PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 FRSC SECURES 245 CONVICTIONS IN FCT MOBILE COURT  The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) FCT Command has secured a total of 245 convictions during a series of Mobile Court sittings under its operation restore vanity IV. Inclusive of this is a military IMPERSONATOR and some other road traffic violators.  The special operation, carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Nigerian Army Brigade of Guards, was specifically designed to address the rising tide of traffic indiscipline along the busy Abuja–Nyanya corridor, notorious for route violations, overloading, and reckless driving. Out of these, those convicted, 9 were discharged after due consideration by the court. The Offences  include Seatbelt violation Driver’s licence violation Overloading as well as Route violation cases.  Others are dangerous driving, traffic light violation, number plate violation, wrongful overtaking, use of phone while driving, caution sign violation, and ...

Utah governor says alleged Kirk shooter is not cooperating with investigators Gov. Spencer Cox, R-Utah, said Sunday that the suspect in the shooting that killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk is refusing to cooperate with authorities. “He has not confessed to authorities and is not cooperating, but everyone around him is cooperating, and I think that’s very important,” Cox said, noting the assistance of those close to the suspect. Authorities have identified the alleged shooter as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who remains in custody. Charges are expected to be formally filed on Tuesday. Cox also confirmed that the suspect’s roommate, previously identified as a boyfriend, is transitioning from male to female and is cooperating with investigators. Officials have not yet determined a motive in the killing. The governor had previously described Robinson as “deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology,” but said Sunday that this characterization comes from acquaintances and family members,...

 Rivers State:  Administrator Urges Citizens To Unite The Rivers State  Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, retired, has appealed to the people of the state to set aside their differences and forge a united front toward peace and sustainable development that will transcend bitterness, political rivalry, and self-interest. The Administrator made the call at a Thanksgiving Service, which is part of events to  mark the return of democratic governance to the state. After spending six months in the saddle as administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, retired, will, in less than four days, hand over the reins of power. As part of the activities to herald the return of democratic rule to the state, Vice Admiral Ibas on Sunday joined other Christians at an interdenominational thanksgiving service held at the Ecumenical Centre in Port Harcourt. Looking back at the last six months, Vice Admiral Ibas said his administration has been able to sow the seeds of love and peace. The a...

 Senate President, SGF Urge Patience with Tinubu’s Reforms Amid Economic Hardship Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, have called on Nigerians to remain patient with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, assuring citizens that ongoing economic and political reforms, though challenging, will lead to long-term prosperity. The appeal was made during the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, according to a statement by Anietie Ekong, Special Assistant to the Senate President on Media/Communication. The call comes amid growing concerns over rising poverty levels, triggered by reforms such as the removal of the fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023. Since then, petrol prices have surged over threefold, food inflation has exceeded 35%, and the naira has faced significant volatility against the dollar. Addressing the gathering, Akpabio likened Nigeria’s tran...

 Minister Keyamo Warns Against Toxic Political Rhetoric Following Charlie Kirk’s Murder The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Saturday cautioned Nigerians against reckless statements and online attacks in political discourse, warning that such actions could incite violence. His remarks follow the murder of American conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead outside a public event in Arizona on Thursday. Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of the right-wing organization Turning Point USA, was killed in an incident that has sparked widespread debate in the United States about escalating political extremism and threats against public figures. In a post on his X handle, Keyamo described Kirk’s killing as a “sober lesson” for Nigeria, highlighting the dangers of toxic political exchanges. “The condemnable murder of Charlie Kirk in America holds a significance for us in Nigeria,” Keyamo stated. “The things we say and post in our intellectual contes...

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: LASG SET TO COMMENCE REPAIR OF OZUMBA MBADIWE ROAD The Lagos State Government has announced its plan to carry out repair works on the stretch of Ozumba Mbadiwe Road from Bonny Camp junction, from Monday, 15th to Sunday, 21st September 2025. The repair works will take place at night from 9.00 pm to 6.00 am to ensure minimal impact on traffic. Motorists are, therefore, urged to be patient while driving through the corridor. Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation.  

 LASCOHET PROVOST CONDEMNS ADMISSION FRAUD BY CYBERCAFE OPERATOR ... Says Perpetrator Will be Punished The Provost of Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHET), Professor Raheem Olasupo Akewushola, has condemned an act of fraud perpetrated by a Cyber café operator, Mr. Kehinde Micheal Arapatile. He reiterated that his administration has zero tolerance for such acts, and no stone will be left unturned in bringing perpetrators of such fraudulent acts and all other misconduct to book. Professor Akewushola stated that an applicant seeking admission into LASCOHET to study Health Assistant wrote a petition to the management accusing Mr. Kehinde Arapatile of defrauding her of the sum ₦1,500,000 based on the promise to help her secure admission into the College. She further stated that an initial payment of ₦500,000  was deposited in Arapatile’s account, pending completion of the process. But when  the applicant (name withheld) could not get the admission as promised, A...

