PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 NIGERIAN TO ATTEMPT GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FOR LONGEST MAKEUP  Nigerian makeup artist, Theresa Emegwara aka TesGlam, aims to win the Guinness World Records for longest makeup application.  Having been approved by Guinness World Records to execute the ambitious feat, TesGlam has set August 14, 2025, for the attempt.  She intends apply makeup continuously for 144 hours - equal to six days.  “This attempt is more than just about setting a record; it’s about pushing boundaries, inspiring a generation, and showcasing the immense talent within Nigeria’s creative economy,” TesGlam stated.  “It’s about demonstrating that with passion, perseverance, and unwavering dedication; dreams, no matter how ambitious, can indeed become a reality. I am immensely proud to bring this challenge to Nigeria and hope it ignites a spark of ambition in every young person.” Ghana’s Akosua Mantey Roselyn achieved the same feat in 103 hours, 25 minutes and 33 seconds on April 3, 2024. Sh...

 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Visits Her Former Kindergarten Teacher In Nsukka Literature Meets Legacy, as Chimamanda Visits Her Kindergarten Teacher On a quiet afternoon in Nsukka, there came a moment that would stir more than thirty years of memories. Standing at the door was internationally acclaimed novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, radiant and humble, holding a bouquet of gratitude. She had come to visit Mr. Raphael Idoko, her kindergarten teacher. Now grey-haired and frail but still sharp-eyed, Mr. Idoko was momentarily speechless. His former pupil, now a global literary icon, had not forgotten him. As they embraced, time folded in on itself: the little girl with curious eyes had returned, bearing stories, success, and heartfelt thanks. “Mr Idoko was a wonderful teacher. He made a difference in my life. I think about him often. I said I must come and thank him,” Chimamanda said. Elated, Idoko embraced her, saying, “I understand that you have a new name now,” to which Chimamanda ...

 GOVT STOPS MOVE TO SUSPEND OTUKPO CHAIRMAN, CALLS EMERGENCY MEETING 11th July, 2025       The Benue State Government has directed legislators from Otukpo Local Government Area of the state to stop further actions against Council Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri. The directive was given by the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Ode, for the suspension of all actions taken by the Otukpo Legislative Council and the Otukpo Executive Council against the chairman. Credit: idoma television

 BENUE REMAIINS UNDER SIEGE, OVER 500,000 DISPLACED - AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL 11th July, 2025       At least, 500,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in Benue State due to violent attacks by gunmen, Amnesty International said on Thursday. Amnesty International’s report, published on its official website and shared on X, described the dire conditions faced by the displaced people.

 Scores arrested as Police, NDLEA, DSS others raid drug hotspot, brothels in Yobe In a decisive move aligned with the directive of Governor Mai Mala Buni, to eradicate drug abuse and related social vices across Yobe State, the Executive Chairman of Damaturu Local Government, Alhaji Bukar Adamu, has led a coordinated clampdown on notorious drug hotspots and brothels within the state capital and its environs. Focal Person, Digital and Strategic Communications to Yobe State Government, Yusuf Ali, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday. He said acting on credible intelligence and in collaboration with security agencies, the enforcement team, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of Security Services and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, stormed several notorious areas for the abuse and trafficking of illicit substances, including Zango, YBC, Bakin Kasuwa, Maduri, and Daki Goma. Ali added that the operation led to the arrest of multiple suspects found in poss...

   I may relocate to Nigeria, become third wife of African king – American singer Summer Walker American singer Summer Walker has expressed her excitement about visiting Nigeria, saying she “can’t wait” to come to the country. The R&B star admitted she feels apprehensive because she believes that once she visits Nigeria, she may never return to the United States. The mother of three revealed her desire to relocate to Nigeria with her children and become the third wife of an African king. Walker made the remarks during a recent interview with BBC Radio 1Xtra. “I want to go to Nigeria so bad. But I’m scared because I know I won’t come back. I just want to take my kids and just like, we gone!” she said. When asked what she had heard about Nigeria, Summer responded, “It just seems so fun. I had my first African dish the other day, it was good as heck. I just know I won’t come back. I would be somebody’s third wife. Me and my kids would be put up in some African king’s house. I...

