PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Ooni of Ife Playfully Roasts Lateef Adedimeji Over Triplets During Royal Blessing for Epic Film Nollywood luminary and filmmaker, Lateef Adedimeji, recently embarked on a significant visit to the revered palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, in Ile Ife, Osun state. While the primary purpose of his visit was to seek royal blessings for a monumental historical film, the highlight quickly became a series of delightful, light-hearted exchanges with the monarch, particularly concerning the actor's recent blessing of triplets. A Royal Welcome & Unexpected Jest Videos circulating on social media captured the warm reception Lateef Adedimeji received at the Ooni's palace. As is customary, the actor was seen kneeling respectfully while conversing with the esteemed king. However, the atmosphere quickly shifted from formal to humorously engaging when the Ooni, known for his charismatic personality, playfully teased Lateef about his 'exceptional' bedroom skill...

 Why I Celebrate Divorce: Comedian Bovi Sparks Debate With Unconventional Marriage Views Popular Nigerian comedian Bovi Ugboma has sparked a lively conversation online following his recent appearance on The Morayo Show, where he shared his surprisingly candid thoughts on the institution of marriage and the concept of divorce. Known for his sharp wit and observational humor, the stand-up star did not hold back when asked about relationships, admitting that he views the end of a marriage in a much more positive light than most traditional societies do. Why Bovi Celebrates Divorce During his chat on the show, Bovi revealed that he actually "celebrates" when couples decide to go their separate ways. According to him, divorce often signifies that one or both individuals have chosen to step out of an environment where they are no longer thriving or happy. "I don't want to suffer for anyone, and I don't want anyone to suffer because of me in a marriage," Bovi expla...

 Peace Wins: Olakunle Churchill Celebrates Ex-Wife Tonto Dikeh on Her Birthday Following Public Reconciliation In a heartwarming gesture that has delighted fans across social media, Nigerian businessman Olakunle Churchill has publicly celebrated his ex-wife, Nollywood star and politician Tonto Dikeh, on her birthday. A Heartfelt Birthday Tribute Taking to his official Instagram account on June 9, Churchill shared a touching post dedicated to Tonto as she marked another year. Instead of the friction that once characterized their public interactions, his message was filled with gratitude, spiritual encouragement, and genuine goodwill. Churchill expressed his gratitude to God for her life, praising her resilience and her dedication to her spiritual path. He described his ex-wife as a "devoted evangelist and a woman of faith," acknowledging the grace with which she now serves God. He concluded his message with prayers, asking God to perfect everything concerning her life and to m...

 Two Ebem Ohafia Indigenes Killed in Separate Road Accidents Tragedy struck the Ebem Ohafia community in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State on Monday as two prominent indigenes lost their lives in separate fatal road accidents. The victims were identified as Mr. Thompson Kalu and Mr. Uma Orji, popularly known as “Ome Ego.” Kalu was killed on Sunday night when a truck operating without headlamps rammed into his motorcycle. He sustained severe head injuries and died on the spot before he could be taken to the hospital. On Monday morning, Uma Orji died in a single-vehicle accident when the truck he was driving suddenly crashed and fell on him. At the time of filing this report, neither the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) nor the Nigerian Police Force had issued official statements on the incidents. The deaths have sent shockwaves through the community. The paramount ruler of Ebem Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, Ezie Ukoha Kalu, the Ezie-in-Council, and the Ebem Ohafia Development Uni...

 WAEC threatens sanctions against schools, supervisors over ‘cooperation fees’, extortion of SSCE candidates The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has warned school proprietors, principals, supervisors, and invigilators against extorting candidates sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Amos Dangut, head of the council’s national office in Nigeria, had said 1,959,636 candidates from 24,207 schools enrolled for the examination. Dangut said 1,001,072 candidates, representing 51.08 percent of the total enrolment, are female, while 958,564 candidates, representing 48.92 percent, are male. The 2026 WASSCE commenced on April 21 with practical papers and would conclude on June 19. In a statement on Monday, Moyosola Adesina, WAEC’s head of public affairs, said the council has received reports of supervisors and some schools demanding money from candidates under various pretexts. Adesina said the reported extortion includes charges for transporta...

 Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has announced plans to sponsor a bill that would establish a single six-year tenure for the President and state governors after the 2027 general elections. Bamidele said the proposed legislation would be among the first bills he intends to introduce when the 11th Senate is inaugurated, stressing that it would allow elected leaders to focus fully on governance instead of re-election politics. Speaking during an interview with reporters in his office on Tuesday, the Senate Leader criticised the existing two-term arrangement, noting that it often forces officeholders to spend a significant part of their first term preparing for re-election. “One of the first set of bills that I look forward to moving, by God’s grace, when we come back for the 11th Senate, God willing, is for a bill that will only make it possible for anyone who wants to be president of this country, or governor in any part of this country, to spend only one term of six years,”...

 Odumeje Criticises Tinubu Government Over Rising Insecurity, Kidnappings The General Overseer of the Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry, Chukwuemeka Cyril Ohanaemere, popularly known as Odumeje, has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over the worsening security situation in the country. Speaking during a church service, the cleric expressed concern over the increasing cases of kidnappings and killings across Nigeria, accusing political leaders of failing to adequately address the crisis. Odumeje lamented that while ordinary citizens continue to face threats from criminals, top government officials move around with heavily protected convoys and bulletproof vehicles. He argued that all Nigerians have equal rights and should enjoy the same level of security as public office holders, noting that the nation's resources belong to all citizens. The cleric also decried the plight of kidnapping victims, alleging that many Nigerians remain in ca...

Nobody can stop me from visiting any part of Nigeria- Sheikh Gumi says  Popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has broken his silence on his visitation to Ibadan late last year, amidst outrage that he was trying to Islamise Oyo State with some Northern ideologies and tenets. Gumi stressed that nobody can stop him from visiting anywhere in the country, while maintaining that he was not invited by any Muslim group or individual in the South-West. In a post on his Facebook page on Tuesday, he said he was in Ibadan as a representative of northern Islamic scholars. He made this known barely a day after one of the victims of the abduction in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State dismissed claims that their abductors demanded the implementation of Sharia law in the state as part of the conditions for releasing the victims

 Joe Lando and Jane Seymour Say Wildfires Brought Their Families Even Closer For Jane Seymour and Joe Lando, friendship has grown far beyond television sets and fan-favorite characters. The actors recently shared how a difficult chapter in their personal lives strengthened a bond that has already lasted more than three decades. After devastating wildfires affected Lando and his family, Seymour opened her Malibu home to them. What began as temporary support turned into weeks of shared daily life. "We spent seven weeks together," Lando said. "A lot of personal time." Living under the same roof gave both families a chance to lean on one another during a challenging period. According to Lando, the circumstances created a deeper sense of connection. "We became a family," he explained. Seymour said the arrangement worked so well partly because she has also developed a close friendship with Lando's wife, Kirsten. In fact, Seymour joked that she occasionally g...

 Kelly Osbourne Turns Heads in Elegant Black Look at London Fashion Party Kelly Osbourne stepped out in style on Monday night, arriving at the J Sheekey x Vivienne Westwood terrace launch party in London in a sleek black gown that highlighted her understated elegance. The TV personality, 41, appeared upbeat as she made her entrance in the sleeveless outfit, which also revealed her tattoo tribute to her late father, Ozzy Osbourne, on her arm. She completed the look with gold layered necklaces, small hoop earrings, black heels, and a matching handbag, while her blonde bob was neatly tucked behind her ears. She smiled for photographers before heading inside the event. Her appearance comes shortly after a lively return to the stage at Mighty Hoopla in London, where she performed alongside Scissor Sisters during their set of her 2005 single “One Word.” The festival at Brockwell Park also featured surprise appearances from Sir Ian McKellen and Belinda Carlisle, adding extra star power to...

