PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Obi: APC’s poor leadership deepened insecurity — FG, US must engage over watchlist Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), says the recent redesignation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” by US President Donald Trump should give every well-meaning citizen serious concern. In a statement on Monday, Obi said the declaration by the US, indicating possible military action, underscored the gravity of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis. The former Anambra governor said the country’s situation is avoidable while lamenting the loss of lives and destruction of property across the country. Citing Amnesty International’s report, Obi claimed that over 10,000 people have been killed since May 2023, a development he called “unacceptable and heartbreaking.” “The senseless and unprovoked killing of Nigerians is most condemnable, and all efforts must be made to bring it to a stop,” he wrote on X.  Mr. Peter Obi noted that Nigeria’s deteriorating securi...

 Christians killing Christians in south-east — it’s not about religion, says Soludo on genocide claims Charles Soludo, governor of Anambra, says Christians are killing one another in the south-east, noting that the violence in the region has nothing to do with religion. Soludo was reacting to US President Donald Trump’s threat to “protect Christians in Nigeria” by attacking the country and “completely wiping out the Islamic terrorists”. During a media chat on Sunday, the Anambra governor acknowledged that the US has the right to its own views. “But when it comes to what it does, I am sure it must also act within the realm of its own international law,” Soludo said. “There is a deeper conversation, our introspection about what goes on in the country. In this part of the world, eastern Nigeria, it is not religious. “People are killing themselves, Christians killing Christians. The people in the bushes are Emmanuel, Peter, and John, all Christian names, and they have maimed and killed...

 Wale Edun to banks: Deepen access to credit for SMEs Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, has called on Nigerian banks to support inclusive growth and deepen the capital market for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Edun spoke at the 2025 Fellowship Investiture of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) held in Lagos over the weekend, themed ‘Banking Beyond Borders: Leveraging Technological Innovation for Enhanced Performance’. The minister said although the economy is recording sustained growth, more effort is required to ensure inclusivity through job creation and access to finance. “We now have what I would say is mr. President’s agenda. Rapid growth accelerating well above 4 percent, and we look for it to continue,” he said.

 Reconstruction of Lagos-Abeokuta expressway over 50% completed, says contractor  Craneburg Construction Limited, the contractor handling the reconstruction of the Lagos–Abeokuta expressway, has assured that the project will be completed within record time. Pierre Andary, the project manager of Craneburg, spoke during an inspection tour of ongoing reconstruction projects in Itori, Ewekoro local government area, Ogun state, led by Ade Akinsanya, the commissioner for works and infrastructure. The company gave the assurance as the Ogun state government reiterated its commitment to delivering durable road infrastructure across the state.

 Resident doctors fault FG’s N11.9bn release, say strike still on The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) says its nationwide strike will continue until the federal government provides clarity on the implementation of its minimum demands. Speaking with TheCable on Monday, Muhammad Suleiman, NARD president, said they are yet to receive communication from the government. “We are still waiting to hear from the federal government on how they intend to implement some of the things that we have put in our minimum demand. So, the strike is still on,” he said.

 A South Carolina man crashed his car near a school, exited his vehicle, and used his head to break out a window, then scuffled with a teacher before grabbing a child and attempting to flee on Halloween.  This dramatic incident took place at the Chester Park School Complex in Chester, South Carolina.  According to reports on Friday, afternoon 20-year-old D'arrius Edwards crashed his vehicle into a stand of trees near the school complex.  D'arrius then exited his vehicle and calmly made his way onto the playground, and approached the building.   He then walked up to the widow of a classroom full of children. After briefly gazing into the window, D'arrius used his head to bust out the window and entered the building. Three teachers were in the room at the time, and one faculty member immediately began to engage in a physical struggle with D'arrius. Shockingly, D'arrius was able to break free from the scuffle and grab a child. He then jumped back out of the br...

