PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 BENUE ASSEMBLY PASSES FORESTRY, MINING COMMISSION BILL TO BOOST ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT  The Benue State House of Assembly has passed into law a bill establishing a Forestry, Mines and Solid Minerals Commission, marking a significant step toward economic diversification and environmental protection. The move is expected to strengthen regulation in the state’s resource sector while addressing concerns around sustainability and local benefits. The bill scaled third reading during plenary presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga. It followed a detailed report by the House Committee on Lands, Survey, Solid Minerals, and Environment. Lawmakers say the new commission will coordinate the exploration and management of forest and mineral resources without clashing with federal agencies. It is designed to attract investment through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), while enabling the state to collect land use fees and surface rents. The law also mandates environmental safegu...

Natasha Lyonne breaks silence after she was 'removed from plane' Actress Natasha Lyonne has spoken out after reports surfaced about an incident on a red-eye flight from Los Angeles to New York following the Euphoria season three premiere.  According to Page Six, the 47-year-old was asked to leave the plane after appearing unresponsive to crew instructions, such as closing her laptop and fastening her seatbelt.  She was reportedly dressed in the same outfit she had worn to the premiere, including pantyhose, sunglasses, sneakers, and a black coat. The outlet noted that after repeated attempts to gain her compliance, the aircraft returned to the gate, and Lyonne was escorted off.  Before exiting, she briefly went to the restroom but left calmly. The situation caused a delay of just over an hour for the flight.  On Thursday, Lyonne addressed the claims in a post on X, explaining that the incident prevented her from appearing on The Drew Barrymore Show as scheduled the pr...

 "RHOA"'s Drew Sidora ordered to temporarily vacate Georgia mansion as ex Ralph Pittman awarded interim primary custody of kids Drew Sidora is facing a new chapter in her ongoing split from Ralph Pittman.  According to court documents obtained by TMZ, the Step Up actress has been ordered to vacate the Georgia mansion she shares with her estranged husband by May 31.  The judge cited the couple’s financial circumstances in the temporary ruling, which also requires them to continue splitting household expenses until Sidora moves out.  The order comes as the pair’s divorce proceedings remain active and unresolved. Custody arrangements were also outlined in the amended order. Sidora and Pittman will share joint legal custody of their two children, Machai, 10, and Aniya, 8, though Pittman has been granted primary physical custody during the school year.  Sidora will have parenting time on alternating weekends beginning in August. Pittman, who currently resides in the ...

 Halle Bailey opens up about 'Little Mermaid' casting backlash Halle Bailey is looking back on her Disney debut with pride, even if it didn’t come with the fairytale treatment some expected.  Cast as Ariel in the live‑action Little Mermaid, the 24‑year‑old singer and actress faced a wave of online criticism leading up to the film’s 2023 release.  While detractors argued the role should have mirrored the original animated version, Bailey says the experience taught her to block out negativity and focus on the “good voices inside.” The star credits Disney and fellow young actresses like Rachel Zegler for standing by her, while Zendaya and Ariana Grande offered support from afar.  Bailey explained that women in the industry often form a protective circle around each other when one of them is under fire.  “Sometimes the opinions of people can muddy your own thoughts,” she told The Independent, adding that having a community to remind her of her worth was invaluable. ...

 SASA Arraigns Three Over Illegal Revenue Collection in Onitsha By Nkiru Anakor  The Anambrs State Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency (SASA) has arraigned three suspected illegal revenue collectors before Chief Magistrate Onitsha at the Magistrate Court 2 in Onitsha North Local Government Area. The suspects , Michael Uwaoma, Ndubuisi Aniukwu, and their alleged sponsor, Anthony Onyekwelu were accused of extorting money from traders and commercial operators at Mgbuka Obosi and Umusiome Junction in Nkpor. Following their arraignment, the court ordered their remand at the Onitsha Correctional Centre. In a statement issued on Thursday, the SASA Media Aide, Amb. Karen James, said the suspects were apprehended during enforcement operations while allegedly extorting members of the public. She explained that the arrests was part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to eliminate illegal revenue collection and extortion across the state. “In line with this mandate, SASA operatives arrested thr...

