledged to fiercely oppose any move by the National Assembly to remove labour matters, including the national minimum wage, from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list, which would allow individual states to set their own workers’ wages. Speaking on Friday at the National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting of the Central Working Committee in Abeokuta, Ogun State, NLC President Joe Ajaero described the proposal as an “exercise in futility” that undermines global labour standards. He cited International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, which treat the minimum wage as a national issue, recognizing countries as single entities rather than sub-national units like states. Ajaero accused lawmakers of attempting to dismantle the national minimum wage structure and shift labour responsibilities, including the establishment of state industrial courts to handl...

 Abia Monarch, Eze Ofoegbu, Suspended for Six Months Over Alleged Insubordination Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, the traditional ruler of Umudiawa autonomous community in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, has been suspended for six months by the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers for alleged insubordination. The suspension was announced in a letter dated June 6, 2025, issued by the Council. On Saturday, the Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mbah, confirmed the development to journalists, clarifying that the suspension was not related to Eze Ofoegbu’s alleged support for President Bola Tinubu or Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, as speculated in some reports. Mbah emphasized that the suspension stemmed from Eze Ofoegbu’s “consistent and flagrant disregard” for the Council’s instructions, particularly his involvement in running a parallel traditional rulers’ association. “The suspension letter is clear and...

 Rivers Women Urge Tinubu to Curb Wike’s ‘Unguarded Utterances’ Against Dame Judith Amaechi The Rivers State Women Association of Nigeria (RIVSWAN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to reprimand Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike for what they describe as “unguarded utterances” unbecoming of a federal cabinet member. The group condemned Wike’s recent attack on Dame Judith Amaechi, former First Lady of Rivers State, as “unwarranted and malicious.” The women’s group was responding to claims made by Wike on a national television programme, where he alleged that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was paying Dame Amaechi N4 billion monthly to train Niger Delta women. In a statement issued on Saturday, RIVSWAN dismissed the allegations as “baseless falsehood” driven by bitterness, ignorance, and a lack of self-restraint. “The entire allegation is laughable and an embarrassment to public discourse,” the statement read. “It reflects either a gross misunderstanding ...

 The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) on Saturday 5th July, 2025, sealed-off Global International College, Salem, Street, Ikate-Elegushi, Lekki, Eti-Osa, for deliberately discharging untreated feacal sludge and wastewater into the public drains via a pumping machine thereby causing public nuisance, pollution and endangering human life. The school had failed to desist from this act even after being cautioned by the agency.  Lagosians are enjoined to embrace proper wastewater management and hygiene practices to enhance public health and environmental sustainability. All environmental nuisance and pollution portends grave dangers to public health and will be met with appropriate sanctions and or prosecution.

 SANWO-OLU: ANTI-TINUBU COALITION WILL FAIL  . Governor Condemns Political Distractions Advocates of a coalition to wrest power from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 have got a firm reply to their ambition - it will fail.  Nigerians will support the President to ensure that the gains of his bold reforms are fully realised, Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has said. He believes the formation of a coalition that has landed in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), one of the fringe political parties, is nothing but a mere distraction, which President Tinubu should ignore.  “Nigerians will never go back to Egypt,” Sanwo-Olu told a group of journalists and politicians in Lagos.  “The target is to distract the Commander-in-Chief and derail the social and economic gains that we can see and feel, but President Tinubu knows the game and will never fall for their bait,” the Governor said.  A group of politicians, including former Vice President Ati...

 LASG RELEASES APPROVED 2025/2026 HARMONIZED ACADEMIC CALENDAR FOR ALL SCHOOLS BELOW TERTIARY LEVEL  The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, through the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), has officially released the approved 2025/2026 Harmonised Academic Calendar for all public and private schools below tertiary level operating within  Lagos State. This approval comes after an extensive and participatory process involving key stakeholders across the public and private education sectors, including school associations, proprietors, principals, education experts, and regulatory bodies. The final version of the calendar was ratified at a stakeholders’ meeting and subsequently received the approval of the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education (MB&SE), Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun. Speaking on the approval the Coordinating Director, OEQA, Mr. Remi Abdul, listed the highlights of the 2025/2026 Academic Calendar as approved b...

