PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Malian army withdraws from key Tessalit military camp: sources Mali’s army and its Russian mercenary allies have surrendered Camp Tessalit, a strategic military post in the north, multiple sources told the AFP news agency on Friday. An official from the Tuareg-led separatist group claimed soldiers and mercenaries at the camp had "surrendered", following a fierce fight over the weekend. Simultaneous attacks in Mali by militants linked to Al Qaeda and separatist Tuareg rebels on April 25 showed how fighters ​from different groups with different goals were able to strike at the heart of the West African country's military government. Gunfire and explosions were reported in the capital Bamako and around a large military base outside the capital, as well as Gao and central areas, as gunfire continuing in the northern city of Kidal. Defence minister Sadio Camara was killed at his residence in Kati, a garrison town near the capital, Bamako, following the fierce weekend fighting...

 Meryl Streep had 'beef' with Goldie Hawn on 'Death Becomes Her' set Meryl Streep recently reflected on her long friendship with Goldie Hawn, admitting that their time working together on the 1992 film Death Becomes Her wasn’t always smooth.  Speaking to Vanity Fair, Streep revealed her biggest frustration was Hawn’s tendency to arrive late to set, often driving herself in a red convertible.  While Streep prided herself on punctuality, she recalled being annoyed by Hawn’s carefree entrances, though she acknowledged that everyone else found her co-star “adorable.” Despite those minor clashes, Streep emphasized that she and Hawn shared a strong bond during and after filming.  The dark comedy, which explored themes of aging and mortality, saw the two actresses play rivals entangled in a love triangle with Bruce Willis’s character.  Over the years, Streep said they’ve laughed about the movie’s satirical take on Hollywood vanity, joking that it felt like a “documenta...

  PRESS RELEASE   EDO COMMAND CLARIFIES VIRAL VIDEO, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PROFESSIONAL POLICING   Following a thorough investigation ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, into the viral video currently circulating on social media, the Edo State Police Command wishes to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.   The investigation revealed that the young man seen in the video one David Michael, male, 23 years, was experiencing a medical emergency and had gone into convulsions. In the course of the episode, he became violent and difficult to restrain, posing a danger to himself and others nearby. The police officers at the scene were making efforts to control the situation, prevent harm, and urgently convey him to a medical facility for immediate attention.   Unfortunately, a portion of the incident was recorded from a distance by an onlooker who was not fully aware of the events leading up to the intervent...

 Actor, Lateef Adedimeji and wife, Mo Bimpe welcome triplets  Nollywood actor Adedimeji Lateef and his wife Mo Bimpe have welcomed a set of triplets - Three boye The actor made the announcement in a heartfelt post, revealing that he had been intentionally quiet while focusing on his family. According to him, his wife has now become a mother of three, describing the children as “three kings” and calling them his world, responsibility, and legacy. The news appears to come after the couple kept the pregnancy and birth private.

 Masked gunman kills two in Kentucky bank shooting, manhunt underway in Berea   A manhunt is underway in central Kentucky after a masked gunman fatally shot two bank employees during a robbery Thursday afternoon, prompting authorities to warn residents to stay alert and take precautions. Officials said the suspect entered a U.S. Bank branch on Chestnut Street in Berea at around 2 p.m., where he opened fire before fleeing the scene. Law enforcement described the suspect as approximately 6-foot-3, wearing a light-colored hooded sweatshirt, dark gloves, gray pants, and light-colored athletic shoes. Authorities have not confirmed whether anything was taken during the robbery, and remain uncertain if the suspect escaped on foot or by vehicle. Kentucky State Police said the community is on edge as officers continue searching for the suspect. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant, lock their doors, keep exterior lights on, and report any suspicious activity. Officials emp...

Zelenskyy seeks details on Putin’s proposed May 9 ceasefire as fighting intensifies across Ukraine     Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he is seeking clarification on a short-term ceasefire proposal put forward by Russia to U.S. President Donald Trump, as questions remain over the scope and intent of the plan. The proposal, reportedly discussed during a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump, calls for a May 9 pause in fighting to coincide with Russia’s Victory Day commemorations. Zelenskyy said Ukrainian officials have been instructed to reach out to the U.S. administration to determine the details, while stressing that Ukraine is instead pushing for a broader, longer-term ceasefire. Russian officials, meanwhile, said no final decision has been made, adding that any terms would ultimately be set by Putin. As diplomatic uncertainty continues, fighting on the ground has intensified. Overnight attacks across Ukraine killed one person in Dn...