 LAGOS TARGETS YOUTH TALENT WITH NEW ARTS, CRAFTS COMPETITION The Lagos State Government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at harnessing the creativity of its young people to celebrate heritage and shape the future of its cultural identity. Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Damilola Ayinde-Marshal, Esq., announced the launch of the Maiden Eko Arts and Crafts Competition, designed to provide secondary and tertiary school students with a platform to showcase their artistic gifts. Describing the competition as “a golden opportunity” for young Lagosians to transform their passion into productive careers, Marshal noted: “Within our classrooms are young artists, sculptors, and creative thinkers whose gifts must not only be encouraged but also refined, celebrated, and projected to the world. This competition reflects the vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda, to position...

 Gbajabiamila Mobilises Nnamani, Dogara, Other Ex-legislators for Tinubu’s Second Term *Southern caucus of forum of former lawmakers adopts president as sole candidate President Bola Tinubu’s chances of re-election for a second term  yesterday brightened when his Chief of Staff and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, mobilised the Southern Caucus of the Forum of the Former Legislators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to endorse him as their sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. The Southern Caucus of the Forum of Former Legislators, which adopted Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate in the next general election, comprises some former speakers and principal officers of the House of Representatives from the South-west, South-south, and South-east parts of Nigeria. The summit was convened by Gbajabiamila for the Southern Caucus of the former legislators, with the former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani, a...

 Stakeholders lament soaring Post-UTME, acceptance fees in tertiary institutions The increase in charges for Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Post-UTME), acceptance, and clearance fees across Nigerian universities has raised serious concerns among parents, students, and education stakeholders. Stakeholders also criticised the logistical challenges faced by candidates—often accompanied by their parents—who are compelled to travel long distances to the universities for screening. Many described these developments as an added financial strain on families already grappling with economic hardship. They called for a downward review of the charges, scrapping of acceptance and clearance fees, and online screening of qualified shortlisted candidates to end the burden and risks involved in embarking on long journeys. Originally pegged at N2,000, Post-UTME charges in many institutions have now risen to N5,000, N10,000, or more, depending on the institution. It would be recalle...

 Ibadan very strategic, central to development of Nigeria – Peter Obi The Presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP, during the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, has declared that Ibadan is very strategic and central to the development of Nigeria. Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, made this declaration when he paid a visit to the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja. Our correspondent reports that Obi and some of his associates visited Ladoja at his Bodija residence in Ibadan on Sunday. Obi was accompanied by the gubernatorial candidate of Labour Party in Lagos State in 2023, Mr Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Mr Yunusa Tanko, among others. The delegation arrived Ladoja’s residence around 10:55 am. Obi while speaking explained that he came to pay homage to the Olubadan-designate because Ibadan is very strategic and central to the political, social and economic development of Nigeria. Obi noted that Ladoja will bring his...

 Taraba LG polls: APC raises alarm over N1m tax clearance fee The Taraba State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has sounded the alarm over what it described as a deliberate attempt to undermine transparency and fairness in the preparations for the forthcoming local government elections. In a statement made available to journalists on Sunday in Taraba by the party chairman, El-Sudi Ibrahim Tukura, APC leaders accused the Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission, TSIEC, of taking steps that could restrict opposition participation while allegedly favouring the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Central to the APC’s complaint is the sharp increase in the tax clearance fee required for candidates. The party claims that the fee, which was N100,000 in previous elections and rose to N150,000 in the last cycle, has now been hiked to an unprecedented N1 million — a move they describe as arbitrary and targeted. “The imposition of N1 million as tax clearance fee is an int...

 Dogara, Nnamani, Etteh, others endorse Tinubu for second term ....Hail President’s economic reforms, ‘purposeful leadership’ ....Say new nation in the making The Southern Summit of Former Legislators, comprising the likes of ex-Senate President Ken Nnamani and ex-House of Representatives Speaker Patricia Etteh, yesterday adopted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its sole candidate for the 2027 election. The former legislators, who were joined at a summit in Abeokuta by another ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, said their decision was informed by the various reforms of President Tinubu, which have, in the last two years, re-engineered the economy, strengthened the currency and set the nation on the path of socio-economic recovery. They stressed the need for state governments to key into the reforms and support the President in his efforts to birth a new nation. The former lawmakers, in a communiqué issued at the end of the summit, said the south deserved to co...

