PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Catholic priest reportedly klled in Kogi  A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro, has been reportedly killed by unknown assailants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State. According to reports, the priest was stabbed multiple times along Ajaokuta road on Wednesday, 29th July 2026. His body was found dumped at the roadside.  Rev. Fr. Oyetoro was born in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State and a native of Ayetoro in Ijumu Local Government Area.  Until his death, he served as a priest at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Egbe. The full circumstances surrounding the incident are still unclear, and authorities are yet to issue a comprehensive official statement.  The Catholic Diocese of Lokoja confirmed the d3ath of the priest in a statement and requested all religious and Laity to pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.” “We kindly request all priests, religious and Laity to pray for the peaceful repose of his soul during their Holy Masses and personal pra...

 NPF DEPLOYS CP SAMUEL ERALE ETAIFO AS CP ELECTIONS, OSUN STATE The Nigeria Police Force wishes to inform the general public of the deployment of Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale Etaifo, to Osun State as CP elections, in preparation for the forthcoming governorship election. The deployment is part of the Force’s comprehensive election security strategy aimed at ensuring a peaceful, secure, and credible electoral process. CP Samuel Erale Etaifo will oversee and coordinate election security operations across the state, working in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to safeguard voters, election officials, and electoral materials. The Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, CP Ibrahim Gotan, remains in charge of the State Command and will continue to supervise routine policing activities, while providing necessary administrative and operational support for the CP election.  Personnel deployed for election duties are reminded to maintain...

 TROOPS OF OPERATION WABAIZIGAN RESCUE 14 KIDNAP VICTIMS IN EDO STATE Troops of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, under 2 Division, participating in Operation WABAIZIGAN, have successfully rescued 14 kidnapped victims following a swift response to a kidnap incident along the Lagos–Benin Expressway in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. The operation further demonstrates the Nigerian Army's unwavering commitment to protecting lives and denying criminal elements freedom of action within its area of responsibility. The rescue operation was conducted at about 9:30pm on 30 July 2026 after troops on routine patrol received credible intelligence on the kidnap incident. Acting swiftly and decisively, the troops immediately pursued the kidnappers along their withdrawal route, applying sustained pressure that forced the criminals to abandon 11 of the abducted victims and flee into the surrounding forest. In a follow-up clearance operation conducted on 31 July 2026, the troops aggressi...

  “Stop pursuing priests. They will not marry you. Focus on getting other men” - Cameroonian Catholic Bishop appeals to women in his Diocese The Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buea Cameroon, His Lordship, Michael Bibi, has urged women and girls in the diocese to stop pursuing priests, reminding them that the clerics have committed themselves to a life of celibacy and will not marry. Speaking during a pastoral engagement on July 30, 2026, Bishop Bibi expressed dissatisfaction and discontentment with what he called "unhealthy relationships” between some Christian women and priests in the Diocese. According to Cameroon News Agency, CNA, the Bishop said some women continue to chase priests despite knowing they have chosen a vocation dedicated to serving God and the Church. "Stop pursuing or running behind priests romantically. Priests will never marry you and cannot live with you as husbands," he said. He encouraged women to instead direct their attention toward oth...

  U.S Senate candidate Troy Jackson fathered two kids with his cousin, report claims Maine Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson is in a long-term relationship with his high school sweetheart, who is also his second cousin, a new report claims. Jackson, 58, and Lana Pelletier share two adult sons and the same great-grandparents, according to a report by independent journalist Steve Robinson. The report notes that such relationships are legal under Maine state law and are not uncommon in the rural North Maine Woods region near the Canadian border. While Jackson, a former logger and former president of the Maine State Senate, has referred to Pelletier as his wife in the past, local residents indicate the couple has never been legally married. Jackson grew up in the village of Allagash and attended nearby Fort Kent High School alongside Pelletier. According to genealogical records cited in the report, Jackson’s maternal grandmother and Pelletier’s paternal grandfather were siblings...

