PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Netherlands Striker Bas Dost Retires Two Years After Suffering Cardiac Arrest Former Netherlands striker Bas Dost has ended his playing career nearly two years after suffering a cardiac arrest on the field during a Dutch top-flight game, the 36-year-old told the Algemeen Dagblad newspaper in an interview published on Friday. Dost, a former VfL Wolfsburg, Sporting and Eintracht Frankfurt forward, was playing for NEC Nijmegen when he collapsed on the pitch at AZ Alkmaar in October 2023. He was rushed to hospital and the game was later abandoned. The Dutchman said he was aiming to play again before doctors detected further complications with his health this year. "I was allowed to jog on the treadmill, which was so cool. Until I got a call from the cardiologist in June. They had detected 'something' during a training session. That moment changed everything," Dost was quoted as saying. "I thought, I don't want this. You don't want to gamble with your life. I...

 Commercial flight begins at Gateway International Airport, Abeokuta ‎ ‎Local commercial  flights activities will commence at the Gateway International Airport (GWI) in Ogun State on October 7. ‎ The information was contained in a press release signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the Ogun State Governor, Kayode Akinmade, who explained that a private commercial airline, Value Jet  has concluded arrangements with the GWI management to fly passengers from Ogun State to Abuja. ‎ ‎The  airline is scheduled to begin two flights per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Gateway International Airport (GWI), Ogun State. This follows the approval given to the state-of-the-art airport by regulatory agencies.

 NCPC BOSS URGES INTENDING CHRISTIAN PILGRIMS TO PRAY FOR NIGERIA AND THE LEADERSHIP PRESIDENT The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission NCPC Bishop Stephen Adegbite has enjoined the intending Christian Pilgrims to Israel and Jordan, comprising Imo and Adamawa states to uphold President Bola Tinubu, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima as well as the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu in prayer while in the holy land. He made this while addressing the departing intending Christian Pilgrims at the Pilgrims Terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. He revealed that President Bola Tinubu has been very supportive of the cause of Pilgrimage in Nigeria both Christian and Muslim Pilgrimages. He further urged them to remember Nigeria in prayer while in the Holy Land, as the country marks its 65th anniversary of nationhood. He emphasised that the Commission would continue to strive for zero abscondment of Pilgrims during the Pi...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU FELICITATES BISHOP DAVID OLANIYI OYEDEPO ON 71ST BIRTHDAY President Bola Tinubu extends warm greetings to Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (LFCWW) and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, on his 71st birthday. The President joins family members, congregants, staff of David Oyedepo Ministries International (DOMI) and Body of Christ to celebrate with the Presiding Bishop of LFCWW (Winners Chapel), who stands as a towering figure of influence and impact in Nigeria, Africa and beyond on spiritual, educational and philanthropic platforms. President Tinubu commends Bishop Oyedepo's focus, discipline, and diligence over the years. These have translated into the realisation of the ministry's global vision since 1982, with a resonating impact on the economies of many cities, states, and countries, particularly on infrastructure, health, and education. The President affirms the positive influence of the educat...

 PRESS RELEASE   PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU EXTOLS LATE AUDU OGBEH'S COMMITMENT TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT  ... As the the Septuagenarian  Laid to Rest in His Hometown  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR has paid glowing tribute to the late former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, late Audu Innocent Ogbeh for his uncommon contributions to the development of the nation. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON made the disclosure at the funeral service of the former Minister while delivering the condolence message of the President to the family in Benue State, describing him as a patriot and a statesman whose selfless service left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s development. "The President appreciate profoundly the contributions of late Audu Ogbeh to the development of the country in various capacity: as a Minister, Special Adviser National Chairman of PDP, manages the Committee that midwife the emergence of APC that has been ...

 Six Men in Court Over Illegal Drugs Lab in Volksrust Six men accused of operating an illegal drug laboratory in Volksrust, Mpumalanga, have appeared in court. The accused include five Mexican nationals and one South African citizen. They were arrested after police uncovered the laboratory, which was allegedly used for manufacturing illegal substances.

 How Ponzi Scheme Operator Diverted Victims’ N91.5m through Unlicensed MFB in Enugu-  Witness The trial of an alleged notorious ponzi scheme operator in Enugu State, Chinedu Roland Okoronkwo continued on Friday, September 26, 2025 before Justice F. O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State with a witness, narrating to the Court, how Okoronkwo allegedly diverted N91, 550, 000 (Ninety-One million, Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira), belonging to his victims, using an  unlicensed Microfinance Bank. Okoronkwo is being prosecuted alongside his company, Reliance Microfinance Cooperative Society Limited (the second defendant) by the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on 36-count charges bordering on forgery, obtaining by false pretence and carrying out banking businesses without a valid licence. When the matter came up on Friday, counsel to the EFCC, Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE...

