PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT CLAMP DOWN ON STUBBORN BUILDERS By Okey Okolonji/ Bonaventure Alufo The Enforcement Team of Anambra State Physical Planning Board(ANSPPB), clamped down on  stubborn builders that flout the laws that are regulating the building of houses in the State.  The exercise took place at Bida Road, by Nwangene Street in Onitsha South LGA, where the owner of the building with reckless abandonment blocked the access road linking the next Street within the locality.  On arrival to the Street in question with Payloader, the Enforcement Team, immediately demolished, and open up the blocked access road. Mrs. Chioma Egwuonwu, who is the Executive Secretary for Onitsha South Local Planning Authority (LPA), affirmed that the owner decided to ignore removal notices issued, instead, he chose blocking the access road with the part of his building.  In a separate speeches by two of the residents and the traders within the locality, they lauded the exercise by...

 Anambra Community Leader Hails Soludo for Ending 11Years of Traditional Stool Vacancy in his community (Ndiowu) Ndiowu community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State has formally elected Chief Chibuzo Okekeifi as Ezediọramma II of Ndiowu, bringing to an end an eleven-year vacancy on the community’s revered royal throne. The historic development marks a major milestone in Ndiowu’s traditional history, coming more than a decade after the peaceful transition of the late monarch, Ezediọramma I, Late Eze O. Udeh. Community leaders and indigenes have described the installation as a powerful symbol of restored dignity, unity, and renewed communal pride. Reacting to the development, prominent Ndiowu son and community leader, Chief Dr. Joseph Chimezie Onuorah, popularly known as Deme Deme Na Orumba, hailed the emergence of Ezediọramma II as a defining turning point for Ndiowu, both at home and across the diaspora. According to him, the ascension of the new monarch represe...

  President Trump announces plan to hit UK, Denmark and other European countries with extra tariffs over Greenland Donald Trump announces plans to hit the UK, Denmark and other European countries with a 10% tariff on "all or any goods" exported to the US from 1st February In a post on Truth Social, the US president says these will remain in place until a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland Trump framed this move as leverage to pressure Denmark and other NATO allies to agree to sell the Arctic territory of Greenland to the U.S. — a deeply controversial proposal. Leaders in Europe have condemned the threats. Denmark and Greenland insist the territory will not be sold, emphasising self-determination.

Vice President Kashim Shettima was among dignitaries that witnessed the inauguration of President Mamadi Doumbouya as the President of Guinea Conakry. The inauguration of President Doumbouya followed his victory in the December 2025 general election in the country, a democratic watershed which brought the formal end of a four-year military transition.  Vice President Shettima’s presence at the event has again underscored Nigeria’s leadership role within ECOWAS and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the restoration and sustenance of democratic governance across the sub-region. President Doumbouya will serve a single seven-year term, as stipulated under Guinea’s new constitution approved by a national referendum in September 2025. The revised constitution extended the presidential tenure from five to seven years, renewable only once. More photos below. 

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE President Tinubu congratulates Super Eagles on AFCON Bronze Medal  President Bola Tinubu congratulates the Nigerian national team, Super Eagles, for Saturday's bronze medal victory at the 2025 African Cup of Nations. The President commends the Super Eagles for putting behind them the disappointment of the semi-final loss to host nation Morocco last Wednesday. The Super Eagles overpowered Egypt, defeating the seven-time AFCON winner, in a penalty shootout after the regular time, in which the Nigerian team dominated. President Tinubu states that the Super Eagles players, through their victory, have once again demonstrated the determination, persistence, and can-do spirit associated with our country. The President remarks: "Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people's hopes of winning the championship were dashed. "However, our players r...

 Seven killed in suspected extortion shooting near Cape Town- police Gunmen killed seven people in a township outside the South African city of Cape Town early on Saturday in an incident believed to be extortion-related, police said. The attack is the latest in a string of mass shootings that have shaken the crime-weary country of 63 million people. "Police are investigating a shooting incident in Marikana that claimed the lives of seven people — one woman and six men aged between 30 and 50," police said in a statement, AFP reported. Three people were also wounded in the attack, which occurred shortly after midnight and was "believed to be linked to extortion in the area", it said. "The suspects fled the scene and no arrests have been made," police said, adding that a manhunt had been launched and investigations were ongoing. South Africa, the continent's most industrialised nation, is grappling with entrenched crime and corruption driven by organised ...

