PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 LAGOS FIRST LADY TAKES SCHOOL BOYS ON LEARNING TOUR TO MILITARY, SECURITY AGENCIES … As Four-Day LBCI 2026 Residential Camp Begins The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has led hundreds of school boys on an educational tour to key military and security formations across the state, as part of activities marking the commencement of the 2026 Lagos Boy Child Initiative (LBCI) Residential Camp. The tour, which featured visits to the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Maryland Ikeja, Nigerian Navy, Apapa, Nigerian Air Force, Ikeja and the Department of State Services (DSS) office in Ojo, was designed to expose participants to career opportunities within the nation’s security architecture. Speaking during the tour, Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasised the need for young boys to cultivate discipline, patriotism, and a sense of purpose, urging them to consider careers in the armed forces and other security services. According to her, the initiative was carefully curated to bridge the ...

 Alleged N90.4m Fraud: Court Admits more Exhibits against Ex-NHIS Boss, Professor Yusuf   Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Kuchiako, Kuje, Abuja, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, admitted in evidence more documents tendered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, against former National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, boss, Professor Usman Yusuf.   The documents were brought before the court by the Second Prosecution Witness, PW2, James Balami, Director Procurement, NHIS, at the January 5, 2026 proceedings on the matter.   Ruling on the admissibility of the documents, on Wednesday,   February 25, 2026, following their presentation and oral application to tender them in evidence by prosecution counsel, Francis Usani, Justice Nwecheonwu, held that the admission of the document was in accordance with the law, noting also that the documents did not face any objection by the defence counsel, O.I. Habeeb, S...

 Mohbad’s friend, Primeboy, calls for the singer’s remains to be laid to rest three years after his demise Singer and a close associate of the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad, Owodunni Ibrahim, has made an emotional public appeal urging that the artiste be laid to rest nearly three years after his death. Mohbad died in controversial circumstances on September 12, 2023 and has remained in the mortuary since then. He was initially laid to rest on September 13, 2023 but was exhumed on September 21 for an autopsy to be carried out on it and has remained in the morgue since then. The father of the deceased, Joseph Aloba has insisted that the singer’s remains will not be laid to rest until a DNA test is conducted to ascertain the true paternity of Liam, the only child the singer left behind. In a viral video, Primeboy called on Mohbad’s family, the public, and the government to ensure the remains of the singer is laid to rest.  “It’s been almost three years since ...

 NSCDC LAGOS CONTINUES COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN AMUWO, ORIADE, IJEGUN, IREWE, IKOTUN, ALIMOSHO DIVISIONS. Honourable Stella Foluke Osafile, the House of Assembly Member representing Amuwo - Odofin nods NSCDC Lagos State Command for driving community ownership of assets and infrastructure in Lagos. The protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure ( CNAI ), which encompass the oil and gas, transportation, power and energy, telecommunications, education, health sectors et ce tera remain one of the core statutory mandates of the  Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ) amongst many others. It is in the light of the above that the State Commandant, NSCDC, Lagos State Command Mr Adedotun Keshinro commended the Area H command which comprises the following Divisional Offices;  Amuwo, Oriade, Ijegun, Irewe, Ikotun and Alimosho for hosting its stakeholders  community engagement  in Festac town yesterday, Tuesday, 24th February, 2026.   The...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE YOU HAVE MY FULL SUPPORT, RESTORE PEACE AND SECURITY — TINUBU TASKS ACTING IGP DISU   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday at the State House, charged the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to restore peace and strengthen security nationwide.   President Tinubu issued this directive at the decoration of Disu as the Acting Inspector-General of Police, following the retirement of Kayode Egbetokun and pending the Nigeria Police Council's ratification of the appointment and the Senate's confirmation.   The council will meet next week.   “I made this decision for you to assume this responsibility. I know your record. I saw the dedication you exhibited while you were in Lagos when I was governor,” the President said.   President Tinubu described Disu’s appointment as coming at a critical moment, urging him to rebuild public confidence in the police's capacity to do their job in collaboration with other security force...

