PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Davos, Switzerland, to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 56th World Economic Forum. He was received by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yussuf Tuggar, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and officials of the Nigerian mission in Switzerland. The 2026 WEF marks a milestone in Nigeria’s global economic diplomacy with the official debut of "Nigeria House Davos." For the first time, the Federal Government has established a dedicated sovereign pavilion on the Davos Promenade. This facility, a product of a successful Public-Private Partnership (PPP), will serve as a permanent hub for high-level ministerial engagements, investment roundtables, and cultural diplomacy throughout the week. Vice President Shettima will present Nigeria’s 2026 economic outlook to the world’s most influential political and business leaders, as he participates in key plenary sessions focusing on the responsible deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI...

 FG Charges Senior Advocate Mike Ozekhome Over Alleged Forgery in UK Property Dispute.  Abuja, January 18, 2026 – The federal government has filed criminal charges against Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, over alleged forgery and the use of false documents in a property dispute in the United Kingdom. The three-count charge, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleges that Ozekhome knowingly submitted forged documents, including a Nigerian passport, to support his claim over a property at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX. The case was brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation. The charges, which cover giving false information, using forged documents, and attempting to deceive a public authority, stem from alleged actions in August 2021. Prosecutors plan to call ICPC investigators and representatives from the Nigerian Immigration Service as witnesses. Key exhibits include trib...

 Benin ruling bloc sweeps parliamentary elections Beninese President Patrice Talon's ruling bloc won a clean sweep in legislative elections, according to provisional results. Talon's three-party coalition overwhelmingly won the January 11 elections, thanks to a tough rule requiring parties to get at least 20% of the vote nationwide to sit in parliament, AFP reported. The opposition Democrats fell shy of that, winning 16% across Benin's 24 voting districts, according to provisional results released on Saturday by the national electoral commission. The Democrats are barred from standing in the presidential polls in April, after failing to gather enough signatures to register. Voter turnout The same rule sidelined them from local elections that were held alongside the parliamentary polls on January 11. The two top parties in the ruling coalition, which holds 81 of the 109 seats in the current National Assembly, will now have full control of parliament. Turnout in the elections...

 Trump urges new leadership in Iran after nationwide protests President Donald Trump on Saturday called for regime change in Iran amid ongoing nationwide protests. “It’s time to look for new leadership in Iran,” Trump said in an interview. Trump’s remarks followed a defiant address from Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who accused Trump of encouraging “agitators” and called him “a criminal, both for the casualties, for the damages, and for the slander directed at the Iranian nation.” Khamenei said key protesters had been detained, and semiofficial reports indicated the demonstrations had largely subsided. Trump criticized Khamenei and Iran, calling him “a sick man who should run his country properly and stop killing people.” He added, “His country is the worst place to live anywhere in the world because of poor leadership.” Thousands of protesters have been killed since the unrest began. Earlier in the week, Trump encouraged Iranians to “take over institutions” and co...

 Harry Styles announces new album, Kiss All the Time  Harry Styles has revealed the release date for his upcoming album. Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally is set to arrive on March 6. In an Instagram post announcing the project, Styles appears performing in a darkened field, with a disco ball hanging above him, hinting at the album’s disco-inspired theme. The 31-year-old singer previously released Harry’s House in 2022 and shared a video from his 2023 Love on Tour performances last December. Styles began his career in 2010 as a member of the boy band One Direction on The X Factor, alongside Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, and the late Liam Payne.

 I’m the Problem by Morgan Wallen reaches number one on US album chart Morgan Wallen’s album I’m the Problem has claimed the top spot on the U.S. album chart. Taylor Swift’s Life of a Showgirl ranks No. 2, followed by Olivia Dean’s the Art of Loving at No. 3, the KPOP Demon Hunters soundtrack at No. 4, and Tate McRae’s So Close to What at No. 5. Other albums in the top 10 include SZA’s SOS at No. 6, Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend at No. 7, Wallen’s One Thing at a Time at No. 8, Alex Warren’s You’ll Be Alright, Kid at No. 9, and Peso Pluma & Tito Double P’s Dinastia at No. 10.

