PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 STATEHOUSE STATEMENT FELA LIVES: PRESIDENT TINUBU ON FELA’S GRAMMY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD   The world of music has honoured a giant: Fela Anikulapo Kuti.   Fela was more than a musician. He was a fearless voice of the people, a philosopher of freedom, and a revolutionary force whose music confronted injustice and reshaped global sound.   His courage, creativity, and conviction defined a generation and continue to inspire the world. In Yoruba mythology, he has transcended to a higher plane as an Orisa. He is now eternal.   Fela Kuti has blazed the trail with the Recording Academy of America's Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African to receive this honour, though posthumously.  The award is an affirmation of his enduring global influence and the foundational role he has played in the evolution and impact of Africa on modern music.   He defined Afrobeat, and you can hear and see his influence in generations of Nigerian musicians and in...

 Cori Broadus announces death of her 10-month-old child Cori Broadus, the only daughter of Snoop Dogg, is grieving the loss of her 10-month-old daughter, Codi Dreaux. “I love the love of my life. My Codi,” the 26-year-old wrote on Instagram, sharing a black-and-white photo of herself smiling while holding her daughter in what appeared to be a hospital setting. Her fiancé, Wayne Deuce, also paid tribute on Instagram, writing over a photo of himself holding Codi, who had a breathing tube: “I been the saddest since u left me, Codi Dreaux. But I know u at peace. Daddy will always love you.” Codi, born in February 2025 at just 25 weeks, had spent her entire life in the NICU before passing away on Monday. Broadus previously shared the challenges of being a NICU mother, writing in September, “Becoming a NICU mom was not part of the plan, but it became part of my story. I carry my little warrior’s strength with me every day.” The couple had brought Codi home from the hospital on Jan. 6, po...

 Iran’s supreme leader warns a US attack could trigger regional war  Iran’s supreme leader warned Sunday that any U.S. attack on the country would trigger a “regional war,” escalating tensions as President Donald Trump has threatened military action in response to Tehran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, made the remarks as the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying U.S. warships remain in the Arabian Sea, deployed by Trump following Iran’s suppression of demonstrations. While Trump has repeatedly hinted at military options, he has also suggested that Iran seeks negotiations and raised concerns about Tehran’s nuclear program as a separate issue. Khamenei labeled the protests, which began Dec. 28 over economic hardships and the collapse of Iran’s rial currency, as a “coup,” reinforcing a hardline stance as tens of thousands have reportedly been detained. Sedition charges in Iran can carry the death penalty, heightening fears ...

 Mine collapse in eastern Congo kills at least 200  A landslide struck a major coltan mining site in eastern Congo earlier this week, collapsing several tunnels and killing at least 200 people, according to rebel authorities. The incident occurred on Wednesday at the Rubaya mines, controlled by the M23 rebel group, with heavy rains cited as the cause. Officials said dozens of miners remain trapped in the mud, while others were injured and treated at local health centers, with plans to transfer the most seriously wounded to Goma, about 30 miles away. The rebel-appointed governor of North Kivu has temporarily suspended artisanal mining at the site and ordered residents living near the mines to relocate. The Congolese government condemned the operation as unsafe and illegal, expressing solidarity with the victims’ families. A former miner at Rubaya explained that repeated landslides are common because tunnels are dug by hand, poorly reinforced, and left unmaintained. “People dig ...

 Gaza border crossing sees surge in activity after years of near-total closure  Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt saw significant activity Sunday as Israel announced that limited travel in and out of the territory would resume for the first time in years, marking a key step in the ongoing Israel-Hamas ceasefire. The crossing, largely closed since Israel seized control in May 2024, opened on a trial basis as Israeli authorities prepared it for fuller operation, with residents expected to begin passing through once final preparations are complete. Palestinian security personnel crossed the Egyptian gate to coordinate with an EU mission that will oversee entry and exit, while ambulances also passed through, according to an Egyptian official. The head of Gaza’s newly formed Palestinian administrative committee said travel in both directions is scheduled to begin Monday. Initially, only a small number of people will be allowed to cross, and no goods will move through the chec...