 If you are going to party like it's 1899, apparently you will face consequences like it's 2025.  Indiana teen facing OWI (operating while intoxicated) charges after causing a head-on horse-drawn buggy collision. Adult family members are facing charges for providing the alcohol to the underage teens. On Saturday (a little after midnight) first responders in Adam's County, Indiana, responded to an unusual accident. Two horse-drawn carriages were involved in a literal "head-on" collision. As authorities arrived on the scene, they discovered an unconscious 19-year-old male. The 19-year-old was missing his two front teeth from the wreck.  He was taken to a Fort Wayne Hospital where it was determined he also had suffered a concussion and multiple abrasions and bruises.  Deputies quickly determined the 19-year-old had been to a birthday party where he had consumed alcohol.  After leaving the party, the 19-year-old had attempted to pass another horse-drawn buggy in fro...

 Guinea's junta leader to stand for president Guinea's junta leader Mamady Doumbouya put his name forward on Monday to stand in presidential elections on December 28, a move that could keep him in power for another five years, Reuters reported. Doumbouya had vowed not to run when he seized power in the West African country in 2021. But a new constitution pushed by the junta and approved in a referendum in September opened the door to his candidacy. The new charter replaced arrangements agreed after the coup that had barred members of the junta from contesting elections. It also requires presidential candidates to live in Guinea and be between 40 and 80 years old. That would bar two potentially powerful candidates - former president Alpha Conde, 87, who lives abroad, and former prime minister Cellou Dalein Diallo, 73, in exile over corruption allegations that he denies. Other candidates, including former prime minister Lansana Kouyate and former foreign minister Hadja Makale Cam...

Duane Roberts, creator of the frozen burrito, dies at 88 Duane Roberts, the billionaire businessman credited with inventing the frozen burrito, has passed away at 88. His wife, Kelly J. Roberts, said he died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday night, just days before his 89th birthday, surrounded by family and their three dogs. She described her husband as “a visionary entrepreneur, devoted husband, and a man whose heart and generosity forever shaped our family and community.” Kelly reflected on their 35 years of marriage, calling him an incredible husband and stepfather, as well as a loving grandfather whose wisdom and warmth touched every generation of their family. His stepchildren, Doug and Casey Reinhardt, are known for appearing on MTV’s The Hills. After serving honorably in the U.S. military, Roberts transformed the food industry by creating the frozen burrito in 1956. Beyond his business achievements, he was a committed philanthropist and developer, most notably restoring the M...

 Ministry Of Finance To Set Up Government-Private Dialogue Series Desk                                                                                                                                                                                The Federal Ministry of Finance is to set up a desk known as "Government-Private Dialogue Series" to foster government collaboration with the business community in pursuit of shared growth and national prosperity.                          ...

 ‎ Speaker Abbas Leads House Delegation To 8th China International Import Expo ‎ ‎Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen is leading a high-level delegation of the House to the 8th China International Import Expo.  ‎ ‎A statement signed by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker Musa Krishi indicates that the visit followed an invitation extended to the Speaker by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria to deliver a 5-minute goodwill message at the Expo.  ‎ ‎Thereafter, the Speaker will hold a bilateral meeting with the Premier of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Li Qiang, where he will highlight key areas of collaboration between Nigeria and China, including parliamentary cooperation.  ‎ ‎Speaker Abbas will also participate in the Africa-China Economic and Cultural Forum.

