PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Man finally arrested for fatally killing his ex-girlfriend North West Police have arrested a 26-year-old man suspected of murdering his ex-girlfriend, Kgaugelo Marota (20), and attempting to kill his current girlfriend in Maubane village. According to Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Patrick Asaneng, Makapanstad Police acted swiftly, arresting the suspect in Carousel View near Maubane in the early hours of Friday morning. Marota was found dead at a local tavern on Thursday, 21 August, with multiple stab wounds. Emergency and Medical Rescue Services confirmed her death at the scene. Investigations revealed that the suspect then attacked his current girlfriend at home. She was rushed to the hospital and is receiving treatment. Disturbingly, the man reportedly posted on social media explaining his actions.  The suspect is expected to appear in Temba Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 25 August, facing charges of murder and attempted murder.

 Trump says he will continue pushing back TikTok shutdown deadline President Donald Trump said Friday that concerns over national security and privacy tied to TikTok and its Chinese parent company ByteDance are “highly overrated” and confirmed he will continue extending the platform’s U.S. shutdown deadline until a buyer is secured. Congress had approved a ban on TikTok unless ByteDance sold its controlling stake, but Trump has already extended the deadline three times during his second term, with the next extension set for Sept. 17. “We’re gonna watch the security concerns,” Trump told reporters. “We have buyers, American-buyers. Until the complexity of things work out, we just extend a little bit longer.” The first extension came via an executive order on Jan. 20, the president’s first day in office, after the platform briefly went dark following a national ban upheld by the Supreme Court. The second extension was in April, when a potential U.S.-owned spin-off fell through after ...

 Gangs of London set to return for season 4 Britain’s Sky announced Thursday that its crime drama Gangs of London has been renewed for a fourth season. Created by Gareth Evans, the series airs on AMC in the United States. The ensemble cast includes Sope Dirisu, Joe Cole, Michelle Fairley, Lucian Msamati, Brian Vernel, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Narges Rashidi, Asif Raza Mir, Jahz Armando, Fady Elsayed, Andrew Koji, Richard Dormer, T’Nia Miller, and Orli and Eri Shuka. Dirisu stars as an undercover police detective embedded in a powerful, family-run criminal organization. Season 3 premiered in March, and no premiere date has been announced for Season 4.

 Cancer vaccine demonstrates early success against difficult-to-treat tumors Researchers at UCLA and collaborators are testing a new off-the-shelf cancer vaccine, ELI-002 2P, that doesn’t require personalization and can be given to any patient whose tumor carries certain KRAS mutations. These mutations are common in about 90% of pancreatic cancers and roughly half of colorectal cancers. The peptide-based vaccine is designed to prime the immune system to recognize and attack KRAS-mutated cancer cells, offering a potentially more accessible and cost-effective alternative to highly tailored immunotherapies. In a Phase 1 trial called AMPLIFY-201, 25 patients who had undergone surgery and had minimal residual disease — 20 with pancreatic cancer and five with colorectal cancer — received the vaccine. It combined peptides representing common KRAS mutations with an immune-stimulating adjuvant, CpG-7909, delivered to target lymph nodes. Over a median follow-up of nearly 20 months, 17 partic...

 Pope Leo XIV set to visit Lebanon on first foreign trip Pope Leo XIV is expected to make his first international trip to Lebanon before the end of the year. Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rai, patriarch of the Maronite Catholic Church, said the visit would take place “sometime between now and December,” though the Vatican has yet to announce exact dates. Preparations are reportedly underway, but the timing remains uncertain pending Vatican confirmation. Archbishop Paul Sayah, deputy to Lebanon’s highest-ranking Catholic leader, described the visit as significant. “Lebanon is a multicultural, multi-religious country and a place of dialogue,” he said. “It’s one of the rare environments where Muslims and Christians live together and respect each other, sending a meaningful message to the region.” Popes have long traveled internationally to connect with Catholics worldwide. Pope Francis, for example, visited 68 countries on 47 foreign trips during his 12-year pontificate and had previously ...

