PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMENDS BORNO STATE GOV., PROF. BABAGANA ZULUM FOR OUTSTANDING PEOPLE-FOCUSED PROJECTS   President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday in Maiduguri, Borno State, applauded the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, for continuously investing in education, health, and transportation and for steadily improving the livelihoods of indigenes.   The President, who was on a three-state official tour of Borno, Bauchi and Lagos States, arrived Maiduguri at 12.30 pm, and proceeded to commission the international wing of the Muhammadu Buhari Airport, a new VIP extension, Electric Vehicles, intra-state buses, tricycles, and three model primary, junior secondary and secondary schools.   "I am commissioning this primary, junior secondary school and senior secondary schools to the glory of God, and continuous education of our children,'' President Tinubu said.   The President also participated in the marriage ceremony of Sadeeq Sh...

 Africa Cup of Nations to be held every four years from 2028 The Africa Cup of Nations will be staged every four years following an edition planned for 2028 in a major change to what is currently a biennial showpiece, African football chief Patrice Motsepe announced on Saturday, AFP reported. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) president revealed the change as part of a significant restructuring of the international game on the continent to help it fit better into a packed global calendar. An AFCON every two years was a vital source of revenue for African national associations, but Motsepe said the introduction of an annual African Nations League competition - similar to the UEFA Nations League - would now help boost coffers instead. "Our focus now is on this AFCON but in 2027 we will be going to Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, and the AFCON after that will be in 2028," Motsepe told reporters in Rabat on Saturday, on the eve of the opening game of this year's Morocco-...

 DSS APPLAUDED FOR SPEEDY TRIAL OF SUSPECTED DEEPER LIFE CHURCH ATTACKERS Hope has been rekindled in Otite, near Okene in Kogi State, as the long-stalled trial over the 2012 Deeper Life Bible Church massacre gains fresh momentum. Victims’ families, survivors, and community members have commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the re-arrest and swift arraignment of Abdulmalik Abdulazeez Obadaki, the alleged Ansaru terror kingpin linked to the deadly attack. In a letter addressed to the DSS, the affected community expressed renewed confidence in the justice process following Obadaki’s arraignment before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, shortly after his re-capture. The development is widely regarded as a turning point in a case that has lingered for more than a decade, restoring faith in the judicial system among those directly impacted by the tragedy. It will be recalled that the August 7, 2012 attack claimed the lives of at least 19 worshippers...

Fire guts FIRS office in Abuja, no casualties recorded A fire outbreak occured at one of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) offices in Abuja on Saturday. Videos circulating on social media show flames engulfing parts of the building, triggering panic in the area. In a statement signed by Sikiru Akinola, technical assistant (print media) to the FIRS executive chairman, the agency said the fire broke out at its office located at No. 15 Sokode Crescent, Wuse Zone 5. “The fire, which broke out on the fourth floor of the building, was promptly responded to by our security personnel on duty,” the statement reads. “With the swift support of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service and other emergency responders, the fire was successfully contained and prevented from spreading further.

 New drug test policy for schools will cut down substance abuse among youth - Marwa . Commends Taraba university for anti-drug abuse initiatives, partnership with NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) has said that the newly launched drug test policy for schools in Nigeria will discourage the craving to abuse illicit substances by young Nigerians especially those aspiring to gain admission into tertiary institutions.  Marwa stated this weekend when he received the Vice Chancellor of the Taraba State University, Professor Sunday Paul Bako who led a team of his management staff to seek partnership with the Agency on the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. According to the NDLEA boss, “we’re glad to work and partner with you, your university and the Taraba state government on this matter and it’s a good thing that what you’re doing aligns with the new national policy for...

Charlie Kirk’s wife "Erika Kirk" backs JD Vance for 2028 presidential run Erika Kirk endorsed Vice President JD Vance for president during a Turning Point USA conference in Arizona, pledging to rally the influential conservative organization behind him in 2028. “We are going to get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected for ’48 in the most resounding way possible,” she declared Thursday night at AmericaFest, the first major Turning Point event since her husband’s assassination. While the endorsement was expected, given Vance’s close ties to Charlie Kirk, Erika Kirk, and Turning Point, it carries weight due to the group’s prominence in shaping the modern conservative movement, particularly among younger voters. Turning Point, founded in 2012, played a key role in supporting President Donald Trump’s election campaigns. Vance has not formally announced a 2028 run. Last month, he said he remains focused on the vice presidency and the 2026 midterms but would discuss the 2028 race wi...

