PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 OPERATION ENDURING PEACE INTENSIFIES SECURITY MEASURES TO CURB ESCALATION OF TENSIONS WITHIN JOS METROPOLIS In a proactive move to prevent further escalation of the ongoing crisis in Jos North, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE, initiated a comprehensive stop-and-search exercise across the Jos metropolis on Friday. This strategic intervention is part of a broader mandate to restore absolute normalcy and ensure the safety of lives and property within the State. ​The heightened security presence yielded immediate results as troops successfully intercepted and arrested 2 suspects as well as recovered one fabricated AK-47 rifle along with four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one pump action with a cutlass. The arrest and recoveries were made during targeted operations conducted across key flashpoints and transit routes, including Jos North and Jos South, along Dadinkowa, the Old Airport Junction, Tudun Wada, and the State Low-cost housing estate. ​In a simultaneous developmen...

 Macron and Lee pledge cooperation to reopen Strait of Hormuz amid Middle East tensions   French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung agreed Friday to coordinate efforts aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reducing global economic instability tied to the ongoing war in the Middle East. The agreement came during a summit in Seoul, held as tensions continue to disrupt global energy markets due to Iran’s control over the critical shipping route. Macron emphasized at the start of the meeting that both nations could play a constructive role in stabilizing the region, particularly as the strait—through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes—remains a focal point of geopolitical strain. During a joint televised briefing, both leaders stressed the importance of cooperation to ensure safe maritime transit and to ease broader regional hostilities, though they did not outline specific steps for reopening the waterway. The meeting al...

 Ohio high school band performs at Disney after thieves steal instruments hours before show An Ohio high school marching band overcame a major setback to perform at Walt Disney World after thieves stole thousands of dollars' worth of instruments just hours before their show. Ashland High School students traveled to Orlando’s Magic Kingdom after years of fundraising and preparation. But on the morning of March 29, they discovered their locked trailer had been broken into overnight at their hotel on International Drive, with roughly 20% of their instruments missing. The stolen instruments included clarinets, trumpets, trombones, and saxophones, many of which held deep personal value to students. “About 20% of the kids in that parade were using instruments they’d never touched,” said band director Marty Kral. “And they still nailed it.” With the clock ticking, band leaders contacted Music & Arts, a national retailer, which quickly provided replacement instruments from two Orlando ...

 Dee Freeman, Sistas and Young and the Restless actress, dies at 66 Dee Freeman, the actress known for her roles on Sistas and The Young and the Restless, has died at 66. Freeman passed away Thursday after a battle with cancer, her family shared on Instagram. “On behalf of her family, it is with deepest sadness that we share this update with you. Dee passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, after a brave and fearless fight with cancer,” the statement read. “Thank you to everyone who supported Dee during her battle. She is now in heaven, being the force of nature she always was, now with her angel wings on. Rest in peace, Dee.” Born in Louisiana in 1959, Freeman joined the United States Marine Corps after high school. Following her military service, she began a career in the arts, starting in theater before moving into film and television. She most recently appeared in seasons nine and 10 of Tyler Perry’s Sistas, portraying Valerie Barnes, the mother of KJ Smith Black’s character An...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU: "OUR INVESTMENT IS ABOUT OUR PEOPLE, TODAY'S FOUNDATION IS FOR TOMORROW'S PROSPERITY” President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday said his administration's infrastructure development and economic reforms across sectors are for the benefit, well-being, and prosperity of citizens.  He gave the assurance in Iperu, Ogun State, during the inauguration of the Gateway Cargo International Airport, built by the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun. President Tinubu also launched two new aircraft owned by the new Gateway Airline.  "Our investment is about our people. The infrastructure underscores our faith in our country, the belief that today's foundation is for tomorrow's prosperity. Thank you all for your understanding”. President Tinubu said Governor Dapo Abiodun has continued to demonstrate his commitment to the well-being of Ogun State citizens and  Nigerians at large.  The President said the commissioned airport is ...