  Google moves to appeal ruling in search monopoly case Google filed an appeal Friday challenging a federal judge’s ruling that the company holds an illegal monopoly in internet search. The appeal could delay the implementation of court-ordered remedies while the case moves through the legal system. In a blog post, Google Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Lee-Anne Mulholland said the 2024 ruling “ignored the reality that people use Google because they want to, not because they’re forced to,” and argued that it “failed to account for the rapid pace of innovation and intense competition from established players and well-funded start-ups.” The antitrust trial began in September 2023, and in August 2024, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act, confirming that the company holds a monopoly in search and related advertising. Following the ruling, Google indicated it would likely appeal. In spring 2025, Google and the Department of Justice...

 Uganda's Museveni wins presidential election by landslide to extend 40-year rule Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni won a seventh term in office on Saturday after an election marred by an internet shutdown. Museveni, 81, won 71.65 percent of the vote in Thursday's election, the Electoral Commission said. His ruling party, the National Resistance Movement, also had a commanding lead in parliamentary seats, according to provisional results. Ballots were still being counted. His victory allows him to extend his 40-year rule of the East African country. He defeated Bobi Wine, 43, a former singer-turned-politician who won 24.72 percent and said he was in hiding on Saturday after a raid by security forces on his home. Opponent on the run He stated his "complete rejection of the fake results" and said he was on the run after the raid on his home on Friday night. "I want to confirm that I managed to escape from them," Wine posted on X on Saturday. Currently, I am no...

 PRESS RELEASE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE CONGRATULATES RETIRED CP FATAI OWOSENI ON HIS CONFERMENT AS ATUNLUSE-ILU ADINI OF OYO STATE The Nigeria Police Force warmly congratulates CP Fatai A. Owoseni (Rtd), an eminent retired Police Officer, security expert, and community leader, on his conferment with the prestigious title of Atunluse-Ilu Adini of Oyo State by the Chief Imam of Ibadan and the League of Imams and Alfas of Oyo State. The honour, in recognition of his enduring service to the nation and contributions to peace and security, will be cherished as a confirmation of his exemplary leadership, dedication to community development, and firm commitment to the values of integrity and service. CP Owoseni’s career spans over 35 years of distinguished service in the Nigeria Police Force, rising through the ranks to attain the esteemed position of Commissioner of Police. His tenure encompassed leadership roles in multiple state commands, formations and departments, including Lagos and Ben...

 LASUTH SCHOOL OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY GRADUATES SECOND COHORT The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has convened the second graduation ceremony of the School of Echocardiography for the 2025 academic session on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The event took place at the MRC Auditorium of the hospital. The Chief Medical Director, Prof. Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the graduating students, adding that the establishment of the School was not accidental, but rather the outcome of a deliberate and strategic decision by the LASUTH Top Management Committee, driven by the resolve to expand the frontiers of specialist training, strengthen diagnostic capacity, and position LASUTH at the forefront of advanced medical education and service delivery. He extended his sincere appreciation to the leadership of the School under Dr. Ajibare, a consummate Consultant Cardiologist, whose vision, discipline, and commitment to excellence have remained central...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE The editors, CONDOLENCE: CP Sani-Omolori condoles Sadaukin Bauchi over the demise of his Mother-in-Law The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, psc(+), mni, alongside senior officers of the Command, paid a condolence visit to Dr. Abdulrahman Sade (Sadaukin Bauchi), an Abuja-based media consultant and founder of the Sadauki Foundation, over the demise of his mother-in-law. The late Hajiya Rabiatu Hashiru Mohammed, wife of Alhaji Hashiru Mohammed, passed away after a brief illness in Bauchi.  The Commissioner of Police prayed that Allah (SWT) grants the family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss and grants the deceased eternal rest. SP Nafiu Habib, ANIPR, FFIS Police Public Relations Officer For: The Commissioner of Police 17th January, 2026.

