PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

NIGERIA TO STRENGTHEN FOREIGN POLICY INSTITUTIONS AND PRIORITISE CITIZEN-CENTRED DIPLOMACY  The Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Shola Enikanolaiye, has reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to strengthening Nigeria's foreign policy institutions and ensuring that diplomacy delivers tangible benefits to the Nigerian people. He made this known when he received a delegation from the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN), led by its Chairman, Ambassador Joe Keshi, on a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja. Welcoming the delegation, the Minister expressed appreciation for ARCAN's continued contributions to the development of Nigeria's diplomatic service and acknowledged the invaluable role of retired ambassadors in mentoring younger officers and preserving institutional memory within the Ministry. The Minister noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was undergoing a period of strategic revie...

 SENATE ADJOURNS EMERGENCY PLENARY ON STATE POLICE OVER REP’S DEATH. The Senate today suspended consideration of the highly anticipated State Police Bill and all other legislative business at its emergency plenary session to honour the memory of Hon. Yaya Tongo, a member of the House of Representatives, whose death cast a sombre mood over the National Assembly. The upper chamber had reconvened from recess amid expectations that lawmakers would accelerate action on the proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish state police across the federation, a measure widely seen as a major step in the ongoing effort to reform Nigeria’s security architecture. However, proceedings were cut short after Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the death of Tongo, who represented the Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State in the House of Representatives. Hon. Tongo passed away at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja on June 12, 2026, following a brief illness. His death triggered a...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE  NIGERIAN YOUTHS ARE TECH-SAVVY, READY- TO-LEARN AND INTEGRATE INTO GLOBAL ECONOMY, PRESIDENT TINUBU ASSURES MASTERCARD CHIEF EXECUTIVE  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday in Abuja, said Nigeria’s teeming youth population remains the nation's greatest asset, assuring foreign investors that the ready-to-learn and tech-savvy workforce can easily integrate into the global market.  President Tinubu, who received a delegation from Mastercard led by the Global Chief Executive Officer, Michael Miebach, at the State House, welcomed the company's proposal to train five million businesses and equip them with digital skills.  The President said the Nigerian economy had been repositioned and stabilised to fully participate in the global economy, with a focus on empowering youths and small businesses with digital skills and tools. The President noted that the ongoing formalisation of Nigeria's largely informal small-business sector will create ...

 GOVERNOR OYEBANJI, DEPUTY RECEIVE CERTIFICATES OF RETURN FOR SECOND TERM Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy, Monisade Afuye, have received their Certificates of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a second term in office. This is in line with the Electoral Act following Governor Oyebanji's victory in the June 20, 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, where he polled 319,224 votes to defeat other candidates. The presentation of the certificates clears the path for Governor Oyebanji's inauguration for a second term in office.

Andy Burnham meets Keir Starmer as front-runner to become next British prime minister    Newly elected Member of Parliament Andy Burnham met on Tuesday with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the man he is widely expected to succeed, as Britain prepares for a swift transition of power. Burnham has emerged as the commanding front-runner in the upcoming Labour Party leadership race and may ultimately face no opposition. The political reshuffling follows Starmer’s announcement on Monday that he will step down within weeks. His two-year tenure, which began with a landslide victory in July 2024, has recently been undermined by persistent missteps and policy errors. These include a highly criticized decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as the U.K. ambassador to the United States, as well as a general failure to jumpstart economic growth, fix struggling public services, and lower the cost of living. Consequently, Labour has hemorrhaged support to the Green Party on the left and Reform UK on...

France records hottest day ever as exceptional early summer heat wave grips Europe     France recorded its hottest day in history on Tuesday as an exceptionally early and intense summer heat wave blanketed Europe, endangering millions and disrupting daily life across the continent. The country’s national thermal indicator—a calculated nationwide average from 30 weather stations—surpassed all previous historic milestones to reach 29.8°C (85.6°F), eclipsing the previous high-water marks set during severe heat waves in August 2003 and July 2019. Individual weather stations also recorded daytime highs surging past 40°C (104°F). The extreme weather has already proven fatal, with 40 drownings reported over the past week as people, primarily youth, sought relief from the stifling conditions. To combat the escalating risk, authorities placed roughly half of France under a maximum red heat wave alert. In Paris and throughout a country where air conditioning is rare, institutions s...