 Ukraine peace talks postponed after meetings between Russia and U.S A second round of trilateral talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine has been delayed by several days following a surprise weekend meeting between Russian and U.S. officials in Florida. The negotiations, involving representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States, had been scheduled for Sunday in Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital. Early Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on social media that the talks would instead take place on Wednesday and Thursday. The reason for the postponement remains unclear. On Saturday, Steve Witkoff, former President Trump’s special envoy, met in Florida with Kirill Dmitriev, the Kremlin’s special envoy and head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund. Neither side released details, though Witkoff called the discussion “productive and constructive,” emphasizing that Ukraine was not present. Zelensky noted that Ukrainian officials have been in regular contact with U...

 Judge rules Texas AG Ken Paxton cannot shut down Latino voting rights group A federal judge has blocked Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s attempt to shut down Jolt Initiative, a nonprofit focused on boosting Latino civic participation, ruling Thursday that Paxton failed to provide any credible evidence the group violated the law. Paxton had filed a state lawsuit claiming Jolt submitted “unlawful voter registration applications” and accused the group of attempting to register noncitizens. He sought to revoke Jolt’s nonprofit charter through a quo warranto petition. U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman halted the case, saying Paxton appeared to be acting in bad faith and was “harassing” the organization rather than responding to evidence of wrongdoing. Jolt’s leaders described the decision as a vindication. Executive director Jackie Bastard said the ruling confirmed what the group had long maintained: Paxton’s actions were politically motivated retaliation, not a legitimate election ...

 Dances with Wolves actor Nathan Chasing Horse found guilty of sexual assault A Nevada jury on Friday convicted “Dances With Wolves” actor Nathan Chasing Horse of sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls, delivering a verdict that reverberated across Indian Country. Chasing Horse, 49, was found guilty on 13 of the 21 charges he faced. Most convictions involved a victim who was 14 when the abuse began, while he was acquitted of some charges connected to an older victim who lived with him and others. He faces a minimum of 25 years in prison, with sentencing set for March 11. The actor also faces sexual assault charges in other U.S. states and Canada. British Columbia prosecutors said Friday that they will review their next steps after Chasing Horse completes sentencing and any appeals in the U.S. Chasing Horse was first arrested and indicted in 2023. Prosecutors said he used his status as a Lakota medicine man to prey on Indigenous women and girls over nearly two decades. Victi...

 U.S Justice Department complaint alleging misconduct by Judge Boasberg dismissed A federal appeals court judge has dismissed a judicial misconduct complaint filed by the U.S. Justice Department against Chief U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, who previously clashed with the Trump administration over the deportation of Venezuelans to El Salvador. The complaint, announced in July by then-Attorney General Pam Bondi, alleged that Boasberg made improper remarks about President Donald Trump during a meeting of the Judicial Conference, the policymaking body for the federal judiciary. Chief U.S. Circuit Judge Jeffrey Sutton of the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a December 19 order that even if the statements were made, they would not violate judicial ethics rules. Boasberg, an Obama appointee, had previously raised concerns that the Justice Department acted in “bad faith” during March 15 deportation flights that coincided with his emergency court review of the operation’s legality...

 ESPN secures NFL Network and RedZone rights, giving league a stake in the network ESPN has finalized its acquisition of NFL Network and other league digital assets following regulatory approval, officially closing the deal Saturday night. Government reviews, including by the Justice Department and non-U.S. antitrust authorities, cleared the transaction, allowing ESPN to take ownership while the NFL receives a 10% equity stake in the network. The deal gives ESPN control of NFL Network, NFL Fantasy, and distribution rights for the RedZone channel to cable and satellite providers. In a joint statement, ESPN and the NFL said the integration of NFL employees into ESPN will begin in the coming months, promising expanded programming, enhanced Fantasy experiences, and comprehensive NFL coverage. Changes for viewers are not expected until April, when the NFL Media staff officially joins ESPN. NFL Network, with nearly 50 million subscribers, will be part of ESPN’s direct-to-consumer platfor...