Kianna Underwood, a former Nickelodeon child star known for her roles in "AI| That" and"Little Bill," died in a hit-and-run accident in Brooklyn at 33.  The incident occurred on January 16, 2026, when Underwood was struck by a black Ford SUV while crossing the intersection of Watkins Street and Pitkin Avenue , The driver failed to stop after the collision and continued driving for nearly a block with Underwood's body trapped underneath. Authorities have not made any arrests, and the investigation is ongoing .  Underwood rose to fame as a child performer on Nickelodeon's popular sketch comedy series "All That," where she appeared alongside future Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson. She also voiced the character Fuschia Glover in the animated series "Little Bill"' and performed on stage in the musical"Hairspray The hit-and-run incident has sparked renewed attention to pedestrian safety in New York City, with many calling for s...

 PRESIDENT TINUBU RETURNS TO NIGERIA AFTER ABU DHABI TRIP   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returns to Nigeria today after he and some of his ministers participated in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW2026).   A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information & Strategy Indicates that on the sidelines of the summit, Nigeria signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).   The agreement aims to deepen economic cooperation, boost bilateral trade and investment, enhance technology transfer, and expand collaboration across key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and renewable energy.   In his address, President Tinubu announced that a joint Nigeria-United Arab Emirates (UAE) INVESTOPIA will be held in Lagos in February, an initiative aimed at attracting global investors.   President Tinubu also told the Summit that Nigeria aims to mobilise up to $3...

 Kogi State Government Flags off 2026 Cashew Season.. Kogi State Government has taken steps to improve production, processing and packaging of cashew to make it a major revenue earner while generating millions of jobs for its citizens. Governor Usman Ododo made this known at the Luguard's House during the Flag off of the 2026 Cashew season and unveiling of the State's procurement policy in Lokoja. Nigeria's cashew production currently ranks as the fourth largest in the world with 450,000 metric tones and export value exceeding 700 million dollars. Kogi State remains the leading producer of cashew in Nigeria with its prominence both at local and international markets. While flagging-off the 2026 cashew season in Lokoja, the Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo also launched the free distribution of hybrid cashew seedlings to registered farmers across the State, to boost production. He reiterates his administration's commitment to the procurement policy which he says is ...

 Chad issues 'final warning' to Sudan's RSF paramilitary after killing of its soldiers Chad said Friday seven of its soldiers had been killed in a clash at the Sudanese border, with an official blaming the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the group locked in a brutal civil war in Sudan. Chadian government spokesman Gassim Cherif told a news conference there had been an "incursion" into Chad on Thursday by armed fighters from Sudan, leading to a clash when Chadian troops ordered them to leave. A government official told AFP the Sudanese fighters were "RSF elements". "We call on all parties in the conflict to stop all violations of Chadian territory," Cherif said. "This is our final warning," he added. The RSF's war with the Sudanese army has killed tens of thousands of people and forced some 12 million from their homes since it erupted in April 2023. One million refugees Around one million Sudanese refugees have fled to Chad, according ...

 Ugandan opposition figure Bobi Wine taken away in army helicopter, party says Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has been forcibly taken away from his home by an army helicopter, his party has said, a day after elections marred by violence and an internet blackout. President Yoweri Museveni is seeking to extend his four-decade rule after an election that opposition groups say was conducted under widespread repression. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, had earlier said he was under house arrest after police surrounded his residence. Late on Friday, his party, the National Unity Platform, said in a post on X that an army helicopter had landed inside the compound and "forcibly taken him away to an unknown destination," TRT Afrika reported. The party added that Wine’s private security guards were "violently assaulted" during the operation. Preliminary results released by the Electoral Commission placed Museveni with 75.38% of the vote, with his closest chall...

 Kenya’s Shakahola cult suspect pleads guilty to murdering 191 followers, most of them children A key suspect in Kenya’s Shakahola cult massacre pleaded guilty to the murders of 191 followers, most of them children, in a dramatic turn in a case linked to more than 400 deaths caused by starvation and abuse. Enos Amanya, also known as Hallelujah, admitted to the killings before the High Court in Mombasa, becoming the first of 29 defendants to confess in the case tied to self-styled preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, AA reported. The plea was entered before Justice Diana Kavedza and followed nearly 22 months of denial since the trial began. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions said the plea marked “a major breakthrough in the Shakahola massacre trial” after Amanya "confessed to participating in the deaths and burials of more than 191 victims, most of them children.” The court heard that the murders were committed between January 2021 and September 2023 in the Shakahola are...