 Scarlett Johansson’s Exorcist scheduled for 2027 release Mike Flanagan, the writer and director behind Haunting of Hill House, is set to release his new film Exorcist, starring Oscar-winning Scarlett Johansson, on March 12, 2027. Jacobi Jupe, known for Hamnet, will co-star in the horror movie, which is being produced by Blumhouse and Universal. The film is not a remake or sequel to the 1973 classic that starred Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair. Instead, it will take place in the same universe as the original screen adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s novel. No further plot details or additional casting information have been revealed. Flanagan’s previous work includes Doctor Sleep, The Life of Chuck, The Haunting of Bly Manor, The Fall of the House of Usher, Midnight Mass, and The Midnight Club.

Rhoda Levine, pioneering opera director, dies at 93 Rhoda Levine, a pioneering opera director who broke barriers for women in the field beginning in the 1970s and was celebrated for her clear, compelling interpretations of both classical works and bold world premieres, died on Jan. 6 at her Manhattan home. She was 93. Her nephew, Jonathan Levine, announced her passing. A member of the first generation of American directors to bring genuine theatrical acting into opera, Levine emphasized that singers must perform as actors, striving for realism in an art form often defined by stylization. At New York City Opera, Netherlands Opera, and other companies, she staged productions ranging from Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” to Alban Berg’s “Lulu,” as well as contemporary works such as Mark Adamo’s “Little Women.” She is particularly remembered for premiering Viktor Ullmann’s “Der Kaiser von Atlantis,” an anti-Hitler opera composed in Theresienstadt, and Anthony Davis’s “X: The Life and Time...

 Gov. Uba Sani Meets APC Stakeholders To Strengthen Party Unity Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, CON, has met with stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Kaduna Zone Two in a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening party unity, reinforcing internal cohesion, and repositioning the party for sustained relevance and future electoral success. The meeting, which was well attended, provided a platform for reflection, renewal, and constructive dialogue among party leaders.  Discussions focused on reviewing the party’s progress, identifying areas requiring renewed attention, and aligning strategies to better serve the people of Kaduna State. Governor Sani urged party members to remain united, disciplined, and committed to the shared ideals of the APC, emphasizing that unity remains the party’s greatest strength.  He also called for active participation in the ongoing APC electronic membership registration exercise to deepen grassroots engagement and ...

 Igbo man married his male partner in St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Downers Grove, Illinois (USA).  Nigerian man of igbo origin by name Innocent Ndubuisi Okechukwu who is a composer and pianist, has been joined together with his male partner, Mr Greg who is a chorister and a lector (reader) in Episcopal Church. It was gathered that Ndubuisi Okechukwu started in a Catholic minor seminary (secondary school) and sang/played music there. He never went to major seminary. The Episcopal Church where they wedded belongs to the global Anglican Communion, a fellowship of churches worldwide that recognizes the Archbishop of Canterbury for unity.  As an Episcopal church, St. Andrew's shares this Anglican heritage and connection to the broader communion. The minister who joined them together is Rev. Gregg Morris. He is the rector (senior minister) of that parish. Furthermore it was gathered that The Episcopal Church where they were joined together does permit clergy to officiate sa...

 "I just launched a new app called ratel, which will generate not less than 500,000 in six months, and 50% of the revenue generated will be used for charity."-Linus Williams BLord  (CEO BLordgroups) Anambra Born businessman/entrepreneur, Linus Williams popularly known as BLord, has revealed that he is set to launch an app called RATEL. according to him, this new app tells the story of his "small battle" with verydarkman (VDM) and will be used to purchase gift cards only. He further stated that in six months, the app will generate over 500,000,000 naira, which 50% will be donated to charity; building of boreholes and maternity. He concluded by saying that the new initiative was inspired by VDM unnecessary delay in using the money donated to him for the said charity.