  IGP DISU VISITS FAMILY OF LATE ASP EJEH ALFRED, REASSURES FAMILY OF POLICE SUPPORT The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, paid a condolence visit to the family of the late ASP Ejeh Alfred on Thursday, 30th April 2026, at their residence in Abuja. The late ASP Ejeh, a dedicated driver with the Nigeria Police Airwing, tragically lost his life in the line of duty during an operational mission on 17th April 2026. During the visit, the IGP expressed his deepest sympathies to the widow, Mrs. Mercy Ejeh, her children, and the extended family. He described the late officer as a committed professional whose sacrifice in service to the nation remains invaluable. The IGP further reassured the family of the Force’s support, emphasizing that the welfare and legacies of officers who pay the ultimate price will always be a priority under his administration. The IGP reaffirmed his commitment to the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, noting that the courage an...

 2026 MAY DAY CELEBRATION: SANWO-OLU REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO WORKERS’ WELFARE N50,000 monthly economic relief package for workers  The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, addressing insecurity, and reducing cost of living.  All workers are to get N50,000 in May and a review will follow.  The Governor spoke at a massive rally to mark the 2026 World Labour Day at Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Onikan, Lagos. Thousands of workers, union leaders, and ordinary folks cheered and sang solidarity songs as Mr Sanwo-Olu spoke. He was represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.  The Governor described Lagos workers as the “living infrastructure” of the state, praising their resilience and contributions to economic growth. “There is a particular kind of courage that does not make headlines… the quiet, daily decision to rise before the sun, to show up, to serve, to build. That is t...

 2026 LABOUR DAY: LASG ANNOUNCES ₦50,000 SALARY SUPPORT FOR WORKERS, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO WELFARE, INDUSTRIAL HARMONY  Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has approved an additional ₦50,000 to State workers’ salaries for May as part of efforts to cushion the prevailing economic hardship, particularly the impact of rising fuel prices. The Governor announced the 2026 Workers Day celebration themed “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” held on Friday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan-Lagos. He reiterated that the intervention, which will be reviewed underscores his administration’s resolve to ensure that Lagos remains not only a functional city but one that works for its residents, especially the workforce that drives its growth and development. Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the welfare of workers remains central to his administration’s agenda, adding that the government will continue to depl...

 LASRRA SEEKS STRONGER COLLABORATION WITH SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS ASSOCIATION The General Manager of the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA), Mrs. Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, has reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to inclusive service delivery through enhanced collaboration with the Association of Sign Language Interpreters in Nigeria (ASLIN), Lagos State Chapter. She made this known while receiving a delegation from ASLIN, led by its Chairman, Mr. Olubowale Shodeinde, during a recent courtesy visit to the Agency. Represented by the Director, Information Management and Data Protection (IM&DP), Engr. (Mrs.) Christiana Farotimi, the General Manager expressed appreciation for the visit and commended the Association for its dedication to bridging communication gaps for the Deaf community. She noted that LASRRA remains committed to ensuring that all residents, including persons with hearing impairments, have seamless access to registration and verification services ac...

Kathy Griffin launches foul-mouthed attack on The View stars days after appearing on the show Comedian Kathy Griffin has reignited her long-running tensions with The View, launching a sharp critique just days after appearing on the talk show.  Griffin’s history with the program stretches back years, most notably to 2017 when she faced widespread backlash over a controversial photo involving Donald Trump.  At the time, hosts like Sunny Hostin and Whoopi Goldberg condemned the image as offensive, though Griffin has since returned to the panel multiple times, including her most recent appearance with the current lineup of hosts. In a new episode of her YouTube series, Griffin reflected on her latest visit, saying it went smoothly, but she also took aim at former co-hosts Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Meghan McCain.  She mocked Hasselbeck’s past clashes with her and used harsh language to describe McCain, claiming she enjoys provoking her because McCain “takes the bait every time....