Anambra State Government Orders 7-Day Quit Notice for Jerome Udoji Secretariat Farmers By MaryAnn Chukwuma. The Anambra State Government through the Office of the Head of Service has issued a notice dated 10th April 2026, directing all persons engaged in farming activities within the undeveloped parcel of land at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka, to vacate and deliver possession of the premises within seven days. The notice, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mrs Nkiru Jessie Nwankwo, Esq, instructs farmers to: Cease all farming operations on the land immediately and to remove all crops, tools, equipment, and personal belongings from the premises by April 17 this year. The notice stated that after the seven-day period expires, the Anambra State Government will take full possession of the land, and any remaining crops or materials will be removed or disposed of by the authorities.  The directive applies to all individuals farming on the speci...

 Anyamene Commences Re-building of Eke Obosi Market  By Chiedu Uche Okoye  Engr. Eric Nnamdi Anyamene, Founder of Eric Nnamdi Anyamene Foundation (ENAF), and a political aspirant for the seat of the Representative of Idemili North and South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, has embarked on the task of re-building the Eke Obosi market. The market, which came into existence some centuries ago, is central to the performance of cultural and traditional rites by practitioners of African traditional religion, who are natives of Obosi.  Again, the traditional rites for the installation of new kings in the ancient Obosi kingdom had taken place at the Eke Obosi market over the centuries. More so,  persons  on whom royal titles had been bestowed, would go to Eke Obosi market for spiritual cleansing and re-invigoration, which would herald their entrance into the ruling cabinet of the king of Obosi. But sadly, the makeshift structures that used to dot the ...

 DISASTER AVERTED IN NNEWI NORTH: FIRE FIGHTER TEAM SWIFTLY CONTAINS LPG THREAT AT EKE AMOBI By Chidubem Okoye/Enoch Uzuegbunam  Nnewi North, particularly Eke Amobi, witnessed what could have turned into a devastating tragedy on 8 March 2026, as a potentially catastrophic gas explosion was narrowly averted at the ever-busy Eke Amobi Market.  Reports indicate that a fully loaded LPG tanker developed a serious leak while within close proximity to the market and the outer gate of the Igwe Nnewi Palace; an area that is not only densely populated but also a major hub of daily commercial and human activity. The leakage was severe and alarming, posing an immediate danger to traders, residents, commuters, and passersby.  In fear for his life, the tanker driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene, leaving behind a ticking time bomb capable of causing massive destruction. What could have resulted in loss of lives, property, and widespread panic was, however, brought under...

 NAU Medical Students Bemoan Poor Roads, Power Outages, Exploitative Rentals By Obianuju Azukaego Students of the College of Health Sciences, Okofia, in Nnewi North Local Government Area, Anambra State have decried the deplorable condition of the roads leading to their campus from Nnewi. The Students Affairs President, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Mr. Joseph Abarike, made this known during an interview with an Information Officer. Mr. Abarike lamented the lack of steady power supply and the exploitative rental practices by landlords, noting that these challenges have subjected students to severe hardship. He revealed that efforts by the student body to draw the attention of the member representing the area in the State House of Assembly have been unsuccessful.  He further said that the issues have been brought to the attention of the university management, Nnewi North Local Government authorities, and other relevant bodies, yet no meanin...

 LSCPWB HOLDS THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR 2025 HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE The Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSCPWB) held a Thanksgiving Service on Thursday 9th April 2026 at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa Ikeja, marking the successful 2025 General Pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan. Returned pilgrims, officials, clergy and well-wishers gathered in worship. Pastor Ayobami Oyeniyi (Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Region 5, Agege) preached that returning to give thanks signifies additional blessing, like one leper out of 10 whose healing was made whole as stated in Luke 17:11-19. Pilgrims' groups from both batches processed forward, dancing and offering gifts. Board Secretary Dr. Okudero Gbolabo Omoniyi reported visits to sacred sites in Jordan and Israel, calling the exercise operationally, logistically and spiritually successful, and commending pilgrims’ conduct. He thanked Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Deputy G...