PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 LASG CAUTIONS RESIDENTS OF STATE-OWNED ESTATES ON ILLEGAL STRUCTURES, BREACH OF ALLOTMENT REGULATIONS The Lagos State Ministry of Housing has issued a strong caution to residents of State-owned housing estates against the construction of illegal structures and violations of estate regulations, reiterating its commitment to restoring order, safety, and the original design integrity of government estates. The advice was reiterated by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Abdulhafis Toriola, during a stakeholders’ meeting held recently at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Alausa Secretariat, between the Management of the Ministry and the Executives of the Ojokoro Estate Residents Association, Meiran. Addressing the Executives, Engr. Toriola expressed serious concern over the deteriorating condition of Ojokoro Estate, describing the level of contraventions as alarming. He noted that the extent of unauthorised extensions and illegal developments only became fully evident during his recent visit...

Yemco Private school, four storey building that collapsed today after school hour at Ogba Lagos Nigeria...No live was lost🙌🙏God you do this one o🙌🙌🙏🙏One of my church member,her two kids school there too😥🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️All glory to God Almighty 🙏.  ACCORDING TO ANOTHER SOURCE: "Students escape death as school building collapses in Lagos  Students and teachers narrowly escaped death after a four‑storey school building collapsed in the Aguda area in Ogba, Lagos state on Monday, March 9. The building collapsed minutes after students and staff had been evacuated from the premises. Eyewitnesses say the collapse happened about three minutes after evacuation from the building, which had shown signs of structural issues prior to the incident. Authorities including the Lagos Fire and Rescue Service, are at the scene. It is yet to be confirmed if there were any casualties." Watch video below. 

 BENUE LAWMAKERS RAISE ALARM OVER ALLEGED TRAFFICKING OF 400 CHILDREN TO ABUJA ORPHANAGE  Anxiety swept through the Benue State House of Assembly on Monday as lawmakers raised the alarm over the alleged trafficking of more than 400 children from the state to an orphanage in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, warning that the fate of the minors remains unknown. The alarm followed a motion moved during plenary by the member representing Guma State Constituency, Peter Uche (APC), who drew the attention of the House to reports that the children were taken to Divine Hope Orphanage for the Less Privileged located in Kagini, Bwari Area Council of the FCT. Uche described the development as deeply troubling, noting that many of the affected children may have come from communities devastated by persistent attacks by armed herdsmen across Benue State. According to him, the violence has displaced thousands of families and left many children vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking. He ...

 Kendra Wilkinson reacts to critics saying she’s aging poorly Kendra Wilkinson is embracing aging and pushing back against online critics. In a March 8 Instagram post, the former Girls Next Door star shared a selfie and explained that she no longer uses filters, choosing instead to accept herself as she is.  Responding to comments that she has aged “poorly,” Wilkinson said she’s fine with that, adding that she feels happier than ever despite wrinkles and weight gain. She emphasized that her joy now comes from balance, positivity, and living life on her own terms. Reflecting on her journey, Wilkinson noted that she spent two decades in the spotlight trying to impress others, but at 39 she is focused on herself.  She shared that she’s now a realtor and a devoted mom to her two children, Hank Jr. and Alijah, and that watching them grow brings her the greatest happiness.  Though she has less fame and money than during her Playboy days, she expressed gratitude for her cur...

 I’m Not Learning Your Damn Language - Trump Jokes at Shield of the Americas Summit President Donald Trump brought levity to his first Shield of the Americas Summit, poking fun at his own Spanish skills while meeting with Latin American leaders at his Doral Golf Club on Saturday, March 7. Speaking to 12 leaders from across the region, the 79 year old joked that while he hoped to visit their countries one day, learning Spanish was not on his agenda. “Marco loves going to your countries.  He’s always at one of these countries. He likes your countries the best,” Trump said, referring to Marco Rubio. Trump then laughed about his own limitations with languages. “He’s got a language advantage over me, ‘cause I’m not learning your damn language. I don’t have time. I was okay with languages but I’m not gonna spend time learning your language. That much I won’t do,” he said, emphasizing the value of a “good interpreter” in international discussions. Later, Rubio addressed the leaders i...

 “They Want Me Back,” Arnold Schwarzenegger Talks Coming Predator, Conan and Commando Projects Arnold Schwarzenegger gave fans a glimpse of what could be a thrilling return to some of his most iconic action roles.  Speaking at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio over the weekend, the 78-year-old actor discussed ongoing talks about reprising his roles in the Predator series, along with new projects in the Conan the Barbarian and Commando franchises. Describing it as a potential “resurrection of all those movies,” Schwarzenegger highlighted the Predator films as an example. He praised Dan Trachtenberg, director of 2022’s Prey and last year’s Predator: Badlands, saying the filmmaker has done a remarkable job and now wants him involved in the next installment. “So we were talking about it,” he told the audience, prompting applause as fans imagined Schwarzenegger returning as Dutch, the character he originated in the 1987 film.  “Fox Studio has kind of rediscovered Ar...