 World's tallest man says he's 'very sad' after revealing reason wife divorced him Sultan Kösen, recognized as the world’s tallest man at 8 feet 3 inches, has spoken candidly about the end of his marriage to Merve Dibo, who stands at 5 feet 6 inches.  The couple wed in 2013 in a lavish ceremony attended by 1,500 guests, with Kösen describing their union as the fulfillment of his dream to find love and start a family.  Despite his deep affection for Dibo, their relationship ended in 2021, with Kösen revealing that she ultimately chose her family over their marriage.  Reflecting on the breakup, he admitted the separation left him heartbroken, saying he still feels emotional when looking back at their wedding photos. Kösen’s life has been shaped by gigantism and acromegaly, conditions caused by a pituitary tumor that have left him reliant on crutches and wheelchairs since his mid-twenties.  His extraordinary stature has brought both fame and challenges, including c...

 Teddi Mellencamp bravely showcases brain surgery scars as she battles stage 4 cancer: 'Sick of the wigs' Teddi Mellencamp, former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, recently shared a vulnerable photo on Instagram showing the scars from her emergency brain surgery as she continues her battle with stage 4 melanoma.  Diagnosed in 2022, the cancer later spread to her lungs and brain. Although doctors confirmed last October that the disease was “gone,” she is not officially considered in remission.  Mellencamp has been documenting her recovery journey, including her hair regrowth, and asked followers for advice on how to style her short locks now that wigs no longer fit comfortably. Her candid post drew praise from fans and fellow reality stars, who encouraged her to embrace her natural look.  Kaitlyn Bristowe and Caroline Stanbury were among those who complimented her short hairstyle, while Mellencamp shared a lighthearted video of her son Cruz attempting to style h...

 Maria Menounos reveals why she discusses her 'difficult' health battles Maria Menounos has turned her own health struggles into a mission to help others.  The television host, who survived both a brain tumor and stage II pancreatic cancer, has been candid about her journey, explaining that while she is naturally private, she feels compelled to share her experiences so others can benefit.  Menounos says her openness has given her purpose, allowing her to use her platform to advocate for wellness and inspire people facing similar challenges. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing health before crises arise, noting that her own lifestyle changes came out of necessity.  Menounos encourages people to make small, consistent choices that add up over time, stressing that wellness is the result of daily habits.  Drawing on decades of experience interviewing experts, she now uses her connections to guide people toward resources and practitioners who can make a rea...

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE   PRESIDENT TINUBU TO EMBARK ON A THREE-NATION TRIP   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Saturday, May 2nd, on a visit to Kenya, Rwanda and France.   President Tinubu’s first stop will be in France, after which he will depart for Nairobi, Kenya, to attend the Africa-France Summit scheduled to begin next week.   Co-chaired by President Emmanuel Macron and President William Ruto, the summit focuses on energy transition, green industrialisation, digital transformation, restructuring of global financing architecture, and climate action.   President Tinubu’s participation at the summit from May 11th to May 12th. will underscore Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with African nations and the French Republic.   The summit, with the theme  - "Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth" -  will provide a high-level platform for African leaders and their Fr...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT PRESIDENT TINUBU'S MESSAGE TO ALHAJI MOHAMMED IDRIS ON HIS 60TH BIRTHDAY I heartily congratulate Mohammed Idris Malagi, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, on his 60th birthday on May 2, 2026.   Mohammed is an excellent communicator, public relations executive, and media leader who has brought finesse, credibility, and gravitas to public communication in our administration.   His reputation precedes him. He has been at the forefront of the media and public relations industry as the founder and publisher of Blueprint Newspapers and as the chairman of a successful public relations consultancy and broadcast media outfit.   His role as general secretary of the Newspaper Proprietors' Association of Nigeria (NPAN) before his appointment distinguished him as a patriot and valued partner in nation-building.   I commend Mohammed for his diligence, brilliance and doggedness in communicating the achievements, policies, and prog...

