PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Church of Nigeria Condemns Election of Lesbian Archbishop Cherry Vann as Welsh Primate The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has denounced the election of the Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales, calling it a departure from biblical teachings. Elected on July 30, 2025, Vann is the first woman and openly lesbian cleric to lead the Church in Wales, intensifying divisions within the global Anglican Communion. Archbishop Henry C. Ndukuba, in a statement, said the Church of Nigeria will not recognize Vann’s election, citing her civil partnership with Wendy Diamond as contrary to scriptural marriage doctrine. “This election signals a rejection of sound doctrine for a postmodern agenda,” Ndukuba stated, referencing 2 Timothy 4:3-4. He compared Vann’s appointment to past controversies, including the consecration of openly gay bishop Gene Robinson in 2003 and the tenure of Katherine Jefferts Schori. Vann, 66, Bishop of Monmouth since 2020, was among the first women ordained in...

 Middle-Class Reduced To Beggars, Chimamanda Decries Hardship In Nigeria Iconic Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie says the suffering of ordinary Nigerians is what worries her most about the country’s current economic situation. Chimamanda lamented that the ongoing hardship has reduced many middle-class Nigerians, who were previously managing to get by, to the point of begging. In an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Amazing Africans, Adichie stated that the most important political judgment one can make is based on how ordinary citizens are faring. “Life has become so hard in Nigeria, and me I can see it. For example, people who were formerly kind of securely middle class, not that life was rosy for them, but they got by—are now people who beg and are in need. That worries me greatly,” Adichie said. “The level of suffering, how expensive food has become… I think the biggest political judgment one can make is about the lives of ordinary people. “People talk about t...

 2027: Arewa group rejects 2nd term for South, to back northern candidate The Arewa Unity Forum, AUF, has rejected ex-Niger State governor Babangida Aliyu’s statement that the South should be allowed to complete a second presidential term in 2027, describing the position as a personal opinion that does not reflect the collective stance of the North. In a statement titled ‘Our North, Our Pride’, issued by its Chairman, Ambassador Nasiru Umar Dutsinma, the group said Aliyu’s statement contradicts the constitutional rights of the North to freely participate in the political process and elect candidates of their choice, regardless of any informal political arrangements. The Forum criticized what it called a “misguided political narrative” that misrepresents the interests and values of the North, warning that invoking regional unity to justify non-inclusive political deals is deceptive and dangerous. “The Arewa Unity Forum believes that the former governor’s support for zoning the presi...

 Salah issues emotional farewell message to Luis Diaz after Liverpool exit Luis Diaz completed a £65.5m move from Liverpool to Bayern Munich earlier this week and Mohamed Salah has broken his silence following the exit of his former teammate Mohamed Salah has assured Luis Diaz that he “won’t be forgotten” at Liverpool following his big-money move to Bayern Munich. The Colombian wideman brought the curtain down on a glittering three-and-a-half year spell at Anfield last week. Bayern Munich paid £65.5m for Diaz’s services after he helped the Reds to the Premier League crown last season. He netted 17 goals in his final season on Merseyside and his stellar form - alongside that of Salah and Co - was a big factor in Liverpool's title win. With Diaz now officially a Bayern player, Salah has penned a touching farewell message to his former teammate. Sharing a host of images of the pair, the Egyptian frontman wrote: “Your energy, drive, and passion on the pitch have left a mark that won’t ...

 Sudan's army says RSF attack thwarted in El-Fasher The Sudanese army said on Sunday that its forces repelled an attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state in western Sudan, Anadolu Agency reported. A military statement said personnel and material damage were reported among RSF forces in the attack that targeted the city’s northeastern and southwestern parts. There was no comment from the rebel group. El-Fasher is a vital hub for humanitarian operations in Darfur, but has been under a strict RSF siege and recurrent clashes for more than a year, despite international efforts to broker a humanitarian truce and allow aid deliveries. The army and the RSF have been fighting a civil war since April 2023 that has killed thousands of people and displaced millions, according to the UN and local authorities.

 BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU FULFILLS PROMISE WITH PRESENTATION OF BUSES TO MOJ The Lagos State Government has officially presented seven brand-new buses to the Ministry of Justice through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, fulfilling an earlier commitment made by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to enhance the operational capacity of the Ministry and strengthen justice delivery across the State on Thursday, at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja. Delivering his remark at the event, the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, expressed profound appreciation to the Governor for his unwavering support for the Justice Sector. “This is a significant boost to our operations. These buses will greatly ease transportation logistics for legal officers and Prosecutors. Notably, two of the buses have been designated to convey offenders to court and back to their various facilities, which will support our efforts in ensuring timely trial processes. At the same time, anot...