 Miss World Nigeria, Queen Tamunosoye Pays Thank-You Visit to Bayelsa Housing Authority MD, Tonye Isenah. Miss World Nigeria 2026, Queen Tamunosoye Karibi-George, om Tuesday paid a thank-you visit to the MD/CEO of the Bayelsa State Housing and Property Development Authority, Rt. Hon. Tonye Emmanuel Isenah, PhD, in appreciation of his support during her successful journey to the national crown. During the visit, Rt. Hon. Isenah congratulated Queen Soye on her achievement and expressed confidence in her ability to make Nigeria proud at the forthcoming Miss World pageant in Vietnam. More photos below. 

 Burna Boy Dominates Billboard Hot 100: Sets New Record for African Artists with Shakira Collab Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar, Damini Ogulu, globally celebrated as Burna Boy, has once again shattered expectations and rewritten the record books. The 'African Giant' has officially surpassed his peer, Tems, to claim the title of the African artist with the most entries on the coveted Billboard U.S. Hot 100 chart, solidifying his monumental influence on the global music scene. The monumental achievement came with his latest collaboration, 'Dai Dai,' a vibrant track co-performed with pop icon Shakira for the official World Cup. The song made a grand debut at number 75 on the prestigious chart this week, elevating Burna Boy's total entries to an impressive nine – an unprecedented feat for an artist from Africa. The buzz around 'Dai Dai' reached fever pitch following an electrifying performance by Burna Boy and Shakira during the World Cup Opening Ceremony, whi...

 EFCC Re-arraigns Theophilus Madami for Alleged  N16m Fraud in Kaduna The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, June 22, 2026 re-arraigned Theophilus Madami, before Justice A. Isiaka of the State High Court, sitting in Kaduna for fraud.  Madami, a former councillor in Kaduna South Local Government Area was re-arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, criminal breach of trust and criminal misappropriation to the tune of N16,080,000 (Sixteen Million and Eighty Thousand Naira). The charge reads: "That you, Hon. Theophilus Madami, on or about the 5th day of November, 2018 in Kaduna, within the Judicial Division of this Honourable Court with the intent to defraud, obtained property to wit: 4,020 (Four Thousand and Twenty) of pasta food products worth N16,080,000 (Sixteen Million and Eighty Thousand Naira, only) from one Ibrahim Ringim Haruna, being the property of Pyramid Supplies and Services...

Iran reports progress in US talks but denies nuclear concessions as Trump claims landmark inspection deal Ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran have yielded positive momentum in Switzerland, though both nations remain publicly divided over the extent of nuclear concessions made so far. Iran's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva confirmed that recent discussions have resulted in "good progress," paving the way for two specialized working groups to formally begin talks regarding economic sanctions relief and the future of Iran's nuclear program. Despite this optimistic framework, Iranian officials emphasized that negotiations have not yet reached the core nuclear issues necessary for a final, comprehensive accord. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that Tehran has not met with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi during the Swiss summits, and there are currently no plans to allow international...

IGP DISU PROHIBITS UNAUTHORISED SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVITIES BY POLICE PERSONNEL, DIRECTS STRICT COMPLIANCE The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has directed all officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to desist from unauthorised social media activities capable of undermining the integrity, professionalism, and public image of the Force. The directive follows growing concerns over the increasing trend of police personnel creating and publishing videos, conducting live sessions, and engaging in other social media activities while in uniform or in circumstances that identify them as members of the Nigeria Police Force without official authorisation. The IGP emphasized that while social media remains an important tool for communication and public engagement, its use by serving officers must be guided by extant laws, regulations, and the Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy. He noted that officers are prohibited from creating or sharing unauthorised c...

 Kenyan government halts US Ebola centre as health minister faces contempt case Kenya has ordered a halt to preparations for a US-run Ebola quarantine facility, the health minister told a court Tuesday, after the minister was held in contempt for ignoring a previous stop-work order. Kenyans have strongly opposed the plan, and deadly protests have taken place since the facility was announced in May for potential US citizens evacuated from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is grappling with a major Ebola outbreak. Three people have been killed in unrest near the facility in Laikipia. It has been constructed at Laikipia Air Base, about 200 kilometres (125 miles) from the capital, Nairobi, with some 50 isolation beds, and was expected to be managed by US medical staff. Ignoring court orders Kenya's government ignored a previous order by the high court to stop work on the site. Rights groups had petitioned the court, saying the facility was being developed secretly and without con...