 EFCC Arraigns Blessing CEO for Alleged N69.1m Fraud Case as Court Grants N10m Bail in Separate Matter The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, again arraigned a social media influencer and self-acclaimed relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, also known as Blessing CEO, for an alleged N69,150,000 (Sixty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fraud. She was arraigned before Justice R.A. Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos. Nkiruka was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N69,150,000. At the commencement of the proceedings, the prosecution counsel, C. C. Okezie, urged the court to proceed with the arraignment, arguing that the defendant had been duly served with the charge. However, the defence counsel, Nkama Nneka, informed the court that service of the charge had only recently been effected. In his ruling, Justice Oshodi held that the arr...

 COAS TASKS MEDIA TO DOMINATE INFORMATION SPACE, COUNTER FAKE NEWS …Declares Open DAPR Combined First and Second Quarter Media Workshop 2026 The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged media professionals to take a leading role in countering misinformation and fake news, emphasizing that dominance of the information space is critical to strengthening national security and achieving operational success. The COAS gave the charge on Tuesday, 9 June 2026 at the opening ceremony of the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) Combined First and Second Quarter Media Workshop 2026, held at the Army War College Nigeria. He described strategic communication as a vital force multiplier in modern military operations, noting that effective media integration is indispensable to joint and multi-agency operational success. According to him, in today’s complex information environment, where perception often shapes reality, the media remains a key partner in shap...

 PRESS STATEMENT ANSEC MEETS, PLANS TO INTRODUCE A LAW FOR PROTECTION OF PUBLIC PROPERTIES, REGULATE SCRAP BUSINESS  On June 8, 2026, the Soludo government's second-term Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) met for the second time at the Light House, Awka, and made several significant decisions, including:  *ANSEC To Develop Policy For Mass Housing*  The Council decried the housing deficits in Anambra State. It resolved to tackle the supply side to address the twin issues of rising house rents and the private sector's partnership with the government to ensure sufficient housing in the state.   *Companies Bidding For Projects To Show Proof Of Tax Worthiness*  The Council insisted that tax worthiness be part of the prequalifications before any company can, henceforth, participate in bidding for projects in the state. This will further ensure that the state fully benefits from companies doing projects in the state as responsible corporate partners. ...

ICYMI: Tax Ombud Launches Website, Call Centre, and Case Management Portal to Enhance Taxpayer Services The Office of the Tax Ombud has launched a new digital Call Centre Portal and an integrated Case Management System aimed at improving taxpayer engagement and accelerating the resolution of complaints. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to modernise the institution’s operations and strengthen public enlightenment by providing a more transparent, accessible, and efficient platform for handling taxpayer grievances. The Tax Ombud/Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud, Dr. John Nwabueze, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to reforming Nigeria’s tax system to promote fairness, inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability. Dr. Nwabueze described the establishment of the Office of the Tax Ombud as one of the most forward-looking institutional reforms aligned with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He note...

 Kenyan police crack down on protest against US Ebola quarantine facility Kenyan police fired tear gas on Tuesday and detained protesters demonstrating against a quarantine centre for Americans exposed to Ebola that the ‌U.S. has raced to build despite Kenyan court orders barring further work, Reuters reported. The proposed 50-bed unit on an air force base has angered many Kenyans, who accuse the U.S. of offloading the risk of caring for those exposed to the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Two people were killed in protests last week in the central town of ​Nanyuki, where frustration has grown as Kenyan and U.S. authorities publicly reaffirm their commitment to the plan. The Nanyuki ‌facility is ⁠designated for Americans who have been exposed to the virus but are still asymptomatic. Patients with symptoms would be sent to other countries, U.S. officials have said.

 Congo colonel sentenced to death over murder of UN experts A Congolese military court has sentenced ‌an army colonel to death for taking part in a conspiracy to murder two U.N. experts in central Congo nearly a decade ago, in a case that continues to raise questions about state involvement. At his first trial in 2022, Colonel Jean de Dieu Mambweni received ​a 10-year term for failing to assist persons in danger and disobeying orders. Military prosecutors appealed, arguing ​that he bore greater responsibility. U.N. experts Zaida Catalan, a Swedish-Chilean, and Michael Sharp, an American, were investigating mass killings in the Kasai region when fighters from the Kamuina Nsapu militia stopped them on March 12, 2017 ​at a bridge near the village of Moyo-Musila. They were marched into the bush and shot. Their bodies ​were found 16 days later. The ruling, which closes nearly nine years of proceedings, also upheld ‌death sentences ⁠against dozens of militia fighters handed down in 2022....

