PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 ‎I Will Not Handpick My Successor------- Gov. Hope Uzodinma ‎ ‎Speaking to leaders from Owerri zone who paid him a courtesy call at Government House Owerri on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Governor Uzodimma also maintained that the person who must emerge as the governorship candidate in 2027 must follow a democratic process and not be handpicked by him. ‎ ‎Governor Uzodimma stressed that “the process of selecting a (governorship) candidate must follow a purely democratic process,” and urged Owerri zone to carry other zones in the state along in their quest and desire for the governorship and “allow the will of God in all things.” ‎ ‎He maintained that Imo State is desirous of selfless leaders and creative thinkers who are “committed to serving the people and making strong and informed leadership decisions that encourage development.” ‎ ‎The Governor further encouraged the leaders from Owerri zone, and particularly those who may be aspiring for the governorship position in the state,...

 Sikkim, a small Himalayan state in Northeast India, has made history as the world’s first fully organic state.  Surrounded by Bhutan, Tibet, and Nepal, the state is known for its stunning landscapes and now for its sustainable lifestyle. Since 2016, every farm and field in Sikkim has been free from chemical fertilisers and pesticides, making it a role model for clean and green living. The journey towards becoming fully organic began in 2003, when the government slowly phased out chemical farming and trained thousands of farmers in eco-friendly practices. By 2015, over 75,000 hectares of farmland had been converted to organic methods. This effort was recognised globally when Sikkim won the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Future Policy Gold Award in 2018 for leading the way in sustainable farming. For visitors, Sikkim offers a unique travel experience built around nature and community. From eco-homestays and organic farm visits in Yuksom to fresh produce markets in Ravan...

 10TH NATIONAL YOUTH GAMES: NSC DELEGATES INSPECT LAGOS  SPORTS FACILITIES  As part of the due process towards the bid to host the 10th edition of the annual National Youth Games, the management staff of the Lagos State Sports Commission, alongside delegates from the National Sports Commission, embarked on a two-day inspection tour of Sporting facilities in Lagos State. The Lagos State Government has expressed its interest in hosting the grassroots developmental programme designed to showcase and unearth raw talent across the disciplines, in line with Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration's commitment to youth empowerment through sports and education. The inspection of facilities started from the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, before the team proceeded to the National Stadium. Other facilities visited include the newly refurbished Elegbata Sports Complex, Iconic Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Cricket Oval, Tafawa Balewa Square, Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park,...

 ‎INTERNAL SECURITY: POLICE PARTNER SECURITY EXPERTS, AS IGP INSPECTS INTELLIGENCE INSTALLATIONS AT IDU COMMUNITY IN ABUJA ‎ ‎In continuation of efforts to bolster intelligence-led policing as a vital component of internal security management, the 22nd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, today, inspected state-of-the-art intelligence installations at Idu Community in Abuja. The visit formed part of the strategic engagements of the Nigeria Police Force with indigenous security experts, particularly EIB STRATOC, a homegrown security solutions provider, in pursuit of stronger collaboration towards enhancing national security architecture. ‎ ‎During the inspection along with DIG Ben Nebeolisa Okolo, fdc (Force Intelligence Department), DIG Adebowale Williams, fdc (ICT), AIG Adeleke Taiwo (Depratment of Operations), CP Felix Obe (Federal Operations) and other senior police officers, the IGP noted that intelligence gathering remains the bedroc...

 FAKE NEWS ALERT! This “WANTED” poster of actress Iyabo Ojo did not emanate from the Nigeria Police Force. It is false, misleading & was never posted on any official NPF platform. Disregard & stop spreading fake news. Verify only from official NPF channels.

 Court Jails Man Three Months for Internet Fraud in Lagos Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Salami Ponmile Bassit to three months imprisonment for internet fraud. He was jailed after being arraigned  on Wednesday by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  on a one-count charge bordering on cybercrime. The count reads: “That you, SALAMI PONMILE BASSIT,  on or about 10th August. 2025 at Lagos within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one "Katia Banks", a white woman from United States of America on Facebook Mobile Application with intent to gain advantage for yourself and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc) Act, 2015.” He pleaded “guilty” to the charge when it was read to him.  In view of his ch...

 EFCC, NIS Repatriate 51 More Foreign Nationals Jailed for Cyber-terrorism, Internet Fraud The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, and the Nigerian Immigration Service NIS, have repatriated 51 more foreign nationals convicted and sentenced for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The repatriated foreign nationals include 50 Chinese and one Tunisian. This brings the total  repatriated convicted foreign nationals to 102 in the ongoing exercise that commenced on Friday, August 15, 2025. The convicts are among the 192 foreign nationals arrested during a sting operation by the Commission in Lagos, following actionable intelligence about the operations of one of the largest foreign-led cybercrime syndicates in Nigeria. Further deportations are scheduled in the coming days. More photos below. 