 Central New York mother charged under rarely used law after son’s crime spree UTICA, NEW YORK - A Utica woman has been arrested on a rarely used charge after police said her 11-year-old son went on a crime spree and she failed to intervene. Nurto Mohamed, 36, was taken into custody Tuesday by Utica Police’s Patrol Division and Juvenile Aid Unit and charged with endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor, for “failure to exercise due diligence in control of a child.” Authorities said Mohamed’s son has been involved in at least four felonies, including a robbery, along with numerous misdemeanors since early 2025. Police also said the boy and a 12-year-old accomplice recently committed a burglary that damaged several vehicles, stole two cars, and drove them around the city, causing additional property damage. Mohamed had been made aware of her son’s actions and offered assistance services, but reportedly did not take steps to control his behavior. Because of his age, the boy c...

 NYSC Appeals To Gov. Uba Sani For Permanent Orientation Camp The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has called on Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, to establish a permanent orientation camp and enhance the welfare of corps members serving in the state. The state coordinator, Mrs. Efeke Murna Dadaza, made the appeal on Tuesday during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch B Stream I orientation course held at the temporary camp inside Government College, Kaduna. Since insecurity escalated in Kaduna, the NYSC has been forced to relocate from the Black Gold Orientation Camp along the Kaduna-Abuja highway—now occupied by security operatives—to the temporary site at Government College. Dadaza urged the governor to create a more conducive environment for NYSC programmes, listing key demands such as a befitting permanent orientation camp, improved welfare packages for corps members, inauguration of the NYSC Kaduna State Governing Board, and provision of utility vehicles to ease camp oper...

 Woman Collapses In Sabon Tasha, Rescued By Good Samaritans A woman who collapsed at NITEL Quarters in Sabo was revived after quick intervention from passersby, including eyewitness Reuben Buhari. Mr. Buhari in a Facebook post, explained that he had just driven into the area when he saw the woman lying unconscious in front of his car.  “I spoke to her, but she didn’t move. I shook her, but nothing. I then checked her pulse on her wrist and neck, and thankfully, I found she was still alive,” he said. As he sought help, a man and two women joined him. While checking her bag for a phone to contact her relatives, they instead found an empty inhaler, indicating that she had suffered an asthma attack. “We got water and splashed it on her, and after a couple of minutes she moaned, then her eyes opened slowly. We helped her sit up, moved her to the side of the road, and gave her water to drink,” Buhari narrated. The woman later identified herself as a resident of Ungwan Pama. She said...

Family Dispute Erupts Over Burial Rights in Imo State A family feud has sparked controversy in a local community following the death of a matriarch, as her first son, Uzoma Nwawere, allegedly refuses to allow her burial on the family compound until his married sisters and their husbands provide a financial settlement. According to a retired police officer who spoke at the family’s compound, the deceased, whose husband, Godwin Nwawere, passed away earlier, is survived by Uzoma, their only son, and five daughters, all married to men from Mbano, Imo State. The officer claimed that the daughters, who are reportedly well-off, cared for their mother but neglected Uzoma and failed to accord him the respect traditionally due to a first son. Speaking in Igbo, the officer stated, “Godwin Nwawere, the husband of the deceased, is no longer alive. They had Uzoma, their first son, and five daughters, all married. But the first son was not given the respect he deserves. The daughters, married to Mban...

 ASUP Issues 21-Day Strike Ultimatum to Federal Government Over Unmet Demands The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has threatened to initiate a nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to address its demands within a 21-day ultimatum. The warning was issued by Innocent Simji, ASUP Zone B Coordinator, during a press briefing in Bauchi on Friday, August 22, 2025. Simji stated that the ultimatum, which began following an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on August 14, reflects the union’s frustration with the government’s inaction on critical issues affecting the polytechnic sector. “The union resolved to issue a 21-day ultimatum to the government to address germane issues threatening the survival of the polytechnic sector,” he said, aligning the zonal chapter’s stance with the national headquarters’ resolution. Key demands include the release of circulars by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to cover peculiar academic al...

 Human Dignity remains Sacrosanct, Says Omasi Monarch Condemning Brutal Onslaught On NYSC Female Corps Member By Michael Ezenwata  In a calculated response to the dehumanizing attack on  a female National Youth Corps Member, Miss Jennifer Elohor in Oba by some sacked "Agunaechemba' security operatives, the deputy state Chairman, traditional rulers council and Chairman, Anambra North Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Benjamin Okeji has condemned the act as an assault on womanhood and civility. In a press statement in Awka on the brazen show of rascality and unprofessionalism by the deposed operatives,Igwe Okeji doubling as the traditional ruler of Omasi, felt devastated that in the 21st century and in a state adjudged as the light of the nation, people could descend so low to exhibit such act of barbarism and uncouth behavior. The royal father holding the office of the State Chairman Southern Governor's Forum, affirmed that his office cannot stand  by and watch such di...

