PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, dies hours after collapsing in his office The deputy governor of Bayelsa state, Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has been confirmed dead after he collapsed earlier this afternoon, December 11. He is said to have collapsed while in his office at about 1.30pm and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa where he has now been confirmed dead. Born on September 5, 1965, Senator Ewhrudjakpo was 60 years old at the time of his death. Vanguard reports that the deputy governor collapsed in serious condition before being transported to the hospital’s emergency unit where has now been certified dead. Sources claim he has overtime maintained a demanding work schedule and have described him as a “workaholic” who rarely found time to rest. May his soul rest in peace, Amen.

 OSHODI MOB ATTACK: POLICEMAN ON LAWFUL DUTY – LAGOS TASKFORCE …Agency Debunks Misleading Narrative The Lagos State Taskforce has debunked a false report circulating across social media alleging that a policeman attached to the Agency was involved in theft while on duty. The Agency wishes to set the record straight and provide accurate information to the public. The officer in question was part of the Taskforce Environmental Services Unit of the Agency, supported by police operatives serving as security backup. The team was on a routine enforcement operation on Brown Street, Oshodi, on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at about 10:00 a.m., when they came under a violent mob attack. The enforcement exercise involved the clearing of goods and wares displayed on the road, removal of vehicles causing obstruction, towing of vehicles parked in tow-away zones, and ensuring walkways were free for pedestrian movement, especially crucial during the yuletide season. During the lawful operation, stre...

 Governor Yusuf Approves Appointment of Prof. Amina Salihi Bayero as Vice Chancellor, Northwest University Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has confirmed the appointment of Professor Amina Salihi Bayero as the substantive Vice Chancellor of Northwest University for a five-year tenure beginning Monday, 1st December, 2025. This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday. The approval follows a recommendation by the University Council after a rigorous selection process.  Governor Yusuf, as Visitor to the University, commended the Council Chairman and members for their dedication to merit and integrity throughout the exercise. He also requested prayers for Allah’s guidance upon the new Vice Chancellor as she assumes the responsibilities of her office. Prof. Amina Salihi Bayero is a distinguished scholar of Analytical Chemistry and the first female PhD holder in Chemistry from Bayero University Kano....

 Hike in Airfares: Reps seek reduction of 50% in airport charges and auxiliary taxes The Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation has been asked to intervene in the exorbitant cost of domestic air tickets by effecting a fifty percent reduction in airport charges and auxiliary taxes.  The House of Representatives which passed the resolution at Thursday's plenary is hoping that this will translate to a significant reduction in airfares to enable Nigerians take advantage of air travel during the Yuletide.  Adopting a motion by Representative Obinna Aguocha, the House called for a transparent assessment mechanism by the Ministry of Aviation to determine the actual operational costs for airlines during the Yuletide.  The House also drew attention to the plight of retirees and contributors under the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Pension Fund Limited, who are facing delayed payment of their pension and gratuities, while calling for action.

Jeff Garcia, voice of Jimmy Neutron, dies at 50 Jeff Garcia, the actor and comedian known for his voice work in numerous animated films and series during the 2000s, has passed away at the age of 50. Garcia was best known for voicing Sheen Estevez in the "Jimmy Neutron" movie, the Nickelodeon television series, and its spinoff, "Planet Sheen." His son, Jojo Garcia, shared a heartfelt tribute, saying, "With a very heavy heart, I would like to inform everybody that my father, Jeff Garcia, has passed away. He was a unique soul, unapologetically himself, and I will always admire the love, compassion, and drive he had. He taught me so much and gave me advice I live by every day. He was a Father, Son, Uncle, Cousin, Brother, but most of all, he was my best friend." Over the past year, Garcia faced multiple health challenges, including a brain aneurysm. Beyond "Jimmy Neutron," his voice acting credits included "Marmaduke," "Rio," ...