 Richard Gere gets emotional about son Homer's acting career: 'I'm passing the torch' Richard Gere is celebrating both his own return to television and his son Homer’s rising career in Hollywood. The 76-year-old actor, who stars in season two of The Agency, spoke proudly about Homer, 26, describing him as both talented and grounded.  Gere said his son has a natural ability for acting and is handling the pressures of the industry well, noting that not everyone can thrive in such a demanding profession.  Homer, whom Gere shares with ex-wife Carey Lowell, has already appeared in Euphoria and will star in Ryan Murphy’s upcoming series The Shards. Gere joked that with Homer’s success, he could “retire now,” as his son has already worked with major names like Oliver Stone. While Gere is thrilled to see Homer follow in his footsteps, he emphasized that acting doesn’t have to be a lifelong commitment, saying his son could just as easily pursue other passions if he chose.  Re...

 Nnewi North LGA Begins Installation of Newly Approved Street Names in Line with Soludo’s ‘Solution’ Vision By Enoch Uzuegbunam and Ebere Muonwe Nnewi North Local Government Area on Monday, 8 June, commenced the installation of newly approved street names across the four communities of Nnewi. The exercise follows an earlier retrieval of all existing street names, carried out in line with local government policy on the maintenance of internal roads and full compliance with registration procedures. The new street signage is a key component of Hon. Echezona Anazodo’s urban renewal drive, designed to improve navigation, strengthen security response, and give Nnewi the modern outlook it deserves as Nigeria’s foremost industrial hub. The initiative also aligns with Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s vision for Nnewi as a clean, organised, and economically vibrant city under the “Solution Agenda”. The Governor has consistently emphasised that urban planning, proper street addressing...

 *PRESS RELEASE*  GOVERNOR SOLUDO MOURNS THE PASSING OF A DISTINGUISHED SON OF ANAMBRA, LT. GEN. CHIKADIBIA ISAAC OBIAKOR (RTD) The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has expressed profound grief over the painful loss of a distinguished son of the State, Lieutenant General Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor (Retired), OFR, who died on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 after a brief illness. In his condolence message, Governor Soludo described General Obiakor, who hailed from Awka-South Local Government Area in Anambra State, as an exemplary military officer whose illustrious career brought immense pride and honour to Anambra State and Nigeria as a whole. Born on February 18, 1951, in Zaria, Kaduna State, his journey of service began with his commission into the Nigerian Army Artillery Corps in 1973, following his admission to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of the 10th Regular Course in 1971. Throughout his distinguished career, General Obiakor comma...

 Abure Faction of Labour Party Cautions NDC Leader Seriake Dickson Over Alliance with Peter Obi The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has issued a strong warning to Senator Seriake Dickson and the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), urging them to be cautious in their political alliance with former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and his supporters. In a statement signed by Barrister Julius Abure, National Chairman of the Labour Party (Abure faction), the party alleged that Obi and his followers have a history of attempting to “conquer and usurp” the leadership of any political party that accommodates them, citing the Labour Party’s own recent experiences as a cautionary tale. Abure advised Senator Dickson, who reportedly resisted pressure from Obi to allocate all elective positions to his supporters, to learn from the Labour Party’s trajectory. He described Dickson’s stance as “commendable” and a necessary measure to prevent the dominance of Obi’s “voc...

 The Kwankwasiyya movement has firmly rejected social media rumours claiming that its leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is planning to leave the party. In an interview with newsmen, the movement’s spokesperson, Habeeb Saleh Mohammed, described the claims as “false and unfounded.” Mohammed emphasised that the group adhered strictly to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable during its recent primaries. “According to the law and the INEC timetable, we conducted our primaries on the 29th of last month across the nation,” he said. “Before that date, there were processes that led to consensus, and candidates emerged for each position. There were no complaints from any segment of party members or contestants.” He added that the exercise was successful and that the results had already been forwarded to the party leadership for necessary action. The spokesperson categorically denied any discussions about Kwankwaso exiting the platform.  “There was never a ti...