 Disney+ cancels Marvel’s Wonder Man season 2 despite renewal earlier this year Disney+ has canceled Marvel’s “Wonder Man” just months after the superhero series was renewed for a second season. The show, which starred Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams and Ben Kingsley as Trevor Slattery, received strong reviews from critics. The first season earned a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and Abdul-Mateen was nominated for an Emmy Award for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for his performance. Plans for a second season reportedly never moved into the writing stage, and members of the show’s writing team have been released to work on other projects. No official explanation was provided for the cancellation, though characters from the series could potentially appear in future Marvel projects. The decision comes only months after Disney announced the series had been renewed for another season following its January debut. The renewal surprised many fans because most Ma...

 Franco Baresi, AC Milan legend and World Cup champion with Italy, dies at 66 Franco Baresi, the legendary AC Milan defender and World Cup champion with Italy, has died at the age of 66. AC Milan announced Baresi's death on Friday. The club did not disclose a cause of death. Baresi had undergone surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule in August 2025 and later received immunotherapy treatment. His final public appearance came during the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in February, where he carried the Olympic torch into San Siro alongside former Inter Milan captain Giuseppe Bergomi. In a tribute, AC Milan described Baresi as the heart and soul of the club, praising his integrity, leadership and lasting influence. The club said his legacy would remain a permanent part of its identity and extended condolences to his family and supporters. Widely regarded as one of soccer's greatest defenders, Baresi spent his entire professional career with AC Milan after making...

 Japan earthquake death toll rises to 34 as rescuers race to find survivors amid widespread devastation  The death toll from a powerful earthquake in southwestern Japan has risen to 34 as rescue crews continue searching for survivors amid widespread destruction across the Kumamoto region. The magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kyushu on Tuesday, triggering a mall explosion, toppling a factory chimney and damaging or destroying homes. Authorities said one additional death remains under investigation, while dozens of people have been injured. As rescue efforts entered a fourth day, officials had not determined how many people were still missing. The disaster has left more than 79,000 households without running water and over 2,700 without electricity. More than 9,000 people remain in emergency shelters, where officials are adding power supplies to provide air conditioning as temperatures climb into the upper 90s. Fuel shortages caused by damaged infrastructure have also forced many...

Man seeks $2.5 million after detention in Nancy Guthrie investigation, alleges wrongful arrest and property damage A man briefly detained during the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has filed a claim against the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, accusing authorities of wrongful arrest, property damage and harm to his reputation. Carlos Palazuelos is seeking $2.5 million, while his brother-in-law Daniel Maddox is requesting $500,000 and Maddox’s mother, Josefina, is seeking $250,000 for alleged damage to her home. The combined claim totals $3.25 million. The filing comes six months after Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson, Arizona. Authorities have said they believe she was kidnapped. According to the claim, Palazuelos was working as a DoorDash driver on Feb. 10 when officers stopped him at gunpoint and arrested him. The filing states he was handcuffed while investigat...

CJN Bans Lawyers, Court Officials to Stop Using ‘Barrister’ as Official Title The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers, court officials and other legal personnel to discontinue the use of “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements at the Supreme Court. The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi. The circular, which was addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, stated that the directive took immediate effect and was aimed at upholding professional standards within the apex court. According to the memorandum, the use of the title “Barrister” before names was considered inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court. “I am directed by the Honourable the Chief Justice of Nigeria to notify all Litigation Staff, Legal Practitioners, Court Registr...

 WOMEN GROUP ADVOCATES PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT AS POCACOV PLANS ANTI-CRIME APP  By Ruth Orji The President of the Ultimate Business Women and Farmers Association of Nigeria (UBWFAN), Mrs. Nkiru Nwagbo, has urged parents to lead anti-cultism campaigns to curb crime among children and youths.  She made the call during the launch of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) on July 30, at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, describing parental guidance as essential to nation-building. Mrs. Nwagbo observed that mothers often bear the consequences of juvenile delinquency, stressing that proper moral upbringing, discipline and Godly values remain the foundation for raising responsible and productive citizens.  She also encouraged fathers to exercise emotional intelligence and restraint during family conflicts, noting that domestic violence contributes to raising aggressive children and fuels anti-social behaviour within communities. Represent...

 Tony Romo placed on leave by CBS Sports after Wisconsin OWI arrest     Tony Romo has been placed on leave from his broadcasting role at CBS Sports following his arrest in Wisconsin last week on suspicion of operating while intoxicated. The network announced Friday that Romo will remain away from his position until further notice. Romo, a former Dallas Cowboys quarterback who currently serves as a lead NFL analyst for CBS Sports, was arrested last week after authorities accused him of driving under the influence. The incident is under review as he faces the legal process related to the arrest.