  ACTOR PETER IJAGBEMI MARRIES TV STAR FOLAJOGUN AKINLAMI  Nollywood actor Peter Ijagbemi is officially married. The outstanding Yoruba actor tied the knot with popular TV presenter and producer, Folajogun Akinlami. The couple was wedded in a low-key ceremony attended by a few friends and family members. Following the ceremony, the actor wrote “To God be the glory, it’s official” on Instagram. Folajogun also expressed joy on social media and switched her marital name to Ijagbemi. “Today I married my best friend and said yes to forever with him…Mrs Fola Peters Ijagbemi will do just fine,” she wrote. Several actors such as Allwell Ademola, Jaye Kuti, Femi Adebayo, Lola Idije, Biodun Okeowo, Damola Olatunji, and Chizzy Alichi congratulated the new couple on social media. More photos below. 

 Governor Dapo Abiodun Joins Delegation to Welcome President Tinubu in Brazil for BRICS Summit Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, was part of the official Nigerian delegation that received President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, upon his arrival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, ahead of the 17th BRICS Summit. President Tinubu is attending the summit at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, following Nigeria’s recognition as a partner country—a status that ranks higher than the previous guest country designation and reflects Nigeria’s increasing global relevance. Governor Abiodun joined other top officials in welcoming the President at Galeão International Airport, as Nigeria prepares to engage with the BRICS bloc on matters of economic cooperation, sustainable development, and strategic partnerships. South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia currently represent Africa as full BRICS members, while Nigeria’s new partner status marks a significant diplomatic milestone. The 17th BRICS...

 Chelsea's Enzo Maresca mourns Diogo Jota, hands Neto choice against Palmeiras Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed his heartfelt sorrow over the tragic passing of Liverpool star Diogo Jota, extending his condolences and love to the player's family. The 28-year-old and his brother, Andre, tragically died on Thursday when their vehicle veered off the motorway in Cernadilla, a municipality in the province of Zamora in northwestern Spain. Jota, who joined the Reds from Wolves, played a vital role in Arne Slot’s Premier League-winning campaign last season, having also previously lifted the FA Cup, Community Shield, and twice the Carabao Cup during his time at Anfield. Before speaking to the media ahead of Friday’s Club World Cup quarter-final clash with Palmeiras, the Italian manager shared a heartfelt message to the family of the Portuguese international. "This is a very sad day. I struggle to find the words because it's very difficult. I think that you feel helples...

 LIVERPOOL TO PAY DIEGO JOTA'S MONEY TO HIS FAMILY AS TEAMMATES ARRIVE FOR FUNERAL Sources revealed that Liverpool management will be paying out the remaining two-year contract of late Diego Jota to his family, even as his teammates arrived in Portugal on Saturday morning for his funeral. Liverpool is also rumoured to plan on retiring Jota's No. 20 jersey number. His teammates reportedly chartered a plane to attend his funeral in his hometown of Gondomar in Spain. His funeral began at 10 am on Saturday morning at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar church, not far from Porto.  Some of those that attended Jota's and his brother Andre Silva's funeral are Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Darwin Nunez, Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho, Bernardo Silva of Man City, and Bruno Fernandes of Man-U among others.  28-year-old Jota and his brother Silva died on Thursday when their Lamborghini crashed in Zamora, northwestern Spain.

 Revealed: Why Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from Diogo Jota's funeral in Portugal Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from the joint funerals of Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his footballer brother Andre Silva was causing shockwaves in their homeland today. Portugal’s most capped player and team captain was expected to fly to Gondomar near Porto to pay his last respects alongside Jota’s club and country teammates at a wake yesterday and the funeral mass this morning. But the 40-year-old dad-of-three was a no-show at both - with a leading Majorcan newspaper saying he was holidaying on the island and had been spotted in two upmarket destinations on board his £5.5 million 88-feet long Azimut Grande yacht, which boasts five luxury cabins and six bathrooms. Liverpool teammates, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Manchester United full back Diogo Dalot, both Portuguese national team players, were among the footballers who packed into the church this morning - the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar. Por...