A dramatic scene unfolded in a Lagos court when a defendant attempted to flee on the day of his arraignment after requesting to use the restroom. He allegedly tried to escape through the toilet ceiling, prompting officers to initiate a search when he went missing. Following numerous unanswered calls and a fruitless search of the restroom, officers warned him to surrender, threatening to shoot if he did not comply. Eventually, he emerged from his hiding place in the ceiling and was apprehended. Watch video below. 

 Trailer carrying fireworks erupts in blaze on Tennessee highway, shutting down I-75 Cellphone video captured a dramatic fireworks explosion on a Tennessee highway Saturday evening after a trailer carrying pyrotechnics caught fire and erupted, authorities said. First responders were called to northbound Interstate 75 in Ooltewah, about 25 miles east of Chattanooga, where they found a stopped work truck towing a box trailer fully engulfed in flames. Officials said the trailer was loaded with fireworks that ignited during the fire and began exploding. “The trailer was full of fireworks, all of which became involved in the fire and exploded during the incident,” the Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department said in a statement. In a social media post, the department added that fireworks were “going off in different directions, endangering drivers.” Video from the scene showed fireworks shooting into the air as thick black smoke rose above the highway. Authorities shut down the interstat...

 PRESS RELEASE EDO POLICE ARREST OLUCHI AND SYNDICATE FOR STAGED KIDNAPPING, RECOVERS FIREARM USED IN RANSOM VIDEOS The Edo State Police Command has uncovered a carefully orchestrated kidnapping scam and arrested four suspects who conspired to fraudulently obtain Fifty Million Naira (₦50,000,000) as ransom from unsuspecting family members through a fabricated abduction plot. On 1st June, 2026, one Mr. Tony Ugbowan of Agbor Road, Benin City, reported at the Command that his wife, Mrs. Oluchi Ugbowan, aged 45 years, had been kidnapped on her way to her shop at Ramat Park along Agbor Road. He explained that on 28th May, 2026, he received a call from a concealed telephone number demanding a ransom of Fifty Million Naira (₦50,000,000) for her release. Upon receipt of the report, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit immediately commenced a discreet investigation, deploying both intelligence and technical resources to unravel the circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnap.  Thoro...

 TROOPS OF OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA NEUTRALIZE TERRORIST, ARREST SUSPECTS AND DISRUPT CRIMINAL NETWORKS IN ZAMFARA STATE Troops of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA have continued to record successes against terrorists and bandits across Zamfara State. On 5 June 2026, troops of Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA on fighting patrol to Birnin Tsaba and Tsanu villages in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area made contact with terrorists at Birnin Tsaba village. Following a firefight, troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered seven motorcycles. On 6 June 2026, troops responded to a terrorist attack at Anguwar Sarkin Musulmi village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. The troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to flee into the bush. Preliminary findings revealed that the terrorists had stolen personal belongings from residents before the arrival of troops. The incident further highlights the growing desperation of terrorist elements whose sources of sustenance and...

AIR COMPONENT OF OPERATION HADIN KAI NEUTRALISES TERRORISTS, DESTROYS LOGISTICS VEHICLE IN BORNO STATE The Air Component of Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI has recorded another major operational breakthrough in its sustained offensive against Boko Haram terrorists, delivering a decisive precision strike on identified terrorist elements in the Cross Kauwa – Ali Sherifti general area of Borno State during the early hours of 7 June 2026. The intelligence-driven operation resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists and the destruction of a logistics vehicle concealed under dense foliage, further degrading the insurgents' operational and logistical capabilities while reinforcing ongoing efforts to deny terrorist groups freedom of action and restore enduring peace and security across the North East. The successful operation was executed following credible intelligence and subsequent tasking to conduct a follow-up air interdiction mission on identified terrorist a...