COAS REAFFIRMS NIGERIAN ARMY'S COMMITMENT TO HUMANITARIAN ACCESS AS UN OCHA PARTNERSHIP DEEPENS The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of Nigerian Army to strengthening civil-military cooperation in support of humanitarian operations, civilian protection and stabilisation initiatives across conflict-affected areas of the country. He underscored that guaranteeing safe and unhindered humanitarian access remains a vital pillar of the Nigerian Army's comprehensive strategy to consolidate operational successes, facilitate the safe and dignified return of displaced persons and foster enduring peace and stability in the North East. The COAS made this known on Friday, 31 July 2026, while receiving the Head of Office of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) in Nigeria, Miss Danielle Parry, during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters, Abuja. Congratulating Miss Parry on her ...

INEC Assures Nigerians Every Valid Vote Will Count in 2027 Elections The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that every valid vote will count in the 2027 general elections, pledging a credible process that reflects the will of the people. The assurance was given on Thursday by Dr Adejumo Peter, Head of Voter Education and Publicity at INEC Kwara State, during a seminar organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ilorin. Dr Peter said the electoral body would strictly adhere to its rules and procedures to ensure free, fair and credible elections based on the principle of one person, one vote. “INEC in Kwara will follow the rules and procedures as laid down by our commission. We will ensure that the elections are done on a one-man, one-vote basis. At the end of the exercise, the outcome of the elections will reflect the will of the people,” he said. He dismissed the notion that collecting or hoarding Permanent Vo...

 RCCG Begins Internal Probe into Sexual Misconduct Claims Against Former Teens President The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has opened an internal disciplinary process over allegations of sexual misconduct circulating on social media against its former National Teens President, Adefolarin Fowosere, popularly known as Pastor Ade Fire. The 22-year-old previously served as lead pastor of RCCG The Revival House, a congregation focused on teenagers and young adults, and was closely associated with the church’s teens ministry. The claims, which emerged on X and TikTok in recent days, accuse Fowosere of sexual misconduct, abuse of pastoral authority and exploitation involving multiple women. Several women have alleged that he used his position as a spiritual leader to engage in inappropriate relationships with young women under his leadership. Similar accounts have been shared by other social media users. When contacted by PUNCH Online, Fowosere asked the correspondent to send a ...

 Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau spotted sharing beach getaway in the South of France Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau were photographed spending time together during a beach outing on the French Riviera. The pair visited Club 55 on Pampelonne Beach on July 29, where they were seen swimming in the Mediterranean, relaxing on the beach and sharing drinks during the day. Photos also showed the couple embracing on sun loungers and sharing a kiss while in the water. Perry wore a brown two-piece outfit with a straw tote bag before changing for a swim, while Trudeau was dressed in green swim trunks and sunglasses. The outing is the latest public appearance for the couple, who were first linked in July 2025 after being seen dining together in Montreal. They confirmed their relationship later that year after attending a cabaret show in Paris together. Since then, Perry and Trudeau have been seen together at events including Coachella, the World Economic Forum in Davos and the Tribeca Film Festiv...

 Kristin Chenoweth celebrates 58 years since her adoption with tribute to her parents Kristin Chenoweth has marked the anniversary of the day she was adopted by Jerry and Junie Chenoweth, sharing a tribute to the parents who raised her. The Broadway star celebrated her "Gotcha Day" on Thursday, July 30, describing it as the day her parents brought her home 58 years ago and she became a member of the Chenoweth family. "Yesterday was my GOTCHA DAY 🩷☀️ (it’s not just for pets!!) The day my parents brought me home 58 years ago and I became a Chenoweth," she wrote on Instagram. Chenoweth shared several photos with her parents, including moments from throughout her career and a picture of them supporting her work. One image showed her standing beside her mother near a large photo of Chenoweth wearing a hot pink outfit, while another featured her parents wearing shirts supporting her Broadway Bootcamp programme in Oklahoma. She also shared a photo from her 2023 wedding to...