 Valerie Jarrett reveals that President Trump isn't invited to Obama Presidential Center opening ceremony Valerie Jarrett, a former adviser in the Obama White House, confirmed that President Trump has not been invited to the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center.  The celebration, scheduled for June 18–21, will feature events honoring the community members, volunteers, and supporters who helped shape Barack Obama’s presidency.  Jarrett explained that the ceremony is intended for those directly connected to Obama’s political journey, though she noted that Trump would be welcome to visit the center once it opens to the public. During an interview on MS Now’s The Weekend, Jarrett elaborated on the purpose of the center, emphasizing its role as a space for hope and unity in challenging times.  She stressed that the center aims to bring together people of differing opinions, encouraging dialogue and common ground.  While she acknowledged that not everyone...

 Dangote Refinery has approved a new loading list featuring 20 marketers: 1. Heyden 2. Integrated 3. Techno 4. Fatgbems  5. Nipco plc 6. AA Rano 7. Conoil 8. AYM Shafa 9. Northwest 10. Ardova Plc 11. NNPC retail 12. Masters Energy 13. Nepal Energies 14. Sobaz  15. Optima 16. Bovas 17. Soroman 18. MRS  19. Total Energies  20. Rainoil/Eterna

 Alert warns Iran could be activating sleeper cells abroad The U.S. has intercepted encrypted messages believed to originate from Iran that could act as a “trigger” for sleeper agents operating outside the country, according to a federal alert sent to law enforcement agencies. The alert cites “preliminary signals analysis” of a transmission likely from Iran, which was relayed across multiple countries shortly after the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a U.S.-Israeli strike on February 28. The message was encoded and intended for recipients holding the proper encryption key, the kind of communication used to direct covert operatives without relying on the internet or cell networks. Authorities say the transmissions could be “intended to activate or provide instructions to prepositioned sleeper assets operating abroad.” While the exact content remains unknown, the sudden appearance of a new international rebroadcast station prompted officials to issue guidance for he...

 Lebanon requests direct US-facilitated talks with Israel to halt fighting The Lebanese government has proposed direct negotiations with Israel, seeking U.S. mediation to end the ongoing war and pursue a peace agreement. Officials in Beirut approached U.S. envoy Tom Barrack last week, suggesting talks at the ministerial level in Cyprus and claiming that some Hezbollah members might be open to a deal. However, both Washington and Jerusalem responded with skepticism, with Israel rejecting the proposal outright and the U.S. stressing that meaningful action against Hezbollah’s weapons would be required before any discussions. Lebanon is alarmed over the current conflict, which began when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel, prompting massive Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon. More than 600,000 civilians have fled the south, and the country faces growing instability. Despite the government’s historic steps to ban Hezbollah’s military wing and expel Iranian Re...

 Bandits Attack Kaduna Community, Kill Residents, Abduct Others In Night Raid Suspected bandits have carried out a deadly attack on a community in Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing several residents and abducting others during a late-night raid that forced villagers to flee for safety. The attack reportedly happened on Sunday night, throwing the community near Zaria into panic as armed men stormed homes and fired gunshots into the air. Videos circulating on social media captured scenes of chaos, showing residents running for safety while gunshots echoed throughout the area. One of the videos was shared on X by Hon. Nuhu Sada, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate for the Kaduna State House of Assembly, who described the incident as a night of terror for the affected community. In a post accompanying the video, Sada wrote: “Night of terror in Makarfi, Zaria. This young boy watched helplessly as bandits kidnapped his grandmother. Is the North safe?” Another...

 Chad shuts border with Sudan to reassert neutrality Chad has shut its border with Sudan, hoping to reassert its neutrality in the devastating conflict. Chad's government officially maintains it is neutral in the three-year-old battle between Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the regular army that has left tens of thousands dead and forced more than 12 million from their homes, according to the United Nations. Nearly one million of the displaced are in Chad, however. Darfur, a vast region in western Sudan bordering Chad, is almost entirely under RSF control since the city of Al Fasher fell in October. RSF attacks near Chad border On February 21, the RSF claimed to have captured the border town of Al Tina, the twin of Al Tine on the Chadian side. The paramilitaries have conducted several operations near the Chad border, killing 15 Chadian soldiers and eight civilians since December, according to an AFP count. Chad shut the border on February 23 in a move that C...

 Madagascar's President Randrianirina dismisses prime minister, entire cabinet Madagascar's President Michael Randrianirina, who came to power following mass protests in October 2025, has dismissed his prime minister and the entire cabinet on Monday, his spokesperson said in a statement, Reuters reported. Randrianirina seized control of the Indian Ocean island nation in the wake of protests that forced out his predecessor, Andry Rajoelina. "The President will shortly proceed with the appointment of a new prime minister, following the procedures set out by the constitution," Harry Laurent Rahajason, director of communication of the Presidency, said in the statement, without giving reasons for the presidential action.