 Anambra Assembly Summons Lawmaker Over Allegations of Constituency Fund Misuse The Anambra State House of Assembly has summoned Hon. Bernard Udemezue, the member representing Ayamelum Constituency, for allegedly exposing the diversion of constituency funds by fellow lawmakers. The decision was made during a plenary session in Awka on Thursday, following a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Tony Muobike, representing Aguata 2. Muobike condemned Udemezue’s recent social media posts, describing them as damaging to the House’s reputation and a potential threat to the safety of its members. Udemezue, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)-dominated Assembly, had publicly disclosed details of constituency allowances, accusing some colleagues of misappropriating funds intended for community projects. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, referred the matter to the House Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics, and Privil...

 MAN PARADED PUBLICLY FOR KILLING SACRED PYTHON A native of Anambra State was paraded through his local community for allegedly killing a sacred python.  The python represented an "ancestral father" and killing it is regarded as patricide in several Igbo and Delta communities in Nigeria.  It is a taboo to trap or harm a python, and where one is found dead in the wild, great lamentation is raised for it and it is buried with cultural ceremonies that befit a man.  In the case of the Anambra man, the dead python was wrapped around his neck and he was made to roam the community in a show of shame. Watch video below. 

 MAKINDE VISITS LADOJA, DISCUSSES ROYAL CORONATION Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State visited former governor and Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Wednesday.  Referring to Ladoja as his father, the current and former governors discussed Ladoja's upcoming coronation ceremony as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan on September 26, 2025. “We visited my father, His Royal Majesty Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan-designate to pay homage earlier today," Makinde wrote on X.  "The visit gave us an opportunity to discuss preparations for the coronation ceremony which will be held soon. We are so proud of our traditional institution in Ibadanland and its unique succession system.”

 I REGRET LEAVING MARVIN RECORDS PREMATURELY - REEKADO BANKS Afrobeats artiste Reekado Banks has confessed to leaving Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records too prematurely. Born Ayoleyi Solomon, Reekado said he left after his contract expired because he thought he could make it on his own. While he hasn't failed outright, he wished he stayed longer with his former boss. The famous crooner said he left Marvin Records after five years and without any conflicts or bad blood. In fact, he said Don Jazzy treated him like a son. “You know, I thought I could do it," he stated. "And I just embarked on the journey. Like many people would view it premature. And as soon as I jumped into the sea as well, I realized how premature it was."

 LASG RESPONDS TO PELLER'S N36M TAX COMPLAINT  Following the outcry of popular TikToker, Peller, that he was given an outrageous tax bill of N36 million in Lagos State, the government has promised to look into his case. The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tax and Revenue, Abdulkabir Ogungbo, said it behoves everyone living and earning incomes in Lagos State to pay tax. "Whether you earn physically or virtually, as long as you reside in Lagos and enjoy the state’s infrastructure, you are expected to pay your tax here—unless you can prove you are paying in another jurisdiction,” Ogungbo said. He stated that the specifics of Peller's residence and incomes will be ascertained before he can comment directly on his issue. "While we still need to investigate the details of this specific case, the principle is clear: if you earn, you must remit taxes,” he stated. 

 GOMBE GOVT ANGRY FOR FG'S N1.4B CAMP TAKEOVER The Gombe State government said it is unfair that the federal government took over the NYSC orientation camp constructed by the state and paid only N1.4 billion as compensation. The secretary to the state government, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, said the camp at Malam Sidi was taken over to host Operation Safe Corridor for the de-radicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant Boko Haram members. Njodi said the facility was built by the Ibrahim Dankwambo administration for the mandatory three-week orientation course of corps members posted to the state. With the takeover by the Defence Headquarters, Njodi said the Gombe government had to begin constructing a new orientation camp in the Boltongo district.  “The Federal Government paid us only N1.4bn in compensation, yet we have already spent over N5 billion to put up a new NYSC orientation camp. That is almost three times the amount we were given," he disclosed. 

 AL-JAZEERA JOURNALIST KEPT ISRAELI HOSTAGES WITH HIS FAMILY  A Palestinian journalist that lived in Gaza and wrote for Al-Jazeera was allegedly discovered to host three Israeli hostages with his family in his house.  Abdallah Aljamal, who also worked as a spokesman for the Hamas-run labour ministry, was killed when Special Forces soldiers stormed his home in central Gaza and rescued hostages, Israeli Defence Forces said. Aljamal was allegedly killed when IDF Commandos stormed his home in Nuseirat in the heart of Gaza to rescue the hostages. The rescued hostages are Almog Meir Jan, 21, Andri Kozlov, 27, and Shlomi Ziv, 41. Also rescued was Noa Argamani, a 26-year-old Israeli woman. Before his death, Aljamal also contributed to the Palestine Chronicle news outlet, where he wrote numerous stories covering the deaths of Palestinians in Gaza during Israel’s offensive. The Palestine Chronicle is based in Washington, but Aljamal wrote from inside Gaza.