 Alcaraz defeats Djokovic at Australian Open to complete career Grand Slam  Carlos Alcaraz’s precise shot-making and relentless pressure left Novak Djokovic struggling to keep pace as the 22-year-old Spaniard captured his first Australian Open title Sunday in Melbourne. “I think nobody knows how hard I’ve been working to get this trophy,” Alcaraz said after the match. “It was a bit of a roller coaster emotionally… My team pushed me every day to do the right things. I’m just really grateful for everyone I have in my corner.” Alcaraz defeated Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 at Rod Laver Arena, securing a historic career Grand Slam and a $4.15 million prize, while denying Djokovic a record 25th major. The young Spaniard recorded 36 winners to Djokovic’s 32, hit nine aces to Djokovic’s four, and converted five of seven break points compared with Djokovic’s two of six, committing 27 unforced errors to Djokovic’s 46. Djokovic started strong, breaking Alcaraz twice in the opening set, bu...

 Starmer calls on former Prince Andrew to testify before Congress over Epstein connections British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to testify before a U.S. congressional committee regarding his connections to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of photographs showing the former royal appearing to kneel over a woman on the ground. Speaking to reporters on Saturday during his visit to Asia, Starmer emphasized that anyone with relevant information should be willing to share it with investigators. “You can’t be victim-centered if you’re not prepared to do that,” he said, signaling a firmer stance than his previous comments in November, when he left the decision to Mountbatten-Windsor’s discretion. Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew and the Duke of York, was stripped of his royal titles by King Charles III in October amid scrutiny over his ties to Epstein, who died in prison in 2019. The former pri...

 Heated Rivalry star Connor Storrie set to guest-host Saturday Night Live  Connor Storrie, star of Heated Rivalry, will guest-host Saturday Night Live in New York on February 28. Storrie shared his excitement on Instagram Stories Sunday, writing, “I am literally the luckiest person in the world.” British band Mumford & Sons will perform as the musical guest for the episode. The previous weekend’s show was hosted by Alexander Skarsgard, known for Murderbot, Succession, and The Stand, with Cardi B as the music guest. Saturday Night Live is currently on hiatus for the 2026 Winter Olympics, which run from February 6 to 22.

 At least 145 killed in wave of attacks across southwestern Pakistan  Security forces in Pakistan’s restive southwestern province of Balochistan killed more than 100 alleged militants during counterterrorism operations carried out over roughly 40 hours, government officials said Sunday, a day after coordinated suicide bombings and gun attacks left 33 people dead, most of them civilians. Authorities said the operations began early Saturday at multiple locations across the province and resulted in the deaths of 18 civilians — including five women and three children — along with 15 members of the security forces. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said in Quetta that police, military, and paramilitary units killed a total of 145 members of what the government refers to as “Fitna al-Hindustan,” a term used for the banned Baloch Liberation Army. Bugti said the figure marked the highest number of militants killed in such operations in decades and claimed some of the dead were ...

 Death toll rises to 41 in Swiss New Year bar blaze An 18-year-old who was critically injured in the New Year bar fire at the Alpine resort of Crans-Montana has died, Swiss authorities said Sunday, raising the death toll from one of the deadliest disasters in modern Swiss history to 41. The Swiss national had been hospitalized in Zurich and died on Saturday, according to a statement from the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Canton of Valais, which did not release additional details. Most of those killed in the blaze at the Le Constellation bar were teenagers, and some of the 116 people injured remain hospitalized with severe burns. The latest victim was a young man who lived near the western city of Lausanne, according to officials familiar with the case. On Saturday, hundreds of mourners marched with grieving parents through the lakeside town of Lutry near Lausanne, carrying a large banner calling for “truth and justice.” Many participants held white roses as they walked in silen...

 Institution of Civil ‎Engineers sensitise Anambra residents on safety measures  ‎ ‎Worried by the incessant building collapses, members of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, Awka chapter, have intensified an awareness campaign, during which they sensitised residents in Anambra on the dangers associated with quackery, substandard building materials, and poor workmanship. ‎ ‎The sensitisation was carried out on Saturday through an advocacy exercise tagged, ‘Walk against building and infrastructure collapse’ in Awka, where the engineers marched through the streets, carrying placards with various inscriptions while highlighting strict adherence to professional ethics. ‎ ‎With the inscriptions such as “Safe building is a human right”, “Engineering ethics must come before profit”, “Infrastructure failure is a national emergency”, “Stop quackery in construction”, among others, the engineers aimed at enlightening residents to always ensure they patronise professional civil ...

