PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Chad to abolish entry visas for all Africans from January 2027 Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno announced on Wednesday that Chad will abolish entry visas for all African nationals effective January 1, 2027, in a move aimed at strengthening African integration and facilitating the free movement of people and goods across the continent. “The Chad of Toumaï, cradle of humanity, opens its borders and abolishes entry visas for all Africans from January 1, 2027,” Deby said at the opening of the African Water Forum in N'Djamena, held in partnership with the World Bank, Anadolu Agency reported. The Chadian leader described the decision as a commitment to “African integration and the free movement of goods and people,” adding that Chad seeks to reinforce its position as a crossroads linking West, East, North and Central Africa. With the announcement, Chad becomes the eighth African country to adopt a visa-free policy for all African citizens. Rwanda, Benin, The Gambia, Seychelles...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE OUR ECONOMY IS ON STEADY GROWTH, SAYS PRESIDENT TINUBU TO DELOITTE AFRICA  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday in Abuja, received commendations from Deloitte Africa for the ongoing financial and fiscal reforms in the country and was encouraged to pursue a stronger partnership that supports investments, youth training, and employment.  The President, who received a delegation from Deloitte Africa, led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ruwayda Redfearn, at the State House, said the reforms had steadily stabilised the economy over three years, with growing plaudits for positive development and growth indicators.  “We are following the example of Deloitte’s greatness to change things from the foundation, building the necessary future for our people. “Yes, reforms are difficult. It has not been a McDonald’s customer relationship but a harvester of good things, if implemented well, and that is what we are about.  “Thank you for your...

 EFCC Secures Final Forfeiture of University, Radio Station, 46 Other Properties Linked to Malami The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, secured the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, to the Federal Government of Nigeria.   Among the forfeited properties are  Rayhaan University, Kebbi State, including the Rayhaan University Permanent Site, Rayhaan University Temporary Site, Rayhaan University Third Site, the Rayhaan University Vice Chancellor's House and  Rayhaan Radio along Sani Abacha Bypass Road, Birnin Kebbi. Delivering judgment, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, held that the Commission had successfully established that the properties were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and were not acquired from lawful sources of income. The properties finally forfeited to the Federal G...

 Kebbi govt to sponsor mass weddings for 300 couples; offers N250,000 dowry to each grooms The Kebbi State Government has concluded plans to sponsor 300 couples in the a mass wedding. This is the state's third edition of the mass wedding initiative. Chairman of the Mass Wedding Committee, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu, disclosed this on Tuesday, July 14, while briefing journalists in Birnin Kebbi. He said the beneficiaries were selected from the state’s 21 local government areas and 225 wards following a screening process. Argungu said the programme, organised by the state government in partnership with the foundation of the governor’s wife, is open to all eligible indigenes, regardless of ethnic or religious background. He said each groom would receive N250,000 as dowry in line with Islamic law, while all intending couples would undergo compulsory medical screening to determine their health status and compatibility. He added that local government committees have also been direc...

 Family Announces Burial Plans For Physiotherapist Mary Habila Found Dead In Minister Umahi's House As Police Insist On Autopsy The family of 26-year-old physiotherapist Mary Habila, popularly known as Mara, has announced her burial arrangements following her death at the residence of Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Ebonyi State. The announcement comes as police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding her death, with authorities maintaining that an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause. According to the family, Habila, who was born on September 18, 2000, died on June 27, 2026. Her funeral service is scheduled for Friday, July 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Family members, friends, colleagues, church members and sympathisers are expected to attend the service to pay their final respects. Habila's death has drawn significant public attention since reports em...

 DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE POLICE ARREST POPULAR  CONTENT CREATOR ( POPULARLY KNOWN AS ODOGWU OF ASABA) OVER ALLEGED RAPE OF 20-YEAR-OLD WOMAN The Delta State Police Command has arrested Ifeanyi Ogbonna, male, aged 40, also populary known as “Odogwu of Asaba,” in connection with the alleged rape of a 20-year-old woman, who later died. The arrest followed a petition received by the Command alleging that on 1 June 2026, the deceased travelled to Asaba at the invitation of the suspect, who had offered to train her in content creation, a programme he reportedly promoted through his social media platform. Upon her arrival in Asaba, the suspect allegedly took her to a hotel, where he allegedly raped her and subjected her to physical violence. She later returned home visibly distressed and disclosed the incident to her parents. In the aftermath of the alleged assault, the deceased made a video recording in which she recounted her experience and the emotional distress s...