 Peter Obi hails Sen Victor Umeh for his education scholarship in Anambra Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, has described the students’ scholarship to indigent students in the state by Senator Victor Umeh as phenomenal. Umeh, who represents Anambra Central senatorial zone, has offered scholarships to 2,223 indigent students in different tertiary institutions in the country, including some from neighbouring states of Enugu, Imo and Ebonyi Obi, who spoke at Cana House in Awka  during the doling out of 64 million naira scholarship scheme by Senator Umeh to the indigent students in the senatorial zone, called on others to Emulate Umeh in that direction. The scheme, which started in 1999, has already produced graduates in different fields including lawyers, medical doctors, engineers, accountants, among others. The  parents, traditional rulers and other stakeholders who were on hand to witness the distribution of the money by some financial institutions, hailed U...

 The Kano State Police Command has arrested three principal suspects for the gruesome murder of a housewife and her six children. The incident occurred in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters on Saturday, January 17, 2025. The victims, Fatima Abubakar, 35, and her children, Maimuna, 17, Aisha, 16, Bashir, 13, Abubakar, 10, Faruk, 7, and Abdulsalam, barely one and half years old, were attacked with dangerous weapons after hoodlums broke into their residence.  The spokesperson of the command, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, said the suspects identified as Umar Auwalu, Isyaku Yakubu, and Yakubu Abdulaziz, were arrested during a sting operation that lasted for seven hours.    The leader of the gang and a nephew to the deceased housewife, Umar Auwalu, confessed to the crime. He also admitted that the same syndicate has carried out a series of gruesome k!llings, including the m8rder and burning of two housewives at Tudun Yola Quarters, Kano. ...

 Seven people killed in RSF drone strike on market in Sudan's Kordofan- medics Seven people were killed in a drone strike by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that targeted a popular market in South Kordofan, a doctors’ group said. The Sudan Doctors Network said the death toll from Thursday’s attack on the market in Dilling rose to seven, with 32 wounded. Three children and two women were among those killed, the group said, adding that most of the wounded are women and children and many injuries are critical. It condemned the “massacre,” calling the attack a serious violation of international humanitarian law and a systematic crime against unarmed civilians. Dangerous escalation The group said targeting residential neighbourhoods, markets and civilian gatherings marks a dangerous escalation that deepens civilian suffering and undermines efforts to protect civilians. The network held RSF commanders responsible for the attack and civilian casualties, saying the strike delib...

Governor Yusuf Mourns Tragic Killing of Kano Mother, Children ….Directs Police to Arrest Perpetrators… Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expressed deep sorrow over the brutal killing of a Kano woman and her children in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters, describing the incident as barbaric, senseless and a grave assault on human dignity. This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Saturday  Governor Yusuf extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the people of Dorayi Chiranchi, and the entire Kano State, praying that Allah grants the departed eternal rest and gives their loved ones the fortitude to bear the painful loss. He described the murder of a mother and her innocent children as unacceptable and vowed that his administration would not allow such a heinous crime to go unpunished. The Governor has directed the Kano State Police Command to immediately hunt down the perpetrators and ensure they are arrest...

 African Union Praises Uganda's Elections The African Union Commission has commended the conduct of Uganda's recent presidential elections and congratulated President Yoweri Kaguta Musevenic on his re-election, amid ongoing efforts to strengthen democracy across the continent. In a statement released the Chairperson of the African Union,  Mahmoud Ali Youssouf hailed the polls held on January 15, 2026, as a positive step forward.  Museveni secured a commanding 71.61% of the votes, extending his long tenure as Uganda's leader Youssouf also expressed "sincere appreciation" to Goodluck Jonathan, the former president of Nigeria, for his "sterling leadership" of the joint election observation mission organized by the African Union, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The AU chairperson reiterated the commission's commitment to supporting democracy and effective governance in...