 Fast-Rising talented Singer, Ifunaya dies of snake bike Ifunanya Nwangene had a life that was full and exciting. She graduated from the University of Nigeria Nsukka with a degree in Architecture and settled into a busy life in Abuja.  Her soprano voice captured millions all over social media with her rendition of the Champions League anthem and the world came to know this talented singer. Ifunanya is a  young woman with an angelic voice who performed in operas and special events across the country, she went through the furnace of hard work to sharpen her craft and became an admired personality. But death had other plans. This weekend, in her house in Abuja, a cobra gained entrance into her room and left its venom in her body after biting her. She managed to get to a hospital, but help couldn't come soon enough and she passed away. This death adds to the list of preventable deaths if our systems worked well. It hurts that I am writing about the death of Ifunanya, not beca...

 No Sit-at-Home tomorrow in Anambra.Schools and markets will be open tomorrow Monday for students and traders, offices will also be open for Civil servants. Call 5111 for any security concern - Anambra State Government ‎The Anambra State Government has announced the reopening of the Onitsha Main Market on Monday for full economic and commercial activities, assuring traders and residents of adequate security. ‎ ‎in a statement issued on Sunday, the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, announced that the one-week closure had elapsed and directed traders to resume normal business activities on Monday. ‎ ‎Mefor urged traders to ignore threats from non-state actors, assuring them of maximum security, and encouraged residents to report any security concerns via the emergency line, 5111. ‎ ‎He also reminded civil servants and teachers that the state’s pro-rata salary policy remained in force, stressing that “no work on Monday means no pay. ‎ ‎The commissioner further warned parents to...

 We have lived here for over 20years, you cannot render over 42 families and 400 people homeless because you want to build hostels for your church owned university- TENANTS AT NO. 37 LINCA ROAD, ONITSHA CRIES OUT  The long-standing occupants of an estate located at No. 37 Linca Road, Onitsha, have  express their deep distress, concern, and disappointment over the actions of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, which appear to be directed toward rendering over forty-two (42) families homeless in the process of establishing a hostel for Shanahan University. These families have built their lives, raised children, and contributed positively to the community without conflict in the estate. The said estate is the lawful property of Igwe Michael Okonkwo Etusi (the landlord) and has been home to families who have lived there peacefully and harmoniously for over twenty (20) years.  It is alleged that His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, Archbishop of Onitsha, entered into a f...

 Abandoned Baby Discovered Inside a bag today in Okpuno, Anambra State  A newborn baby was discovered around nine o’clock today, Sunday, 1st February 2026, at a shop along Pope John Paul Seminary School Street, Umuodu Village, Okpuno, alive. The baby was discovered by a nurse, Mrs. Mercy Iloanya, who said she went to her shop, which is close to the shop where the baby was dropped, when she noticed a bag containing the baby. According to Nurse Iloanya, she immediately called the attention of a man she saw along the street, who confirmed that the baby was alive before they alerted the woman whose shop the baby was dropped in front of. Mrs. Chika Onyema, who owns the shop, told ABS that when they opened the bag, they saw a written note accompanying the baby in which the mother appealed to her to help take care of the child. Good Samaritans who gathered to witness the situation quickly contributed baby items, while mostly women gasped in awe as they wondered why someone would do s...

 Police invites Anambra Businessman BLORD over series of cases which includes;identity theft, impersonation, cybersquatting and trademark infringement. He is to appear at the Nigerian Police Force National cybercrime center in Abuja on Tuesday 3rd of February by 10am.

 We're going to have a law in Anambra, that any government official(Retired/Serving) that gives approval where  he/she is not supposed to, will be prosecuted and jailed-  Prof Chukwuma Soludo (Governor of Anambra State) Speaking about illegal structures erected in Onitsha main market, Governor Soludo stated Some but not all  illegal structures will be demolished soon. He stated that he has sent a team to survey the market and mark out some buildings for demolition. Soludo reiterated that he is keen on restoring Main Market to its lost glory and that from now to the end of the year, Main market will be remodernized and regenrated. The Governor sympathised with traders that have shops in the illegal structures that will be demolished. He noted that it is not their fault to have shops there, but the fault of the people who built the illegal structures and also some government officials who connived with them to permit them to build it, hence the noted that; "We are goin...