 UN Security Council slaps sanctions on four RSF commanders over Al Fasher atrocities The UN Security Council has announced sanctions on four RSF commanders for atrocities committed in the October takeover of the Sudan’s Darfur city of Al Fasher. The four are high-ranking members of the Rapid Support Forces, which a UN probe last week determined had committed acts of genocide in their 18-month siege and eventual capture of Al Fasher. They are RSF deputy commanders Abdelrahim Hamdan Daglo and Gedo Hamdan Ahmed, Brigadier General Al-Fateh Abdullah Idris, and field commander Tijani Ibrahim. Since April 2023, Sudan has been gripped by what the UN has called a "war of atrocities" between the RSF and Sudan's regular army, killing tens of thousands and creating the world's largest hunger and displacement crises. Al Fasher under siege For a year and a half, the RSF besieged North Darfur's state capital, Al Fasher -- the region's last major city to evade their control ...

John Wheeler, actor and singer known for Star Trek and iconic McDonald’s commercial, dies at 95 John Wheeler, a versatile actor and singer who appeared in five Broadway musicals, guest-starred on Star Trek as Tellarite politician Ambassador Gav, and performed in a memorable McDonald’s commercial, has died at the age of 95. Wheeler passed away Feb. 6 at his home in Claremont, California, his daughter Johanna Wheeler confirmed. His career spanned decades, with recurring roles on CBS’ The Dukes of Hazzard in 1982 as Mr. Rhuebottom and a portrayal of William Frawley in the 1991 CBS telefilm Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter. He made his screen debut on Star Trek’s second-season episode “Journey to Babel” in 1967, playing Gav under heavy latex makeup and sharing a memorable scene with Mark Lenard’s Sarek. Wheeler also showcased his tenor voice in the 1971 choreographed musical commercial “Grab a Bucket and Mop,” appearing as a McDonald’s manager alongside John Amos and Robert Ridgely. Bo...

Lauren Chapin, the youngest child on Father Knows Best, dies at 80 Lauren Chapin, best known for playing the precocious Kathy “Kitten” Anderson on the 1950s television classic Father Knows Best, has died at the age of 80. Chapin’s son, Matthew, shared on Facebook that she passed away on Tuesday after a battle with cancer. Chapin began her career with appearances on a 1952 episode of CBS’s Lux Video Theatre and the 1954 film A Star Is Born starring Judy Garland. She joined Father Knows Best at age 9, partly because she closely resembled one of Robert Young’s real daughters, also named Kathy. On the show, she starred alongside Elinor Donahue as Betty “Princess” Anderson, Billy Gray as James “Bud” Anderson Jr., Jane Wyatt as Margaret Anderson, and Young as patriarch Jim Anderson. The series ran for six seasons from 1954 to 1960, with reruns airing for years afterward, and reunited the cast for two specials in 1977. Born May 23, 1945, in Los Angeles, Chapin came from a family of child acto...

Warner Bros. Discovery says Paramount has increased its takeover bid Paramount on Tuesday increased its offer to buy Warner Bros. Discovery as the company, led by CEO David Zaslav, explores selling its entertainment studios and spinning off its linear television assets. The new bid comes at $31 per share and is part of Paramount’s ongoing hostile approach, aiming to outbid the deal Warner Bros. Discovery agreed to with Netflix late last year for its film and TV business, including major properties like Game of Thrones and The Sopranos. Warner Bros. Discovery said Paramount’s raised offer could constitute a “Company Superior Proposal,” a term indicating the board might soon consider supporting a sale to Paramount. The Netflix deal has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers concerned about market concentration and content production practices. President Trump has recently criticized board member Susan Rice over remarks about his administration, urging Netflix to sever ties with her. Any acquisiti...

 Kalshi files insider trading complaint involving editor linked to MrBeast  An editor for YouTube star MrBeast has been suspended from the prediction market platform Kalshi and referred to federal regulators over insider trading, Kalshi officials said Wednesday. This marks the first time the company has publicly disclosed the results of an internal investigation into market manipulation. The employee, whose name was not released, reportedly traded around $4,000 on markets tied to MrBeast. Investigators flagged the activity after noticing the trader had “near-perfect success” on bets with low odds connected to the YouTuber’s videos, raising suspicions of misuse of confidential information. Kalshi said such conduct violates its rules and could break federal law. Kalshi froze the editor’s account to prevent withdrawals, imposed a $20,000 fine, and suspended the user for two years. The case has also been reported to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which oversees predicti...