 Femi Adebayo Pens Emotional 21st Birthday Tribute to Daughter: 'My First Cry, First Joy' Prominent Nollywood actor Femi Adebayo recently shared a deeply emotional milestone with his fans, celebrating his eldest daughter Niniola's 21st birthday with a heartfelt social media tribute. On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, the celebrated Yoruba and mainstream Nigerian cinema star took to Instagram to pen a touching message to his daughter, whom he affectionately referred to as his "forever baby." Reflecting on 21 Years of Fatherhood In his emotional post, Adebayo walked down memory lane, recalling the life-changing moment Niniola was born. He expressed immense gratitude to Allah for gifting him his "first cry, first joy, and forever baby" over two decades ago. The actor wrote about the immense pride he feels watching her evolve into a kind-hearted, intelligent, and exceptional young woman, describing the journey of fatherhood as one of his life's most rewarding ...

 VeryDarkMan's Viral Respect: Social Media Star Prostrates Before Oluwo of Iwo, Igniting Cultural Discussion Nigerian social media has been buzzing following a high-profile visit by prominent personality Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to the ancient palace of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi. The encounter, which reportedly took place recently, captured widespread attention, especially a poignant moment where VDM displayed deep cultural reverence to the traditional ruler. A Deep Bow to Tradition VDM, known for his outspoken commentary and his "Ratel movement" supporters, arrived at the Oluwo's palace accompanied by coordinators from the Southwest region. While the details of the discussions held behind closed doors remain undisclosed, a particular video clip from the visit quickly went viral. In it, VDM is seen prostrating fully before Oba Akanbi, a powerful demonstration of respect deeply rooted in Yoruba cultural tradition....

 Prince Harry's $20 million legal battle takes new turn as Elton John says no: 'I am not a bank' Prince Harry’s return to the U.K. to promote the 2027 Invictus Games was overshadowed by a major legal defeat. The High Court ruled against him in his privacy lawsuit against the publisher of the Daily Mail, leaving the Duke of Sussex with nearly $20 million in legal costs.  The case, which he pursued alongside Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley, Sadie Frost, and others, alleged that the publisher had illegally gathered private information through methods such as phone hacking and hidden surveillance. Reports initially suggested that Elton John, a longtime friend of Princess Diana and close to Harry, might help cover the staggering bill. However, journalist Paula Froelich claimed the singer has no intention of stepping in, with a source bluntly stating, “I am not an ATM.”  The source added that John was frustrated by the request and noted that, despite his wealth, he is “a little ta...

 World Cup viewers confused as Tom Cruise announced as closing ceremony act The 2026 FIFA World Cup will conclude with a star‑studded closing ceremony on July 19 at the New York‑New Jersey Stadium. The pre‑match show is set to feature performances by Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and Jennifer Hudson, who will sing the U.S. national anthem.  Actor Tom Cruise and internet streamer IShowSpeed are also slated to appear, adding to the eclectic mix of entertainment. While many fans are excited about the celebrity lineup, others have questioned the inclusion of non‑musical stars like Cruise. Social media users joked about what role he might play, with some speculating he could parachute into the stadium.  Despite the online chatter, Cruise has embraced the World Cup festivities, attending events alongside his close friend David Beckham.  He praised Beckham’s influence on American soccer, crediting him with helping transform Major League Soccer and pavi...

 Alec Baldwin draws criticism after lengthy Sam Neill tribute focuses on ‘The Hunt for Red October’ memories Alec Baldwin’s tribute to Sam Neill has sparked discussion online after fans questioned the way the actor remembered his former co-star. Baldwin, 68, shared a nearly three-minute video on Instagram after news broke that Neill had died at 78.  In the clip, Baldwin opened by expressing his sadness over Neill’s death before reflecting on his experience filming their 1990 movie, The Hunt for Red October. “I just wanted to come on here quickly and say, how stricken I was to learn of the death of Sam Neill,” Baldwin said. “When I did ‘The Hunt for Red October,’ we shot in ’89, it came out in 1990, a long time ago.” Much of Baldwin’s video focused on his memories of making the Cold War thriller, which was one of his early major film roles.  He spoke about director John McTiernan, meeting author Tom Clancy, and working alongside several members of the cast, including Sean ...

 Katie Holmes spotted holding hands with New York artist Jason Bard Yarmosky during East Hampton outing Katie Holmes was seen spending time with New York artist Jason Bard Yarmosky during a recent outing in the Hamptons. The actress, 47, attended a screening of The Invite hosted by The Cinema Society at the East Hampton Regal UA on Friday, July 10, where she was photographed holding hands with Yarmosky. Yarmosky, 38, is a New York-based artist known for his paintings and drawings that explore themes including aging, time and memory. He graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York City in 2010, and his work has been displayed at institutions including the Brooklyn Museum of Art. The outing comes shortly after Holmes’ latest film project, Happy Hours, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June. Holmes stars in, writes and directs the romantic comedy, which also features her former Dawson’s Creek co-star Joshua Jackson. The film follows a couple who reconnect and consider ...