 SDP Holds 2026 National Executive Committee Meeting in Abuja The  Social Democratic Party, SDP, at its National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja for the year 2026, approved and ratified nine decisions of the party taken between March 2022 and March 2026, including the votes and proceedings of March 9 2026. Approved and ratified are party members appointed to fill vacant positions in the  National Working Committee NWC and the National Executive Committee NEC.  The NEC meeting also approved and ratified the proposed programmes scheduled for 2026/2027 Party primary Elections, Congresses, Convention and other related activities.  The SDP NEC also approved and ratified zoning for the seat of the National Chairman and that of the Presidential Candidate of the Party. The amendment of the 2022 Constitution of the SDP to reflect the zoning formula and other amendments.  The SDP NEC also approved and ratified disciplinary measures comprising suspension and expu...

 Alleged $850,000 Fraud: Court Jails Man One Year in Lagos Justice Ismail Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, on Monday, March 9, 2026, convicted and sentenced Obiajulu Emeka Emmanuel to one year imprisonment for obtaining the sum of $850,000 under false pretences.   The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, Ikoyi, first arraigned the defendant on November 10, 2025, on a 21-count charge bordering on obtaining under false pretence, forgery and retention of stolen property, contrary to provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 and the Criminal Law of Lagos State. One of the charges reads: "OBIAJULU EMEKA EMMANUEL sometime between the 4th of January, 2018 to the 17th of December, 2018, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court dishonestly converted to your own use the  aggregate sum of N12,330.423.90 (Twelve million, Three hundred and Thirty thousand, Four Hundred and ...

 Mojtaba Khamenei, the newly appointed Supreme Leader of Iran, has reportedly been wounded amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East, according to Iranian state media.   The 56-year-old cleric, who recently succeeded his father Ali Khamenei following his death in a major strike on Tehran, was described by Iranian television as a “janbaz,” a Persian term commonly used for someone injured by enemy action.   State broadcasters said the injury occurred during what officials have called the “Ramadan war,” referring to the ongoing military confrontation involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. However, authorities did not provide details about where or when the injury happened, nor how serious it might be.   Meanwhile, the conflict is intensifying across the region. Bahrain reported 32 people wounded in a drone attack on Sitra, and Iran has threatened strikes on regional energy infrastructure in retaliation for Israeli attacks. Oil prices have surged above $100...

 GOV. ALIA DECLARES TOTAL WAR ON INSECURITY IN BENUE  The Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has vowed to end insecurity in the state, promising a decisive clampdown on banditry and other criminal activities. Governor Alia made the declaration while receiving a briefing on the deployment and reinforcement of security personnel to troubled communities in Kwande and other affected Local Government Areas. The move comes amid a surge of attacks that have disrupted lives and livelihoods across the state. Commending the efforts of the security agencies, Governor Alia said their tireless work in restoring calm had not gone unnoticed. He emphasized that perpetrators of insecurity would face the full weight of the law. "Let this be a warning to all perpetrators of insecurity: Governor Alia will not be intimidated. I will not be deterred. I will crush insecurity in Benue State," he declared. The Governor stressed that the recent securit...

 1 DEAD, PROPERTIES DESTROYED IN OGBADIBO CLASH BETWEEN ODOBA & EPAIGBO - EYEWITNESSES   Tensions escalated into violence yesterday between the Odoba and Epaigbo communities in Ogbadibo Local Government Area, leaving one person dead and several properties destroyed. Residents told reporters that the crisis began when an Odoba vigilante allegedly shot and killed a youth from Epaigbo over a ₦9,000 debt. The fatal shooting reportedly ignited anger among Epaigbo youths, who retaliated against members of the Odoba community. Eyewitnesses said the confrontation quickly spiraled into widespread clashes. “Buildings were set on fire, and people ran for their lives,” one local resident recounted, requesting anonymity. Several others sustained injuries as chaos spread through the communities. Community leaders have expressed grave concern over the violence and are appealing for calm. “We urge our youths to exercise restraint and allow security agencies to handle the situation,” ...

 GUNMEN KILL YOUNG POS OPERATOR IN GBOKO ROBBERY ATTACK  Residents of Gboko, Benue State, have been thrown into mourning following the killing of a young point-of-sale (POS) operator, Luther Raphael Kunde, by suspected armed robbers. The incident reportedly occurred at Titus De Great Abagu area of Gboko South, opposite Bem House, where the victim operated his POS business. Eyewitnesses said the attackers struck suddenly while Kunde was attending to customers, shot him, and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. “It happened so fast. We heard a gunshot and everyone started running,” a resident said. Kunde was said to be a 200-level student of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), combining his studies with the small business. Community members and groups, including the AMMBAN Gboko chapter, have expressed condolences to the bereaved family. The Benue State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement, but residents are calling for improved security in the ar...