 SCUML Emerges Nigeria’s Most Effective Regulatory Agency of the Year 2025   The Special Unit Against Money Laundering, SCUML, of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, September 25, 2025, was declared Nigeria's Most Effective Regulatory Agency of The Year 2025, in Abuja. Governance Today Nigeria, in collaboration with African Independent Good Governance Monitoring Network, AGMN, gave the award to the Unit for its "contribution to the fight against money laundering and countering terrorist financing through its regulatory standpoint". SCUML achieved the feat in the Public Governance Category, after beating other nominees. The organizers also inducted the Unit into its Hall of Fame.  The award was conferred on SCUML at the group’s National Merit Awards ceremony on “ICONS of Good Governance. In his opening remarks, the Convener and Founder of AGMN, Dr Sylvester Omose, justified SCUML's choice for the Award, pointing out that the Unit’s doggedne...

 Thousands of protesters in South Africa demand cutting of ties with Israel More than 3,000 people marched through Cape Town on Saturday, calling for South Africa to cut trade and diplomatic ties with Israel, including by shutting its embassy, over the war in Gaza. Pretoria has been a leading critic of Israel's actions in Gaza, bringing a case before the UN's top court in December 2023 that argues Israel's war in the Palestinian territory amounts to genocide, a charge Israel has denied. Saturday's demonstration brought together several pro-Palestinian organisations, political parties, and Muslim and Christian groups in one of the biggest such turnouts in months. Waving Palestinian flags and slogans such as "Don't just feel bad, do something", the procession handed over a petition of demands at parliament. Apartheid regime South Africa must "boycott, divest and sanction Israel, the same way as the world did for us," said Palestine Solidarity Campa...

 Abia Transport Commissioner Meets Union Leaders to Resolve Revenue Disputes The Abia State Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, convened a meeting with leaders of various transport unions in the state to address ongoing concerns regarding government revenue and ticketing policies. The meeting, held to foster dialogue and cooperation, follows recent tensions over revenue collection affecting transport unions across Abia State. In his address, Dr. Ukaegbu commended the union leaders for their contributions to maintaining peaceful collaboration with the state government. He reassured them that the Ministry of Transport, under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, remains committed to protecting the interests and welfare of transport workers. “This administration will always prioritize your welfare and ensure a conducive environment for your operations,” Ukaegbu stated. Professor Udochukwu Ogbonna, Chairman of the Board of Internal Revenue, also spoke at the meeting...

 US to revoke Colombian president’s visa following remarks at pro-Palestinian event The United States announced it will revoke Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s visa after he participated in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York and called on U.S. soldiers to defy President Donald Trump’s orders. “We will revoke Petro’s visa due to his reckless and incendiary actions,” the State Department said on X. Petro addressed protesters outside the U.N. headquarters in Manhattan, advocating for a global armed force to prioritize the liberation of Palestinians, saying, “This force has to be bigger than that of the United States.” Speaking in Spanish, he urged U.S. military personnel not to follow Trump’s directives, saying, “Obey the orders of humanity.” It was unclear whether Petro remained in New York following the protest, and neither his office nor Colombia’s foreign ministry immediately responded to requests for comment. Petro, Colombia’s first leftist president and a vocal criti...

Sara Jane Moore, who tried to assassinate President Ford, dies Sara Jane Moore, who attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford in 1975, has died at the age of 95. She passed away on Wednesday at a nursing home in Franklin, Tennessee, just two days after the 50th anniversary of her shooting attempt. Reporter Demetria Kalodimos, who had developed a friendship with Moore, confirmed her death and noted that Moore had been bedridden for the past 15 months following a fall. Moore’s assassination attempt came just 17 days after another attempt on Ford’s life by Lynnette “Squeaky” Fromme in Sacramento, California, though the two incidents were unrelated. Wearing polka-dot slacks, Moore fired a .38-caliber revolver at the president as he left the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco, where thousands had gathered near Union Square. The first shot missed, and a bystander-deflecting intervention by former Marine Oliver W. Sipple prevented a second shot from hitting Ford. Secret Service agents an...

