PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 The Defence Headquarters says troops eliminated over 100 terrorists, arrested 345 terrorists, and rescued 393 kidnapped victims in the month of July. The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, stated this during the monthly Defence Media Operations briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja. Major General Onoja added that during the period under review, 57 terrorists surrendered, over 1,000 arms and assorted ammunition were recovered, 18 illegal refining sites were destroyed, while 250,500 litres of stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products were recovered. Speaking further, Major General Onoja, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, reaffirmed the Armed Forces' commitment to the protection of lives and property nationwide, and their resolve to ensure that kidnapping, terrorism, secessionist agitation, and other forms of criminality are purged from society.

 President Bola Tinubu Is the Best Friend The Catholic Community Has Ever Had In Power  Since October 1, 1960, when Nigeria gained Independence from Great Britain, five different Popes have been coronated in the Vatican City, including Pope Paul VI in 1963, Pope John Paul I in 1978, Pope John Paul II in 1978, Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, Pope Francis in 2013, and Pope Leo XIV in 2025.  And the only time a Nigerian leader was physically present in the Vatican to honour a Pontiff at his inauguration, and the global Catholic family at their celebration, was on Sunday, May 18, 2025, when His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, attended the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV at St Peter's Square in the Vatican.  That act by the President was to demonstrate to the Roman Catholic Community in Nigeria that they have no better friend than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.  My family is the ...

 Ooni of Ife welcomes baby girl with wife, Olori Oluwatosin  Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has welcomed a baby girl with his wife, Olori Oluwatosin. The monarch announced the birth of the princess in a post shared on his official Instagram page on Sunday, August 2, 2026. Ooni expressed gratitude to God for the safe delivery, adding that both mother and child are in good health. “To God Almighty be all the glory for his unfailing grace and the precious gift of new life,” the post read. “Hearty congratulations to the entire House of Oduduwa for the blessed arrival of a Royal Princess through Olori Oluwatosin. “May the Almighty preserve this divine gift and cause her to flourish in wisdom, grace, and honour. “We are pleased to share that both Olori Oluwatosin and the Royal Princess are in excellent health.” The news comes barely three months after he welcomed twin princes with another wife, Olori Mariam Ajibola.

 As Head of the Commonwealth, The King has shared a message ahead of the Closing Ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.  " The Games have served as a stage for outstanding athletic excellence, a joyful celebration of all that unites our Commonwealth nations and a powerful reminder of sport's ability to bring nations and generations closer together. I send my heartfelt congratulations to all those competitors who were victorious, while hoping that each andevery one of you who participated, or contributed, will look LOTUS back on these Games with immense pride in what you have accomplished"

 Phil Collins' kids came to say goodbye when singer, 75, was on his deathbed due to alcoholism in 2024: 'They were worried they wouldn't see me again' Phil Collins’ recent reflections reveal just how close he came to losing his life only two years ago. The 75‑year‑old singer admitted that his battle with alcoholism left him unconscious in the hospital, with doctors even discussing whether to keep him on life support. His five children, including actress Lily Collins, were called to his bedside to say goodbye.  “My kidneys were packing up, my organs were just seizing up. People were coming to say goodbye,” he recalled, noting he has no memory of their presence. Thankfully, he survived and has remained sober ever since. Collins described how his recovery has been both physical and emotional. He celebrated New Year’s with Lily, who was moved to tears at the chance to share those moments with him.  Yet his health challenges have been extensive: five knee surgeries, COVID co...

 Kids forced to live amongst mold and feces.  Multiple children in Florida, including a six-week-old baby, were forced to live in what the sheriff himself called a “house of horrors.” Jodie Cannon, 26, was arrested in late July after her infant was hospitalized in life-threatening condition from medical neglect. Doctors said the baby was hours from total organ failure. She had allegedly refused earlier offers of medical help. A week later, deputies executed a search warrant at the home. What they found is stomach-turning. Animal feces and urine covering the floors, black mold, rotting floors from broken plumbing, swarms of flies (including around a child’s filthy mattress), cockroaches, dirty dishes left for who knows how long, almost no food, and a structure so unsafe that code enforcement declared it unfit to occupy. Arrested alongside Cannon: Jordan Tyler Wilson, 30 (the children’s father), Melissa Keal, 50 (Cannon’s mother), and John Keal, 52 (her stepfather).