 Anambra Assembly Summons Lawmaker Over Fund Diversion Exposé The Anambra State House of Assembly has summoned Ayamelum lawmaker Bernard Udemezue for revealing on social media how members allegedly divert constituency funds. The House, acting on a motion by Hon. Tony Muobike, said Udemezue’s posts endangered lawmakers’ safety and tarnished the Assembly’s image. Udemezue, a PDP member, admitted publishing details of his allowances, insisting it was part of his pledge of transparency to constituents. He accused colleagues of pocketing constituency funds meant for the people. Speaker Somtochukwu Udeze referred the matter to the House Committee on Ethics, which will report next Tuesday.

 Adeleke to FG: Release Osun’s Withheld LG Funds Governor Ademola Adeleke has renewed calls on the Federal Government to release Osun’s local government allocations, backing the Nigerian Bar Association’s report that described their seizure as unconstitutional. He said the NBA’s findings vindicated his administration and confirmed the legitimacy of the February 2025 PDP council elections upheld by the Court of Appeal. While Adeleke thanked stakeholders for their support, the Osun APC dismissed the NBA’s intervention as “needless.” Traditionalists also prayed for Adeleke’s victory in the dispute during the Isese Day Festival.

 Edo PDP Declares 3-Day Mourning for Pioneer Chairman Solomon Aguele The Edo State PDP has declared three days of mourning for its late pioneer chairman, Chief Solomon Aguele, suspending all political activities from August 21.  A condolence register has been opened at the party secretariat in Benin City to honor Aguele, who led the party between 1999 and 2007.

 Eberechi Eze Set to Join Arsenal for Over £60m Arsenal are set to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze in a deal exceeding £60 million, outbidding rivals Tottenham.  The move follows concerns over Kai Havertz’s knee injury, with Arsenal reaching agreement in principle to secure the England international, whose contract with Palace runs until 2027.

Gov Namadi Appoints Permanent Members to Jigawa Civil Service Commission Governor Umar Namadi has approved the appointments of Babandi Saleh as Permanent Member II and Ibrahim Adamu Fagam as Permanent Member III of the Jigawa State Civil Service Commission. Muhammad Bare has also been elevated from Permanent Member II to Permanent Member I. The appointments, confirmed by the Jigawa State House of Assembly on August 19, 2025, take immediate effect. The Secretary to the Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim, urged the appointees to perform their duties diligently in line with Commission regulations.

 Nigeria’s External Reserves Reach $41 Billion Milestone Nigeria recorded an external reserve of $41,001,830,139.96 (forty-one billion dollars) on 19 August, according to data published today by the Central Bank. Net foreign reserve was $40.3 billion. Nairametrics reported that the last time our country recorded such a level of foreign liquidity was in 2021, 44 months ago. The latest milestone was reached without our country having a massive inflow from oil sales. Indeed, oil prices are sliding southwards. It's all about the prudent management of the economy by President Bola Tinubu. I can bet that Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai and Babachir Lawal would never acknowledge this remarkable success. They are more interested in their doomed campaign to overthrow Bola Tinubu. This obsession has blinded them from recognising the progress being delivered by President Bola Tinubu's government on multiple fronts.

 TikTok star John Crawley, known as KingBeardX, dies at 47 John E. Crawley, the TikTok creator known as "KingBeardX," has died at the age of 47, according to friends and neighbors in Mississippi. Crawley, whose fast-paced humor and signature tight-angle shots earned him 2.5 million followers, passed away Monday at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. Crawley, often calling himself the "funniest dude on the Internet," had been struggling with breathing issues and did not have health insurance, prompting a GoFundMe campaign to help cover his hospital expenses. The fundraiser organizer shared news of his death on Tuesday, noting that donations would continue to assist with funeral costs and support Crawley’s mother. Known for his mix of observational comedy and over-the-top delivery, Crawley often poked fun at food, from mispronouncing "salmonella" while joking about a chicken sandwich to critiquing a food influencer’s demonstration of how to eat a cin...