 TROOPS OF 6 BRIGADE NIGERIAN ARMY DESTROY BANDITS’ CAMP IN TAKUM,  TARABA STATE Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army- Operation Lafiya Nakowa say they have destroyed a major bandits’ camp at TY Farm, along Takum - Wukari road and recovered one dane gun. A statement by Lieutenant UMAR MUHAMMAD Acting Assistant Director  Army Public Relations  6 Brigade Nigerian Army, says the troops acting on credible intelligence on the activities of bandits around Unom, Yongogba, Tornyi, and Mbayongo villages in Takum Local Government Area, conducted a clearance patrol through Tor-Tser, Kofar Ahmadu, Tornyi, Unom, Mbayongo, and Yongogba villages. The operation successfully cleared the identified areas, including adjoining settlements and river lines. It adds, during the operation, the troops received another intelligence at Kofar Ahmadu village that bandits were sighted around TY Farm in Tati. The troops immediately headed towards the area through Sabon Gida Tati and made contact with...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU RECEIVES PROF. ADEMOLA ADENLE, WINNER OF THE INAUGURAL GLOBAL M.S. SWAMINATHAN AWARD FOR FOOD AND PEACE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today received Professor Ademola Adenle, a Nigerian scholar and sustainability expert who recently won the inaugural World Academy of Sciences–M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace.   President Tinubu congratulated Adenle for winning the award and for bringing glory to Nigeria.   He commended him for his work in the fields of agricultural innovation policy, biosciences, renewable energy, and public health, which focuses on sustainable solutions for rural and marginalised populations across Africa and beyond.   The meeting was attended by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari (CON).   Professor Adenle made history as the first-ever recipient of this prestigious global honour, presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 7, 2025, during the M.S. Swam...

 Anambra Governorship Candidates Sign Peace Accord Ahead of November 8 Poll Candidates from 16 political parties contesting the November 8, 2025 Anambra State governorship election on Tuesday signed a Peace Accord in Awka, pledging commitment to a violence-free and credible poll. The ceremony, organized by the National Peace Committee, was chaired by its Chairman, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who was represented by General Martin Luther Agwai. Speaking at the event, General Agwai, on behalf of General Abubakar, emphasized that democracy thrives only where human lives are held sacred. He described the signing of the Peace Accord as a demonstration of the candidates' commitment, discipline, and responsibility to ensure a successful election. In a goodwill message, INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan disclosed that the Anambra governorship election marks his first major assignment since assuming office. He reaffirmed the commission's resolve to deliver a free, fair, and peacef...

 Court to Rule on Ex-AGF Nwabuoku's  No-case Submission  Nov 13 Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, sitting in Maitama, Abuja, on Monday, November 3, 2025 reserved ruling till November 13, 2025, on the no-case submission, filed by a former Acting Accountant General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku. Nwabuoku is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on amended nine-count charges bordering on money laundering and diversion to the tune of N868,465,000 (Eight Hundred and Sixty-eight Million, Four Hundred and Sixty-five Thousand Naira). During the proceedings, counsel to the defendant, N.I. Quakers, SAN, informed the court of his readiness to adopt the no-case submission earlier filed on behalf of his client. “We have a notice of no-case submission before this honourable court, and we are ready to adopt it,” he told the court. Upon the court’s permission, he proceeded to adopt both the written submission and the re...

 Doctors Without Borders urges RSF to let civilians flee as violence grows in Sudan's Al Fasher Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has called on the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied armed groups to immediately allow civilians to leave Sudan's Al Fasher city as conditions in the North Darfur capital are deteriorating, with abuses against residents escalating. “We urgently call on the RSF and allied armed groups to spare civilians and let them flee El Fasher,” Michel Olivier Lacharite, MSF head of emergencies, said in a statement published by the organisation on X, TRT Afrika reported. He also urged the members of the quad — the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt — to use their leverage "to stop the bloodbath” in the city. The group said it is closely monitoring the situation and warned that the international community “cannot look away” as the humanitarian crisis deepens in Al Fasher. International mediation efforts fail to end conflict Tens of thousands of S...

 LASG JOINS ADHERENTS TO MARK OLÓKUN 2025 FESTIVAL  … Applauds Rich Cultural Heritage, Spiritual Significance Of Event The Lagos State Government has joined the organisers and participants to mark the 2025 Olókun World Festival, a vibrant celebration of Yoruba heritage, spirituality and cultural unity. In line with the State’s unwavering commitment to cultural sustainability, the State Government commends the innovative milestone achieved by the festival organisers with the unveiling of Kakanfo Fálọlá Beachside, located along the Badagry Expressway, Seme-Border Lagos State. The landmark event, held on Tuesday, 28th October 2025, drew over 100,000 adherents and attendees from across Nigeria and the global diaspora. Representing the State Government, Mr. Idowu Johnson, CEO of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to preserving and promoting indigenous traditions, saying “Culture is our soul, while heritage is our compass” he dec...