Trump says CNN should be sold amid Warner Bros. Discovery deal President Trump on Wednesday weighed in on the ongoing sale of Warner Bros. Discovery, saying CNN — one of WBD’s cable networks — should be sold as part of any transaction. While Trump cannot unilaterally block mergers unless there are national security concerns over foreign investment, his remarks could influence WBD shareholders and the board. WBD’s board has 10 days to respond to a hostile $108 billion takeover bid from Paramount, which was launched after WBD announced a deal to sell its studio and streaming businesses to Netflix for $83 billion. WBD has argued its Netflix deal is financially superior, but rejecting Paramount could trigger shareholder lawsuits. Paramount contends its offer is more likely to pass regulatory approval, while also providing a higher financial return. Trump said in a press briefing that he may be “involved” in the decision and insisted that CNN be sold along with WBD’s other assets. He critic...

Thailand reports first civilian fatalities in renewed border clashes with Cambodia   Thai officials reported four civilian deaths Thursday as intense fighting erupted along the border with Cambodia, marking the first civilian fatalities since clashes resumed earlier this month. The latest flare-up follows a skirmish on Sunday that injured two Thai soldiers and disrupted a ceasefire brokered in July. The recent violence has left roughly two dozen people dead and displaced hundreds of thousands on both sides of the border. According to the Thai Army, Cambodian forces launched an artillery and mortar attack on Wednesday night, prompting a counterstrike that destroyed several enemy vehicles. Cambodia’s defense ministry accused Thailand of violating international law through the use of heavy weapons and troop deployments into Cambodian territory. International concern has grown, with Pope Leo XIV expressing sorrow over the renewed conflict and the resulting civilian hardships. The ...

Time reveals 2025 Person of the Year Time Magazine has named the architects of artificial intelligence as its Person of the Year for 2025. This year’s recognition follows President Donald Trump, who earned the title in 2024 after securing his second term in the White House. Trump previously received the honor in 2016, the year he was first elected. Ahead of the announcement, prediction markets had spotlighted AI and tech leaders Jensen Huang of Nvidia and Sam Altman of OpenAI as frontrunners. Other potential contenders included Pope Leo XIV, Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. The Time Person of the Year tradition began in 1927, with editors selecting the person or entity they judged to have most influenced headlines over the previous 12 months. While the public can participate in an online poll, the final decision rests with Time’s editorial team, and the selection remains closely guarded until the official announcement. Although ...

Netflix to release docuseries on Natalee Holloway case Netflix has announced a three-part docuseries exploring the Natalee Holloway case, set to feature Natalee’s mother, Beth Holloway. Natalee disappeared in 2005 while traveling in Aruba with college friends. Her death was confirmed in 2023 after Joran van der Sloot confessed and was extradited to the U.S. to face charges. Beth Holloway has been closely involved in the ongoing investigation and has led efforts to provide resources for other families of missing persons. In the series, she will recount the events surrounding her daughter’s disappearance, continuing through van der Sloot’s eventual confession. The documentary will include audio archives from family members, friends, and the FBI, along with newly released footage and interviews with investigators. The series is directed by Dani Sloane and Matthew Galkin, with executive producers Liz Garbus, Dan Cogan, Jon Bardin, Tommy Coriale, and Sloane.

 YouTube TV plans genre-based subscriptions starting in 2026 YouTube TV will introduce more than 10 genre-specific channel bundles in early 2026, marking the first time the streaming service offers options beyond its traditional all-in-one package. The new plans are designed to give viewers greater control over the content they pay for, allowing them to focus on the programming they actually watch. One of the highlighted bundles will focus on sports, offering access to major broadcasters and sports networks, including FS1, NBC Sports Network, all ESPN channels, and ESPN Unlimited. Subscribers will also have the option to add features like NFL Sunday Ticket and RedZone. Key features of YouTube TV, such as unlimited DVR, multiview, key plays, and fantasy view, will remain available. Other planned bundles are expected to cover news, family programming, and entertainment, though specific details and pricing have not yet been announced. Currently, YouTube TV’s base plan costs $82.99 per...

Pittsburgh bakers make 83,427 cookies in world record attempt A Pittsburgh-area Facebook community coordinated a world record attempt that resulted in the baking of 83,427 cookies for a massive cookie exchange. The event, organized by The Wedding Cookie Table Community Facebook page, brought together 583 bakers working in 67 teams from 14 U.S. states and New Zealand. At the Washington County Fairgrounds, the teams displayed all 83,427 cookies, ultimately exchanging 73,835 of them. The cookies were Christmas-themed, featuring designs like snowballs, Santa Claus, and reindeer. The creator of the community described the event as a festive and fun celebration of the holiday season. Evidence from the attempt will be submitted to Guinness World Records in hopes of establishing a new category for the largest Christmas cookie exchange.