 TROOPS SUSTAIN OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS, NEUTRALISE TERRORISTS, ARREST SUSPECTS, RECORD SURRENDER IN NORTHEAST Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have sustained offensive operations across the Theatre under Operation DESERT SANITY V, recording significant successes in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, including the neutralisation of terrorists, arrest of suspects, and surrender of a terrorist member. In a successful operation conducted in conjunction with members of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), troops of OPHK engaged terrorists moving from Yale towards the Sambisa Forest axis. During the encounter, four terrorists were neutralised, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle with ammunition, as well as food items suspected to be part of terrorist logistics supply. The troops returned safely to base with no casualties. Similarly, sustained aggressive operations conducted by multiple units across key routes including Dambboa–Maiduguri, Dambboa–Gwoz...

 Happy International Workers’ Day to the engine room of Anambra and Nigeria! Today, I salute every Anambra worker — teachers shaping minds in our classrooms, doctors and nurses saving lives, civil servants keeping the system running, artisans, traders, farmers, and tech innovators building value daily. You are the true builders of the Anambra of our dreams. Our administration remains committed to a productive, competitive, and prosperous Anambra where the dignity of labour is respected and rewarded. From prompt payment of salaries and pensions, to ongoing reforms for a 21st century civil service, to creating an environment where private sector jobs can thrive — we are laying the foundation for One State, One People, One Agenda. To every worker: your sweat is not in vain. Aka aja aja na-ebute ọnụ mmanụ mmanụ. Let us continue to work together to build a livable and prosperous homeland. May Anambra continue to win!

 PRESS RELEASE PROACTIVE POLICING: DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND STRIKE CRIMINAL HIDEOUTS; ARRESTS 15 SUSPECTED CULTISTS/ARMED ROBBERS; RECOVERS TWO LOCALLY MADE PISTOLS, FIVE (5) LIVE CARTRIDGES, ILLICIT DRUGS, AND CASH SUSPECTED TO BE PROCEEDS OF CRIME. The Delta State Police Command has recorded fresh operational successes in its sustained crackdown on criminal elements across the State. 1. RAID OF CRIMINAL HIDEOUT; ARREST OF 14 SUSPECTED CULTISTS/ARMED ROBBERS On 27 April 2026 at about 1130 hours, operatives of Safe Delta, Operation Delta Sweep, and Operation Delta Shield, acting on the directive of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, stormed a notorious black spot known as Best Lodge in Oko Community. The operation resulted in the arrest of fourteen (14) suspects, comprising thirteen males and one female. Recovered items include one locally made cut-to-size pistol, three live cartridges, two bags of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, four daggers, one ...

 I warmly felicitate with our dedicated workers in Imo State as they join their counterparts across Nigeria in celebrating the 2026 Workers’ Day. This important occasion reminds us of the dignity in labour and the invaluable contributions of our workforce, whose commitment and resilience continue to drive the progress of our dear State. We cannot take pride in the achievements we have recorded without acknowledging the tireless efforts of our workers. Day after day, you devote long hours, working assiduously to ensure that our service delivery as a government translates into meaningful growth and development for our people. From the very first day I assumed office as Executive Governor, we have remained intentional about your welfare, addressing concerns diligently and ensuring that you are never taken for granted. I commend your dedication and assure you of our continued support. I encourage you to remain steadfast and even redouble your efforts in service to our State’s collectiv...

 NOTIFICATION OF CONVICTION A Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State, presided over by Hon. Justice L. I. Ojukwu, has convicted Etteokon Ntuen (55, male) for harbouring a 15-year-old girl for the purpose of sexual exploitation by means of deception. The convict was sentenced to 1 year imprisonment with an additional ₦300,000 compensation to the victim and a written apology. The convict deceived the victim’s parents under the pretext of taking her to Lagos for schooling but instead harboured her in Calabar for exploitation. The offence is contrary to Section 13(2)(b) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.

 First Lady Remi Tinubu Hails Nigeria Workers For Their Resilience And Dedication  Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu extends her warm greetings and deep appreciation to all workers in the country as they join their counterparts across the world to mark 2026 International Worker's Day. In a message celebrating their resilience, dedication and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the country, the First Lady says public servants, private sector professionals, artisans, entrepreneurs, and all those who labour tirelessly are indeed the backbone of progress in the nation. She commends the role of trade unions in advocating for the well-being of workers, and cooperation in strengthening the nation’s workforce.