 Uganda police deny opposition leader's arrest Ugandan police denied on Saturday allegations by opposition leader Bobi Wine’s party that he had been arrested by soldiers as President Yoweri Museveni closed in on a landslide re-election. Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) said on Friday night an army helicopter landed in his compound in Kampala and “forcibly took him away to an unknown destination”. Reuters could not immediately verify the claim. National police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke told a televised news conference that Wine was at his home and free to move. "He is not under arrest," Rusoke said. Wine and representatives of the NUP could not be immediately reached for comment. Wine has alleged mass fraud during Thursday's election, held under an internet blackout, and called on supporters to protest. His party said on Thursday he had been placed under effective house arrest. MUSEVENI CRUISES TOWARDS RE-ELECTION As of Saturday morning, Museveni, who has been in...

 Egypt's Sisi says he values offer by Trump to mediate Egypt-Ethiopia dispute on Nile River waters Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said he valued an offer by U.S. President Donald Trump to mediate a dispute over Nile River waters between Egypt and Ethiopia, Reuters reported. In a post on X, Sisi said on Saturday that he addressed Trump's letter by affirming Egypt's position and concerns about the country's water security in regards to Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Sesame Street launches its largest digital library on YouTube  The largest digital library of “Sesame Street” is now available on YouTube, offering over 100 full episodes for free. Viewers can explore both classic favorites and recent season adventures across the Sesame Street and Sesame Street Classics channels. The show’s official social media accounts welcomed longtime fans and new viewers alike, inviting everyone to “our neighborhood on YouTube.” The expanded partnership between YouTube and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind the iconic children’s series, was announced in September. The move followed Netflix’s announcement that it would begin streaming the show after Warner Bros. Discovery chose not to renew its contract for new episodes. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan said the release brings “sunny days” to viewers. In addition to classic episodes, new content created specifically for YouTube will also be featured. Over the past year, Sesame Street’s YouTube channels have accumulate...

 Netflix to keep Warner Bros. films in theaters for 45 days Netflix plans to keep Warner Bros. films in theaters for 45 days before streaming, co-CEO Ted Sarandos confirmed, highlighting the company’s renewed commitment to theatrical releases. Sarandos told the New York Times that after reviewing Warner Bros.’ distribution operations, Netflix sees significant value in maintaining a strong box office presence. “We will run that business largely like it is today, with 45-day windows. I’m giving you a hard number,” he said. “If we’re going to be in the theatrical business, and we are, we’re competitive people—we want to win. I want to win opening weekend. I want to win at the box office.” Sarandos emphasized that Netflix’s interest in theaters isn’t about competing with its streaming service but rather supporting moviegoing overall. He noted that successful theatrical releases encourage viewers to watch more content at home. He also cited the strong performance of recent Warner Bros. ...

 Ohio surgeon accused of killing ex-wife and her husband indicted on murder charges A Franklin County grand jury has indicted Michael McKee, a surgeon from Chicago, in the fatal shootings of his ex-wife, Monique Tepe, and her husband, dentist Spencer Tepe, at their Columbus, Ohio, home. The five-count indictment includes four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated burglary. It states that McKee was armed with a firearm equipped with a suppressor at the time of the killings. If convicted, McKee, 39, could face life in prison without parole. McKee, listed as a vascular surgeon at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois, was arrested by ATF agents last Saturday about 90 miles west of Chicago. He appeared in an Illinois courtroom on Monday and is represented by a public defender. He has indicated plans to plead not guilty. McKee remains in the Winnebago County Jail pending extradition to Columbus. Police recovered a weapon linked to the killings from McK...