 PRESIDENT TINUBU TRANSMITS POLICE BILL TO SENATE Senate is likely to pass the State Police bill this week Wednesday as President Bola Tinubu  transmitted to the Senate a Constitution Alteration Bill seeking the establishment of state police in Nigeria. In a communication dated 15th June 2026 and read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu said the legislation would provide a framework for a dual policing structure in Nigeria, with additional safeguards to better address security challenges. The proposed bill is a critical component of efforts to reorganize the structure of policing to better protect citizens, as states, communities, municipalities, and local government areas would take part in policing responsibilities. Consideration of the bill was, however, adjourned to Wednesday as the Senate mourns a House of Representatives member from Gombe, Yahaya Tongo, who died during the recess.

 Deputy Governor Hosts Southern Kaduna APC Stakeholders, Urges Unity In Southern Kaduna The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadeeza Balarabe, on Tuesday hosted members of the Southern Kaduna APC Visionaires at a strategic meeting aimed at strengthening party cohesion and consolidating the All Progressives Congress (APC)'s position in the region. The meeting, held at the Deputy Governor’s Council Chambers, Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, brought together senior government officials, including the Deputy Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, political appointees from Southern Kaduna, party leaders, and other key stakeholders. The gathering provided an opportunity for APC stalwarts to review developments within the party, discuss issues of concern, and explore practical measures for fostering greater unity and strengthening the party’s structures across Southern Kaduna. Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Balarabe urged leaders in the region to bridge existing divides and wor...

 Cubana Chiefpriest Dares Arise News to On-Air DNA Test Amid Hellen Ati Paternity Saga The spotlight is once again on popular Nigerian businessman Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chiefpriest, as he boldly addresses the long-running paternity dispute involving Kenyan national, Hellen Ati. The socialite has thrown down the gauntlet, challenging a prominent news outlet to host an on-air DNA test to resolve the contentious claims once and for all. The Saga Unfolds: Allegations and Outcry For an extended period, Hellen Ati has publicly alleged that Cubana Chiefpriest is the father of her son, consistently 'dragging' the businessman across social media platforms. The dispute intensified recently after a video surfaced online, purportedly showing Ati engaging in the alleged maltreatment of her son. The disturbing footage ignited widespread outrage among netizens, leading to fervent calls for authorities to intervene and ensure the child's safety and custody. Chiefpriest...

 Osas Ighodaro Set to Dazzle in Highly Anticipated Nolly-Bollywood Series 'Imported Bahu' Nigerian actress Osas Ighodaro is making waves once again, this time stepping onto the international stage in a major cross-cultural production. The award-winning screen star has secured a lead role in Imported Bahu, an upcoming Nolly-Bollywood microdrama series that promises to captivate audiences worldwide. Created by acclaimed filmmaker Hamisha Daryani Ahuja, Imported Bahu represents another massive bridge between the Nigerian and Indian film industries. Ahuja, who previously directed hit cross-cultural projects like Namaste Wahala and Postcards, is known for her unique ability to blend the vibrant storytelling of Nollywood with the high-stakes romance of Bollywood. A Cross-Cultural Romance of Secrets and Love In Imported Bahu, Osas Ighodaro is paired with popular Bollywood actor Rajniesh Duggall. The series is set to take viewers on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring the complexitie...

 Aunty Ramota & Ijoba Lande: Unpacking the Viral 'Twins Naming Ceremony' Rumour – Real or Skit? Nigerian social media recently exploded with excitement and curiosity following a viral video featuring beloved skit makers, Aunty Ramota and Ijoba Lande. The clip depicted what appeared to be a joyous "twins naming ceremony," showcasing the duo in vibrant traditional attire, surrounded by guests, lively music, and enthusiastic dancing. The captivating scene quickly fueled widespread speculation: Had the comedic pair truly welcomed twins? Shared initially on Ijoba Lande's official Instagram page, the video captured moments of celebration, with food being served and money being 'sprayed' on the beaming celebrants. Netizens were quick to congratulate the 'couple,' but just as swiftly, questions began to emerge. Was this a genuine life event, a scene from a new movie, or perhaps another elaborate prank from the maestros of laughter? The Truth Behind the...