Gil Gerard, star of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, dies Actor Gil Gerard, best known for his role as Captain William "Buck" Rogers in the sci-fi series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, has died at the age of 82 after a battle with cancer. Gerard’s wife, Janet, confirmed his passing in a Facebook post Tuesday, saying, “Early this morning Gil—my soulmate—lost his fight with a rare and viciously aggressive form of cancer. From the moment we knew something was wrong to his death this morning was only days. No matter how many years I got to spend with him, it would never have been enough.” She added a heartfelt reminder to “hold the ones you have tightly and love them fiercely.” A statement from Gerard, shared by Janet on his official Facebook page, reflected on his life and career. “My life has been an amazing journey. The opportunities I’ve had, the people I’ve met, and the love I’ve given and received have made my 82 years on the planet deeply satisfying,” he wrote. He recoun...

 Cause of death revealed for Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner  The Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed the cause of death for director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. Both died from “multiple sharp force injuries,” with the official date of death listed as Sunday, Dec. 14. The announcement comes as their son, Nick Reiner, 32, appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday after being charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the stabbing deaths of his parents. Nick Reiner did not enter a plea during the hearing, appearing behind a glass wall in a custody area, shackled and wearing a blue suicide-prevention smock. At his lawyer’s request, his arraignment was postponed to Jan. 7, 2026, which he acknowledged by saying “yes, your honor.” Authorities reported that Rob and Michele Reiner were killed in the early morning hours of Dec. 14 and discovered later that afternoon in their Brentwood, Los Angeles, home with apparent stab wounds. ...

 Investigation launched into plane crash that killed NASCAR driver Biffle and six others   Federal investigators are examining why a business jet carrying retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and six others crashed shortly after takeoff in North Carolina, killing everyone on board. The Cessna C550 struck light poles and trees before hitting the ground about a third of a mile from the airport runway, erupting into flames. The jet had departed Statesville Regional Airport, north of Charlotte, and crashed while attempting to return less than 10 minutes later. Flight records show the plane was registered to a company run by Biffle. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recovered the cockpit voice recorder and are probing why the aircraft returned in drizzle and cloudy conditions. The flight carried three pilots: Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Biffle. Biffle, 55, was rated to fly helicopters and single- and multi-engine planes but was not qualified to se...

 Bondi Beach hero who stopped gunman receives over $1 million in donations Ahmed al Ahmed, a Syrian-Australian tobacco shop owner, has been hailed as a national hero in Australia after disarming one of two gunmen who opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach. The attack over the weekend tragically left 15 people dead. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised al Ahmed on Tuesday while visiting a Sydney hospital where he is recovering from multiple gunshot wounds. “At a moment where we have seen evil perpetrated, he shines out as an example of the strength of humanity,” Albanese said. “We are a brave country. Ahmed al Ahmed represents the best of our country.” Al Ahmed faces a long road to recovery, but support has poured in. More than 40,000 people have donated to an online fundraiser for his recovery, including billionaire hedge fund manager William Ackman, who contributed AU$99,000 ($66,000). Zachery Dereniowski, known online as MDMotivator, surprised al Ahmed in t...

 Actress Iyabo Ojo has once again shut the single mothers' haters up as she prepares to celebrate her 48th year on earth in grand style, her first birthday as a grandmother.  According to her, many single mothers are excelling in their careers, families, and personal lives, earning respect for the discipline and values they instill in their children. Although the actual birthday is tomorrow December 21st, pre-birthday celebrations are already ongoing in advance. Speaking at her pre-birthday party, the Nigerian actress bragged; "Gone are the days when being a single mother was a stigma, single mothers’ children are doing great things in life. "Men are chasing single mothers. They are even begging us that they don’t want us to be side chicks. They want us to marry them because we have experience. "If a man leaves you, another man will accept you. I am the President General of Single Mothers Association". She noted that the dedication shown in raising a child singl...

 Federal Government partners with Prince Arthur Eze(Ozoigbondu) to drive innovation The Federal Government has intensified efforts to position science, technology and innovation  at the heart of Nigeria’s economic transformation, as the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, hosted prominent industrialist and global business figure, Prince Arthur Eze, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. Dr. Udeh stressed that collaboration with respected business and political leaders remains critical to shaping forward-looking policies and mobilising national support for impactful innovation initiatives. He also reiterated the Ministry’s readiness to partner with Chief Technology Officers across sectors to strengthen interlinkages within Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. Prince Eze,  who is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Oranto Petroleum, commended the Minister’s  dedication to duty and reform-oriented vision, describing the ...

 Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has made fresh allegations against Pastor Chris Okafor, urging the Department of State Services (DSS) to through investigate his church, Grace Nation international, AKA Liberation City. Speaking during a recent interview, Doris claimed that the authorities should examine the church premises closely, including the altar and pulpit area. She referenced an incident during the construction of the church when part of the structure allegedly collapsed, resulting in a fatality. She further alleged that a blogger later discovered something unusual at the site and that Pastor Okafor allegedly contacted the individual, asking for guidance on how to handle the situation.  According to her, these incidents raise serious questions that, in her view, warrant a thorough security investigation. She maintained that a detailed probe of the church property would reveal information she believes has remained hidden. Recall that the public controversy between Doris Og...

 Nancy Isime Commissions Playground for Ikorodu Pupils to Mark Her 34th Birthday   Nollywood actress Nancy Isime marked her 34th birthday by commissioning a new playground for the pupils of Methodist Primary School, Ikorodu.  As part of the celebration, she hosted an end-of-year party for the students and staff, highlighting her passion for children’s development, outdoor play, and creativity, describing the gesture as deeply personal, noting that playgrounds and libraries shaped her own childhood. It has been a tradition widely known by everyone since she became rich and popular in the movie industry, to always celebrate her birthday with children. Reflecting on her tradition of celebrating with children, Nancy Isime explained that playgrounds and libraries hold a special place in her heart.  "As a child, reading and playing were my absolute favourite things to do, and you’d definitely find me in the play area, swinging and sliding my young stress away," she said wi...

 Obi Pays NECO Exam Fees for innates at Anambra Correctional Facilities.148 inmates benefited from the intervention: 50 from Awka, 36 from Onitsha, 25 from Nnewi, and 37 from Aguata. Anambra State Coordinator of the National Examinations Council (NECO), Mrs. Emilia Njoku, expressed surprise at the unannounced visit of Mr. Peter Obi to the NECO State Office in Awka on Friday. Njoku said staff were initially curious when a convoy of vehicles arrived, only to discover that Obi, uninvited and without prior notice, had come to present a cheque covering NECO examination fees for 148 inmates in correctional centres across Anambra State. Addressing staff, Obi explained that representatives of inmates from the Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, and Aguata (Ekwulobia) correctional centres had earlier visited him in Onitsha to share their plight. Although NECO had approved their participation in the examinations, a letter of undertaking from a guarantor was required to enable payment of the fees. Obi disc...

 Anglican Clerics, Senior Lawyers Slams N500m lawsuit against Nigerian navy for rights violations and demands justice for priest battered by Naval Officer at a checkpoint in Anambra A team of clergymen and senior lawyers of the Anglican Church yesterday stormed Onitsha High Court in solidarity with Rev. Tochukwu Agina, a priest of the Anglican Diocese of Ogbaru, Anambra State who was battered and dehumanized by Naval men attached to Ogbaru Naval base on November 30, 2025. Agina, a youthful priest was attacked and inflicted with various bodily injuries by the Naval Ratings who claimed that he made phone calls while driving through their checkpoint in Ogbaru. Rev. Agina has instituted a civil suit against the Nigerian Navy at the Anambra State High Court in Onitsha, seeking N500 million in damages over the alleged violation of his fundamental human rights. In the suit, marked No. O/MSC/572/2025, Rev. Agina said his rights to dignity of the human person, personal liberty and freedom o...

 Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt welcome their 'perfect angel girl' Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt have shared joyful news with fans, announcing the birth of their daughter and calling her their “perfect angel girl.” The couple revealed that their baby, Scottie Rose Hewitt Davidson, was born on Dec. 12, sharing the announcement through a series of intimate photos on Instagram that showed them holding, cuddling, and caring for their newborn. In the caption, Hewitt expressed deep emotion, writing that the moment left her “overflowing with love and gratitude and disbelief,” while Davidson added a brief but personal message of his own. The baby’s first name appears to carry special meaning for Davidson, as it is widely seen as a tribute to his late father, a New York City firefighter who was killed during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center. Hewitt, 29, first confirmed her pregnancy in July with a humorous social media post that quickly drew attention, and the birt...