 PRESS RELEASE. FCT POLICE COMMAND RESPONDS TO BUILDING COLLAPSE IN LIFECAMP, RESCUED VICTIM. On 2nd August 2025 at approximately 6:15 PM, the FCT Police Command received a distress call reporting the collapse of a three-storey building in the Lifecamp area of Abuja. Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Lifecamp Division, promptly mobilized a rescue team to the scene, cordoned off the area, and commenced a coordinated rescue operation in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), officials from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Development Control Department, Zeberced Construction Company, and Julius Berger Construction Company, with full compliment of multi-agency patrol and enforcement Teams. At about 4:00 AM on 3rd August 2025, rescue teams successfully extricated Aliyu Salisu, a 27-year-old male and citizen of Niger Republic, the lone victim who had remained trapped in the rubble for close to ten hours of lif...

 FCT POLICE ARREST SUSPECT IN KIDNAP AND MURDER OF CAREGIVER AND A TODDLER.  The FCT Police Command has arrested David Moses, a school security guard, for the kidnapping and brutal murder of Mrs. Chinyere Anaene (55), a caregiver at Clear Hope Foundation Academy, Dawaki, and a toddler, Nanenter Asher Yese (1yr, 2mths). The suspect confessed to conspiring with his friend, Sunday Irimiya (still at large), to lure the victims, killed them, and dump their bodies in a canal. Shockingly, they still demanded ransom from the family. He was arrested after fleeing an internal dispute and led operatives to the recovery site. We mourn with the families and assure the public that justice will be served. The Commissioner of Police FCT CP Ajao Adewale urges all schools, private institutions, and organizations are strongly advised to vet and profile their private security personnel through the Nigeria Police Force before deployment. Security is everyone’s responsibility. Let’s work together t...

 Imo State Government Rejects CJID Report Labeling State as Hostile to Journalists The Imo State Government has dismissed a recent report by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), which described the state as one of the most dangerous environments for journalists in Nigeria, labeling it as false, biased, and unreliable. In a press statement, the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, also criticized the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for endorsing the CJID report. The PDP had previously issued a statement condemning Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration based on the report’s findings. Emelumba accused the PDP of “crass ignorance” for hastily supporting the CJID’s claims without verifying their credibility. He described the CJID as lacking the pedigree and logistical capacity to conduct a credible assessment of press freedom in Nigeria, alleging that the group relies on sensationalism and unverifi...

 Super Eagles Rally Behind Ademola Lookman’s Push to Leave Atalanta Amid Transfer Dispute Nigeria’s Super Eagles have publicly supported their star forward, Ademola Lookman, in his bid to depart Serie A club Atalanta BC, following his formal transfer request citing broken promises and poor treatment by the club’s management. The 27-year-old, crowned the 2024 African Player of the Year, has sparked a transfer saga after publicly criticizing Atalanta for blocking a potential move despite prior agreements. In a statement posted on Instagram and X on Sunday, Lookman expressed frustration over “many months of broken promises” and what he described as “poor treatment” both as a professional footballer and as a human being. “I have loved every moment, but after three wonderful years in Bergamo, it is time to move on and experience a new adventure,” Lookman wrote, adding that Atalanta had agreed to let him leave if a fair offer was received, only to reject a bid he believed aligned with di...

 RASHEEDAT AJIBADE PRESENTS WAFCON MEDAL TO MFM FOUNDER  Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, on Sunday presented her WAFCON medal to the founder and general overseer of Mountain of Fire Ministries (MFM), Dr. Daniel Olukoya. Ajibade wore an arm band with the inscription "Jesus Is King" during the final match against Morocco in a game that ended 3-2 in favour of Nigeria.  The striker presented her medal to Olukoya at MFM's Power Must Change Hands. During her speech, she recalled that she once hawked zobo and groundnuts at MFM conventions.  More photos below. 

 Whale dies and passenger thrown from boat after collision in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, officials say A whale died Saturday afternoon after being struck by a boat in Barnegat Bay, Ocean County, New Jersey. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) was alerted by the New Jersey State Police Marine Unit around 2:45 p.m. about a whale spotted near the inlet. MMSC staff coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard and Sea Tow, while a stranding coordinator headed to the site. Shortly before 3:30 p.m., a boater reported that their vessel had collided with the whale, nearly capsizing the boat and causing a passenger to be thrown overboard. The passenger managed to get back on board and is expected to be okay. Sea Tow, which stayed on the scene, confirmed the whale had died. The whale was identified as a Minke whale about 20 feet long, resting on a very shallow sandbar near the channel. Due to tidal conditions, crews could approach within 30 yards but were unable to access the sandbar for a clos...