 KEBBI STATE GOVERNOR DISSOLVES GOVERNING COUNCIL OF ABDULLAHI FODIO UNIVERSITY ALIERO RELIEVES VC, OTHERS The Kebbi State Government has dissolved the Governing Council of Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero, and relieved the Vice-Chancellor and the two Deputy Vice-Chancellors of their appointments. A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Yakubu Bala Tafida, says the decision follows the State Executive Council’s consideration of the visitation panel report. It adds that the Registrar and Bursar have also been removed, while the appointment of Abba Muhammad Adua has been terminated. The statement further discloses that Professor Samaila Arzika Mungadi has been appointed Sole Administrator, with a mandate to stabilise governance and restore academic standards pending the reconstitution of a new Governi The decision takes immediate effect.

 PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE COMMENDS RESILIENCE OF NIGERIAN WORKERS President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio has congratulated Nigerian workers on International Labour Day 2026, praising their resilience, hard work, and patriotism despite economic challenges. In his May Day message, Akpabio described workers as the true heroes of Nigeria’s democracy and the engine of the economy. He said the 10th National Assembly remains committed to improving worker welfare through a living wage, safer workplaces, pension reforms, and job creation and pointed to the passage of the new National Minimum Wage Act and ongoing welfare packages as evidence of that commitment.  The Senate President also urged both public and private employers to prioritize worker welfare, stating that a motivated workforce is key to national productivity and prosperity pledging that the Senate will continue partnering with labour unions to ensure workers’ voices are heard in policymaking, vowing not to relent until ev...

 DG NEMA Takes Disaster Risk Reduction Awareness To Primary School Pupils in Abuja The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has visited LEA Primary School, Durumi, Abuja where she engaged pupils in an interactive session on disaster prevention and safety awareness. The visit which formed part of NEMA’s ongoing efforts to promote disaster risk reduction education among young Nigerians and build a culture of safety from an early age. A statement by Manzo Ezekiel, Head, Press Unit indicates that while addressing the pupils, Mrs. Zubaida Umar emphasized the importance of basic safety habits and simple disaster mitigation measures that children can adopt both at home and in school. She taught the pupils practical steps to reduce risks associated with common emergencies such as fire outbreaks, flooding, and unsafe play environments.  The Director General encouraged them to be safety conscious, remain alert to potential dangers in their surroundings, and promptly report hazar...

 GOVERNOR UBA APPRECIATES PRESIDENT TINUBU ON THE AWARD OF STRATEGIC CONTRACTS WORTH  ₦1.178 TRILLION IN KADUNA STATE   Kaduna State governor has extended appreciation to President Tinubu, and the Federal Executive Council for the approval and award of transformative infrastructure contracts that will indelibly reshape the economic and social landscape of the state.   The statement personally signed by the governor lists the projects as follows; the Kaduna Light Rail Project an ambitious undertaking spanning a Kilometers corridor from Rigachikun to Sabon Tasha, alongside a Kilometers line from Millennium City to Rigasa, forming a 50-kilometre metropolitan network with an estimated value of One Trillion Naira. Complementing this is the critical reconstruction of the Mando–Kaduna– Birnin Gwari road, a 122-kilometre artery valued at ₦178 billion. Together, these projects represent not merely investments in infrastructure, but a deliberate re-engineering of mobility, sec...

 NDLEA dismantles Abuja drug bunks, arrests 132, recovers 220kg illicit substances  -Marwa hails operation, vows to sustain crackdown in FCT, other states  In a non-stop two-week offensive action against traffickers and dealers, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully dismantled several drug joints and bunks within and around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja where a total of 132 suspects were arrested and 220 kilograms of assorted illicit substances recovered. The wel-coordinated raids jointly conducted by the Agency's Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) and the FCT Strategic Command from llth to 25th April 2026 were launched to dismantle illicit drug hubs contributing to substance abuse, trafficking, and associated criminal activities in the capital city after weeks of intelligence and surveillance across all identified hotspots. Areas where notorious drug joints were raided, dismantled and suspects...