Slovakia amends its constitution to recognize only male and female, raising human rights concerns Slovakia’s parliament has passed a constitutional amendment recognizing only two sexes, a move that has drawn criticism from human rights groups and international observers who warn it could violate the country’s obligations under international law. The legislation, pushed by populist Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government, passed Friday with 90 votes in the 150-seat National Council, aided by twelve conservative opposition members. The updated constitution now explicitly recognizes only male and female sexes and asserts Slovakia’s sovereignty in matters of “national identity,” particularly on “fundamental cultural-ethical questions.” The amendment also makes it nearly impossible for unmarried couples to adopt children, requires parental consent for sexual education, and enshrines equal pay for men and women. Justice Minister Boris Susko described the changes as a reinforcement of traditi...

 Prince William calls 2024 the toughest year of his life Prince William has described 2024 as the most difficult year of his life. In an appearance on Eugene Levy’s show The Reluctant Traveler, the prince reflected on the challenges of the past year, during which both his wife, Kate, the Princess of Wales, and his father, King Charles III, underwent cancer treatment. “I’d say 2024 was the hardest year I’ve ever had,” William told Levy in a preview clip. “Life is said to test us as well, and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are.” The episode, set to air on Oct. 3, shows William giving Levy a tour of Windsor Castle and sharing a conversation over a pint at a pub. Kate announced in January that her cancer is in remission, and she has since taken on more public duties. Earlier this month, she and William were prominent figures in the royal welcome for President Donald Trump’s U.K. state visit. King Charles has also returned to public duties after stepping back last y...

 Trump administration asks Supreme Court to weigh ending birthright citizenship The Trump administration on Friday asked the Supreme Court to make a definitive ruling on whether the president’s executive order seeking to end automatic birthright citizenship is constitutional. The appeals, stemming from lawsuits in Washington state and New Hampshire, could settle once and for all whether the proposal can move forward. Under the 14th Amendment, it has long been understood that nearly everyone born on U.S. soil is automatically a citizen, with the exception of children of diplomats. The administration argues that this guarantee should not apply to children of temporary visitors or undocumented immigrants. In court filings, Solicitor General D. John Sauer described the century-old interpretation of birthright citizenship as a “mistaken view” of the 14th Amendment that has caused “destructive consequences.” These appeals differ from earlier Supreme Court cases this year, which focused s...

 Alabama man executed by nitrogen gas for 1997 killing of a store clerk An Alabama man convicted of killing a gas station clerk during a 1997 robbery was executed Thursday, despite pleas from the victim’s son to spare his life. Geoffrey Todd West, 50, was put to death at William C. Holman Correctional Facility using nitrogen gas, a method Alabama adopted last year. His execution was one of two nationwide on Thursday, alongside a Texas man executed for killing his girlfriend’s 13-month-old daughter. West had been convicted of capital murder in the killing of 33-year-old Margaret Parrish Berry. He offered no final words when asked by the warden, but later, through his attorney, expressed remorse and gratitude for the forgiveness extended by Berry’s son, Will. West also said he had been baptized this year and was “at peace because I know where I am going.” Berry was shot execution-style in the back of the head while behind the counter at Harold’s Chevron in Etowah County on March 28, ...

 Kaduna Govt Expresses Worry Over Low Voter Registration, Calls For Wider Mobilisation The Kaduna State Government has raised concerns over the poor turnout in the ongoing voter registration exercise, urging council chairmen, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and the media to step up mobilisation efforts. Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, said Governor Uba Sani has introduced practical measures to encourage more eligible voters to register and participate in the democratic process. Maiyaki made the remarks at a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at addressing the challenges hindering registration and developing strategies to improve turnout. According to him, preliminary reports from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) show that Kaduna State, along with other states in the North West, is falling behind in registration numbers — a situation that has already drawn the federal government’s attention. He explained that the meeting was broadened to ...

 CDS’ Wife Commissions 38-Bed Maternity Centre In Kaduna The President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, has inaugurated a new 38-bed maternity centre at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Hospital in Afaka, Kaduna State. The project, according to Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, was funded and equipped by the NDA 38 Regular Course Alumni Association to strengthen healthcare delivery within the academy and nearby communities. Designed to provide childbirth, antenatal, postnatal, and family planning services, the facility includes consulting rooms, an operating theatre, and other modern medical equipment. Mrs. Musa, who had earlier performed the groundbreaking for the project in January, described the initiative as a significant contribution to the welfare of military officers, their families, and the host community. The chairman of the project committee, retired Rear Adm. Murtala Bashir, praised members...