Ex-president Yoon challenges life sentence for insurrection conviction Former President Yoon Suk Yeol has appealed his life sentence following his conviction for insurrection related to his failed attempt to impose martial law. His legal team filed the appeal on Tuesday, five days after a court sentenced him to life in prison for leading the insurrection on Dec. 3, 2024. In a statement, Yoon’s lawyers said they felt a duty to highlight issues with the ruling for both court records and historical records. They criticized the special counsel’s indictment as overreaching and called the court’s decision contradictory, suggesting political influences played a role. The Seoul Central District Court had ruled that Yoon’s actions—sending troops to the National Assembly compound after declaring martial law—constituted an insurrection under the Constitution. The court also noted that Yoon personally planned and led the effort, causing significant social harm while showing little remorse. Seven o...

 Historic rains leave at least 22 dead and dozens missing in Brazil  At least 22 people have died, dozens remain missing, and more than 400 have been displaced after heavy rains battered southeastern Brazil, officials in Minas Gerais reported Tuesday. Civil Defense and the state Fire Department said rescue teams are actively searching for at least 45 missing individuals, including several children, as flooding and landslides continue to affect the region. The city of Juiz de Fora has suffered the most, with authorities confirming 16 deaths after the Paraibuna River overflowed and landslides buried entire homes. Mayor Margarida Salomão declared a state of public calamity, calling the situation “extreme” following the city’s rainiest February on record, which brought up to 23 inches of rainfall. Six more deaths were reported in Ubá, roughly 68 miles away, where rising waters caused critical infrastructure failures. Streets have turned into rushing rivers, and neighborhoods remai...

Lawrence Summers to resign from Harvard following Epstein revelations Lawrence H. Summers, Harvard University economist and former president, will step down from teaching at the end of the academic year, a Harvard spokesperson confirmed. The move follows the release of Department of Justice documents revealing a close association between Summers and Jeffrey Epstein long after Epstein’s conviction for prostitution involving a minor. Summers, who has been on leave since November, will not return to the classroom before his departure and has also resigned as co-director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government. Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton said the resignation is linked to the university’s ongoing review of the newly released Epstein-related documents. Summers described his decision as “difficult” but expressed gratitude for the students and colleagues he has worked with over five decades at Harvard, beginning as a graduate student. As president emeritus and retired...

Washington court allows lawsuit against Amazon over suicide deaths to move forward    The Washington Supreme Court ruled Feb. 19 that a wrongful death lawsuit against Amazon can proceed, allowing families who lost loved ones to suicide after ingesting sodium nitrite purchased through the site to move forward with their claims. Twenty-eight families filed the lawsuits, alleging Amazon sold the chemical without proper warnings or safeguards and promoted products that could facilitate suicide. While sodium nitrite is commonly used for meat curing and metal finishing, the cases involve high-purity versions—98% or greater—sold online without age verification. The families contend Amazon was aware the chemical was being misused for suicide but continued to allow sales. Amazon had sought to dismiss the case, arguing it could not be held liable because the deaths were the result of suicide and that it had no duty to prevent misuse. An Amazon spokesperson said the company is committed ...

 ISRAEL OFFERS BENUE YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS, FARM TRAINING TO BOOST FOOD SECURITY  The Government of Israel has approved scholarship and agricultural training opportunities for youths from Benue State in a move aimed at strengthening food security and skills development. Chairman of the Benue State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Rev. Fr. Michael Melladu, disclosed this while hosting the State Working Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, led by its Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber. Melladu said the agreement followed discussions he held with Israeli officials during a recent pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where he explored areas of collaboration beyond pilgrimage activities. According to him, Israel’s strength in modern agriculture, education, and hospitality services opened a window for strategic partnership. “I told them I had gone through their profiles and saw they are running hotels, schools and are also deeply involved in farming. So I asked, where do w...