 TikTok Star Peller Emotional as US Fan Flies in and Gifts Him $20,000 for Wedding Popular Nigerian TikTok creator and live streamer, Peller, has been left in absolute disbelief after a dedicated foreign fan gifted him a staggering $20,000 ahead of his highly anticipated wedding to his partner, Jarvis. An Unbelievable Gesture of Love from Across the Atlantic The online sensation, known for his energetic streams and hilarious antics, could not contain his emotions when the generous benefactor, identified simply as Gregory, flew all the way from the United States to Nigeria just to attend the wedding. To make the visit even more unforgettable, Gregory surprised the young content creator with the massive cash gift. Expressing his shock in a video that has since gone viral, Peller recounted how he visited Gregory at his hotel shortly after he landed. He admitted that he was initially confused when the fan asked for his "wire" details before his arrival in Nigeria, only to discove...

 Two Chinese Bag Five Year Jail Term for Illegal Mining in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction and sentence of two Chinese Zhang Hong Lin and Gao Pei Hai, before Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, for conspiracy and the illegal mining of solid minerals. The defendants were arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy and the unlawful possession of mineral resources intended for export without lawful authority. One of the charges reads: “That you, Zhang Hong Lin, Gao Pei Hai, and Gao Pei Yu (currently at large), sometime in 2025 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, conspired among yourselves, with the intent to defraud the Federal Government of Nigeria of revenue accruing therefrom, and without the permission of the appropriate authority, engaged in the exportation of mica products, copper-bearing, and lithium-bearing mineral resources o...

 Argentine president to deport foreigners over ‘hate’ speech against Argentines   Argentine President Javier Milei on Thursday signed an emergency decree empowering the government to deny entry to or expel foreigners who incite discrimination or violence against Argentines because of their nationality. Milei's office said the decree was issued after weeks of mounting criticism from celebrities, rival fans and social media users, who claimed a series of controversial refereeing decisions had fueled suspicions that FIFA favored Argentina and its superstar, Lionel Messi, throughout the tournament. The measure adds new grounds to Argentina’s immigration law, allowing authorities to bar, deport and revoke visas of people found to have promoted hatred against Argentines in spoken or written statements or who have desecrated national symbols. “In light of recent displays of hostility toward the Argentine Republic and Argentines, the national government reaffirms that the defense of t...

 LSDPC REBUILDS LASTMA ZONE 25 OFFICE DESTROYED DURING #ENDSARS, DONATES OPERATIONAL VEHICLES The Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) has officially handed over a newly renovated office complex and two operational vehicles to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Zone 25, covering the Bariga and Oworonshoki axis, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment to supporting public institutions and improving service delivery, The office was destroyed during the 2020 #EndSARS protests and had remained abandoned for several years. Recognising the importance of providing a conducive working environment for frontline traffic officers, LSDPC undertook the reconstruction and renovation of the facility and donated two operational vehicles to strengthen LASTMA's capacity to respond to traffic incidents more effectively. Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Managing Director/CEO, LSDPC, Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, who was REPRESENTED by the Exe...

 Trump announces Hamas disarmament and Israeli troop withdrawal agreement under Gaza ceasefire plan   President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Hamas has agreed to a plan to disarm and that Israel will withdraw its forces from Gaza as part of a U.S.-backed ceasefire framework. Trump described the agreement as a major step toward creating a new Palestinian government in Gaza that would work with the newly established Board of Peace to oversee the next stages of the plan. The president said the agreement would also provide Israel with increased security by preventing Gaza from being used as a launching point for future attacks. Details of the agreement were limited, and neither Israel nor Hamas immediately released statements responding to Trump’s announcement. The Board of Peace said Hamas had agreed to a roadmap for moving forward with the next phases of the ceasefire after months of negotiations. The group said the plan includes Hamas giving up its weapons, followed by a...

 Peter Obi lies like fish drinking water –Festus Keyamo Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has accused the 2027 Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of deliberately fabricating claims regarding a recent airport incident. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ on Thursday night, July 30, Keyamo alleged that Obi lied about his experience at the airport to score political points. “That man was lying. He lies like a fish drinking water. He lies. He lies for fun,” Keyamo stated. The Minister noted that Obi had publicly complained of facing harassment from airport officials strictly due to his opposition status. Keyamo argued that it was unfair for a political figure to make sweeping accusations against airport staff without providing room for official verification or allowing the ministry to review the facts. “He was the one that complained that he was being harassed at the airport and that because of his opposition statu...