 31 African countries affected by 3-month US visa validity By Samuel Oamen | Senior Reporter The United States Department of State on Tuesday announced an update to its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians and other African citizens. According to a statement by the US Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday, “most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.” The new visa restrictions take immediate effect. However, the embassy clarified that “those US non-immigrant visas issued before July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity.” Here 31 African countries affected by 3-month US visa validity 1. Angola 2. Benin 3. Burkina Faso 4. Burundi 5. Cabo Verde 6. Cameroon 7. Chad 8. Congo Brazzaville 9. Congo DR 10. Cote d’Ivoire 11. Equatorial Guinea 12. Eritrea 13. Ethiopia 14. Gambia 15. Ghana 16. Libya 17. Madagascar 18. Malawi 19. Mozambique 20. Niger 21. Nigeria 22. Sao Tome and Principe 23. Sierra L...

 Troops bust gunrunning syndicate in Taraba, arrest two suspects, recover weapons Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade have dismantled a suspected gun-running syndicate operating in southern Taraba State, arresting two individuals and seizing weapons and other items during a raid in Wukari Local Government Area. The operation, carried out by soldiers from the Forward Operating Base, Wukari, followed credible intelligence regarding the activities of arms dealers in Byepi Village along Tsukundi Road. A statement made available to journalists on Friday in Jalingo by the Brigade’s acting spokesperson, Captain Olubodunde Oni, identified the suspects as Buba Idi, 55, and Isiyaka Yusufa, 29. According to the statement, “A tactical operation led to their arrest and subsequent searches uncovered one AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, sixteen rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a Tecno mobile phone, and a Bajaj motorcycle.”  The suspects, who are currently in military custody, are unde...

 How I permanently lost my voice on movie set – Actress Azeezat Shorunmu Actress Azeezat Shorunmu has recounted how her voice became damaged during the filming of a movie called “Apase”. Speaking in an interview on Oyinmomo TV, she said the incident occurred when she received news that her senior colleague, Surutu, had lost her child on the day of filming. Azeezat explained that she was overcome with emotion and screamed, which led to her vocal cords becoming damaged. According to her, despite trying various remedies, including medical treatment and spiritual intervention with anointing oil, her voice didn’t return to normal. Instead, it came back with a raspy tone that has become her signature sound. The actress recounted the ordeal, saying she struggled to express herself during the production of “Apase” due to her blocked throat. Even after four months, her voice didn’t improve, and she realised the extent of the damage. Azeezat now speaks with a unique voice that differs from h...

 Iyabo Ojo’s N1bn suit against me dismissed – Lizzy Anjorin Actress Lizzy Anjorin is celebrating after a Lagos court reportedly dismissed the N1 billion defamation lawsuit filed against her by colleague Iyabo Ojo. The lawsuit stemmed from a public spat between the two actresses, which began when Iyabo Ojo shared a humorous video mimicking Lizzy Anjorin. Lizzy took offense and retaliated by revealing intimate details about Iyabo, accusing her of vile things. Iyabo demanded a public apology and N500 million in compensation, later filing a N1 billion defamation lawsuit when Lizzy didn’t comply. Despite Lizzy’s initial absence from court proceedings, which led to court summons being pasted on her residence, the case moved forward. The court’s dismissal of the lawsuit marks the latest development in the ongoing feud between the two actresses. Lizzy Anjorin shared the news on her Instagram page.  She wrote: “BREAKING NEWS !!! IYABO OJO 1 BILLION NAIRA LAW SUIT CASE AGAINST LIZZYANJO...

 ANAMBRA POLICE CONTINUES TO LEVERAGE ON THE VIGILANCE AND TIMELY/NECESSARY INFORMATION OF NDI ANAMBRA: RECOVERS AN ABANDONED AK-47 RIFLE FROM A ROOF IN AN APARTMENT AT IGBOUKWU, AGUATA LGA The Anambra State Police Command leveraging on necessary information from the good indigenes of the State today 11th July 2025 by 12:30pm recovered an abandoned AK-47 rifle in a residential apartment under renovation at Ihuowele Ngo Village, Igboukwu, in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. Preliminary investigation revealed that a certain man known as Samson, allegedly identified as a notorious individual and the former occupant of the apartment, may be connected to the weapon. Samson has not been seen in the area since June 2024, and efforts are currently ongoing to track and apprehend him. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD has commended the vigilance of the community members and reiterated the importance of Community-Police collaboration. He urged Ndi Anamb...