 LASU SACKS LECTURERS FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT, N10.6M FRAUD  Two senior lecturers of the Lagos State University (LASU) have been sacked for alleged sexual harassment, inhumane treatment of students, and financial fraud amounting to N10.6 million. Dr. Olatunji Abanikanda, Dean of the Department of Agricultural Science, Epe Campus; and Dr. Khadeejah Kareem-Ibraheem,  Coordinator, Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Epe Campus, were fired for violating university regulations regarding student relations and financial probity.  Abanikanda was alleged to keep agriculture students on the school farm from morning till night in scorching sun and through rainfalls. He also subjected students to curses, derogatory utterances, and profane expletives while sexually harassing others. Kareem-Ibraheem was said to have kept N10.6 million realized from selling school farm produce in her personal account and used same for her personal needs.  The LASU Governing Cou...

 LANDLORD'S SON IMPREGNATES DAUGHTERS OF THREE TENANTS  A man on TikTok confessed to impregnating three daughters of three tenants in the same house.  The young man said the girls' parents are tenants in his father's house and that he managed to date each of them discreetly without the others knowing. The sharpshooter said he was shocked when the three girls informed him that they were pregnant and that he fled from the house to avoid the ugly backlash that would inevitably attend the incident.

 MISSION X: CAF WOMEN'S AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS STARTS TODAY CAF Women's African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off today in Morocco. This 15th edition would have held last year but it was moved to this year for better management. The Super Falcons of Nigeria has won 9 WAFCON titles and crowned African Champions 11 times. This campaign has been themed Mission X (the mission is to win the 10th title).

 Mozambique sues 31 police officers for brutality on post-election protests The Attorney General in Mozambique opened legal proceedings Friday against 31 police officers for their alleged roles in post-election violence following the disputed presidential elections last year, Anadolu Agency reported. The election monitoring organization, Platform Decide, said police shot and killed at least 400 demonstrators, and injured 600 others, after presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane called for mass demonstrations to protest the results of the “sham” October 2024 elections. Beatriz Jonas, a prosecutor with the Attorney General’s Office, said the proceedings are aimed at holding the officers responsible for acts they committed during the violence at protests. Jonas said the outcome will help to bring closure to the victims. “We are committed through these proceedings to avoid a repeat of what transpired after the elections in October last year. Those responsible need to account for their...

 TASKFORCE NABS YET ANOTHER NOTORIOUS MARCHING GROUND GANGSTER IN MAKURDI  The Benue State Taskforce on Illegal Levies and Criminality has apprehended a notorious Marching Ground operator, Mr. Ade Simon Kator, in Makurdi for extorting N500,000 from a local pastor under duress. The suspect, who resides behind Hotel Lucia in Achusa, allegedly collected the money from Pastor Ogbu Emmanuel of "Again and Afresh Church," as a supposed Marching Ground fee. After the payment, Mr. Kator reportedly mobilized local youth to harass workers at the church’s construction site, halting progress and demanding additional "youth levies" while threatening to destroy the structure. Following a distress call, the Taskforce team swiftly intervened and arrested Mr. Kator, who confessed to the crime. He has since been handed over to the Police Area Command in Makurdi for prosecution. Parading the suspect, Hon. Gbenda Terver, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Youth Or...

  ACCIDENT REPORTED AT TAMMAH, NASARAWA TOWN - NO LIVES LOST An accident occurred earlier yesterday at Tammah, a community in Nasarawa town. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident. Eyewitnesses expressed gratitude to God for the safety of all involved. Emergency responders and concerned residents swiftly arrived at the scene to offer assistance. Further details regarding the cause of the accident are yet to be confirmed. Authorities have urged drivers to remain cautious and prioritize road safety at all times. More photos below. 