 Yoruba actor Chief Kanran laid to rest in Lagos Veteran actor Segun Remi, popularly known as Chief Kanran, has been laid to rest following his death on August 15, 2025. The 70-year-old, celebrated for his remarkable contributions to the Yoruba movie industry, was buried on Friday, September 12, at his residence in Beckley Estate, Abule Egba, Lagos. Though the cause of his death remains undisclosed, his passing has plunged the movie industry into mourning. Videos shared on CityPeopleTV’s Instagram page showed the late actor’s body in a white coffin during the viewing.  In a particularly emotional moment, his immediate elder sister broke down in tears upon seeing his remains, before relatives and sympathisers consoled her. Fans also expressed their grief online, offering prayers for the repose of his soul and strength for his family.

 Resident doctors suspend strike, give FG additional two-week ultimatum The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has suspended its five-day warning strike, two days after it began. The association has also given the Federal Government an additional two-week ultimatum to meet its demands. The doctors had downed tools on Friday morning but suspended the action on Saturday night, with members directed to resume work today (Sunday). The President of the association, Dr. Tope Osundara, disclosed this in a WhatsApp message on Saturday. He said, “Some of our demands have been met. The government has promised to look into other issues. Strike suspended; resumption of work tomorrow (today). We did this as a sign of goodwill and to assist Nigerians who are seeking healthcare in our various facilities.” The doctors had issued a series of ultimatums before embarking on the strike — a 21-day ultimatum in July, extended by 10 days, which lapsed on September 10, followed by a final 24-hour de...

 Tragedy in Bauchi: Widow Found Dead on Her Farm A tragic incident has thrown the Kafin Tafawa community on the outskirts of Bauchi metropolis into mourning, following the gruesome murder of a widow, Salomi Benjamin. Her lifeless body was discovered on her farm, about two kilometers from her residence. According to her third son, Simeon, Mama Salomi left home for her farm around 8 a.m. but never returned. Concerned about her whereabout, the family began a search, only to find her dead in the evening, lying lifeless in her farm. "This time, it is not about a clash between farmers and herders," the source clarified. Alex Markus, a neighbor to the deceased, described the killing as both tragic and senseless. He praised the prompt response of the Yelwa Divisional Police Officer but urged authorities to intensify efforts in uncovering those behind the heinous act. At the time of filing this report, the Bauchi State Police Command had not officially commented on the incident, despi...

 2027: SERAP Gives INEC 7-Day Ultimatum Over Early Campaigns Rights group SERAP has given INEC seven days to sanction politicians and parties engaging in early campaigns for the 2027 elections or face legal action. In a letter signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP accused INEC of condoning illegality and warned that premature campaigns drain public resources, undermine governance, and erode electoral fairness. The group urged INEC to withdraw illegal campaign materials and punish violators, stressing that failure to act would compromise electoral integrity. More details soon…

 Algerian President appoints Ghrieb as prime minister Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune appointed Sifi Ghrieb as the country’s new Prime Minister on Sunday and formally asked him to form a new government, a presidential statement said, Reuters reported. Ghrieb, who was the industry minister, had been serving as acting Prime Minister since Tebboune ended the tenure of Nadir Larbaoui last month. The gas-producing North African country is an energy supplier for several European countries but has been seeking to diversify its economy as it contends with various social and economic challenges.

 Air Peace crew member rejects drug test result, threatens NSIB with lawsuit An Air Peace cabin crew member, Victory Maduneme, has rejected a drug test result, describing as false and damaging to her career, accusing the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) of a smear campaign. Maduneme, who linked the test to the July 13 runway excursion involving Air Peace at Port Harcourt International Airport, recounted in an interview with Arise TV that investigators collected blood and urine samples from crew members hours after the incident. “Normally, drug and alcohol test results are released within hours, but in this case, nothing was given to us that day. Ten days later, I was invited by the NCAA to collect a letter, only to discover I had allegedly tested positive,” she said. Shocked by the result, she sought medical advice and underwent a reconfirmatory test at a licensed clinic, which she said came out negative. She questioned why the NSIB allegedly failed to inform her airline...