 Anti-Graft War: China’s Consul General Seeks Enhanced Bilateral Law Enforcement Cooperation, Information Sharing As part of efforts to address financial crimes and other cross-border criminal activities, the Acting Consul General of the Chinese Consulate General in Lagos, Yue Wang, has called for enhanced bilateral law enforcement cooperation and improved information sharing between the Chinese Consulate and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Wang, accompanied by the Second Secretary of the Chinese Consulate General in Lagos, Kai Liu, made the call on Friday, March 6, 2026, during a courtesy visit to the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo. 

 N1.65bn & $2.09m Fraud:  Appeal Court Upholds Conviction of Ex- Army General,   Umar Mohammed A three-member panel of Justices of the Court of Appeal,  Justice Abba Mohammed, Okon Abang and Eberechi Nyesom  have affirmed the conviction and sentence of former Group Managing Director of Nigerian Army Properties Limited (NAPL), Maj.-Gen. Umar Mohammed, for offences bordering on theft and misappropriation of company funds. In a unanimous ruling, the appellate court dismissed Mohammed’s appeal challenging the authority of the Nigerian Army’s Special Court Martial and the legitimacy of its decision. The Court Martial had on October 10, 2023 convicted him for offences of stealing and criminal misappropriation of funds belonging to NAPL. The court also sentenced him to years  of imprisonment and ordered him to refund $2,099,700  and N1.65 billion to the NAPL. Dissatisfied with the decision of the Court Martial,  he approached the appellate court...

 SECRETARY TO THE ZAMFARA STATE GOVERNMENT JB Yakubu Secretariat, Gusau March 09, 2026 PRESS STATEMENT GOVERNOR LAWAL CONCLUDES CONSULTATION, DUMPS PDP FOR APC OVER PARTY'S IRRECONCILABLE CRISIS Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has decided to dump the People's Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) over the irreconcilable PDP's internal crisis. The decision was reached during a stakeholders' meeting chaired by the State Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummuni, on Monday in the Rescue Hall, Government House, Gusau. In January, Governor Lawal launched a state-wide stakeholders engagement under a committee led by an elder statesman, Alhaji Salihu Mai Buhu Gummi, to chart the state's next political course amidst PDP's deepening crisis and INEC's looming timelines for the 2027 general elections. Majority of the stakeholders advised the Governor to join APC, citing the need for unity in bringing development to the state. "Followi...

 IWD: LAWMA CELEBRATES FEMALE STREET SANITATION WORKERS …Conducts Free Health Screening, Rewards Outstanding Workers The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) on Monday celebrated female street sweepers and other female staff members with free health screening and special recognition awards as a way of marking the 2026 International Women’s Day. The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin delivering the welcome address during the event at the Authority’s headquarters in Ijora Olopa, said that the programme, which brought together street sweepers and other female staff, was designed to honour their dedication, resilience, and contributions to maintaining environmental cleanliness across the State. He said that major highlights of the celebration were the provision of rewards and free medical screening for female street sweepers and staff to promote preventive healthcare and improve the well-being of women within the Authority. He commended the fe...

 IGP DISU DECORATES NEWLY PROMOTED DEPUTY INSPECTORS-GENERAL OF POLICE IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, today decorated eight senior officers elevated to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in a ceremony at Force Headquarters, Abuja. In his address, IGP Disu described the ceremony as more than a symbolic adornment, emphasising that promotion to DIG recognises decades of dedicated service, professional excellence, and leadership capacity. He charged the officers to provide strategic direction, strengthen internal discipline, drive reforms, and ensure policing strategies remain responsive to evolving security challenges. He urged them to leverage their experience in intelligence-led policing, operational coordination, inter-agency collaboration, and accountability while inspiring confidence within the Force and trust among the public. IGP Olatunji Disu extended gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support and to the Police Service Commission ...

 Kaduna First Lady Distributes Palliatives, Cash Support To Women, Youth Leaders The First Lady of Kaduna State, Hafsat Uba Sani, has distributed palliatives and cash support to coordinators of the Hafsat Uba Sani Birni Da Karkara Support Group across the 23 local government areas of Kaduna State. The distribution took place during the ongoing religious seasons of Ramadan and Lent, which the First Lady described as periods that encourage compassion, sacrifice, and support for those in need. She urged beneficiaries to use the period to pray for peace, unity, and continued development in the state. Representing the First Lady at the event, the Director General of the support group, Aisha Idris, said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to inclusive leadership and social support.  She also called on beneficiaries to continue praying for the leadership of Governor Uba Sani. Also speaking at the event, the Personal Assistant to the First Lady, Zulaihat Buba, said...