 Concerned Resident Appeals To Gov. Uba Sani Over Dilapidated Facilities At Government Secondary School Kufana A concerned resident of Kufana community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State has appealed to Governor Uba Sani to urgently intervene in the deteriorating condition of Government Secondary School, Kufana, citing severe infrastructural challenges confronting the institution. In an open letter addressed to the governor, the resident lamented the poor state of facilities in the school, noting that several classrooms have been abandoned due to dilapidation, thereby hampering effective teaching and learning. The letter also disclosed that the school lacks a functional science laboratory, a situation said to be undermining proper science education and denying students access to essential practical learning. The appeal further revealed that the school was recently at risk of being disqualified from participating in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination...

 BENUE ACTIVIST SPEAKS ON ALEX BARBIR’S VISITS TO CONFLICT AREAS  1st February, 2026      A Benue State-based social media activist, D’naked Sughnen Yaaya, has weighed into the controversy surrounding the movement of an American humanitarian, Alex Barbir, across some local government areas in the state without prior notification to council authorities. Yaaya acknowledged that local government chairmen were right to insist on courtesy and security protocols, stressing that such procedures are important for coordination and the safety of both visitors and host communities. According to him, Barbir is an American citizen on a humanitarian mission, with a track record of interventions across several African countries. He said the humanitarian has implemented projects in parts of Nigeria, including Adamawa, Plateau and Taraba states. “In Benue State, Alex Barbir recently commissioned 35 houses he rebuilt for displaced families in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area,...

 LASG PRESENTS CHEQUES TO ANOTHER 250 BENEFICIARIES The Lagos State Government, through the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement has presented Cheques to another 250 indigent residents of Lagos under the Eko Cares Financial Assistance Programme. The presentation ceremony was held recently at the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement. The Cheque was presented to the beneficiaries by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Office, Engr. Sholabomi Shasore. This latest disbursement brings the total number of beneficiaries to over 1000 since the beginning of 2026, underscoring the state government's unwavering commitment to ensuring no indigent Lagosian is left behind. The government remains firmly dedicated to sustaining these people-centred interventions as it continues to engage purposefully in the lives of its residents. More photos belo...

 SECURITY ASSESSMENT OF THE RESUMPTION OF ALL SOCIAL/COMMERCIAL AND OFFICIAL ACTIVITIES IN ANAMBRA ON MONDAYS: STATE POLICE COMMAND IDENTIFIES COORDINATED SOCIAL MEDIA EFFORTS TO INCITE FEAR AND PROMOTE BIGOTRY; AFFIRMS RESILIENCE OF NDI ANAMBRA TO SUBDUE SUCH DIVISIVE NARRATIVES  As the Commissioner of Police holds an emergency closed-door meeting with Area Commanders and Tactical Commanders Following the security assessment of the implications or otherwise of full resumption of all social/commercial and official activities in Anambra State on Mondays, the Police Command has identified a deliberate, recurring pattern of coordinated social media posts aimed at spreading fear, misinformation, and bigotry among the public. These misleading narratives are intended to cause panic, undermine public confidence, and disrupt the peace currently enjoyed in the State. However, the Command notes with confidence that Ndi Anambra have remained vigilant, discerning, and united, refusing to ...

Nollywood actress, Grace Charis hits back at those telling her to get married so she won’t “expire” Nigerian actress,  Grace Charis Bassey Effah formerly known as Belinda Effa, has hit back at people single shaming her, saying she should get married so she won’t ‘expire.’     Effah joined the United States Navy and became a U.S citizen in 2025.     Addressing her critics in a Facebook post on Saturday, the 41 year old mum of one said everyone, including the married and divorced, will eventually expire.      She further advised them to stop projecting their low esteem and negativity on others

 STATEMENT FROM THE LABOUR PARTY Removal of Abure led executive from the INEC's portal strange, unacceptable  The leadership of the Labour Party has once again reiterated that the judgement of the Federal High Court in Abuja as well as the removal of the names of its executive from the Independent National Electoral Commission's portal by the commission will not deter its plans to put up a strong show in the 2027 general election. The party vowed to ensure that the judgment of the lower court will be upturned at the appellate court.  In a statement by the Labour Party's National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party called on Nigerians to rise up against the strangulation and monetization  of democracy in the country by a few power-drunks in Nigeria, warning that Nigeria may be heading for the precipice if the inordinate ambitions of some politicians are not checked.   He said, "Some persons who are applauding the impunity by some politicians should r...