 Ujari Monarch Announces 30th August 2025 As Royal New Yam Festival For The Community  By Michael Ezenwata  The Traditional Ruler of Ujari(Ajalli) in Orumba North LGA,  HRH Igwe Austin Chukwudebere Nwangwu( Eze Ohazurumee Ujari Koko- Obasi) has announced 30th day of August 2025 as the official day for the celebration of his new yam festival. In a press briefing in Awka ahead of the event,Igwe Nwangwu noted that the event will provide a forum for the exhibition of the cultural heritage of the community. The royal father further announced that the occasion will feature the celebration of his 2 years anniversary as a certified traditional ruler following the receipt of a certificate of recognition from Governor Chukwuma Soludo. He used the forum to appreciate Governor Soludo for the positive transformation of the 3 Senatorial Zones of the state and acknowledged with joy his recent coronation with the  Chieftaincy Title"Oluatuegwu'  by the Anambra South Traditi...

 ANAMBRA POLICE ARRESTS FOUR SUSPECTS: RECORDS DEATH OF ONE, RECOVERS VANDALIZED HIGH-TENSION CABLES AND TRANSFORMER PARTS IN SEPARATE OPERATIONS AT ONITSHA AND OBOSI The Anambra State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in separate operations carried out at Onitsha and Obosi respectively in its sustained fight against acts of sabotage and vandalism of government infrastructure. On the 21st of August 2025, operatives of the Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu, acting on credible intelligence, raided a vandal’s hideout along Atani Road, Onitsha. During the operation, three suspects were arrested. They include: Adamu Ali ‘M’, 25 years, Usman Sulaiman ‘M’, 22 years and Isah Abdullahi ‘M’, 26 years. The Operatives also recovered from them Bags of high-tension cable wires, Melted cable wires and Parts of transformer equipments. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are part of a syndicate that specialises in vandalizing and selling power ...

 ANAMBRA POLICE RECEIVES REPORTS OF PROTEST AGAINST SECURITY OPERATIVES, ASSURES STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT FOR NECESSARY ACTION The Anambra State Police Command today 22nd August 2025 received reports of a protest against security operatives in the State. The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations DCP Ibrahim Ezekiel receiving the report on behalf of the Command assures members of the public, especially Ndi Anambra, that the matter is receiving the necessary attention. He notes that in line with its mandate to maintain peace and security, the Command will engage relevant State security stakeholders and partners to ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address the concerns raised, in accordance with the law and established procedures. The Command further reiterates that the establishment of security outfits operating within Anambra State was borne out of the collective will and consensus of Ndi Anambra, with the sole aim of strengthening community safety, enhancin...

 Appeals court overturns major civil fraud fine against President Donald Trump  A New York appeals court on Thursday wiped out a massive financial penalty against President Donald Trump but upheld a key part of a lower court’s ruling that found he committed fraud by overstating his wealth for years. The decision spares Trump and his two oldest sons from paying over half a billion dollars in fines but leaves in place a temporary ban on their serving as corporate officers. Trump hailed the outcome as a “TOTAL VICTORY,” arguing the lawsuit — brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James — was politically motivated. “They stole $550 million from me with a fake case, and it was overturned,” he said in Washington, D.C., echoing earlier posts on social media. James, a Democrat, focused on the part of the ruling that went in her favor, noting it affirmed the finding of fraud against Trump, his company, and two of his children. The appellate decision came seven months into Trump’s...

 New Beatles Anthology releases set for this fall Beatles fans have plenty to look forward to this fall, as new content celebrating the iconic band arrives across music, books, and streaming platforms. The legendary 1995 documentary series “The Beatles Anthology” is being fully restored and remastered, now featuring a new ninth episode, and will stream on Disney+ starting November 26. The latest episode includes behind-the-scenes footage of Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr reuniting in 1994-1995 to work on the series and reflect on their shared journey as the Beatles. Giles Martin, son of the late Beatles producer George Martin, has crafted new audio mixes for much of the featured music. Music fans will also get “Anthology 4,” set for release on November 21 alongside remastered editions of the first three albums. The fourth collection includes 13 previously unreleased demos, session recordings, and rare tracks, as well as new mixes of the “Anthology”-era singles “Fr...