 Peter Obi's desperation to be president is sickening, Tinubu should allow him rule for 6months let's see the magic he wants to do------Morayo Afolabi-Brown(TVC Presenter) ‎Popular Nigerian broadcaster and TVC host, Morayo Afolabi-Brown, has seemingly reacted to the trending video of Labour Party’s Peter Obi serving food at a community event, made a pointed remark that has sparked conversations across political circles online. ‎ ‎In a post shared via her Instagram story, Morayo addressed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directly, but her underlying jab was directed at Obi, whose humble public appearance at a local gathering in Umuchima, Imo State, drew admiration on social media. ‎ ‎"Dear @officialasiwajubat, pls allow him become president for 6 months while you take a leave of absence. Let’s even see what magic he wants to do. This desperation is rather sickening.” ‎ ‎The broadcaster, known for her candor on current affairs, especially through her show Your View, did not elabo...

 Court Sentences Man to 50 hours Community Service for Possession of Fraudulent Documents In Lagos  Justice O.A. Fadipe of the State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos has convicted and sentenced one Abdulrahman Murphy Usifo to 50 hours community service for possession of fraudulent documents. He was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Okotie-Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos, on a one -count charge bordering on possession of fraudulent documents and cybercrimes. The count reads: “ ABDULRAHMAN MURPHY USIFO, on or about the 27th May, 2025 in Lagos, within the Judicial Division of this Honourable Court, with a dishonest intent, had in your possession Gmail account titled "Remittance of Funds", wherein you represented yourself as Mr. Attilio Traidi, and other related documents for an online benefit, printed from your HP-Laptop, which you knew or ought to know to be false  thereby committed an offence Possession of fraudulent doc...

 Eze Dr. AMB, Chukwudi Ihenetu(The Ezendigbo of Ghana 1) is building the first Igbo village(Obi Ndi Igbo)in Ghana. According to to him, he wants create an Igbo village which has never happened in the world among the Igbo people, he has already acquired 50 acres of land which is about 250 plots of land for the construction of this Ama Ndi Igbo in Ghana. He also mentioned some of the structures and facilities that will be built in this proposed Igbo village which includes; (A) Eze Ndi Igbo Palace (B) Igbo Town hall with 2,000 seating capacity  (C)100 rooms guest house for special guests like igbo Governors, senators and great leaders. (D) Streets that will be named after Igbo icons and leaders (dead and alive) (E) Igbo Market (F) Igbo Schools (G) Igbo Garden and farms land (H) other Accommodation facilities 

 Power should remain in the Southern part of the country for the next 4-6 years------ Hannatu Musawa (Minister of Art, Culture and creative Economy) ‎The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has said that power should remain in Southern Nigeria for the next four to six years to ensure political balance and inclusivity. ‎ ‎Musawa, who made the statement during an interview on Channels Television on Friday, said zoning remains necessary because Nigeria is yet to rise above ethnic divisions in its politics. ‎ ‎“I think zoning is important only because we have not been able to get over the doldrums of ethnicity and we’re not looking at ourselves as Nigerian,”  ‎ ‎Reflecting on the post-Buhari political structure, the minister noted that after eight years of a Northern presidency, it was only fair that power shifted to the South. ‎ ‎"So it is understandable that after eight years of President Buhari, who was from the North, power needed to shift down ...

 Political Power Is Temporary, Act Responsibly - El-Rufai To Tinubu’s Team Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has called on members of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to lead with humility and responsibility, stressing that political power is not permanent. El-Rufai made this statement on Thursday, July 10, during the launch of the book “OPL245: The Inside Story of the $1.3b Nigerian Oil Bloc” written by Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), former Attorney General and Minister of Justice under President Goodluck Jonathan. In his address, El-Rufai emphasized the importance of public officials documenting their experiences through books and memoirs. He praised Adoke for offering his version of events surrounding the controversial Malabu oil deal. “We don’t do this enough in Nigeria,” El-Rufai said. “I urge those in power today to remember — their time too will pass. Everyone gets their turn.” Reflecting on Nigeria’s political past, El-Rufai commended Adoke’s role in the ...

 ADC can’t match PDP, says George …says defectors should return home Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) member Chief Olabode George yesterday declared that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) cannot match the main opposition party.  He lamented that the defectors, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who once left the party and later returned to the fold, is repeating his past mistakes.  George, who spoke at a ceremony in Lagos marking what he described as ‘PDP Restoration,’ said the defectors are chasing shadows, stressing that they are only trying to miss the opportunities offered by PDP for chieftains to excel.  George chided Atiku and Senator David Mark for dumping a formidable party that gave them relevance as number two and three citizens for a weak platform facing an uncertain future.  Accompanied by other party elders, including Senator Kofo Bucknor, Mrs. Onikepo Oshodi, Gen. Tajudeen Olanrewaju, Dr. Adeniji, and Dr. Amos Fa...