 Groundbreaking for huge Micron chip plant in Central New York after years of planning  Micron officially broke ground Friday on its massive new chipmaking facility in Clay, Central New York, drawing a crowd of federal, state, and local officials to celebrate the start of construction. The project is expected to become the largest semiconductor facility in the United States and represents the company’s largest private investment in New York’s history, with a projected $100 billion over the next two decades. Gov. Kathy Hochul praised the project as a milestone for manufacturing in the state, calling it “a dream come true” that will revitalize New York’s economy. Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said the groundbreaking marks the start of “a transformation” that began four years ago when he first visited the site, adding that the facility will generate tens of thousands of jobs and position Central New York as a key hub for the AI economy. The ceremony also drew U.S. senators Chuck Sch...

 Judge rules federal agents in Minneapolis immigration operation cannot detain or use tear gas against peaceful protesters     Federal officers involved in the largest recent immigration enforcement operation in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area cannot detain, arrest, or use tear gas against peaceful protesters who are not interfering with law enforcement, including those who are merely observing agents at a safe distance, a federal judge ruled Friday. U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez issued the decision in a case brought in December by six Minnesota activists who, along with thousands of others, have been monitoring the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents during the Trump administration’s intensified immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities. The ruling comes amid weeks of tense confrontations between federal agents and demonstrators, which escalated sharply after an immigration agent fatally shot Renee Good on Jan. 7 as she drove away fro...

 Actor Timothy Busfield’s lawyers say investigation weakens state child sex abuse charges    Emmy Award–winning actor Timothy Busfield should be released from custody while his case proceeds because the evidence against him is deeply flawed and undermined by an independent investigation, his attorneys argued in court filings Friday. Defense lawyers said the state’s child sex abuse allegations rest on claims from accusers whose parents have documented histories of fraud and dishonesty, and they emphasized that Busfield passed a polygraph examination that they say is consistent with other evidence supporting his innocence. Busfield was ordered held without bond at his initial court appearance on Wednesday, one day after he voluntarily turned himself in to face the charges. A detention hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, when a judge will decide whether he will remain jailed as the case moves forward. Busfield is charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor an...

 Senator Katung Distances Self From Unauthorized Criticism Of Kaduna Government The Media Office of Senator Sunday Marshall Katung has issued a clarification distancing the Distinguished Senator from unauthorized statements allegedly made by individuals claiming to be his supporters, which were critical of the Kaduna State Government and Governor Uba Sani. In a statement released on Friday, the Media Office expressed concern over written and verbal comments attributed to such individuals, describing them as unverified, unauthorized, and inconsistent with Senator Katung’s long-standing reputation and values. According to the statement, the remarks run counter to the Senator’s commitment to peace, unity, collaboration, and sustainable development in Southern Kaduna, objectives he has consistently pursued over the years. The Media Office emphasized that Senator Katung holds President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, in the highest regard.  It ...

 LASG SUPPORTS ANOTHER 250 INDIGENT RESIDENTS WITH FINANCIAL AIDS In its ongoing efforts to further enhance public confidence in the government’s ability to deliver on promises and services, the Lagos State Government, through the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, has distributed cheques to another 250 beneficiaries of the Eko Cares Financial Assistance Programme. Speaking at the presentation ceremony held recently at the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Alausa-Ikeja, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative & Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Tajudeen, stated that the initiative, which is part of the programme of the Office, is designed to put smiles on the faces of indigent residents of Lagos and enable them to experience the true dividends of democracy. While emphasising that the initiative was established to improve the standard of living of vulnerable Lagosians, he conveyed the goodwill of Mr. Governor, Mr. Babaji...

 LASG SET TO PARTNER LCCI ON WORLD-CLASS CONVENTION CENTRE Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has stated that the state government is ready to partner with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on the proposed development of a world-class Convention Centre. The Centre, planned to be located along the Lekki-Epe expressway near the “Alaro City,” is expected to serve as a hub for business, trade exhibitions, conferences, and international events, further strengthening Lagos’ position as Africa’s leading commercial and investment destination. Speaking through his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who received the delegation on Friday during a courtesy visit by the Leadership of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), led by the Newly Elected President, Engr. Leye Kupoluyi to the Deputy Governor’s Office, Round House, Alausa, Ikeja. Responding to the information on the proposed Convention Centre, Sanwo-Olu assured the visitors that the government wi...