 Russian volcano erupts for first time in hundreds of years A volcano in Russia’s Far East erupted on Sunday for the first time in centuries, sending an ash cloud soaring several miles into the sky, scientists reported. The eruption occurred in the remote Kamchatka region, an area known for its volcanic activity but sparsely populated and located 11 time zones east of Moscow. The Krasheninnikov volcano’s eruption marked its first known activity in at least 400 years, according to the Kronotsky Nature Reserve where it is located. Volcanic ash was observed rising as high as four miles, prompting the evacuation of reserve staff in the area. Officials noted the volcano’s distance from local towns meant there was no immediate threat to residents. The eruption began early Sunday morning when researchers spotted gas and vapor emerging from the volcano’s crater. The Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team confirmed no communities were at risk from the ash cloud. This volcanic event follo...

 Outcry in Israel after Hamas video shows gaunt hostage with starving Palestinian children Outrage erupted across Israel after Hamas released a video showing Israeli hostage Evyatar David in an emaciated condition, standing shirtless in what appears to be an underground tunnel, his ribs and shoulders visible. David, 24, was kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and is seen in the footage alongside clips of severely malnourished Palestinian children. The video has fueled renewed anger and fear as reports from Gaza indicate that more than 90 children and nearly 170 people in total have died from hunger since the start of Israel’s offensive and the severe restrictions on humanitarian aid. At a rally in Tel Aviv, David’s brother, Ilay, called on Israeli and U.S. leaders to take immediate action to secure his release, warning that his brother could die in captivity. The release of the video comes just days after another militant group, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, released s...

 Ukrainian drone strike ignites fire at Russian oil depot as Zelenskyy confirms prisoner swap A Ukrainian drone attack during the night struck an oil depot near Sochi, Russia, causing a large fire and prompting a major emergency response. According to Krasnodar regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev, debris from a downed drone hit a fuel tank, sparking the blaze. More than 120 firefighters worked to contain the fire, and videos shared on social media showed tall plumes of black smoke rising over the facility. The incident forced authorities to temporarily halt flights at Sochi’s airport. Separately, in Russia’s Voronezh region, local officials reported that four people were injured during another drone strike. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that its air defense forces intercepted 93 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory and the Black Sea overnight. In Ukraine, a Russian missile strike hit a residential area in the southern city of Mykolaiv, leaving seven people wounded, accordi...

 Prosecutors push for lengthy prison sentence for Sean 'Diddy' Combs and oppose release on bail Prosecutors now believe Sean "Diddy" Combs could face a much longer prison sentence than the four to five years they initially expected following his conviction on two prostitution-related charges. In a filing submitted Thursday in Manhattan federal court, prosecutors also opposed Combs’ recent request for release on $50 million bail as he awaits sentencing scheduled for October 3. Combs, 55, was acquitted in July of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, which carried potential life sentences, but was found guilty of two counts related to transporting individuals for prostitution. These charges involve arranging for girlfriends and male sex workers to travel for sexual encounters that Combs recorded, with each charge carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years. While prosecutors initially thought sentencing guidelines would recommend a prison term of about four to...

 Popular clothing brand sues Columbia University over alleged copycat merchandise Outerwear retailer Columbia Sportswear has filed a lawsuit against Columbia University, alleging trademark infringement and breach of contract over merchandise that the company claims is too similar to its own and could confuse consumers. The lawsuit, filed July 23 in U.S. District Court in Oregon, states that the two parties had agreed in June 2023 on specific terms governing the university’s use of the word “Columbia” on apparel and accessories. According to the agreement, the university could only use “Columbia” alongside a recognizable school insignia, mascot, the word “university,” an academic department name, the founding year 1754, or some combination of these elements. Columbia Sportswear, founded in 1938 and selling products in over 800 retail locations, including its own branded stores and online, claims that Columbia University breached this agreement by selling garments on its online store...

Kansas city files lawsuit to block planned ICE detention center Leavenworth, Kansas, a city long tied to the corrections industry, is deeply divided over plans to reopen a detention facility as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) center. CoreCivic, a private prison company that operated a federal detention facility in the city until 2021, intends to house immigration detainees at the same location. The move has prompted strong reactions: some residents and local leaders argue that the center would bring jobs and revenue to the city, while others fear a repeat of safety issues, understaffing, and violence that plagued the facility in its final years of operation. City officials have filed lawsuits against CoreCivic, arguing that the company needs a new special-use permit, while the company insists it is grandfathered in and free to reopen. Supporters say the facility could bring over 100 jobs paying around $28 an hour and boost the local economy. Opponents cite past reports of ...