At least 33 killed and 76 hurt after Myanmar military airstrike on hospital Airstrikes carried out by Myanmar’s military government on Wednesday night killed at least 33 people and injured 76 others at a public hospital in Mrauk-U, a town in Rakhine State under the control of the Arakan Army. The attack, which came just weeks before the junta’s planned Dec. 28 election, involved two 500-pound bombs that struck the hospital compound, destroying one building, gutting another, and leaving a large crater. Images shared online showed bodies on the ground, extensive fires, and trees torn apart by the blast. The Arakan Army noted that the strike occurred on International Human Rights Day, calling attention to the ongoing brutality of the military regime. A Myanmar government-in-exile made up of lawmakers removed in the 2021 coup condemned the attack as a criminal act by an illegitimate dictatorship, accusing the junta of using violence to bolster a “sham election.” The group expressed condole...

Kano lawyers petition Tinubu, NSA over Ganduje’s private Hisbah The National Forum of Kano Indigene Lawyers has petitioned President Bola Tinubu and NSA Nuhu Ribadu over the recruitment of a parallel Hisbah police by former Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s foundation.  The lawyers warned the private force could destabilize Kano, threaten Muslim-Christian coexistence, and undermine the NNPP government. They urged urgent federal intervention, citing security risks and constitutional obligations.

 ‘I thought it was US-bound’ — stowaway arrested at Ilorin airport The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it has detained a man, Segun Martins, after he attempted to stow away on an Overland Airways flight at the Gen. Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin, Kwara state. Michael Achimugu, NCAA director of public affairs and consumer protection, said in a statement on Wednesday that the incident happened at about 3:02 pm on Wednesday. Achimugu said the incident occurred when Martins allegedly breached airside security and made his way to the foot of the aircraft, preparing to taxi for take-off. He noted that the suspect tried to conceal himself between the aircraft tyres. Achimugu said he was immediately apprehended by ground security personnel and handed over to the airport police division for investigation. He noted that Martins told investigators during a preliminary finding that he believed the aircraft was headed for the United States and had hoped to leave the...

 Okonjo-Iweala, Abudu named among Forbes’ Most Powerful Women 2025 Two prominent Nigerian women, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Mo Abudu have been named among Forbes‘ 100 World’s Most Powerful Women for 2025, a proof of their trailblazing achievements and influence in their respective fields. Okonjo-Iweala, ranked 92nd, becomes the first woman and African to lead the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as Director-General. With over 30 years of experience in international development, she has served two terms as Nigeria’s Finance Minister and briefly acted as Foreign Minister. Her leadership has been instrumental in promoting trade as a tool for sustainable development and poverty reduction. Mo Abudu, ranked 98th, is a media pioneer and founder of EbonyLife Media, which has revolutionised African entertainment and storytelling. Their recognition alongside other powerful women like Ursula von der Leyen, Christine Lagarde, and newcomers like Kim Kardashian, underscores the growing impact of wome...

 2027: Tinubu will get 75% of Northern votes, Lawan says Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan has predicted that President Bola Tinubu will secure over 75 per cent of the votes in the Northern region in 2027 with effective mobilisation by the All Progressives Congress (APC). Lawan, who was the President of the ninth Senate made the prediction on Wednesday. He spoke after he was appointed as the National Patron of Tinubu House-to-House Network at his office in the National Assembly The delegation, according to a statement by Lawan’s media aide, Mr. Ezrel Tabiowo, was led by the organisation’s national chairman, Comrade Yahaya Muhammad. Lawan, who commended the group for his appointment, noted that the group’s door-to-door strategy was key to ensuring deeper political education and support for the Tinubu administration. Lawan said, “I feel very delighted that you have found me worthy of appointment as a Patron of this group. My hope is that you continue to expand and deepen your activ...