Man arrested for throwing sex toy at Liberty game, third arrest in series of disturbances An Ohio man was arrested for throwing a sex toy onto the court during a WNBA game in New York, marking the third arrest linked to a series of similar disturbances at games nationwide, police said Thursday. Charles Burgess, 32, of Dayton, Ohio, was taken into custody on Wednesday and charged with two counts of assault for allegedly tossing the object at the Dallas Wings vs. New York Liberty game on August 5, striking a 12-year-old girl, according to New York City police. Burgess voluntarily surrendered after driving from Ohio and pleaded not guilty, his lawyer, Paul D’Emilia, said. He was released ahead of a court appearance scheduled for December. D’Emilia described Burgess, an auto body shop owner with six children and no prior criminal record, as planning to “vigorously fight these embellished and exaggerated charges.” Prosecutors cited surveillance footage showing Burgess removing the sex toy f...

 Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi welcome first child through adoption Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi announced Thursday that they have welcomed their first child, a daughter, through adoption this summer. The couple shared on social media, “We are beyond excited to embark on this beautiful next chapter of parenthood in both peace and privacy,” offering no additional details. Brown, 21, and Bongiovi, 23, were married in a private ceremony in May 2024. Representatives for both actors did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Brown became widely known for her role as Eleven in the Duffer brothers’ sci-fi series Stranger Things, which concludes with its fifth season airing this November and December after nine years of production. She has also starred in the Netflix Enola Holmes films, appeared in a Godzilla movie, and released a romance novel in 2023. Bongiovi, the son of rock legend Jon Bon Jovi, launched his acting career with the film Rockbottom, which premier...

 Lil Nas X arrested after allegedly charging at police on LA street while nearly naked Rapper Lil Nas X was arrested early Thursday in Los Angeles after police say he charged at officers who were responding to reports of a nearly naked man walking down Ventura Boulevard in Studio City. Authorities said the 26-year-old performer, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor obstruction and briefly taken to a hospital out of concern for a possible drug overdose before being released back into police custody. He was later transported to the Valley Jail in Van Nuys, near where the incident occurred. Police said officers encountered Lil Nas X around 6 a.m., and video obtained by TMZ appeared to show him wearing only underwear and boots on the busy street. His representatives have not responded to requests for comment, and no updates have been provided about his medical condition. The Grammy-nominated Atlanta native first rose to fame with his record-brea...

 Trump administration reviewing 55 million visa holders for possible deportation violations The State Department announced Thursday that it is reviewing the records of more than 55 million U.S. visa holders to identify potential revocations or violations of immigration laws. All visa holders are subject to “continuous vetting,” and if evidence emerges that a person is ineligible, their visa can be revoked, and they may face deportation if in the United States. Officials said the review will look for signs of ineligibility, including visa overstays, criminal activity, threats to public safety, terrorist involvement, or support for terrorist organizations. The process will examine social media activity, law enforcement, and immigration records, and any violations committed while in the U.S. The State Department said that since President Donald Trump’s return to office, visa revocations have increased significantly, including a near quadrupling of student visa cancellations. Thousands...

 Prosecutors say Sean Combs should not get a new trial Federal prosecutors argued in a court filing that Sean “Diddy” Combs should not receive a new trial, saying there was “more than a sufficient basis” to support his conviction on two counts of transporting individuals to engage in prostitution. The filing responds to a July 31 motion from Combs’ defense seeking either acquittal or a new trial, following his July 2 acquittal on more serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. Combs’ attorneys argued that the Mann Act, under which he was convicted, was too broadly applied to his case and that the evidence used to support his conviction was insufficient. They also claimed “spillover prejudice” from evidence related to the charges he was acquitted of, which they said unfairly influenced the jury. Prosecutors countered that Combs transported escorts across state lines for paid sexual encounters called “freak-offs,” directed the activities for his own sexual gratification, an...

 Police continue investigating death of Hulk Hogan  Police in Florida continue to investigate the July death of professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, at age 71. The Clearwater Police Department said Thursday that the “unique nature of this case” has required interviews with multiple witnesses and the collection of medical records from various providers, which detectives are still reviewing. Hogan died on July 24 at a hospital after paramedics responded to a 911 call from his Clearwater beachfront home. Police body camera footage from the scene and the 911 call have not been released. Authorities have said there is no evidence of foul play, and the medical examiner attributed Hogan’s death to natural causes, noting his history of leukemia and atrial fibrillation. Investigators are coordinating with Hogan’s family, including his children Nick and Brooke, and plan to brief them on the case before making any public release. Hogan was a major f...