 Angelina Jolie’s Daughter Shiloh Is Her Spitting Image in Music Video Debut Shiloh Jolie has fans talking after making a brief but striking appearance in a teaser for K-pop star Dayoung’s upcoming music video. The 19-year-old, who is the daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, appears for just a moment in the 26-second clip for What’s a Girl to Do, but it was enough to send viewers into a frenzy. In the teaser shared by Starship Entertainment on April 2, Shiloh can be seen among the background dancers, instantly catching attention with her look. Wearing oversized hoop earrings and a gold lip ring, she left many fans saying the resemblance to her mother was impossible to miss. Her facial features, especially her eyes and lips, quickly became a talking point online, with many noting just how much she mirrors Angelina. One fan wrote that her mother’s genes were “so strong,” while another described the moment as giving off “pure Angelina energy.” The cameo may have been brief, but i...

 POLICING WITH EMPATHY: ANAMBRA POLICE, DURING EASTER PATROL, PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO A MAN WHO COLLAPSED ALONG THE ROAD IN AWADA The Anambra State Police Command, in continuation of its Easter security operations, has demonstrated its commitment to the safety and welfare of residents by promptly assisting an unidentified man who collapsed along the road in Awada. The incident occurred by 5pm, today, 4th April 2026, when Police Operatives attached to the Awada Division, while on routine Easter patrol along the Onitsha/Owerri Road, observed the man lying helpless by the roadside. The officers swiftly responded by ensuring his immediate evacuation from the scene to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention. Preliminary information suggests that the victim may have suffered a medical emergency, possibly due to high blood pressure. Thanks to the timely intervention of the Police Operatives, the victim was stabilised and is currently responding to treatment at the hospital. The Commi...

 Kim Zolciak loses custody of children to estranged husband Kroy Biermann amid messy divorce Kim Zolciak has reportedly lost custody of four of her children with estranged husband Kroy Biermann, according to court documents obtained by TMZ.  A Georgia judge ruled that Biermann, 40, will have custody of Kroy Jr. (14), Kash (13), and twins Kaia and Kane (12) beginning April 3.  Zolciak, 47, must complete four parent therapy sessions before she can regain custody, with the earliest possible date being April 13. The ruling follows Biermann’s allegations that Zolciak violated their temporary custody agreement by missing scheduled days with the children between late February and late March, traveling abroad without notice, and failing to comply with therapy requirements.  He also claimed one of the children was bitten by a dog while in her care. Zolciak has strongly denied these accusations, calling them “completely false” and accusing Biermann of attempting to smear her r...

 ALLEGED ATTACK ON BISHOP KUKAH’S RESIDENCE AND SOKOTO CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL ARE FALSE. The attention of  8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, has been drawn to a misleading Social Media post circulating on Facebook, which falsely reported an armed attack on the Residence of Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Bishop of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral. A statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA Olaniyi Osoba debunked these unfounded claims, saying that there was no such attack in Sokoto State. He maintains that the safety and security of Bishop Matthew Kukah and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral remain intact. Bishop Kukah is currently fulfiling his Easter duties without any disruption. The Division in collaboration with other Security Agencies remain unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Sokoto State and our ent...

 UK MINISTRY OF JUSTICE DELEGATION UNDERTAKES LEARNING VISIT TO  LAGOS MULTI-DOOR COURTHOUSE The Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse (LMDC) recently hosted a delegation from the United Kingdom Ministry of Justice on a learning visit aimed at fostering knowledge exchange in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and court-connected mediation. The UK delegation, comprising Sorrel Evans, Justice, Home Affairs Attaché and Christina Soper, Head of Unit, Rule of Law, Ministry of Justice, was received by the former Director/CEO of the LMDC, Mrs. Achere Cole, alongside members of the Management Team. She reaffirmed the LMDC’s commitment to continuous learning, institutional excellence, and international collaboration. The LMDC Management Team provided an overview of their respective roles and responsibilities within the institution. Mrs Olubusola Ojo, the former Registrar and Head of Operations, led detailed discussions on the LMDC's operations, highlighting its institutional framework, case ma...