 CALABAR COURT JAILS MAN FOR LIFE OVER RAPE OF 8-YEAR-OLD GIRL  A High Court in Calabar has sentenced Usual Etim Udo, 39, to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl in March 2025. The ruling was handed down on February 24, 2026, by Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu. Barrister James Ibor of the Basic Right Council Initiatives praised the court’s decisive judgment and thanked the police, attorney general, and prosecution team for their commitment to justice. The case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of sexual violence against children and the importance of safeguarding children’s rights.

 TRAFFIC ALERT: TRUCK DRIVERS SHUT ABUJA-KEFFI EXPRESSWAY OVER COLLEAGUE’S ARREST  Vehicular traffic along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway has come to a standstill as truck drivers blocked the road in protest over the alleged assault and arrest of one of their colleagues by security operatives. Eyewitnesses said the row involved a VIP convoy that reportedly assaulted a truck driver for failing to give way. In solidarity, other truckers closed all lanes, disrupting movement in and out of the Federal Capital Territory via Mararaba, Nasarawa State. The situation left thousands of commuters stranded, with no statement yet from security agencies. Motorists are being advised to use alternative routes or delay travel plans.

Tension As Sowore Confronts Works Minister David Umahi Over Alleged ₦250m Debt Dispute There was drama at the FCT Police Command in Abuja as activist Omoyele Sowore boldly confronted the Minister of Works, David Umahi, inside a conference room. The confrontation followed allegations that the minister used the police to harass and intimidate a businesswoman who accused him of owing her ₦250 million for over 12 years. Watch video below. 

 Pope Leo's Trips 2026 March 28: Monaco April 13-23: Africa (Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, Equatorial Guinea) June 6-12: Spain The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo will make three trips abroad in 2026, proclaiming God's love and presence and highlighting significant themes of his pontificate: peace, interreligious dialogue, care for our immigrant brothers and sisters, and a courageous proclamation of faith in a time of growing secularization. Through these three trips, the Bishop of Rome will have the opportunity to encounter a wide variety of countries and situations, from a Muslim nation like Algeria where Christians are a small minority and a seed of brotherhood, to Christian-majority countries located in the heart of the African continent, with their socio-economic and political problems and their joyful witness of faith. He will make a brief visit to the world's second-smallest country after the Vatican City, Monaco, located on the French Riviera, and then travel to a ...

 Kandi Burruss reveals a 'specific situation' led to divorce from Todd Tucker Kandi Burruss recently opened up on Watch What Happens Live about the end of her 10-year marriage to Todd Tucker. The Real Housewives of Atlanta star revealed that something specific occurred in July that made her decide she could no longer continue in the relationship.  Although she chose not to share all the details publicly, she admitted that the separation, announced in November, has involved “intense” conversations as the two work through their divorce. Despite the challenges, Burruss emphasized that she and Tucker remain united when it comes to raising their children. She explained that even when arguments arise, they make an effort to treat each other with kindness.  For her, the ultimate priority is ensuring that their kids feel happy and supported throughout the process. Looking ahead, Burruss expressed confidence that once the divorce is finalized, she and Tucker will be able to co-par...

 Jennifer Garner admits she became both 'mom and dad' after divorce from Ben Affleck: 'There’s a bit of loss in that' Jennifer Garner recently opened up about the realities of raising children after divorce, sharing that she often takes on both parental roles in her household. With Violet, Fin, and Samuel growing up between two homes, Garner explained that she and Affleck each adapt by becoming “mom and dad” simultaneously.  While she acknowledged there is a sense of loss in not having both parents under one roof, she also noted that the arrangement has taught her to let go of rigid expectations and focus more on appreciation and presence in her children’s lives. The actress reflected on the difficulty of ending her marriage, describing the breakup as the true challenge rather than the public scrutiny that followed. She emphasized that losing a partnership and family unit was painful, but she leaned on close relationships to find resilience.  Garner, now dating business...

 Bill Gates Admits to Affairs with 2 Russian Women While Married to Melinda and Apologizes to Staff for Past Epstein Ties Bill Gates spoke candidly this week about past personal missteps, including two affairs he had while married to Melinda French Gates, and addressed his former ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The 70-year-old Microsoft co-founder apologized to staff at the Gates Foundation for his past association with Epstein, while emphasizing that he had not engaged in anything “illicit.” “I did nothing illicit.  "I saw nothing illicit,” Gates said during a town hall for his foundation on Tuesday, February 24, according to a recording reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. A spokesperson for Gates confirmed that the town hall was part of a routine meeting he holds twice a year with employees.  “Bill answered questions submitted by foundation staff on a range of issues, including the release of the Epstein files, the foundation’s work in AI, and the future o...