 Zamfara Education: Gov  Lawal Flag-Off Distribution Of Teaching, Learning MaterialsTo Public Schools Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has procured 408,137 teaching and learning materials for distribution to public schools across the State.  The official flag-off of the distribution by Governor Lawal was held at the Teacher Training and Development Centre (TTDC), Bypass Road in Gusau, the Zamfara  State Capital. Governor Dauda while flagging off the distribution of the materials to the public Schools,  emphasised that the flag-off is more than handing out books, but it is about keeping Zamfara on a path of recovery, renewal, and progress through quality education. He acknowledged the support of the United Nations Children's Emergency Fund ( UNICEF), which provided 5000 climate change and Earning warning handbooks to Zamfara and the  Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) with an additional 777,609 instructional materials to complement the Zamfara Sta...

 Ondo Crime: Police Trains Officers on Gender-Based Violence In a renewed effort to strengthen the fight against gender-based violence, the Ondo state Police  have trained its officers on how to effectively handle cases relating to the menace. The training, held in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, focused on equipping officers with the necessary skills to respond professionally and sensitively to survivors of abuse, while ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice. The state commissioner of police, Adebowale Lawal said the initiative became necessary in view of the rising cases of gender-based violence across the country, and the need for law enforcement agents to adopt global best practices in investigation, victim support, and prosecution. Lawal said  that the Force remains committed to protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, especially women and children, while assuring that the training will be extended to other formations nationwide. The training also ...

 PDP Kebbi Conduct LG Congress, Leaders Encourages Members The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has successfully conducted its Ward Congresses across the 21 local government areas of Kebbi State, electing new executives and delegates in various wards. Gwangwadija Ward in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, members of the Ward Congress Election Committee from the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, led by the PDP Chairman of Sokoto State, Bello Aliyu Goronyo, expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the exercise. Goronyo expressed satisfaction with the exercise stressing that the  turnout was encouraging, and a testament that the PDP is still accepted by the people He noted that despite the challenges facing the party, the PDP remains a formidable opposition force in Nigeria. The national delegation also held a meeting with security agencies and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), commending them for their roles in ensuring a hitch-fr...

 Kano, UK, Deepen Ties to Tackle Education, Health, Climate Challenge The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to people-centred governance  as part of efforts to achieve effective societal development. Governor Abba Kabir, made this known during the signing of the Kano Mutual Accountability Framework, (KanMAF), and the Kano Education Emergency Response Plan, held in Kano. The Kano Mutual Accountability Framework, (KanMAF) is designed to strengthen cooperation, between Kano State and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, (FCDO), in implementing reforms that drive development. Meanwhile, the Education Emergency Response Plan is a two-year initiative, supported by the Kano State Government, donors, civil society organisations, and the private sector, to reverse the decline in the state’s education sector. Governor Abba Kabir, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Farouk, described the signing as a renewed social contract between...

 Nigeria unveils policies to Transform Food Systems Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security,  Abubakar Kyari has announced that the government is driving a proactive policies in the agricultural sector will unlock sustainable agrifood systems, safeguard the climate, restore ecosystems, boost production, and secure dignified livelihoods for Nigerian farmers.  The minister stayed this  at the just concluded recent High-Level Event on “Unlocking Sustainable Agrifood Systems for Climate, Nature, and Livelihoods” during the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Standing Committee on Finance Forum in Rome. Kyari highlighted Nigeria’s partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) through the Monitoring and Analyzing Food and Agricultural Policies (MAFAP) Programme, established in 2022 The  collaboration, he said, has informed Nigeria’s agricultural policymaking through extensive policy analyses, driving the country’s ...

 Rivers State Inter-Denominational  Thanksgiving Service Commences. Activities to Mark the end of Emergency rule in Rivers State, has commenced with a thanksgiving service held at the Ecumenical center, Abonima Warf, Port Harcourt. In attendance were the Rivers State Administrator, top government officials, traditional rulers, heads of state security and para military agencies among other dignitaries. The service marked the commencement of part  of transition activities for proper hand over and return of the suspended Governor and members of the legislature, whose period of six months suspension ends September 18th, 2025.

 FCT Minister Wike to Appear on National Television, Dispelling Health Rumors Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has announced that the minister is scheduled for a television interview on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The announcement refutes recent rumors suggesting that Wike had traveled to the United Kingdom for medical treatment due to alleged congestive heart failure. The rumors, propagated by an online publication, claimed that the minister’s health had deteriorated, prompting an overseas trip for medical attention. However, Olayinka’s statement on his Facebook page on Sunday dismissed these claims, confirming Wike’s upcoming media appearance. In a related development, the reinstatement of the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, is reportedly expected to occur on the same day as Wike’s scheduled interview. Further details on the reinstatement were not provided in the announcement....