 UNICAL STUDENT'S SIGN-OUT OUTFIT RAISES EYEBROWS 5th July, 2025     A female student of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has raised eyebrows over her sign-out outfit. The lady, identified as Blessing Alims on Facebook, expressed enthusiasm over completing her Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. Blessing Alims Attributing her success to God, Blessing Alims’s remarkable story showcases the power of resilience. Despite facing setbacks, she persevered and succeeded after sitting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and West African Examinations Council (WAEC) four times. Her post reads,“The end of an era for a B.Sc in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution at the University of Calabar.It can only be GOD🙏🏻🥹❤️💙”.

 PROTEST ROCKS GBOKO AS CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY DECRIES KILLINGS BY ARMED HERDSMEN IN BENUE 5th July, 2025      The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, on Friday led a massive protest in Gboko, the heart of Tiv land, to denounce the continued killings of residents in Benue State by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen. Worshippers from various denominations joined the demonstration, marching through major roads with placards, singing solemn hymns, and crying out against the relentless bloodshed. Many were visibly emotional, expressing sorrow and frustration over the government’s perceived failure to halt the attacks. The protesters condemned what they described as the systematic targeting of innocent villagers, including women and children by armed groups who invade communities under the guise of cattle grazing. Chants demanding justice and government intervention echoed through the town, as CAN officials called on authorities at all levels to rise to their constitutional ...

 TRAGIC ACCIDENT CLAIMS 16 LIVES ALONG CALABAR-ITU ROAD 5th July, 2025        A tragic accident has claimed 16 lives along the Calabar-Itu Road. The accident which occurred on Friday, 4th July, 2025 happened when on a forty-foot container veered off its lane and capsized onto a 16 seater bus traveling to Calabar. Eyewitnesses said the incident was caused as a result of the deplorable condition of the road which has been a longstanding issue for commuters. Commuters and community members have expressed outrage over the hazardous state of the federal road and called for immediate government intervention to avert futher loss of life. At the time of this report, their bodies have been deposited at a nearby morgue.

 A dog lost its life instantly after attempting to retrieve a firework after it was thrown. This disturbing incident took place at 7:45 p.m., last night (July 3rd) in St. Petersburg, Florida. According to local authorities, a group of individuals were lighting fireworks and throwing them down an alley on 8th Avenue near 38th Street South. As they were throwing the fireworks, a loose dog suddenly wandered onto the scene. In a tragic twist of fate, the pup immediately ran after a thrown firework that landed in the alley. Just as the pup was retrieving the firework in its mouth, the firework detonated. The ensuing blast led to catastrophic injuries that instantly took the life of the dog.  Authorities in St. Petersburg determined the incident as being tragically accidental and no charges were filed in connection to the incident.  This story serves as a reminder to all dog owners to keep your dogs close, and keep a close eye on them during this Fourth of July weekend.

 An Indiana man receives a 92-year prison sentence for drowning his 3-month-old baby in a bucket of laundry detergent.  A judge in Lafayette, Indiana handed down a 92-year sentence to 29-year-old Eliasard Moneus on Tuesday July, 1st . The sentence was in connection to the August 2024 shocking passing of 3-month-old, Jacob Moneus. In August of 2024, Eliasard's wife was sitting at home watching television with Jacob when Eliasard entered the room and took her baby son away from her.  He then left the home with Jacob only to return around 30 minutes later to carry out a vicious attack on his wife with "either a tire iron or a wrench", officials have stated.  His wife went to the hospital for treatment of her injuries and police responded to the hospital. Officers quickly determined baby Jacob was unaccounted for; a Silver Alert was issued as police at that time believed Jacob to be in extreme danger. Sadly, the very next day the search for Jacob came to a heartbreaking ...

 LAGOS POLICE RECOVER 100+ EXOTIC STOLEN VEHICLES The Lagos State police commissioner, Jimoh Moshood, announced that his command recovered more than 100 stolen vehicles in the state. CP Moshood said the recovered vehicles have a combined value above N2 billion. He revealed the vehicles were recovered during coordinated sting operations across the Lagos State. The CP said 30 SUVs from the operation were parked at Ikeja Command and 70 were parked at the Ikorodu area of the state due to limited space at Ikeja.