 New IGP Tunji Disu Vows End to Impunity in Nigeria Police Force, Declares Zero Tolerance for Corruption and Rights Abuses President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday decorated newly appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji (Tunji) Disu with his new rank at the State House, Abuja, in a ceremony marking a major leadership change in the Nigeria Police Force. Disu, who was elevated from Assistant Inspector-General (AIG), vowed an end to impunity within the force, declaring a strict regime of **zero tolerance** for corruption and human rights abuses. Speaking to State House correspondents immediately after the decoration, the new police chief emphasized that Nigerian citizens—not politicians—are the true "bosses" of the police. "The era of impunity is over," Disu stated firmly. "I will train and encourage officers to uphold human rights, enforce zero tolerance to corruption, and ensure they understand that we cannot succeed without public cooperation....

 Ukraine warns Ghanaians against fighting for Russia Ukraine’s top diplomat has warned Ghanaians against joining Russian forces in the conflict in Ukraine, saying Moscow is recruiting nationals from African countries to fight on its side. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha hosted his Ghanaian counterpart Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in Kiev on Wednesday where they discussed strengthening political dialogue and economic cooperation between the two countries, Anadolu Agency reported. Sybiha described Ghana as a strategic partner in West Africa and said Ukraine was ready to establish a food grain hub in Ghana to support global food stability. He praised Ghana’s consistent support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, particularly its vote in favour of the UN General Assembly resolution “Support for a Sustainable Peace in Ukraine.” “We are expanding our partnership in food security, logistics, defense industries, education, and other areas. We look forward to Ghana’s upcoming leadership in the A...

 Zimbabwe bans exports of all raw minerals and lithium concentrate Zimbabwe has frozen exports of raw minerals and lithium concentrate, the mines ministry said on Wednesday, tightening control over materials key to clean‑energy technologies and defence industries. The ban takes immediate effect, covers all raw minerals already in transit and will remain in place until further notice, the ministry said. "Government expects cooperation of the mining industry on this measure which has been taken in the national interest," Minister of Mines Polite Kambamura said in a statement. Securing access to rare earths and other strategic minerals has become a global priority, given their role in smartphones, green energy systems, military equipment and many other goods. This has prompted many producing nations to tighten controls and plug leaks in their supply chains. Zimbabwe "will be engaging the industry in the near future on new expectations and way forward," said Kambamura, ...

 EFCC Arraigns Three NRC Staff  for Alleged ₦2.04bn Money Laundering in Lagos   The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, arraigned three senior officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, before Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja over alleged fraud and money laundering offences.   The defendants are: Felix Njoku, a former Director of Finance of the Nigerian Railway Corporation; Benjamin Chinwuba Iloanusi, presently a Director in the Procurement Department of the NRC, and Oche Jerry Ogbole-Inalegwu,  presently Director,  Mechanical.   They were arraigned on separate charges bordering on alleged abuse of office, money laundering, and unlawful enrichment by public officials to the tune of over ₦2.04 billion.   Njoku was arraigned before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court, Ikeja, on a 17-count charge involving an alleged fraud of ₦736,320,807.08.   One of the counts...

 The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has launched an investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse and misconduct at a daycare owned by the mother of Nigerian singer Simi.  The probe follows renewed backlash against Simi after old tweets about children at her mother's daycare resurfaced, with some users alleging they suggested inappropriate intent. NAPTIP has urged anyone with factual information or evidence to come forward confidentially.  The agency emphasized its commitment to thoroughly investigating every credible report related to child abuse. Simi has denied the allegations, stating that her old tweets were misinterpreted and reflected nothing more than the playful tone of a young woman. She maintained that her statements were never meant to suggest anything inappropriate . NAPTIP has provided contact information for confidential reporting, including email and direct messaging.  The agency's move signals a proactiv...