 Man arrested after allegedly dragging Massachusetts Trooper and sparking multistate manhunt, police say A Vermont man accused of dragging a Massachusetts state trooper during a traffic stop and triggering a multistate manhunt has been arrested, authorities said. Mason Payne, 23, of Weathersfield, Vermont, was taken into custody around 5 p.m. Wednesday at a motel in Stamford, Connecticut. Police said two firearms were recovered during a search of his vehicle and room. The arrest followed a series of incidents beginning Tuesday afternoon, when Dover, Vermont, police reported Payne was involved in an armed domestic assault. Later that evening, at about 10 p.m., a Massachusetts state trooper pulled him over in Holyoke. According to investigators, Payne accelerated during the encounter, dragging the trooper several feet before fleeing. The pursuit was quickly called off due to safety concerns, but Payne was last seen driving an older black Audi sedan. Throughout the search, law enforce...

Fire on US warship near Japan injures 2 sailors before being put out A fire broke out Wednesday aboard the USS New Orleans, an amphibious transport dock ship stationed off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, leaving two sailors with minor injuries, according to the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet. Officials confirmed that the fire, which lasted nearly 12 hours, was extinguished and that the cause remains under investigation. The incident occurred while the 684-foot vessel was operating near the White Beach Naval Facility. The crew of the USS New Orleans was assisted in firefighting efforts by sailors from the USS San Diego, another amphibious warship, along with support from the Japanese coast guard and military forces. The Navy said its personnel will remain aboard the vessel, which was commissioned in 2007 and is capable of carrying up to 800 people. The fire came four years after a devastating blaze on the USS Bonhomme Richard in San Diego, which burned for five days, caused catastrophic damage, and...

  ANAMBRA POLICE ARRAIGNS FOUR SUSPECTS OVER DEFILEMENT CASES The Anambra State Police Command on 20th August 2025, arraigned four suspects involved in separate cases of defilement before the Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court sitting in Awka. The suspects were subsequently remanded at the Correctional Centre pending further court proceedings. The Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD has reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to the protection of children and other vulnerable persons in the State, while also warning all offenders that such acts will not go unpunished. SP Tochukwu Ikenga Police Public Relations Officer Anambra State Police Command, Awka 21st August, 2025

 NELFUND to Halt Upkeep Loan Disbursements During School Holidays The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) announced on Thursday that it will suspend the disbursement of upkeep loans to students during school holidays, aligning payments strictly with the academic sessions of tertiary institutions across the country. In a statement issued by NELFUND’s management, the decision aims to ensure efficient use of resources and better align loan disbursements with students’ academic needs. The upkeep loans, designed to cover living expenses for students in Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and other tertiary institutions, will now be disbursed only when academic sessions are active. “This adjustment reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility and ensuring that funds are utilized effectively to support students during their active academic periods,” said NELFUND’s spokesperson, Aisha Musa. “Disbursements will resume promptly at the start of each institution’s academic session.” Th...

 Peter Obi Condemns Proposed Salary Hike for Nigerian Political Office Holders Peter Obi, former presidential candidate and leader of the Labour Party, has publicly criticized the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for its proposal to increase salaries for political office holders by over 100 percent. The announcement, made on Thursday, has reignited debates over public sector compensation amid Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Obi described the proposed salary hike as “insensitive” and “out of touch” with the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians, who are grappling with inflation, rising fuel prices, and widespread economic hardship. “At a time when citizens are struggling to afford basic necessities, proposing such a drastic increase for political office holders is unacceptable,” Obi stated. “Leadership should prioritize the welfare of the masses, not personal enrichment.” The RMAFC’s proposal, which is stil...

 Abia Governor Urges Community Leaders to Uphold Integrity in Town Unions Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called on community development union leaders to prioritize good governance and ethical leadership in communities across Abia State and Nigeria. Speaking during a meeting with the Abia State Association of Igbo Town Unions, led by President General George Mgbeorurukwe, on Wednesday, Otti expressed concern over individuals of questionable character occupying leadership roles in some communities. Governor Otti emphasized that his administration seeks credible individuals for leadership positions, explicitly rejecting thieves, fraudsters, and those with untraceable wealth. “We don’t want thieves. We don’t want drug dealers, and we don’t want 419 people as leaders of town unions,” Otti stated, warning that corrupt leaders could foster criminal behavior within communities. Otti urged the association to ensure that only reputable individuals are elected as community leaders, stre...

 ASUU Criticizes FG’s Approval of New Private Universities Amid Moratorium The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has strongly criticized the Federal Government’s recent approval of new private universities, accusing it of contradicting its own policy. The criticism comes in response to the government’s announcement of a seven-year moratorium on the establishment of new tertiary institutions, a measure intended to address the proliferation of underfunded and substandard universities. In a statement issued on Thursday, ASUU’s National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, described the approval of additional private universities as a “flagrant violation” of the moratorium and a setback to efforts to improve the quality of tertiary education in Nigeria. “The Federal Government’s decision to approve new private universities while the moratorium is still in place undermines the integrity of its policies and raises questions about its commitment to addressing the systemic issues p...