US military strikes Islamic State targets in Syria following deaths of American personnel    The Trump administration carried out military strikes in Syria on Friday, targeting Islamic State fighters and weapons sites in response to an ambush that killed two U.S. soldiers and an American civilian interpreter last week. U.S. officials described the operation as “large-scale,” hitting roughly 70 IS targets across central Syria. More strikes are expected. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called the mission “a declaration of vengeance,” emphasizing that the U.S. will act decisively to protect its personnel. President Donald Trump also vowed “very serious retaliation,” describing the attacks as a “massive strike” against IS militants attempting to regroup. The operation employed F-15 Eagle jets, A-10 Thunderbolt attack aircraft, AH-64 Apache helicopters, F-16s from Jordan, and HIMARS rocket artillery, with over 100 precision munitions deployed on IS positions, according to U.S. Centr...

 Los Angeles Dodgers to face record $169 million luxury tax following back-to-back World Series wins  The Los Angeles Dodgers will pay a record $169.4 million in luxury tax after winning their second consecutive World Series, bringing their total tax bill over two years to $272.4 million. The New York Mets recorded the second-highest tax payment at $91.6 million, despite missing the 12-team playoffs, raising their four-year total under owner Steve Cohen to $320.3 million. The Dodgers will pay luxury tax for the fifth straight season, surpassing last year’s record of $103 million and overtaking the New York Yankees in total tax paid since the penalty’s 2003 inception, with Los Angeles at $519.4 million and New York at $514.2 million. The Dodgers’ luxury tax payroll reached $417.3 million, topping the 2023 Mets’ $374.7 million. Their total included $949,244 in noncash compensation for two-way star Shohei Ohtani, covering a suite at Dodger Stadium and interpreter services. The Me...

 Tesla CEO Elon Musk wins $55 billion compensation package in Delaware court ruling Elon Musk, already the world’s richest person, secured a massive financial victory Friday when the Delaware Supreme Court overturned a prior ruling that had stripped him of a $55 billion pay package awarded by Tesla in 2018 as an incentive to grow the company. The reversal not only adds to Musk’s current fortune of $679 billion but also validates his long-standing assertion that the Delaware court overstepped its authority when Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick rescinded the package in January 2024 following a lawsuit from a Tesla shareholder. Tesla did not immediately comment. The 2024 ruling had angered Musk enough to prompt him to reincorporate Tesla in Texas, creating pressure on the board to reassure their CEO. Shareholders later voted to reinstate the pay package, which had been valued at $44.9 billion during the second vote 18 months ago. Musk’s compensation story continued this year wi...

 TARKA LG ORDERS SUSPENSION OF MBAKOR YOUTH ASSOCIATION, BARS KNOCKOUT SHOTS DURING YULETIDE  20th December, 2025     The Executive Chairman of Tarka Local Government Council in Benue State, Mr. Raphael Yenge, has ordered the immediate suspension of all activities of the Mbakor Youth Association over security concerns in the area. Yenge, in a statement on Friday, said the decision followed reports that raised concerns about the safety and well-being of residents of Mbakor community. He said the suspension affects all meetings, events and activities of the association, which is currently led by Mr. Aondover Akpera, and will remain in force pending the outcome of a comprehensive security review. The council chairman also announced a ban on the use of knockout shots during the ongoing festive period across the local government area. According to a letter signed by the Secretary of the Council, Mrs. Thelma Nguuma Chieryol, the directive took effect from Dec. 19, 202...

 Nine Lessons/Carol: Anambra Speaker Expresses Appreciation To Soludo, Staff, Retirees For Dedication, Contribution  By Gloria Abugu The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze has expressed appreciation to staff of the House of Assembly and retirees who exited service in 2025, commending their dedication and contributions to the Assembly. Rt. Hon. Udeze stated this on Thursday during the 2nd Edition of Festival of Nine Lessons and Carol organised by the State Legislature brought together by the Speaker, lawmakers, management and the staff in a solemn celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Udeze paid tribute to departed staff and former members of the House, praying for the repose of their souls, just as he described the retired staff as hardworking and exemplary. The Speaker made special mention of a retiring staff member, Mr. Joachim Ewuzie, whom he described as exceptionally dedicated, noting that his absence would be deeply felt across...