 Witness Reveals Multi-Million Naira Transactions in Alleged N8.7bn Money Laundering Trial of Ex-AGF Malami A prosecution witness on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, disclosed before the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, details of several high-value transactions that passed through the account of Alkausar Farm, one of the entities linked to the alleged N8.7 billion money laundering case involving former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN. The witness, Munawwarah Salisu Anas, a Compliance Officer with Jaiz Bank Plc, testified as the fifth prosecution witness, PW5, in the ongoing trial of Malami, his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting the trio on a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities to the tune of N8,713,923,759.49 (Eight Billion, Seven Hundred and Thir...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE  BAUCHI POLICE ARREST 3 SUSPECTS OVER CULPABLE HOMICIDE, ROBBERY IN ALKALERI LGA; MOTORCYCLE RECOVERED Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested three suspects in connection with a case of culpable homicide and suspected armed robbery in Gwaram Town, Alkaleri Local Government Area. Acting covertly on the report made at Alkaleri Division on 7th March, 2026, one of the suspects, Alhaji Muhammad Umar alias “Jijji”, 25-years-old, was arrested on 19th June, 2026 while in possession of a motorcycle belonging to a deceased victim. Subsequently, during interrogation, “Jijji” mentioned two other accomplices in connection with the crime. In a swift follow-up operation, detectives also arrested:  1. Usman M. Gidado, 45-year-old, and  2. Danladi Yakubu alias “Pagaj”, 35-years-old, all of Gwaram Town, Alkaleri LGA where the offence committed. Furthermore, the motorcycle belonging to the deceased was recovered as an exhi...

 ABC launches on-air campaign urging viewer support amid FCC scrutiny over status of The View  ABC has launched a public appeal urging viewers to rally behind the network as it faces mounting pressure from the Trump administration regarding the regulatory classification of its long-running daytime talk show, The View. The network introduced an on-air promotional campaign defending the program and heavily criticizing the Federal Communications Commission. ABC contends that the regulatory agency is attempting to dictate who can be featured on the show, which has been broadcast for more than 30 years. Originally created by veteran journalist Barbara Walters, the talk show features a panel of commentators who frequently voice strong opposition to the president and his political base. The public feud intensified shortly after parent company Disney petitioned the FCC to formally recognize The View as a bona fide news program, which would exempt it from the statutory "equal time" re...

Trump administration proposes 75% increase in US citizenship application fees Applying for United States citizenship could become significantly more expensive under a new regulatory framework proposed by the Trump administration on Monday. The proposal, published in the Federal Register, details a plan to raise naturalization application costs by 75%. Following a mandatory public comment window, the adjusted fee structure could go into effect in as little as 60 days. Under the Department of Homeland Security’s plan, the standard paper filing fee for citizenship would jump from $760 to $1,330—a direct increase of $570. Additionally, the financial cost to request a formal reconsideration before an immigration appeals board would climb from $830 to $1,475, representing a 77.7% spike. The draft regulation also aims to dismantle the vast majority of existing low-income fee waivers. However, exemptions would remain intact for active-duty service members and military veterans. Immigration att...

 Domino’s names Joe Jordan as CEO to succeed retiring Russell Weiner  Domino’s Pizza is shaking up its executive ranks, appointing current chief operating officer and U.S. president Joe Jordan as its next chief executive officer. Effective October 1, Jordan will succeed Russell Weiner, who is retiring from the top post after leading the company since 2022. The transition triggers a broader reshuffling of leadership. Upon stepping down, Weiner will step into the role of executive chairman designate, officially taking over as executive chairman during the 2027 annual shareholder meeting. He replaces David Brandon, the current executive chairman, who will retire and exit the board of directors after 28 years with the brand. Jordan will also claim a seat on the board when he assumes the CEO role. Jordan takes the helm during a turbulent period for the quick-service pizza industry, marked by contractions from primary competitors. Both Pizza Hut and Papa Johns have experienced store...