 Passengers sue United and Delta over ‘window’ seats next to blank walls Federal lawsuits filed this week in San Francisco and New York accuse Delta Air Lines and United Airlines of misleading passengers by charging extra for “window” seats that are actually next to blank walls. The cases, filed as proposed class actions, aim to represent passengers who say they would not have selected or paid more for these seats if they had known they lacked a view. “We have received a flood of interest from passengers who feel they have been harmed by this practice and who wish to join the lawsuits,” said the Greenbaum Olbrantz law firm. “Many Americans fly on these airlines and expect a window when paying a premium.” Delta and United have not commented, citing ongoing litigation. According to the Delta lawsuit, New York resident Nicholas Meyer discovered his seat, 23F, on a flight to California, was next to a blank wall despite being sold as a window seat. The lawsuit says Delta did not disclos...

 Pennsylvania lawmaker introduces bill to make motorcycle helmets mandatory A Berks County lawmaker has introduced a bill that would require all motorcycle riders in Pennsylvania to wear helmets. Representative Manuel Guzman (D) proposed the Universal Motorcycle Helmet Safety Act, sparking mixed reactions from lifelong bikers. Kenneth Slippey, a veteran rider, said he always wears a helmet and considers it essential for safety. “I would never ride without a helmet,” he explained. The statewide helmet mandate was repealed in 2003, largely due to efforts by the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Towards Education (ABATE), which opposes the new proposal. ABATE emphasized personal choice, stating, “Pennsylvania motorcyclists fought hard for the freedom of choice. We won back in 2003, and we will not sit back quietly while that right is threatened. We are not anti-helmet. We are pro-choice. Helmets should be a decision made by the rider – not by politicians.” Currently, Pennsylvania law requires ...

 Funeral home owner facing sentencing for corpse abuse after storing decaying bodies It has been two years since authorities discovered nearly 200 decaying bodies inside a room-temperature, bug-infested building in rural Colorado. On Friday, Jon Hallford, the funeral home owner responsible, is scheduled to be sentenced in state court on 191 counts of corpse abuse. Hallford and his wife, Carie, operated Return to Nature Funeral Home in Colorado Springs for four years, misleading families by claiming they were properly handling cremations while secretly storing bodies in deteriorating conditions. Instead of returning authentic ashes, they provided concrete-like substitutes to grieving families. Jon Hallford is already serving a federal prison sentence after pleading guilty to fraud charges; Friday’s hearing addresses state-level charges for the mistreatment of human remains. Families will have an opportunity to share the anguish of discovering their loved ones had been left to decomp...

 Newsom signs California redistricting laws in response to Texas legislation California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two redistricting bills into law Thursday, shortly after the state’s Democratic-controlled Legislature approved them. The new measures come as a direct response to Texas’s Republican-led House passing a congressional map at the urging of President Trump. Newsom also announced a special election for Nov. 4, allowing Californians to vote on the newly drawn congressional districts. Speaking at the signing, Newsom said, “We’re responding to what occurred in Texas. We’re neutralizing what occurred, and we’re giving the American people a fair chance, because when all things are equal, we’re all playing by the same rules.” Republicans pushed back, with Assembly leader James Gallagher calling the moves “about power on both sides, rigging congressional districts to get partisan results,” and warning that fighting fire with fire risks undermining the principle of fair representati...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE JAPAN DESIGNATES CITY OF KISARAZU AS HOMETOWN FOR NIGERIANS   The government of Japan on Thursday named the city of Kisarazu as the hometown for Nigerians willing to live and work in the country as part of its strategic efforts to deepen cultural diplomacy, promote economic growth and enhance workforce productivity.     Under this new partnership, announced on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development, the Japanese government will create a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians who want to move to Kisarazu to live and work.   Artisans and other blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are ready to upskill will also benefit from the special dispensation visa to work in Japan.   Japan International Cooperation Agency, in a ceremony, also named the cities of Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture the hometown of Tanzania, Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture the hometown of Gh...