 David Mark warns against corruption, manipulation of primaries The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has warned chieftains and members of the party against corruption, ticket trading, manipulation of primaries, among others, saying the leadership will not accept such vices. He gave the warning yesterday in Asaba during the inauguration of Delta State Transition Management Committee, emphasising adherence to the ADC Constitution and operational guidelines. The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), in the 2023 general elections, Olorogun Great Ogboru, is one of the members of the leadership team in the state. Other members of the team are Deacon Kennedy Pela, Hon. Uloho Obaro, Engr. Austin Okolie, Hon. George Timinimi, and Hon. Emeka Ozegbe. Senator Mark, who was represented by former Secretary to the Federal Government, Mr. Babachir Lawal, outlined the party’s expectations for the newly inaugurated leader...

 What Gov. Adeleke said about his dancing on live TV leaves viewers talking Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has made it clear that he has no plans to stop dancing, even as he continues his work as governor. He said dancing is part of who he is and it helps him stay happy and relaxed. Adeleke spoke on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today. The programme was monitored by PM News. In the interview, he explained that people should not mistake his love for dancing as a sign that he is not serious about governance. According to him, “I will keep dancing because I love to dance and I love to praise my God. Dancing is my way of relaxing. It does not affect my work in any way.” He added that everyone has their own way of unwinding, and dancing just happens to be his own hobby. He noted that despite people calling him the “dancing senator” when he was in the Senate, he has always performed his duties responsibly. Adeleke has been in the news recently for...

 Oyebamiji set to become Osun APC consensus candidate ...I will win on Accord platform, says Adeleke Leading aspirant Bola Oyebamiji is set to become the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State. The primary is slated for Saturday. The hint on the plan by the party to adopt the consensus option was dropped after Tuesday night’s meeting of the aspirants with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Aso Villa. Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, is a former Finance Commissioner, who served for eight years in two APC administrations. Many of the disqualified aspirants pledged to support the consensus plan. The potential consensus candidate will face the Accord Party candidate, Governor Ademola Adeleke, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) likely candidate, Dr. Najeem Salam, in next year’s poll. Adeleke was elected Accord Party candidate yesterday by 145 delegates at the shadow poll in Osogbo, the state capital. The APC also adopted a consensus for the Ekiti prim...

 Adeleke was a victim of circumstance – PDP The Peoples Democratic Party has attributed Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s exit from the party to internal crises that the leadership failed to resolve, describing him as “a victim of circumstance.” PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, said the situation that led to Adeleke’s defection resulted from problems the party allowed to grow unchecked. The PDP spokesman stated that Adeleke’s defection was avoidable because “every problem is human-caused and therefore should have a human solution.” Ememobong insisted that timely and decisive intervention by the party leadership could have prevented the tensions that eventually pushed the governor out. “At the level of leadership to which he belonged in the party, the party ought to have acted decisively,” he said. He described the PDP’s internal troubles as self-inflicted and warned that political conflicts worsen ...

 PDP chaos: Wike, Makinde forces revive war over INEC’s nod By Abdulrahman Zakariyau The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has reaffirmed its authority over the party, with National Chairman Tanimu Turaki (SAN) insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission recognises the NWC backed by PDP governors as the authentic leadership of the party. Speaking at the presentation of the Certificate of Return to the PDP Ekiti governorship candidate, Oluwole Oluyede, at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, on Wednesday, Turaki said all major stakeholders of the party were with the NWC. The event was attended by 30 PDP state chairmen, National Assembly members, NWC members, party leaders and supporters who travelled from Ekiti dressed in colourful Ankara attire. Responding, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary of the faction supported by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led Caretaker Committee remained the legitimate leadership of t...

 Pastor’s daughter abducted in Oyo regains freedom The Child Protection Network has announced the safe release of Mrs Ibukunoluwa Otesile, the daughter of Reverend Dr Lekan Babatunde, founder of Jesus Is King Ministries, who was abducted earlier this month in Ibadan. Otesile, also the 2025 President of Junior Chamber International Ibadan Elite, was kidnapped in front of her home at the General Gas, Akobo area of the city by unknown gunmen. In a statement on Thursday, the organisation said she has been reunited with her family, thanking members, partners, and well-wishers for their support during the ordeal. “We are delighted to inform all CPN members, the CSO community, partners, and well-wishers that Mr Otesile has confirmed the release of his beloved wife, Mrs Ibukunoluwa Otesile, from her abductors. She has been safely reunited with her family,” the statement, signed by the state coordinator of CPN, Dr Rosemary Odigbo, read. He also said, “We give God all the glory for answered ...