 Israeli Troops Deployed to Somaliland: Reports A contingent of 50 soldiers was deployed earlier this year, soon after Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland's independence in December, according to a senior Somali official cited by media. "The presence of Israeli military and intelligence personnel in Somaliland is not a new development. They have reportedly been operating from the UAE military facility in Berbera since the beginning of 2025," said Abdurahman Sheikh Azhari, intelligence briefer for president of Somalia, Sputnik reported. Earlier, it was reported that Somalia's breakaway region may have provided Israel with a military site for long‑range flights to Iran, while it is believed that Israel is also seeking a Red Sea naval base in the region. "The Somali government must now think very carefully about its next move. [...] It is part of a deeper, long-term strategic project that Israel views as directly tied to its future security inter...

 South Sudan sets date for first-ever election after delays Authorities in South Sudan announced the date of December 22 for the country's first general election since independence in 2011, AP reported. Elections have been repeatedly postponed amid recurring armed conflict. There is also a long-standing political dispute between President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar, who was suspended as the country's first vice president last year after he faced treason charges. While the National Elections Commission says preparations for the election are underway, the opposition and some observers note legal issues and logistical hurdles. Machar's group, known as Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition, or SPLM-IO, said unresolved disagreements with Kiir's administration make the pursuit of elections a dangerous matter. While Kiir is expected to be a presidential candidate in December’s election, it remains unclear if Machar, who still faces criminal cha...

 DSS Closes Case Against El-Rufai as Trial Continues on September 22, 2026 – Bail Adjustment Rejected Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja today rejected the defence’s application for adjustment of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s bail conditions in the alleged wiretapping trial. The defence sought variation of the stringent bail terms, which require sureties to be Level 17 civil servants with properties in Maitama or Asokoro, plus attestation letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council. The court ruled that qualified sureties are available and declined the adjustment. Case Adjourned for Continuation In the same proceedings, the Department of State Services (DSS) formally closed its case, with prosecuting counsel Oluwole Aladedoye confirming no further witnesses would be called. Defence counsel Paul Erokoro announced plans to file a “no-case submission,” arguing that the prosecution failed to establish sufficient evidence against El-Rufai. ...

   Eight people have been confirmed dead following a violent clash between farmers and herders in Gulma Town, Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, according to the state police command. Police spokesperson SP Bashir Usman said the incident began after cattle allegedly destroyed farmlands, leading to a confrontation in which a farmer, identified as Alhaji Aminu Ala, was stabbed and killed by a herder, Yaron Buba-Dogo. The development triggered a reprisal attack by some residents, resulting in the killing of the herder. Police said further violence escalated despite intervention efforts. “The mob thereafter launched further attacks on members of the affected community. In spite of efforts by security personnel to restore order, four additional persons were killed and their bodies burnt beyond recognition,” SP Usman stated. Authorities confirmed that one farmer and seven herders were among the dead, while five persons, including a woman, were rescued and taken into prote...

 International Olympic Day: Anambra Champions Sports Development and Healthy Living Among Youths By Lilian Ezejiegu As the global community celebrates International Olympic Day on June 23, Anambra State is seizing the moment to reaffirm its belief in the transformative power of sports  as a vehicle for youth empowerment, physical wellbeing, and the forging of stronger, more cohesive communities. First observed in 1948 to mark the founding of the modern Olympic movement, International Olympic Day is a celebration of the universal values that sport embodies: excellence, friendship, and respect — values that transcend borders, languages, and cultural divides, speaking directly to our shared humanity. In Anambra State, sports development has evolved from an afterthought into a deliberate pillar of the government's youth agenda. Under Governor Chukwuma Soludo's administration, investments in grassroots sports, inter-school competitions, and structured talent discovery programmes ar...

 "You are financially stuck because of your partner" - Larsa Pippen on why she felt trapped in her marriage to Scottie Scottie and Larsa Pippen’s marriage, which began in 1997, lasted nearly 24 years and was once seen as one of the NBA’s most recognizable unions. While Scottie built his Hall of Fame career with the Chicago Bulls and other teams, Larsa focused on raising their four children and supporting his demanding schedule.  Yet behind the public image, their relationship faced years of strain, with divorce proceedings first filed in 2016 and finalized in 2021. Both have since spoken openly about the challenges that led to their split. Larsa has explained that the marriage left her feeling financially dependent and unable to pursue her own ambitions. She described the emotional toll of being “trapped” in a relationship where Scottie controlled the financial security, noting that she often put her career aside to prioritize family and his basketball commitments.  Even ...