 Trump administration reverses visa restrictions on Ghana after deal on US deportees The United States has reversed its visa restrictions on Ghana, its foreign minister said, as the west African nation emerges as a key deportation hub in President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. Earlier this month, Ghanaian President John Mahama revealed that the country was accepting West Africans deported by the United States. US President Donald Trump has made so-called "third-country" deportations a hallmark of his anti-immigration crackdown, sending people to countries where they have no ties or family. Accra has insisted it has received nothing in return for taking in the deportees, though Mahama acknowledged that the deal was struck as relations were "tightening", with Washington imposing tariffs as well as visa restrictions in recent months. "The US visa restrictions imposed on Ghana" have been "reversed", Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudze...

 Enugwu-Agidi Women protest over alledged Landgrabbing in the community by the President-General, Ebuka Onuorah. According to a report by the Punch on Saturday, September 27, 2025, thousands of women from Enugwu-Agidi community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State organized a massive protest on Friday against alleged land grabbing and authoritarian leadership by their community's President-General, Ebuka Onuorah.  The protesters, comprising predominantly elderly and middle-aged women, marched through the community carrying placards and singing protest songs while appealing to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to intervene in the growing crisis. The Women Leader and Chairlady of Etiti village, Mrs. Grace Aghauche, articulated the collective frustration of the demonstrators, declaring: "We are the women of Enugwu-Agidi. We are here to let the world hear our cry. The protesters accused Onuorah of systematically encroaching on community lands and distributing properties among ...

 No level of alcohol is safe for your body- World Health Organization warns The World Health Organization has issued a warning that no amount of alcohol is safe even as it noted that alcohol wrecks the heart, batters the brain and poisons the liver. Alcohol is officially classed as a Group 1 carcinogen, the same category as tobacco,  and has been conclusively linked to at least seven forms of cancer. According to WHO, Alcohol disrupts the body from top to toe. It sedates the brain rather than helping it sleep, irritates the stomach, raises blood pressure, and fuels inflammation that can trigger clots, heart attacks and strokes. It shrinks brain tissue, distorts memory and dulls mood by interfering with dopamine and serotonin.  Further, WHO asserted that , Over time, the liver which processes nearly all the alcohol we drink, is forced into overdrive, and fatty deposits and scarring can lead to cirrhosis, a condition that kills thousands every year and dramatically increase...

 I Don't Like Tinubu's Govt, But I Cannot Fight A Government When That the lord has Chosen- Primate Elijah Ayodele Primate Elijah Ayodele, the Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has spoken openly about Nigeria’s current political climate, declaring that though he does not support President Bola Tinubu’s administration personally, he accepts it as God’s will. In a video message, the cleric said, “I don’t like Tinubu’s government, but I cannot fight a government when the Lord said, ‘This is it.’” He explained that as a prophet, his duty is to deliver divine messages rather than act based on personal preferences.  According to him, once God has sanctioned a government, opposing it would mean resisting divine authority. Despite this position, Ayodele cautioned the president against complacency. He stressed that Tinubu’s leadership must focus on the pressing needs of Nigerians, particularly rising food costs, widespread unemployment, insecurity, and the continuous decline...

 Your leadership in Abia has brought real change here, positive change- UN Ambassador Laud Gov Otti's Performance in Abia State  The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has praised Abia State Governor Alex Otti’s leadership style, describing it as a model for improving governance. During a visit to the Governor’s home at Nvosi on Friday evening, Mills highlighted the positive changes brought about by Otti’s administration, particularly in infrastructure development and security. “Your leadership in Abia has brought real change here, positive change. Your focus on infrastructure, on security challenges, has really transformed the state,”  He added that the US values its partnership with Abia State and the entire Southeast region of Nigeria, citing tremendous opportunities for business and commercial interests. Mills expressed admiration for the governor’s commitment to fostering economic growth, empowering youth, and creating a more transparent and accounta...

 Obi should stop wasting his money for Presidency Election, he should invest it in Anambra because there’s no way he can be president of Nigeria- Onowu Igbo Southeast content creator, Onowu Igbo, has emphatically stated that the former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate for Labour Party in 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, is wasting his time and money in his presidential aspiration. Speaking in an interview with GbamTV, the content creator opined that if Prominent Southeasterners like late Dim Odemegu Ojukwu and Alex Ekwueme, couldn’t be President, then there is is no possibility of  Peter Obi becoming president of Nigeria. He mentioned that in his opinion, the current president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  is not ready to handover power in 2027. Onowu Igbo maintained that Peter Obi should concentrate on his import and exportation business as trader and forget about this presidential aspirations. According to Onowu “Obi should invest the money he wants to us...