 PRESS RELEASE NSC CHAIRMAN HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF PARA ATHLETES IN NIGERIAN SPORTS AS FIRST LADY DECLARES 3RD NATIONAL PARA GAMES CLOSED The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON has declared the 3rd National Para Games closed. Senator Tinubu was represented at the event held at the Velodrome Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja by wife of the Vice-president Her Excellency, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima.  Her Excellency Senator Tinubu applauded the athletes' resilience in the course of the Games. Her words, "I commend the athletes who participated from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. You have displayed courage, resilience and grace. You have shown us that the strength of the human spirit knows no limitations..As a mother I am deeply inspired. I don't just see athletes but determined sons and daughters of Nigeria who have chosen courage over fear, excellence over excuses and limitations. You are tru...

 Chief Al Shabab bomb-maker killed in Somalia strikes At least nine Al Shabab terrorists, including key bomb-making specialists, were killed in operations carried out by Somali intelligence in collaboration with the international forces in the southern Lower Shabelle region on Saturday. During the operation in the Lower Shabelle region, six heavy engines used by the terrorist group to manufacture explosives were also destroyed, Somalia’s Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said in a statement, Anadolu Agency reported. The NISA statement said those killed included "senior commanders" Abiikar Nuur, who oversaw engines and vehicles, and Abdifitah Mohamed Hassan, the chief mechanic in charge of preparing car bombs. “These planned operations are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle Khawarij bases and organizational networks, while preventing future terrorist plots,” the statement said. Khawarij is a term the Somali government uses to describe the Al Shabab terrorist group. Al ...

Afghanistan storms leave 77 dead, hundreds injured as floods and landslides devastate homes and roads    Heavy rain and storms have caused widespread flooding, landslides, and lightning strikes across Afghanistan, killing 77 people and injuring 137 over the past 10 days, officials reported Saturday. Authorities have warned residents to avoid riverbanks and areas prone to flooding as more rain is expected in the coming days. This year, Afghanistan has already faced numerous extreme weather events, with heavy snowfall and flash floods earlier, leaving dozens dead. Recent flooding has destroyed 793 homes and damaged another 2,673, while landslides and floods have wiped out about 337 kilometers (210 miles) of roads. Agricultural land, businesses, water wells, and irrigation systems have also been affected, impacting more than 5,800 families nationwide. Critical highways connecting Kabul to other provinces have been blocked by flooding, landslides, and rockfalls, forcing travelers ...

 PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AKPABIO PRAYS FOR PEACEFUL EASTER CELEBRATION  The President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio, has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, tolerance and mutual respect across religious and ethnic lines as Christians celebrate Easter.  In a message Akpabio urged citizens to reflect on the values of love, unity and peaceful coexistence embodied in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as he extends warm Easter greetings to Christians in Nigeria and worldwide. He as well charged Nigerians to work collectively toward building a nation where everyone can live in peace, harmony and prosperity. While  acknowledging the country’s security challenges Akpabio expressed confidence that Nigeria will overcome them through collective effort, understanding and prayers for brighter future, noting that President Bola Tinubu and the Armed Forces are working relentlessly to address insecurity across the country. Akpabio also condoled with families affected by terrorist...

 Nkeiruka Onyejeocha Resigns As Minister Of State For Labour Nigeria’s Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has resigned from office. She announced her resignation on her "X account" where she expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve in his administration. She described her exit as the close of a significant chapter in her public service, affirming her continued commitment to national development. It would be recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed all political appointees seeking to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign by March 31, 2026, to ensure a level playing field.

Ye draws Lauryn Hill support in sold-out SoFi Stadium comeback show  Kanye West, performing under his current and former moniker Ye, returned to the spotlight with a high-profile Southern California concert, receiving a boost from one of his musical inspirations, Lauryn Hill. The sold-out show at SoFi Stadium came nearly a year after he released the controversial song “Heil Hitler” and two months following an apology letter addressing his antisemitic remarks. With 70,000 fans in attendance, Ye focused on his music legacy, performing hits spanning two decades. “I want to thank y’all for sticking by me all these years. Through the hard times, through the low times,” he told the crowd. Hill joined Ye on stage for the first time, performing an energetic version of his 2004 hit “All Falls Down,” which originally sampled her voice. Ye stepped aside as Hill performed “Lost Ones” and “Doo Wop (That Thing)” before rejoining her for his 2021 track “Believe What I Say.” The concert also featu...

 Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso steps down after World Cup qualifying failure  Italy’s national team coach Gennaro Gattuso has stepped down by mutual consent, just three days after the squad failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. The Italian soccer federation expressed gratitude for Gattuso’s nine months in charge, praising his dedication and passion in a formal statement. Italy’s hopes for the tournament in North America ended with a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the qualifying playoff. Gattuso said, “With pain in my heart, not having achieved the goal we had set ourselves, I consider my experience on the national team bench to be over.” His departure follows the resignations of federation president Gabriele Gravina and delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon. Italy, four-time World Cup champions, have now missed the last three tournaments after previous playoff losses to Sweden and North Macedonia. Gattuso had taken over in June from Luciano Spall...

 U.S searches for missing pilot after Iran downs fighter jet, hits Dubai with drone strike  The U.S. military intensified its search Saturday for a missing pilot in southwestern Iran after the country shot down an American F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet and called on citizens to report the pilot in exchange for a reward. One crew member from the aircraft was rescued, while the fate of a second remains unknown, marking the first U.S. aircraft losses in Iranian territory since the conflict began six weeks ago. The situation signals a potential turning point in a war that has already killed thousands, disrupted global markets, and triggered spikes in fuel prices. The downing of the F-15E followed recent U.S. and Israeli airstrikes that President Donald Trump claimed had decimated Iran’s defenses. Iran also reported that a U.S. A-10 attack aircraft crashed in the Persian Gulf, though U.S. officials have not confirmed whether it was shot down. In the region, Iranian missile and dro...

 PRESS RELEASE  ABIA STATE POLICE COMMAND ASSURES CHRISTIAN FAITHFUL OF A SECURE AND JOYFUL EASTER CELEBRATION The Abia State Police Command extends warm Easter greetings to all Christians in the state. As we observe this sacred occasion commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, may joy, peace and blessings abound in your hearts and homes. In line with our commitment to ensuring public safety, the Command has activated a comprehensive Operation Order to provide robust security measures before, during, and after the Easter celebrations. Security personnel have been strategically deployed across Abia State to guarantee the safety of lives and property. Regular and coordinated patrols of major roads, worship centers and other public areas are ongoing. These efforts, alongside other covert and overt operations are aimed to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free Easter celebration for all. We call on all Abians to be vigilant and security-conscious. You are kindly advised to report...

     I Can’t Believe This Happened - Student Meets Joe Biden Mid-Flight A young passenger got the surprise of her trip when she discovered former President Joe Biden was seated just a few rows behind her during a recent flight. The moment quickly turned into a viral social media story after TikTok user Cailyn shared clips of the unexpected encounter. In the first video, the student, who appeared to be seated in the business class section, turned her camera over her shoulder to reveal Biden sitting nearby, quietly reading a newspaper across the aisle. Her caption captured the disbelief of the moment. “Tweaking rn because President Joe Biden is sitting two rows behind me on my flight and we spoke,” she wrote. “Can’t believe this isn’t an April Fools joke.” The video later shows Biden standing near her row, speaking with her before the two paused for a selfie together. In a follow-up clip, Cailyn shared another memorable part of the encounter, a handwritten note from the for...

 Onitsha North 1 Unveils ‘Work and Train’ Initiative To Tackle Youth Unemployment  By Kelechi Achukwu-Jide The Member representing Onitsha North 1 Constituency, Hon. Mimi Ifeoma Azikiwe, has launched the Onitsha North 1 Work and Train Initiative, aimed at addressing youth unemployment and promoting sustainable economic empowerment. The initiative is designed to equip young people with practical, market-relevant skills through a structured one-year intensive training programme across diverse vocational and professional areas. In a statement issued by her Director of Media and Communications, Nnamudimma Wenga Ikwuazom, it disclosed that 50 unemployed but willing-to-learn youths from the constituency will be selected to participate in the scheme. The statement further indicated that, beyond skills acquisition, each participant will receive a monthly stipend of ₦150,000 throughout the duration of the programme to support their engagement and ease financial constraints. To qualify,...