 INEC PRESENTS CERTIFICATE OF RETURN TO BY-ELECTION WINNERS INEC on Thursday said Certificates of Return were presented to seven candidates that won the August 16, 2025, By-Elections across seven states. The National Commissioner for the states presented Certificates of Return to two senatorial districts in Anambra South and Edo Central, as well as five federal constituencies in Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun and Oyo states. For other winners, "sealed Certificates of Return in a prescribed form shall be issued within 14 days to every candidate returned by the Returning Officer," INEC said.

 I DON'T GO INTO GUTTERS WITH PEOPLE - SEYI MAKINDE Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has revealed that he does not fight dirty and that he does not go into gutters with critics or opponents. Governor Makinde stated this after the South-West zoning consultative summit of the PDP held in Lagos in Thursday. “Personally, when people go low or go into the gutters, I don’t go with them," he said. "Some people are now going into the gutters. We will reach out to them. That is democracy. “I can disagree with people, but there shouldn’t be anything personal here. It should be about what we are giving to Nigerians because they are watching.”

 FG LAUNCHES ASFAAR VISA PROCESSING CENTRE  The federal government has launched a visa processing centre that will facilitate visa procurement and validity as well as eliminate visa fraud. Named Asfaar, the centre was launched in Abuja this week under the leadership of the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar.  Tuggar's assistant on media and communications, Alkasim Abdulkadir, said visa processing operations at the facility will boost the integrity of data captured on travel applicants' visas.  Jamil Hausawi, CEO of Asfaar, said the centre will integrate with ONSA, NIMC, and other foreign embassies. He said Asfaar services will first roll out for Arab and Gulf states, then Asia and Australia, and lastly Europe and the US. 

 PETER OBI'S SON SLAMS CRITICS ON FALSEHOOD The son of Labour Party presidential candidate and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has slammed his father's critics as well as his own distractors on slanderous falsehood.  Oseloka Obi said it is unfortunate that people put him and his father in the same class, adding that he is an actor and filmmaker while his father is the politician. Oseloka slammed those weaving political lies around his online photos to achieve mischievous ends.  “I have never lived a life of scandal," he said. "I am an actor and filmmaker, not a politician. It is unfortunate that some people take my creative roles and repackage them into political lies. This pettiness does not move Nigeria forward. These are distractions."

 £250,000 LIFELINE FROM MY DAD PUT ME IN OIL BUSINESS - OTEDOLA  Billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, revealed in his recently published memoir that a £250,000 loan facility from his dad gave him a foothold in the oil business. The son of a former governor of Lagos State, Michael Otedola, Femi said he built Zenon Petroleum into one of Nigeria’s most prominent oil trading companies with that loan. Apart from his success in oil and gas, Femi Otedola said he was able to record significant breakthroughs in power generation through Geregu Power, finance through First HoldCo Plc, as well as in shipping and real estate. Otedola's memoir is titled "Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business" and released on August 18. It currently ranks number three on Amazon’s "Best Sellers in Business Biographies and Memoirs".

 South Africa's coal exports to Israel spark protests South Africans protested to demand that the government impose an embargo on all shipments of coal to Israel amid Tel Aviv’s genocide in Gaza. Demonstrators on Thursday carried placards that read: “Glencore is fuelling genocide, No South African coal for Israel, Ban coal exports to genocidal Israel, Stop fuelling the genocide,’’ Mining company Glencore exports coal to Israel, which demonstrators said helps keep Israel’s electricity grid on, enabling its deadly high-tech military to function. “We find it appalling that tonnes of coal exported from South Africa to the settler colonial regime fuels the regime's slaughter of Palestinians,” an official of the Johannesburg-based think tank, Media Review Network, told Anadolu. ‘Halt supply’ He urged South Africa to take a decisive measure to halt the supply by companies. Protesters marched to the offices of the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition in Pretoria, Durban, and ...

Libya foils rocket attack on UN mission headquarters The UN Support Mission in Libya said on Friday that its Tripoli headquarters had come under rocket attack without causing any casualties or damage. The Libyan interior ministry said it foiled "an attempted attack" with an anti-tank missile on the compound housing UNSMIL headquarters. The rocket hit a house in Janzour on the outskirts of the capital, the ministry added, without specifying how far that was from UNSMIL headquarters, AFP reported. Authorities said they seized a pickup truck "carrying two more missiles and a launch platform" but gave no indication of who might have carried out the attack. Rival administrations In May, the capital was rocked by days of deadly fighting between rival armed groups that left at least eight people dead, according to UNSMIL. The fighting broke out after authorities said they were dismantling armed groups. UN facilities not impacted The latest attack took place as UNSMIL chief...