Awujale bid: Ruling house rejects KWAM1’s application The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has formally rejected the lineage claim of Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, declaring the linkage form he submitted for the Awujale selection process “null, void, and of no consequence.” In a letter dated December 11, 2025, and addressed to the musician, the ruling house said its investigation did not establish any proof that Ayinde belongs to the Jadiara Royal House or the broader Fusengbuwa lineage, whose turn it is to produce the next Awujale of Ijebu land. The statement, signed by the Chairman of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi, faulted the certification of Ayinde’s form, noting that it was endorsed by “a purported family unit head,” Adetayo Abayomi Oduneye, who the ruling house said is not a recognised member of the Jadiara Royal House. The ruling house also queried the timeline of the endorsement, saying the form was certified on December 8...

 NIGERIA HIGHLIGHTS CLIMATE, RESTORATION, AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY COMMITMENTS AT UNEA‑7 IN NAIROBI  Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has outlined the country’s environmental priorities and progress at the Seventh United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA‑7) in Nairobi, calling for global solidarity, predictable finance and practical support to turn commitments into action. Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister Lawal said Nigeria’s updated climate pledge—its Enhanced Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0)—commits the country to a 20% unconditional emissions reduction and up to 47% with international support by 2030, while maintaining a net‑zero target by 2060. He also noted recent domestic reforms including the operationalization of a National Carbon Market Framework, issuance of the third Sovereign Green Bond, and expanded renewable energy deployments such as solar mini‑grids, wind installations and clean cooking solutions...

 LASG BEGINS DISTRIBUTION OF TEXTBOOKS TO PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS, REINFORCING COMMITMENT TO QUALITY EDUCATION The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, has commenced the distribution of textbooks to public secondary schools across the state. This initiative aims to democratize access to quality education and empower students with the necessary tools to excel academically. Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, emphasised the transformative power of education in shaping the destiny of individuals, communities, and nations at the launch event, held at the Lagos State Education Resource Centre, Ojodu-Berger, Lagos. He noted that the provision of textbooks is a strategic investment in the future of Lagos' children, fostering a culture of meritocracy and aligning with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda. The initiative, which will be in phases, prioritises Education and Technology, Social In...

 LAGOS STATE TRIUMPHS AT 2025 WORLD ROBOT OLYMPIAD IN SINGAPORE The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has commended the outstanding performance of its students at the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) 2025 International Final held at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore, the birthplace of the WRO Initiative, between November 26 to 28, 2025. The Lagos State 17-Man team, led by the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, including officials and coaching crew, represented Nigeria in multiple categories of events, showcasing their skills in robotics and STEM Education. The year 2025 edition, with the global theme: "The Future of Robots", recorded the most significant participation in WRO history with 3,300 young innovators from 112 countries around the world and 600 competing teams.  The global event seeks to provide a platform for young innovators to explore how robotics and science-intelligent ma...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE President Tinubu Unveils New Security, Economic Blueprint To Harness Nigeria’s Marine Wealth * Directs NIPSS to conduct nationwide security diagnostic, targets port reform, maritime expansion President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a new security and economic framework aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s vast marine and aquatic resources under the blue economy as one of the country’s most critical sectors for national transformation. Accordingly, he directed all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to immediately review and implement recommendations by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies’ (NIPSS) comprehensive study on blue economy development. Speaking on Wednesday during a Presidential Parley with participants of Senior Executive Course 47 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) at the Presidential Villa, the President, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the adminis...

 South Sudan deploys troops to secure key Heglig oil field in Sudan South Sudan has sent its troops to neighbouring Sudan to guard the strategic Heglig oil field near the border, its military head said on Thursday, days after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) took control of it. Heglig houses the main processing facility for South Sudanese oil, which makes up the bulk of South Sudan's public revenues. Some oil has continued to flow through Heglig, though at much reduced volumes. Sudanese government forces and workers at the Heglig oil field withdrew from the area on Sunday to avoid fighting that could have damaged facilities there, government sources told Reuters on Monday. General Paul Nang, South Sudan chief of defence forces, said the troop deployment was agreed between South Sudan's President Salva Kiir, Sudan Army Chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF head Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. ‘Important strategic area’ "The three agreed that the area of Heglig shou...