 Patronize Nawfia Neuropsychiatric Hospital, not Quacks - Administrator By Ebele Egoh The Anambra State Hospital Administrator, Dr. Frank Ifeanaeme, has advised the public to always patronize Neuropsychiatric hospital Nawfia for quality healthcare services, noting various health services that the hospital renders that patients might not see somewhere else.  He said this during a routine monthly supervision at the facility to know whether the patients are receiving the best services from the  health professionals. Dr Ifeanaeme was happy seeing the relationship that exit  between workers and patients, commending the head of the hospital for creating such wonderful environment . "I witnessed the companionate care, the way the staff interact with patients, team work and the professionalism in carrying out your duties, I am impressed and encourage you to keep it up. He cautioned the staff to stop diverting patients to other places where the quality of the services  r...

 2027: I WON'T CONTEST BENUE NORTH-WEST SENATE WITHOUT CONSULTING GOD—EX-GOVERNOR ORTOM  The immediate past Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has clarified that he has no current plans to contest the Benue North-West senatorial seat in 2027, stating that any future political decision would depend on divine direction. The clarification follows widespread speculation on social media suggesting that Ortom was preparing for another senatorial bid. The former governor, who served between 2015 and 2023, had contested the same seat in 2023 but lost to Titus Zam. In a statement released on Saturday by his media aide, Terver Akase, Ortom dismissed claims of a confirmed ambition, describing them as inaccurate. The statement stressed that while Ortom is not actively seeking elective office, he would only consider such a move after “consulting God.” Akase added that the former governor remains focused on supporting his party and contributing to governance through advisory roles rathe...

 JOY AMID TRAGEDY AS BENUE IDP MOTHER WELCOMES BABY ON GOOD FRIDAY   In a poignant moment of hope, a baby boy was born on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, in a Benue State IDP camp, as local Catholic families reenacted the Passion of Jesus Christ. The mother, who lost numerous relatives in the June 2025 Yelewata Fulani militia attacks, now celebrates the arrival of her newborn and a renewed sense of family. The mother had endured immense loss during the June 2025 violence, which claimed several of her family members. Residents of the IDP camp have described the birth as a symbol of resilience and new beginnings amidst the pain of displacement and past attacks. Both mother and child are reported to be in sound health, bringing moments of joy to the camp. Community members who witnessed the birth have joined in celebrating the “miracle” birth, noting its timing during the solemn Good Friday commemorations. Udam Samuel Aseer, reporting from the scene, said: "Today, the mother not...

 34,000 APPLICANTS SEEK 1,000 POLICE JOBS IN BENUE  No fewer than 34,000 applicants are competing for just 1,000 police recruitment slots in Benue State, highlighting the growing unemployment crisis, the police have said. The disclosure was made on Thursday by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Musa Abdulraham, during a lecture at the Police Officers’ Mess in Makurdi. The event formed part of activities marking the 2026 Police Week. Speaking on “Prevention of Electoral Violence and Ballot Box Snatching,” Abdulraham linked youth unemployment to rising cases of electoral violence. He noted that thousands of jobless youths are often exploited by politicians to disrupt elections. He said the overwhelming number of applicants underscores the scarcity of employment opportunities in the state. “For example, in the ongoing police recruitment, 34,000 applied in Benue State for only 1,000 vacancies. If ...

 LAGOS HOSTS AFRO-BRAZILIAN SUMMIT AHEAD OF FANTI CARNIVAL The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has hosted the Afro-Brazilian Economic and Cultural Exchange Summit in preparation for the upcoming Fanti Carnival scheduled for Monday, 6th April 2026. The summit, held at Glover Memorial Hall, Marina, on Thursday, 2nd April, 2026, was attended by key stakeholders from Nigeria and Brazil to strengthen bilateral relations and promote cultural and economic collaboration. The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. At the Summit, Mrs Adebopo Oyekan-Ismaila highlighted the importance of leveraging shared heritage to drive economic growth and cultural diplomacy. The summit featured insightful panel sessions centred on the creative economy, cultural exchange, and heritage preservation. Discussions explored the growing role of film and storytelling in documenting...