 Piers Morgan says he would ‘cross continents’ to avoid former GMB colleague Alex Beresford after 2021 clash Piers Morgan has reflected on his departure from Good Morning Britain and once again addressed his 2021 on-air clash with weather presenter Alex Beresford. Speaking on his YouTube show Piers Morgan Uncensored, the broadcaster said he still keeps in touch with many of his former colleagues from the ITV breakfast programme, describing the workplace relationships as similar to a family bond. “You become part of a family. I see all my old, well, nearly all my old, Good Morning Britain colleagues,” Morgan said. However, he singled out Beresford when discussing the colleagues he no longer sees regularly. “I don’t see the weather guy very often. I would cross continents to avoid him,” he said. Morgan’s comments come five years after the pair’s heated exchange on Good Morning Britain* in March 2021, which happened during a discussion about Meghan Markle. At the time, Beresford criti...

 KOGI STATE COMMAND CONFIRMS ABDUCTION OF SIX PEOPLE IN GSS OLOWA DEKINA LGA   Kogi State Police Command has confirmed six people abducted during NECO examination at Government Secondary School, Olowa in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. A statement by the Kogi State Command's Police Public Relation officer,  ASP Salihu Oyiza Afusat says, four students, the school principal, and NECO adhoc staff, were abducted by the attackers. The statement says, the combined team of the Police and other security agencies, immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation and is currently on the trail of the attackers. It further adds that so far, one of the abducted students has been rescued while efforts are ongoing, to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

 FIRST LADY OLUREMI TINUBU SALUTES FOLORUNSHO  ALAKIJA @75TH BIRTHDAY The Nigeria's First Lady Oluremi Tinubu celebrates renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, Folorunsho Alakija as she turns 75. In a birthday message where she rejoices with the celebrant,  her children, family and loved ones, the First Lady notes that Mrs Alakija continues to inspire many as a minister of the gospel, while her  philanthropy, compassion and service to humanity are commendable. She wishes the celebrant many more years in divine health, joy and peace.

 OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA: TROOPS RESCUE 13 KIDNAP VICTIMS, FOIL TERRORIST OPERATIONS IN ZAMFARA Troops of Joint Task Force, North West  Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY) have recorded another major operational success in Zamfara State, rescuing 13 kidnap victims during separate intelligence-led operations in Anka and Kaura Namoda Local Government Areas. In the first operation, troops of Sector 2 in Bagega responded swiftly to credible intelligence on armed terrorists moving on motorcycles towards Tungan Kudaduku in Anka LGA. Guided by real-time surveillance, the troops pursued and engaged the terrorists with overwhelming firepower, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee. A follow-up search of the area led to the discovery of a makeshift terrorist camp, where five kidnapped civilians were rescued unharmed. In a separate operation at Ungwan Rogo, Kaura Namoda LGA, troops acted on credible intelligence of terrorist activity in the area. On contact, they engaged the terr...

  Alleged N36m Fraud: Court Adjourns Blessing CEO’s Trial Until July 20 The trial of social media influencer and relationship therapist Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, (a.k.a Blessing CEO) before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos was adjourned on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, due to her absence in court. Blessing CEO is facing a two-count charge filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), bordering on alleged obtaining by false pretence and alleged theft of N36 million. When the matter was called, counsel to the defendant, P.I. Nwafuru, informed the court that officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service had notified him that his client was ill and, as a result, could not attend the proceedings. He requested an adjournment and assured the court that a medical report would be presented at the next hearing. Following the prayer of the defence counsel, Justice D.I. Dipeolu adjourned the matter til Monday, July 20, 2...

 EFCC Arraigns Two FCDA Staff for Alleged Property Fraud The Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, July 13, 2026, arraigned the duo of Folashade Oketope and Mohammed Kabir Usman, both of whom are staff of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, before Justice B.M. Bassi of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Jabi, Abuja for alleged property fraud. They were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, criminal breach of trust and corruption involving illegal sales of four Federal Capital Territory Staff Houses. Count two of the charge reads: “That you Folashade Oketope and Mohammed Kabir Usman between 2024 and 2025 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, being entrusted with dominion over the Federal Capital Territory Staff Houses with House Numbers 3, 4, 7 and 8 of Plot 756 Abubakar Usman Crescent, Jabi District Abuja, dishonestly misappropriated or converted to your own use...