 NAF kills several bandits in convoy airstrikes Several terrorists were killed when the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) bombed their convoy near Yarbuga in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.  According to NAF’s spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the strikes were conducted on July 9, based on real-time intelligence indicating the movement of nearly 150 motorcycles, each carrying about two armed terrorists, in the area. Ejodame said: “After positive identification confirming the hostile presence, NAF aircraft engaged the convoy with devastating accuracy.”  He explained that survivors were seen fleeing on foot and on motorcycles as air assets maintained persistent surveillance and executed follow-up strikes, effectively disrupting the enemy’s withdrawal routes. According to him, after the airstrikes, ground troops conducted a follow-up exploit mission to Yarbuga village on the morning of 10 July 2025.  “At the scene, remains of scores of terrorists and their we...

 Mohbad: Police invite Iyabo Ojo for alleged cyberbullying The Nigeria Police Force, NPF, has invited actress Iyabo Ojo for alleged cyberbullying following a live video she made in 2023. The Lagos-based actress in a lengthy post on Thursday, explained that she was invited to the National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja for calling out some individuals over their alleged involvement in singer Mohbad’s death. “I was recently invited by the Nigeria Police Force, National Cybercrime Centre, Abuja, over petitions bordering on cyberbullying & other allegations concerning the live video I recorded a few years ago. “In that video, I requested certain individuals to make themselves available for investigation into Mohbad’s sudden death in order to prove their innocence or otherwise,” she said. This is coming four months after the court acquitted Sam Larry and Naira Marley of complicity in singer Mohbad’s death.  Mohbad died in September 2023 in highly controversial circumstances. His de...

 LG autonomy: After one year, nothing has changed By Afeez Hanafi One year after the Supreme Court’s landmark judgement that granted financial autonomy to local governments, the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration has yet to enforce the ruling, as state governments under the leadership of governors continue to have control over the councils’ coffers. As the third tier of government, local governments are saddled with the responsibilities of ensuring the well-being of the people at the grassroots through provisions of primary education, primary health centres, marketplaces, inner roads, parks, sanitation, among other essential services. But over the years, state governments have usurped these roles. To reverse the trend, the apex court on July 11, 2024, ruled on a suit filed by the federal government through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), against the 36 state governments. The lawsuit sought full autonomy for the 774 l...

 2027: Utomi throws weight behind ADC coalition ABUJA: Foremost Nigerian Political Economist and convener of Nigeria’s shadow government, Prof. Pat Utomi, has thrown his weight behind the coalition of opposition political parties in the bid to oust President Bola Tinubu from power in 2017. Utomi, who described the growing culture of defection of politicians from one political party to another, said the practice was a display of poor understanding of political culture and ideology. He spoke after a retreat by members of his shadow government in Abuja yesterday. Prof. Utomi said, “Our democracy has suffered very, very badly. We have become part of the theatre, and we’re cheering as the country is dying,” Utomi explained that the Shadow Government he has put together was targeted at enhancing good governance based on ideology, clarity and expertise. Recall, the Department of State Services had approached a court to demand that the judiciary declare Prof. Utomi’s action as an affront t...

 210 beggars apprehended as crack down on scavengers, one-chance begins in Abuja With the commencement of Operation Sweep Abuja, no fewer than 210 miscreants, street beggars, traders, scavengers and other criminal elements, have been apprehended by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA. The 210 beggars comprising of 80 men, 58 women and 72 children, have been camped at a rehabilitation centre in Bwari. The scavengers, ‘one chance’ syndicate and other criminals who were also apprehended have been handed over to the police. This was disclosed in Abuja by the Acting Director of Social Welfare, Social Department Secretariat of FCTA, Mrs Gloria Onwuka, on Thursday. She disclosed that some unidentified individuals imported the children from Kano, Katsina, and other states into Abuja to beg and handover the proceeds to them. Onwuka, however, disclosed that after being profiled, the children would be deported by to where the came from. “Begging is now run like a business. Peop...

 PRESS RELEASE  CHINEDU OKEKE: A TALE OF EMOTIONAL BLACKMAIL The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has been compelled to address a series of misleading narratives circulating on social media. These narratives reflect a troubling trend where certain individuals elevate themselves to the status of demigods in institutional matters, often defending wrongful actions instead of advocating for integrity and accountability. As a regulatory agency, JAMB operates on the foundation of facts and data, not emotions. In the case of Chinedu Okeke, a candidate from the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the facts are straight, clear and different from what has been portrayed by some interests out there. Firstly, it is inaccurate to assert that Chinedu Okeke hails from Anambra State. All available records indicate that he is from Amuwo-Odofin Local Government in Lagos State, where he sat for the 2021 UTME as he then claimed in his details filled with NIMC. B...