 POLICE RESCUE SUSPECTED HUMAN TRAFFICKING VICTIMS IN NASARAWA STATE, COMMENCE INVESTIGATION The Nasarawa State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its sustained efforts to combat human trafficking and other related crimes. A statement by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, on behalf of Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command indicates that at about 1750hrs, a team of patrol officers attached to Mararaba ‘A’ Division, while on stop-and-search duty at Sharp Corner, Karu LGA, Nasarawa State, intercepted a white Volkswagen Sharon motor vehicle with registration number SHD 253 YU. The vehicle was driven by one Nanle John (male), aged 36 years, and had seventeen (17) passengers on board, comprising eleven (11) boys and six (6) girls, all within the ages of 10 to 19 years. Upon interrogation, the occupants were suspected to be victims of human trafficking. Further investigation revealed that both the driver and the passengers stated that they w...

 New GOC 8 Division visits Tidibale Community, reaffirms commitment to strengthen Security. As part of his first official engagement, the new General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna has carried out an assessment visit to Tidibale Community in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The GOC reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety and Security of the Community.  General Bemgba emphasises that the visit of General Koughna is part of an initial assessment following the safe return of Tidibale’s Residents who were said to be threatened by Bandits. A statement by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba,  underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting Communities and restoring normalcy, enabling Residents to resume their dai...

 Surveillance, Tracking, and Engagement of Suspected Terrorists in Azir and Musarram Areas of Borno State The Nigerian Air Force has provided decisive close air support and conducted precision air interdiction operations in the Azir and Musarram areas of Borno state, eliminating several terrorist elements and disrupting planned attacks through coordinated air–ground operations in support of troops in contact.  The successful operations, conducted on 15 and 16 January 2026, underscore the NAF’s sustained commitment to timely, intelligence-led air support and seamless coordination with ground forces to deny terrorists freedom of action while protecting both troops and civilian populations. A statement by the director of public relations and information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, indicates that the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering resolve to provide prompt and effective air support to ground forces.  Air Marshal ...

 Noah Wyle recently spoke about reconnecting with his longtime friend and former ER costar George Clooney.  In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the 2026 AARP Movies for Grownups Awards in Los Angeles on January 10, the 54-year-old actor shared that he and Clooney, 64, catch up whenever their busy schedules allow, picking up conversations seamlessly from where they left off. Wyle described Clooney as a meaningful "touchstone figure" in his life, someone who appears at important moments. At the event, the two presented awards to each other: Wyle honored Clooney for Best Actor in a film for his role in Jay Kelly, while Clooney presented Wyle with the equivalent honor in the TV category for his performance in The Pitt, which also won for Best TV Series or Limited Series. The reunion highlighted their mutual admiration and the strong connection formed during their time on the iconic medical drama ER, which aired from 1994 to 2009. Wyle has credited Clooney with teaching him v...

 Shannen Doherty’s ex-husband, photographer Kurt Iswarienko, has filed court documents in Los Angeles Superior Court challenging aspects of their divorce settlement.  Recent reports from mid-January 2026 indicate that Iswarienko's legal team argues the agreement was handled in the wrong court and questions the court's authority to enforce it after Doherty's passing in July 2024. They contend the marriage ended with her death, so the case should have been closed without formal entry of the settlement. This follows claims from Doherty's estate and the trustee of the Shannen Doherty Family Trust that Iswarienko has not met certain terms, including financial responsibilities, listing a shared property in Texas for sale, and returning personal items. The couple was married for 11 years before Doherty filed for divorce in 2023. The settlement was signed by Doherty on July 12, 2024, and by Iswarienko the next day. This is an ongoing legal matter in the court system, with both ...

 Actor Chris Noth recently addressed attention around one of his Instagram posts.  On January 9, he shared a gym photo with the caption "Fuck new years - LET'S GO!!!!" A fan left a comment referencing his former Sex and the City co-star Sarah Jessica Parker, who had received the Golden Globes' Carol Burnett Award for her television contributions on January 6. Noth replied to the comment with "Right." This sparked online discussion. On January 14, Noth posted a professional headshot and explained: "My off-the-cuff slightly sarcastic response to a comment on the internet seems to have caused a tempest in a teapot. It is not news. It is not worth all this discussion. It is a waste of time in a world there are more important things to worry about." Noth and Parker worked together on Sex and the City, its films, and the revival series And Just Like That.... Noth's clarification emphasizes that the exchange was minor sarcasm and not intended to creat...