 Allen Onyema Acquires Another Aircraft  Another milestone has been unlocked for Air Peace as their second Embraer 190, a 96-seater beauty, 5N-CER, touched down in Lagos, boosting their fleet and strengthening their mission to connect more cities with comfort, reliability, and efficiency.  With over 40 aircraft and counting, Air Peace remain intentional about growth, bridging gaps, uniting communities, and redefining the flying experience for Nigeria and beyond.  Congratulations Ndi Air peace.  More photos below. 

 ENUGU STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE UNN MURDER CASE: TWO PRINCIPAL MALE SUSPECTS ARRAIGNED AND REMANDED IN CORRECTIONAL CUSTODY The Enugu State Police Command wishes to inform the public that two principal male suspects, Ezema Onyedikachi (aged 27) and Ugwu Chigozie Anthony (aged 21), who were arrested for allegedly stabbing and murdering one Nweze Chiebonam (male, aged 29), during a bonfire night event at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), have been arraigned in court and remanded in correctional custody. They were arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder. Recall that the Faculty of Arts, Department of Archaeology/Heritage Studies, organized the bonfire night on 12th September 2025, which was attended by students and invited guests, including the suspects and the deceased. However, at about 3 a.m. the following day, while attendees were leaving the venue, the vehicle of Ugwu Anthony had a minor accident with that of the deceased. The incident led to a f...

 National Convention: PDP extends deadline for submission of forms The National Convention Organizing Committee, NCOC of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has extended the deadline for the submission of completed Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for aspirants contesting in the November 15th to 16th 2025 Elective National Convention of the Party in Ibadan, Oyo State from the earlier announced date of Friday, September 26th, 2025. In the same vein, the NCOC approved the shifting of the date for the Screening of Aspirants for the National Convention from the earlier scheduled date of tuesday, September 30th, 2025. The information contained in a statement signed by PDP's National Publicity Secretary, Debo Olugunagba says the extension is necessitated by the need to ensure all necessary arrangements for a smooth conduct of the exercise.  The PDP says the new dates will be communicated in due course and urges all aspirants to take note of  the extension and be guided...

  A new portrait of King Charles has been unveiled at the Scottish Parliament by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. Captured by photographer Millie Pilkington in the sunken garden at Balmoral Castle last Autumn, the portrait shows His Majesty dressed in the King Charles III tartan, holding a handcrafted stick gifted by the Mey Highland Games.   The image of The King will sit alongside a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, which was unveiled by The Princess Royal in 2011. Images 1 & 2©️ Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. Image 3 ©️ Millie Pilkington.  More photos below. 

 🇻🇦🇬🇧 Their Majesties will undertake a State Visit to the Holy See in late October, joining Pope Leo XIV in celebrating the Jubilee Year.  A Papal Jubilee occurs every 25 years, and is a special time for the Catholic Church. The visit will also celebrate the ecumenical work by the Church of England and the Catholic Church, reflecting the Jubilee’s theme of walking together as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.

 Fayette County, Iowa- A heroic young boy delivered a note with a desperate cry for help to his school bus driver, potentially saving his mother's life. The note read, "Call 911".  This volatile and dangerous situation came to light on the morning of September 24th when a young boy stepped onto his school bus and handed the driver a small slip of paper.   The bus driver looked at the paper, and his ordinary morning was turned on its head. "Call 911" was scrawled onto the paper; he quickly realized someone was in trouble, and this young boy was the critical link. The driver immediately made the call to 911, and one person very close to the case reached and told us, "had it not been for the boy and his bus driver, you'd be writing a much more tragic story." In their words, "this story needs out there. If they let him go, he will end her life."  Upon receiving the information from the bus driver, deputies with the Fayette County Sheriff'...

 LAGOS OPD CELEBRATE 25 YEARS OF UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE The Lagos State Ministry of Justice through its agency, the Bureau of the Public Defender formerly known as the Office of the Public Defender (OPD), has celebrated 25 years of unwavering commitment to justice at a commemorative event, themed “Honouring the Past, Defending the Future,” held recently at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. Delivering his goodwill message, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, congratulated the OPD for its steadfast service since its establishment in 2000, describing the OPD as a shining example of Lagos State’s commitment to protecting the rights of the vulnerable. "The OPD has stood for the voiceless, defended the weak, and offered hope to countless residents whilst making justice accessible to everyone in the State", he said. Sanwo-Olu expressed pride in the vari...