 EFCC Arrests 48 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abeokuta Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 48 suspected internet fraudsters in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Their arrest followed surveillance and credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them include a pump action rifle, five high-end cars, a motorbike, several mobile phones, laptop computers and incriminating documents.   They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. More photos below. 

 Two young Missouri girls save themselves from being assaulted by kicking a man "below the belt".  This schocking story occurred in Smithville, Missouri, on July 4th.   According to the Clay County Sheriff's Department, two young girls under the age of 14 were swimming at Little Platte Swim Beach on Smithville Lake  at approximately 8 p.m. when they were suddenly approached by 26-year-old Carlos Climaco-Garcia, pictured below.  According to reports, Climaco-Garcia swam up to the girls and began bugging them and asking personal questions.   When the young girls attempted to swim away, Climaco-Garcia began groping the girls and attempted to rip off their bathing suits. This is when these two young girls took matters into their own hands. They were able to escape Climaco-Garcia by kicking him square in the groin. The young girls were then able to escape the water and tell their parents what had happened. Fortunately, deputies were posted at the lake ...

  Barrister Binta Ahmadu Oga, Daughter of Andoma of Doma, Passes Away With heavy hearts, the people of Doma Local Government Area in Nasarawa State mourn the passing of Barrister Binta Ahmadu Oga, the beloved first daughter of His Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmadu Aliyu Oga Onawo, OON, the Andoma of Doma. Her death, announced today, has thrown the entire community into deep sorrow, as family members, friends, and well-wishers express condolences to the royal household during this difficult time. Barrister Binta was known for her humility, intellect, and dedication to justice and public service. Her passing is not only a loss to her family but to the entire Doma Emirate and Nasarawa State at large. May her soul continue to rest in peace

 Former Lawmaker Abdulkarim Usman Dumps PDP Over Alleged Injustice A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulkarim Usman, popularly known as Ombamas, has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing deep dissatisfaction with the party's current direction. In a letter dated July 9 and addressed to the PDP chairman of his Wamba East ward, the former lawmaker expressed disappointment over what he described as the erosion of justice, fairness, and rule of law within the party. Usman, who represented the Akwanga/Nassarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency during the 9th National Assembly, said the PDP had lost the core values that once defined its identity. “I can no longer remain in a political platform that has turned its back on justice and internal democracy. What was once a symbol of hope has now become plagued with internal decay,” the letter read. His resignation is seen as another blow to the opposition party, which continues to grapple w...

 RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE: UPDATE ON SUSPECTS INVOLVED IN AHOADA EAST ADMINISTRATOR ASSAULT The Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform the public that the suspects, Mr. Hector Ekakita, Chief Security Officer (CSO) and Mr. Aloni Olodi, Chief Of Staff (COS), respectively who were hitherto declared wanted on 6th. July, 2025 in connection with the alleged Criminal Conspiracy/Stealing/ Assault Occasioning Harm on the Ahoada East Sole Administrator, Hon. Goodluck Iheanachor have presented themselves to the Rivers State Police Command at Moscow Road Port-Harcourt, today the 10th. of July, 2025 at about 1500hrs. They were subsequently interviewed by the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Police Command and his Management Team. Following the preliminary interview, they were further handed over to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, In-Charge of State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) for further investigation. The Police Command urges anyone with useful infor...

 PRESS RELEASE FCT POLICE COMMAND ISSUES STRONG WARNING AGAINST ALLEGED PLOT TO ATTACK TASK FORCE OFFICIALS BY COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLISTS IN KUBWA The FCT Police Command is in receipt of a voice note circulating on social media, alleging that a group of commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders) are planning to stage a violent attack on Task Force officials operating within the Kubwa axis of the FCT on Friday, 11th July 2025. The Command wishes to categorically state that such conduct amounts to criminality and will be met with the full weight of the law. Any person or group involved in planning, instigating, or contemplating carrying out any form of violent protest or attack on any law enforcement officials, under whatever guise is hereby sternly warned to immediately abort such plans. The FCT Police Command will not hesitate to deploy all lawful means, including arrests, prosecution, and necessary force, to deal decisively with perpetrators of public disorder. Let it be clear: this is...