 Nigerian Government: None of My PAs Earns Below N1 Million Per Month Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has clarified the salaries of his political aides, stressing that all his Personal Assistants (PAs) earn at least one million naira monthly. During a Town Square Meeting with residents in Ibiaku Ntok Okpo, within the Ikono and Ini Federal Constituency, Governor Eno expressed criticism towards public comments made by some aides that seemed to minimize their earnings. The Governor commended Blessed Essien, his Protocol Assistant, for allocating a portion of his salary to finance a borehole project in his community. To honor this initiative, Governor Eno declared Essien's promotion to Special Assistant on Public Works. Governor Eno pointed out disparities in dedication among his appointees by stating, "I learned about a PA who used part of their earnings to build and maintain a borehole for their village. That's truly commendable. However, others with similar opportunitie...

 Retired General Williams: Nigeria’s Security Problems Can Be Solved in Six Months Retired General Ishola Williams, the former Chief of Defence Training and Planning, is hopeful that Nigeria can address its numerous security challenges. Ishola stated on Channels Television's Sunrise Daily program on Friday that the issue of insecurity could be resolved within six months. "We can resolve the security issue within six months," he claimed. Reports have emerged of bandit attacks occurring in various parts of the country. The most recent incident involved an assault on a mosque in Katsina State, resulting in the deaths of over 30 worshippers. Conflicts over land and other resources have been associated with banditry. Armed gangs have transformed cattle theft, kidnapping, and the imposition of taxes on farmers into lucrative enterprises throughout the impoverished rural areas. Residents report that government presence in these regions has been insufficient.

 Boko Haram Leader Bakoura Denies Reports of His Death Ibrahim Bakoura Doro, also known as Abu Oumaimah and a commander of Boko Haram, has refuted the Nigerien government's assertions that he was killed in recent military operations in the Diffa region. The Nigerien Armed Forces announced on Friday that Bakoura and several other insurgent leaders were neutralized during precision airstrikes carried out on August 15 in Korongol, Kournawa, and Shilawa. According to the military, the strikes eliminated Boko Haram bases, neutralized dozens of fighters, and resulted in the deaths of high-ranking commanders such as Bakoura. Niger’s head of state, General Abdurahamane Tiani, praised the operation as a significant achievement and referred to Bakoura as a key player in attempts to destabilize the country. On Saturday, security sources intercepted a message in which Bakoura denied reports of his death. He allegedly informed his commanders that, despite the occurrence of airstrikes, he was no...

  Taribo West: I Won’t Let My Son Visit Nigeria Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West expressed that he would never advise his son to visit Nigeria due to how the country treats its football heroes posthumously. In a video shared by News Central on Friday, while speaking at the funeral of former goalkeeper Peter Rufai, the ex-Inter Milan star criticized both the Nigeria Football Federation and Lagos State Government for allegedly neglecting Rufai’s family. It's discouraging to see that Lagos State and the Nigerian Football Association are placing most of the responsibility on the family. In my gut, it feels like there's nothing worth sacrificing yourself for in this situation. That's why I've decided to take a step back—so I won't break down under pressure. It's truly distressing. "My mother died, but I didn't cry. When my father took his last breath in front of me, still no tears came. However, when Rufai passed away, I felt goosebumps all over and ...

 There is new information in the strangulation and domestic violence case against John "Adam" Tripp. Mr. Tripp is a former Anna, Illinois Police Officer; he lost his job after these charges.  Tripp and his wife had been separated for months on July 6th of this year.  According to official reports, Adam Tripp and his wife were parked on a very rural road near Anna, Illinois. It is described as "very isolated". It is a one lane gravel road off of 51. An individual that lives nearby was also parked on that road as this was a good place to "get away and clear your head".  Although very few people live in the area, the field near the road is considered very scenic with a lot of wildlife and clear skies at night.  The individual/eyewitness was parked with their headlights off. They parked a little bit away from Tripp's truck to give both parties some privacy.  On that Sunday night, the eyewitness heard a woman scream for help in a desperate voice.  Adam'...