 BENUE: TRAGEDY STRUCK AGAIN IN GUMA LGA AS SUSPECTED FULANI HERDSMEN ATTACKS NGBAN VILLAGE  Moments ago, the Council Chairman of Guma and Benue ALGON Chairman, Hon. Maurice Orwough visited the scene where fulani herdsmen kïllǝd two persons and tortured a lady who they kïdnæppǝd.  The unfortunate scene happened today at Ngban, a settlement in between Daudu and Yelewata. The two vïctïms of of the sad incident are: Terkimbir Iorhen Igbawua and Mlumun Igbawua. Hon. Orwough who rushed to the scene ordered security operatives to enforce full operations. He also took the tœrtured lady who regained freedom from her abductors to the hospital and she has been receiving treatment.  The council chairman also directed the Local Government Security  Secretary to release funds for the burial of the victims slated for tomorrow.  He assured the people that in no distance time, the crises would be a thing of the past, reiterated his promise to prioritize the security and sa...

 Nigeria Customs Hands Over N20.5 Billion Worth of Seized Fake Drugs and Tomato Paste to NAFDAC The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over 16 containers of illicit pharmaceutical products and substandard tomato paste, valued at over ₦20.5 billion, to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) at Onne Port, Rivers State. The seizure, described as a major breakthrough in the fight against smuggling, underscores the strengthened collaboration between the two agencies. The intercepted consignment, comprising 11 containers of unregistered and banned pharmaceuticals and four containers of unwholesome tomato paste, was formally transferred to NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, by NCS Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi on Saturday. The illicit items included 1.3 million bottles of codeine syrup, 12.6 million tablets of Tramadol, 9.3 million tablets of falsified Diclofenac, 280 packages of counterfeit Hyergra tablets, and other u...

 TANZANIA BANS FOREIGNERS FROM OPERATING SMALL BUSINESSES The government of Tanzania has prohibited foreigners from operating 15 types of small businesses in the country.  This was contained in the Business Licensing (Prohibition of Business Activities for Non-Citizens) Order, officially published on July 28, 2025, under Government Notice No. 487A, and signed into law by Dr. Selemani Jafo, the Minister for Industry and Trade. The more than 15 small businesses are considered critical to grassroots empowerment and income opportunities for citizens. The government is protecting the businesses from competition by foreigners to empower citizens. 

 RAPPER YOUNGBOY EXPECTING 13TH & 14TH BABIES AT AGE 25  Rapper NBA YoungBoy is looking forward to his 13th and 14th babies simultaneously from two women at age 25. After the arrival of the babies, YoungBoy will have a total of 14 children from 10 women. It will be his second child with Floyd Mayweather’s daughter, Yaya Mayweather, and his third child by his 23-year-old wife, Jazlyn Mychelle. Close friends said Jazlyn does not mind the rapper keeping several women because he takes good care of her and her kids. YoungBoy welcomed his first son, Kayden, when he was still a teenager in high school.

 JAMES IBORI DONATES N100M TO IGBINEDION UNIVERSITY The former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, has donated N100 to Igbinedion University in Okada, Edo State. Ibori made the donation during the launch of the official biography of Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin in Abuja on Thursday. The memoir is titled "Chronicles of a Legend". Ibori gave out N50 million to endow a chair in the economics department and another N50 million for the university’s development. “For the chair in the economics department, I want to put a very meagre sum,” he said. “If it were not for the economic situation, I would do everything I can to promote this university.”

 IYANYA GIVES NURSE N500K FOR REPORTING TO WORK DESPITE STRIKE Singer Iyanya is rewarding a nurse N500,000 for reporting to work despite an ongoing strike action by nurses around the country.  In a viral X video that caught Iyanya's attention, the nurse is being mocked by colleagues for showing up for work rather than joining other nurses to stage an industrial strike. “Can someone find her for me, I want to give her 500k," Iyanya posted on X. "She is not a health care worker for the money but for human lives. Someone find her for me please.  "She is an essential worker and she deserves some compensation, and the way she was humiliated was wrong. Find her for me, I have 500k for her immediately.”

 ORITSEFEMI'S DAUGHTER MARRIES LITHUANIAN HEARTTHROB Singer Oritsefemi on Friday walked his daughter down the aisle to marry her Lithuanian heartthrob in far away Lithuania.  Oritsefemi was filled with fatherly pride and love as he witnessed the wedding of daughter Esther Orighomisan to Donatas Rimkus. The Igbeyawo crooner urged his new son-in-law to take care of his daughter in a short speech that drew laughter and excitement from those at the event.  More photos below. 