 Law Reform Commission Hosts Stakeholder Forum on Advancing Lagos’ Fiscal Sustainability. The Lagos State Law Reform Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the State’s fiscal foundation through modern, transparent, and future-driven legislation. This commitment was showcased at the Engagement Forum on Advancing the State’s Fiscal Sustainability Through Law Reform, which convened key stakeholders across Lagos’ fiscal ecosystem. In her welcome remarks, the Executive Secretary, Mrs. Oluyemisi Ogunlola, emphasized that “law reform is a catalyst for fiscal transformation,” noting that Lagos must modernize and harmonize its revenue laws to sustain growth in a rapidly evolving megacity. She highlighted the need to digitize revenue systems, block leakages, broaden the tax base, and deepen inter-agency coordination. Delivering a keynote address, the Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Gove...

 ANAMBRA STATE POLICE COMMAND WELCOMES THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE: DECORATES THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF POLICE PROMOTED TO DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE The Anambra State Police Command, on Monday, 3rd November 2025, had the honour of receiving the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, who was on an official visit to witness the signing of the Peace Accord among flag bearers of the political parties participating in the forthcoming governorship election in the State. The IGP, who was ably represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, DIG Benjamin Okolo, fdc and the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in Charge of the Operations Department, DIG Yakubu Kwazhi, mni, was warmly received on arrival by the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc minps PhD. The delegation was also received by the Supervising Officer of the Command and Assistant Inspector-General of Police, in charge ...

Akin Shuga Is Dead: Official Family Statement on the Passing of Nigeria’s Live Band Legend, Grandmaster, Akinloye Tofowomo (Akin Shuga) It is with profound solemnity and total submission to the will of God, that the family of Akinloye Tofowomo (Akiin Shuga) — revered music icon, Grandmaster, and Managing Director of Shuga Limb Foundation and Shuga Entertainment, Nigeria’s most prestigious live band — announces his passing in New Brunswick, Canada. Akinloye Tofowomo was more than a musician; he was a custodian of rhythm, culture, and the spirit of performance. Across more than three decades of excellence — on stage and in mentorship — he redefined what it meant to lead a band with grace, mastery, and purpose. To countless admirers at home and abroad, he was both an inspiration and an institution: a true king in his art. As the family comes to terms with this immeasurable loss, they humbly request privacy and quiet reflection at this deeply difficult time. They wish for the space to find...

 ‘God gave me life but took all my happiness’ – Sole survivor of Air India crash speaks The only survivor of the devastating Air India crash in June has opened up to British media about the profound mental and physical toll he has suffered since the tragedy, which claimed 260 lives in Ahmedabad. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 39-year-old British citizen from Leicester in central England, described the months since the disaster as "very difficult" in interviews broadcast and published on Monday. Ramesh, who miraculously walked away from the wreckage but lost his brother, told the Press Association (PA) news agency: "God gave me life but took all my happiness, and from my family." The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's airport on June 12, killing all 241 passengers and crew aboard and 19 people on the ground after slamming into a medical college hostel. Ramesh spoke emotionally of his brother Ajay, calling him ...

 Tanzania's President Hassan takes oath of office for second term Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn into office on Monday for her first elected term after winning a landslide victory in an election that set off deadly protests across the country, Reuters reported. Hassan, who came to power in 2021 following the death in office of her predecessor, was declared the winner of last week's election with 97.66% of the vote. Wearing a red head scarf and dark glasses, she took the oath of office at a ceremony on a military base in the administrative capital Dodoma. Hassan, 65, ran against only candidates from minor parties after her main challengers from the two biggest opposition parties were disqualified from the race. Violent protests erupted during last Wednesday's voting, with some demonstrators setting fire to government buildings and police firing tear gas and gunshots, according to witnesses. The main opposition party said hundreds of people had been killed...