 Former Vice President of Zambia, Dr. Guy Lindsay Scott, Has Died, 82 It is with profound shock and sorrow that we report to our country and the world, the passing of our former Republican Vice President, Dr. Guy Lindsay Scott, today 15th July 2026 at his farm in Leopalds Hill, Lusaka.  Until his death, Dr. Scott had remained in the background and out of political limelight, and leaves a huge illustrious legacy of public life and service to Zambia. Dr. Guy Scot was loved by Zambians. Early Life & Roots Guy Lindsay Scott was born on June 1, 1944, in the border town of Livingstone, Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). His Scottish father was a doctor and an independent Member of Parliament who openly supported Zambian nationalists during the struggle for independence. This early exposure to anti-colonial politics deeply influenced Scott's worldview. Academic Pursuit & Government Work After studying economics at Cambridge University, Scott returned home to work as a planner in...

 G7 urges halt to attacks in Sudan's El-Obeid, calls for wider arms embargo G7 foreign ministers and the European Union's ​foreign policy chief on Wednesday ‌urged Sudan's Rapid Support Forces and allied armed groups to ​stop all actions that ​could lead to further atrocities ⁠or endanger civilians in ​El-Obeid. They also called on all ​parties, including the Sudanese army, to cease hostilities, allow aid access and ​engage in good-faith talks.

 Morocco releases dissident journalist Ali Lmrabet A Moroccan prosecutor said on Wednesday he had ordered the release of ​veteran journalist and political commentator Ali Lmrabet ‌after questioning him, although an investigation continues following allegations of defamation and libel. Lmrabet, 66, who holds ​French nationality and lives in Spain, ​was arrested on Sunday on arrival at ⁠Tangier airport. He is a political commentator ​on social media and has been an ​outspoken critic of Morocco's political system for decades. "The appropriate legal consequences will be determined once the investigation is ​completed," the prosecutor's office in Casablanca ​said in a statement, Reuters reported. In an earlier statement, the prosecutor's ‌office ⁠said Lmrabet's arrest was on the basis of several notices issued against him over online content suspected of constituting criminal offences under ​Moroccan law, ​including alleged ⁠defamation and libel targeting individua...

 POLICE SERVICE COMMISSION PRESS RELEASE 50,000 POLICE CONSTABLES: PSC RELEASES NAMES OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS INTO THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE The Police Service Commission (PSC) has released the names of successful applicants for the recruitment of 50,000 into the Nigeria Police Force as Police Constables. The release follows the successful conclusion of a comprehensive, inclusive, equitable and transparent recruitment exercise conducted in collaboration with major stakeholders including the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Character Commission, Ministry of Police Affairs, States Career and Counseling Departments and the Police Community Relations Committee. The Commission advises all candidates who participated in the recently concluded written examination to login to the official recruitment portal: npfapplication.psc.gov.ng to check their recruitment status.  The portal will be opened by 12:00am, Thursday, 16th July, 2026. Successful candidates will also receive email and SMS n...

 UNKNOWN PEOPLE EXHUME BABIES AT CHISONGA CEMETERY IN MONGU. By Marcus Brian Sakubita. Eleven infant graves have been found open with bodies missing at Chisonga Graveyard in Mongu, Western Province. A check by newsmen this morning found baby skulls, jawbones, blankets and clothes left on top of the graves.  Surgical gloves believed to have been used in the act were also found on some of the graves with bodies completely missing. Community members in the area have expressed serious concern and are calling on authorities to put strict measures in place to protect the bodies of children buried at the cemetery. More photos below. 

 IK Ogbonna Sparks Emotional Reactions After Heartfelt Tribute to Late Best Friend Alexx Ekubo Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna has broken his silence following the painful loss of his close friend and colleague, Alexx Ekubo. The beloved actor, who tragically passed away on May 11, 2026, after a courageous battle with stage four kidney cancer, was laid to rest in his hometown of Arochukwu, Abia State, on June 18, 2026. IK Ogbonna Reflects on Grief and Life's Fragility Nearly two months after the burial, Ogbonna shared a moving tribute on Instagram, reflecting on how the reality of loss has permanently altered his perspective on life. Admitting that no amount of mental preparation could have softened the blow of losing someone so close, the actor confessed to grappling with deep questions regarding faith, purpose, and existence. In his emotional message, Ogbonna noted how easy it is for people to distance themselves from the concept of death until it strikes close to home. He urged his fa...