 Awka South Education and Social Development Department Hosts 2025 End-of-Year Celebration By Chukwuemeka Orji The Education and Social Development Department of Awka South Local Government Area held its annual end-of-year get-together for 2025, celebrating a year of service, unity, and gratitude. The event, filled with joy and reflection, took place at the Traditional Rulers’ Conference Hall at the LGA headquarters. The gathering brought together serving and retired staff, including past and present heads of department, to appreciate God’s faithfulness and to recognize the department’s achievements in service delivery throughout the year. In her opening remarks, the Head of Department, Mrs. Lilian Akwuba, expressed deep appreciation to the staff for their dedication and commitment to duty. “I commend your good attitude to work, your passion, and your dedication to service. This annual event is our way of saying thank you. The reward for hard work is more work, so lets not relent, ...

 Nnamdi Kanu’s Wife Recounts 2009 Abduction on Their Traditional Wedding Day Uchechigeme Anyanwụụtụtụ Okwu-Kanu, wife of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has shared a personal account of her husband’s alleged abduction in 2009, describing it as a traumatic event that occurred on the day of their scheduled traditional marriage. In a social media post on Friday, Mrs. Okwu-Kanu detailed the hardships she and her husband endured in their pursuit of what she called the “restoration and transformation” of their people. She alleged that on December 19, 2009, Kanu was abducted in broad daylight in front of their family square by men loyal to Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, founder and leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). According to her, Kanu was assaulted and publicly humiliated during the incident. Mrs. Okwu-Kanu claimed her husband’s only “offence” was opposing the alleged exploitation of the Igbo cause, inc...

 Abia Governor Alex Otti Clarifies Visit to Detained IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu, Denies Political Ambitions Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has explained that his recent visit to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was motivated solely by the pursuit of dialogue and peace, and not by any personal political ambitions. The governor made the clarification on Friday during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Abia Diaspora Commission and the medical team of the state's Global Medical Mission 2025 at the Government House in Umuahia. Otti's remarks come amid criticism sparked by a viral video on social media, in which an individual questioned the motives behind his trip to meet Kanu, who is currently serving a life sentence at the Sokoto Correctional Centre following his conviction on terrorism-related charges. Defending the visit, Governor Otti emphasized that it was aimed at fostering dialogue to promote lasting peace in the region. He ...

 Anthony Joshua knocks out Jake Paul in six-round controversial bout Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua knocked out YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in their controversial Netflix-backed bout in Miami on Friday. The fight at the Kaseya Center, which saw both men reportedly splitting a mammoth purse of $184 million, had triggered alarm across boxing due to the gulf in physical size and class between Britain’s two-time former world champion Joshua and Paul, an internet personality who has forged a lucrative career through a handful of novelty boxing contests. In the event, however, Joshua made hard work of defeating his vastly less accomplished opponent, before his superior size and power eventually told in the later stages of the eight-round fight, with a sixth-round knockout. A lackluster contest descended into farce at times, with Paul repeatedly dropping to the canvas and grappling with Joshua’s legs. At one stage, even referee Christopher Young appeared to be losing...

 PRESS RELEASE    Tinubu Laying Strong Foundations for Security, Growth, National Renewal – Information Minister    The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is taking deliberate and necessary steps to stabilise Nigeria’s economy, strengthen national security, and lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity.    The Minister stated this on Friday night at a dinner with All Progressives Congress (APC) support groups held at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.    Addressing party leaders and members of the APC support groups, Idris thanked them for their loyalty and continued support, describing them as a critical pillar of the party and its success. He said the APC came into government at a difficult time for the country, requiring bold decisions to address long-standing economic and security challenges, while keeping the future of Nigeria in fo...

 Press Statement  NIGERIA AND UNITED STATES SIGN LANDMARK AGREEMENT TO STRENGTHEN HEALTH SECURITY, EXPAND PRIMARY CARE, AND DRIVE SELF-RELIANCE The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Government of the United States of America today signed a landmark technical Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen bilateral health cooperation, strengthen health security, and build a more resilient and self-reliant health system for Nigerians. The agreement will enhance collaboration on the early detection, prevention, and control of emerging, re-emerging, and existing infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis, while expanding access to quality primary healthcare services nationwide. Under the MoU, both countries will work together to strengthen disease surveillance and outbreak response; improve laboratory systems and biosafety procedures for pathogen sample collection, transport, testing, storage, and disposal; support frontline healthcare workers; stren...