 FG to phase out power sector subsidy from next year The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has announced plans by the Federal government to phase out subsidy payments in the power sector from 2027. Tegbe made the announcement during a media parley with newsmen in Abuja on Friday, July 31. According to the Minister, the subsidy will be gradually removed, but noted that Nigerians will not be deprived of any benefits. He also ruled out any plans to increase electricity tariffs in the immediate term. Nigeria’s power sector has long been weighed down by a gap between what distribution companies collect from consumers and what it actually costs to generate and transmit electricity, a shortfall the government has covered through subsidies over the years.

 "Happy Birthday to my partner, my strength, my greatest blessing, Nonye Soludo  Today, I celebrate a woman whose heart beats for humanity. Your quiet service, compassion, and relentless advocacy for the health and dignity of Ndi Anambra have touched lives in ways words cannot fully capture. Beyond public service, you are home to me. Thank you for the love, prayers, wisdom, and the steady hands that hold our family together. As you mark another year, my prayer is that God continues to bless you with health, joy, and grace. Anambra is better because you are in it. I love you, today and always ❤️❤️❤️"

 Jennifer Aniston reportedly hopes Jim Curtis will become her third husband Jennifer Aniston is said to be looking toward the future with her partner Jim Curtis, with reports suggesting she hopes for an engagement. Sources close to the actress describe her as deeply in love and convinced she has found her soulmate.  During gatherings with her close friends often referred to as her “goddess circle” Aniston has reportedly expressed her wish for Curtis to propose, framing marriage as the natural next step in their relationship. While Aniston is optimistic, some of those close to her have expressed caution. After her high‑profile marriages to Brad Pitt and Justin Theroux, friends worry she could be hurt again.  They are also said to be concerned about the financial gap between the two, as Aniston’s estimated $300 million fortune far exceeds Curtis’s resources. Still, she reportedly doesn’t view money as an obstacle, believing Curtis is building his own career successfully. Sh...

 North West's Kimokawaii Tour canceled weeks before scheduled opening show North West's first headlining tour has been canceled just weeks before it was scheduled to begin. The 13-year-old, who recently released her debut EP *N0rth4evr*, was due to launch the Kimokawaii Tour with rapper Molly Santana on Aug. 5 in Dallas. Ticketmaster now lists the Dallas and Aug. 17 Toronto shows as canceled, while the tour's official website is no longer available. However, an Aug. 25 date at San Francisco venue The Midway remains listed on the venue's website. Representatives for North and Santana have not publicly commented on the cancellations. North, the daughter of Ye and Kim Kardashian, released her debut EP in May, with members of the Kardashian-Jenner family sharing messages of support on social media. The EP includes the single "Piercing On My Hand," in which North references public attention surrounding her dermal piercing and her personal style.

 Ghana's government approves recommendation to extend presidential term from four to five years, lowers minimum age requirement to 35 Ghana's government has approved in principle a proposal to extend the tenure of both the president and Parliament from four years to five years as part of a broader constitutional reform process. The recommendation came from a committee established by President John Dramani Mahama in 2025 to review the country's 1992 Constitution. Announcing the decision on Thursday, Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Ayine, said the extension is aimed at giving elected governments more time to implement their policies, noting that new administrations spend their early months settling into office while the final year is often dominated by election activities. The government also accepted, with modifications, the committee's proposal to lower the minimum age for presidential candidates. Instead of reducing it from 40 to 30 years as recommen...

 LASG OPENS REHABILITATED ROAD, NEW DISPOSAL PLATFORMS AT OLUSOSUN DUMPSITE … Infrastructure Upgrade to Improve Waste Evacuation Across Lagos The Lagos State Government (LASG), through the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has commissioned the rehabilitated Road E and newly constructed disposal platforms at the Olusosun Disposal Facility, Ojota, marking another significant milestone in its efforts to strengthen waste evacuation operations and improve waste management infrastructure across the state. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, described the project as a strategic intervention designed to eliminate operational bottlenecks, improve access within the disposal facility and enhance the efficiency of waste evacuation operations across Lagos. He explained that the rehabilitation of Road E became necessary following the impact of recent heavy rainfall, which affected access to part...