 BLESSED TANSI SHRINE ON COURSE TO BECOME GLOBAL PILGRIMAGE DESTINATION  By Ikem Ngozi  The Anambra State Government has intensified efforts to develop the Blessed Iwene Tansi Shrine, Aguleri, into an internationally recognised pilgrimage destination, promoting religious tourism and strengthening pilgrimage administration across the state.  The initiative was disclosed during a courtesy visit by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pilgrims, Hon. Barr. Odira Ezeh, to Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke at Ekwulobia Diocesan Secretariat.  Barr. Ezeh said the Aguleri Shrine possesses outstanding spiritual and historical significance capable of attracting pilgrims from Nigeria and abroad through sustained investment, improved infrastructure and strategic partnerships with stakeholders. He called on churches, faith-based organisations, philanthropists and the private sector to embrace the government's Public-Private-Community Partnership initiative by investing...

 Anambra Concludes Recruitment for National HIV Surveillance Survey Personnel By Obianuju Isima The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the Federal Ministry of Health and the West Africa Centre for Public Health and Development, has concluded a two-day recruitment interview for personnel to support the forthcoming Nationwide Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Survey (IBBSS). The exercise, held on July 14 at the ANSACA headquarters in Awka, is part of preparations for the national survey, with Anambra selected as one of the 12 states participating in the exercise. The IBBSS is a major public health survey designed to generate reliable data that will inform evidence based policies, strengthen HIV prevention and treatment programmes,  improving healthcare planning and service delivery across Nigeria. Speaking at the conclusion of the recruitment exercise, the Executive Director and P...

 A sweet 6-year-old boy has lost his life during a day at the beach when a piece of driftwood hit him on the head. Killian Gonzalez and his sister were having a fun day at Little Squalicum Beach in Bellingham, Washington, on July 8th with their babysitter. As Killian was exploring a fort made from driftwood, something shifted, and a huge 200 pound log broke free and came tumbling straight for Killian.  Killian realized he was in danger and attempted to run, but sadly, he was not able to outrun the log. The huge log caught him in the back of the head and Killian fell to the ground. Killian was ultimately pinned to the ground under the log until help arrived. Killian's parents rushed to the beach after getting the call no parent ever wants to hear.  As they arrived, they were met by the sight of first responders desperately attempting to save their son's life.  Killian was flown to a nearby hospital that could manage his injuries.  Upon arrival, Killian was intuba...

 An Illinois prisoner nicknamed "Beetlejuice" catches a lengthy extra sentence for producing hand-drawn Ch*** S***** Ab*** Material "CSAM" while in prison for serious CSAM charges.  42-year-old Christopher Collins is an inmate at the federal penitentiary in Marion, Illinois. He is serving 20 years on multiple charges, all of which are connected to CSAM. He is originally from Davenport, Iowa and his original sentence began in 2019 after pleading guilty. In March of 2025, an incident occurred that brought to light just how Collins's rehabilitation is going. On that date, correction officers located hand made disgusting drawings by Collins, depicting adults S/A'ing children. The children depicted appear to be between 6 to 12 years old. After the drawings were discovered, Collins confessed to drawing them AND distributing them to other inmates.  This month, July, a federal judge handed down an additional 224 months in prison for Christopher Collins following his...

Trump drops Strait of Hormuz shipping fees plan as US-Iran conflict threatens fragile ceasefire   President Donald Trump reversed plans Tuesday to charge ships using the Strait of Hormuz, saying Gulf nations would instead make major investments in the United States. The announcement came as renewed fighting between the U.S. and Iran threatened to collapse a fragile interim peace agreement. The deal had been intended to reopen the critical waterway and provide time for negotiations toward a permanent resolution to the conflict. Instead, new military strikes, attacks on commercial shipping and escalating tensions have raised concerns about global energy markets and regional stability. The Strait of Hormuz has become the center of the conflict because it handles a significant portion of the world’s oil and natural gas shipments. During the war, Iran disrupted traffic through the passage by threatening and attacking vessels, causing prices for oil, fertilizer, and other goods to rise. ...

 Wildfires near Paris force evacuations as France battles expanding blazes during heat wave  Hundreds of firefighters are working to contain two wildfires in the Fontainebleau forest south of Paris that have burned nearly 2,000 hectares (about 4,900 acres) and forced the evacuation of around 1,000 people. The fires are among the most significant to threaten the Paris region in recent years, with authorities deploying water-dropping aircraft that collected water from the Seine River to battle the flames. The operation marked the first time such aircraft have been used to fight wildfires in the Paris area. Thick smoke covered the forest as crews worked Tuesday to bring the fires under control. No deaths or injuries have been reported. Authorities have arrested two people in connection with the Fontainebleau fires, while two additional arrests were made in relation to other wildfires across France. Officials did not provide further details about the suspects. France’s latest heat...