 I went to games knowing we would struggle – Amorim Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim says he travelled to games last season fearful of what was going to happen to his team. Speaking to reporters who are accompanying United on their pre-season tour of the United States, Amorim revealed for the first time the depth of his despair at presiding over United's worst season since the 1973-74 relegation campaign. United finished 15th in the Premier League last season - their lowest league finish since the 1989-90 campaign. Amorim, who replaced the sacked Erik ten Hag as manager in November 2024, oversaw a run of seven wins from 27 league games - and a shattering Europa League final defeat by Tottenham in Bilbao. Asked how he felt when he returned home to meet his wife and young family after repeated defeats - at one point his side lost four games in a row and later on won only three times in 11 matches - Amorim said it was pre-match that was the most stressful. "To tell you the tru...

 Zulum allays residents’ fears over rising water level at Alau Dam Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, has allayed fears over the rising water level at Alau Dam, assuring residents of Maiduguri that there is no cause for alarm. There has been growing anxiety among residents following recent downpours, sparking concerns about potential flooding in flood-prone areas of the state capital. The governor made the statement shortly after inspecting the ongoing reconstruction work at the Alau Dam, located near Maiduguri. Zulum acknowledged the widespread panic, describing it as a serious concern for his administration. However, he said current assessments indicated that the situation was under control. “As at now, based on the engineering knowledge we are having, we concluded that there is no cause for alarm,” the governor stated. He explained that new water channels had been opened to ease pressure on the dam, and that the water level had dropped by about four inches in rec...

 Gov Bago under fire for Badeggi FM shutdown as ADC alleges abuse of power The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has launched a scathing attack on Niger State Governor, Muhammed Umaru Bago, following his decision to shut down a private radio station, Badeggi FM, with immediate effect. Describing the move as “a brazen assault on press freedom,” the ADC accused the governor of exhibiting authoritarian tendencies reminiscent of military dictatorship. The party warned that the governor’s actions threaten Nigeria’s democratic foundations and undermine constitutional rights. In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said Governor Bago’s action signals a disturbing pattern of executive overreach that is becoming common among governors elected under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The ADC drew parallels between Bago’s move and a recent controversy involving Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, who publicly declared P...

 ADC platform for Nigerians with conscience, not tribe or religion – youth leader The National Youth Leader of the African Democratic Congress, Balarabe Rufai, has stated that the 2027 general election will be a contest between Nigerians guided by conscience and those lacking it. Speaking on Saturday evening at the ADC National Secretariat in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Coalition for Nigerian Youths in Politics, Rufai described the youth as the backbone of the party and expressed confidence that their support would lead to the defeat of President Bola Tinubu. On July 1st, prominent opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, 2023 APC presidential aspirant Rotimi Amaechi, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, and others, announced the ADC as the unified platform to challenge President Tinubu. The ADC National Youth Leader expressed concern that, contrary to th...

 I didn’t get into politics to enrich myself – El-Rufai warns against voting APC Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has disclosed that he got into politics to serve humanity and not to enrich himself. El-Rufai made the remark while urging Nigerians to sack the All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2027. He spoke while mobilizing youths to support the opposition coalition in Sokoto State on Saturday. El-Rufai noted that APC posed a risk to Nigeria’s unity, hence should not be allowed to remain in power in 2027. The key member of the opposition coalition described the APC as “incompetent and clannish,” stressing that it poses a threat to Nigeria’s unity by remaining in power. He said: “I didn’t get into politics to enrich myself but to serve. And when a government ceases to serve the people, it is my duty as a senior citizen to not only speak out but take action to reverse the situation.” The opposition coalition had adopted the African Democratic Congress as it moves to ensu...

 Soludo: Any politician promising single term needs psychiatric evaluation Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state says any politician pledging to serve only one term in office needs to undergo a psychiatric examination. The governor spoke on Saturday during a rally held in Anambra South in support of his second-term ambition. Soludo questioned the logic behind such a promise, insisting that the Nigerian Constitution allows elected public officials to serve two terms, not just one. “How can anybody with a functioning brain say that? Do you think you’re speaking to fools? You come before people and declare, ‘I will only serve one term.’ “Any politician who says that should be taken to a psychiatric hospital. Something must be wrong with the person,” Soludo said. This is coming a month after former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, said he is willing to accept a one-term presidency in the spirit of equity and zoning if such a condition is required in the event of a co...