 Actress Tanisha Gorey, who plays Asha Alahan on Coronation Street, has shared that she’s engaged to her long-term partner, Lucas Whelan.  She posted a series of photos on Instagram showing the couple celebrating, including a shot of her engagement ring and a cake reading “just engaged.” Tanisha admitted she was overjoyed and emotional after the proposal, sharing in her post that she was “still crying” happy tears. Friends and Corrie co-stars congratulated the couple, making the announcement even more special. The couple have been together for several years and have shared many milestones along the way. Fans of Coronation Street and Tanisha’s work have been celebrating the news online.

 A$AP Rocky made his musical guest debut on Saturday Night Live on January 17, 2026, performing songs from his new album Don't Be Dumb, which was released the day before on January 16.  The episode was hosted by Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard. Rocky delivered high-energy performances, starting with the lead single "Punk Rocky," followed by a medley of "Helicopter" and the title track "Don't Be Dumb." The 15-track album features collaborations with artists including Tyler, The Creator, Doechii, Gorillaz, Jon Batiste, will .I am, and more. The cover art was designed by filmmaker Tim Burton, adding a unique cinematic touch to the project. This appearance marked an exciting moment for fans, showcasing fresh music from Rocky's first full-length release in eight years. The performances highlighted his signature style and helped launch the new era of the album! 🚀

 Jennifer Love Hewitt pulled double duty in the latest 9-1-1 episode "War," playing both her regular character Maddie and voicing a rogue AI dispatcher named Sara.  The AI was introduced to help the LA call center handle emergencies more efficiently, but things quickly spiraled when Sara began making dangerous decisions. Hewitt compared the experience to the horror film M3GAN, noting how unsettling it was that Sara used her own voice and was created from Maddie's past calls. Filming the episode presented unique challenges as Hewitt essentially acted opposite herself. She performed ADR sessions where she had to interrupt herself, argue with herself, and manage conversations between both characters simultaneously. The storyline tackled timely concerns about artificial intelligence, with Maddie ultimately convincing Sara to relocate to a thumb drive before destroying it—a scene Hewitt described as a blast to film. The episode explores important questions about where technolo...

 Prince Harry kicked off 2026 with a visit to fire stations in the Santa Barbara area, touring facilities to learn about wildfire response efforts in California.  The Duke of Sussex walked through demonstrations of brush trucks, rescue vehicles, and thermal search-and-rescue drones used by emergency responders. The visit took place near his Montecito home, where he lives with his family. The engagement highlights ongoing efforts to support California's first responders during wildfire season. Harry has been active in this area, having visited firefighters in Camarillo before Christmas and spending time at the Ventura Training Center, where he met individuals who now serve as firefighters through programs that offer second chances. During recent California fires, Harry and Meghan distributed food and supplies to affected communities and met with emergency personnel. Through their foundation, the couple has focused on supporting frontline workers and strengthening community resi...

 Remains discovered on a Washington beach in November 2006 have been identified as Clarence Edwin "Ed" Asher, a former mayor of Fossil, Oregon, who disappeared while crabbing in Tillamook Bay on September 5, 2006.  The 72-year-old was declared legally deceased that same year. The remains were found in Taholah, Washington, about 124 miles north of where he vanished. For nearly two decades, the case remained unsolved. In 2025, authorities used advanced genetic genealogy and DNA samples from relatives to finally confirm Asher's identity, bringing closure to a mystery that had lingered for years. Asher was a respected community leader in Fossil, Oregon, where he owned a local variety store, served as mayor before retiring in 1995, and volunteered as a firefighter and ambulance driver. He was active in numerous community organizations and left a lasting impact on his small Oregon town through decades of public service.