  JULIUS MALEMA WEARS JEWISH PRAYER SHAWL AND KIPPAH AT HIS GRANDFATHER’S FUNERAL, SPARKING WIDESPREAD CURIOSITY ABOUT HIS FAMILY’S HERITAGE  EFF leader Julius Malema drew attention during the funeral service of his grandfather, Papa Ishe Rufus Popies Malema, in Botlokwa, Limpopo, after wearing a kippah (Jewish skullcap) and a tallit (Jewish prayer shawl). The attire prompted widespread discussion on social media, with many South Africans asking why the EFF leader wore traditional Jewish religious garments despite his outspoken criticism of the Israeli government. The garments are traditionally worn by Jewish men during prayers, memorial services and other religious ceremonies. Their appearance at the funeral has reignited interest in the history of the Lemba people, an ethnic group found mainly in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Many members of the Lemba maintain an oral tradition that their ancestors came from the Middle East centuries ago before settling in southern Africa. Over...

 PDP Hails INEC’s Publication Of 2027 Candidates The Peoples Democratic Party has welcomed the publication by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the names of candidates for the 2027 general election, describing the development as a proof of doubts over its ability to field a presidential candidate had been laid to rest. A statement issued in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, said the release of the names of its presidential candidate, Senator Sandy Ojang Onor, and running mate, Alhaji Babangida Umar, alongside its National Assembly candidates, marked a significant milestone in its preparations for the 2027 polls. The Party noted that the publication had effectively dispelled months of speculation and what it described as misinformation by political opponents who had claimed the party would be unable to present a presidential candidate. It expressed appreciation to its members and supporters across the country and in the...

 NAF ENHANCES FRONTLINE SURVIVABILITY WITH COMBAT LIFE SAVER TRAINING The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has enhanced its frontline survivability and operational readiness with the successful conduct of a Combat Life Saver Course for instructors of the Regiment Training Centre (RTC). Conducted by the Air Mobile First Aid Unit (AMFAU) of the Nigerian Air Force School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine (NAFSMSAM), the training equipped participants with critical battlefield casualty management skills that will be replicated across Regiment units. Inaugurating the course, the Commandant of NAFSMSAM, Air Vice Marshal AC Ekpe, underscored the vital role of combat life-saving skills in improving operational effectiveness and increasing battlefield survivability. Participants underwent intensive theoretical and practical instruction in the core principles of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), equipping them to deliver immediate life-saving interventions during operations. The training...

Catholic Priests Not Like ‘Fake Bishops’, Atiku Blasts Presidency’s Attack On Onaiyekan Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the Presidency’s attack on the Catholic Church and John Cardinal Onaiyekan, accusing the President Bola Tinubu administration of growing intolerant of dissent and uncomfortable truths. In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu on Sunday, Atiku said the Presidency chose intimidation and political attacks instead of reflecting on the substance of the cleric’s message. Catholic bishops had recently had an engagement with the president, where the latter defended his record and the independence of the electoral umpire. However, the cardinal in a television interview on Friday said the Catholic bishops told the president that the country is bleeding and the economy is not helping poor citizens. According to him, Tinubu and his officials present at the meeting were “not l...

 LAWMA SCALES UP ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT, SEALS DEFAULTING MARKETS, SHOPS IN IKOTUN-IGANDO … Issues Fresh Compliance Notices Along Ojuelegba-Lawanson-Itire Corridor The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has intensified its ongoing environmental compliance enforcement across Lagos, sealing markets, shopping complexes and commercial premises along the Ikotun-Igando axis, while issuing notices of intention to seal markets, shops and plazas along the Ojuelegba-Lawanson-Itire corridor. The enforcement exercise, carried out on Saturday by LAWMA's Project WISE West team, targeted commercial premises along the LASU-Igando Road corridor in Alimosho Local Government Area, following persistent indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the road median despite repeated default notices, sustained environmental advocacy and notices of intention to seal. Speaking on the development, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said that the exercise was a follo...

  ‘Sopranos’ Actor Vincent Pastore found dead at his home aged 80 Vincent Pastore, a veteran actor who played mobsters and tough guys, and was best known for playing Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on “The Sopranos,” has died at the age of 80. Bob McGowan, who had managed Pastore since his run on “The Sopranos,” stated that he learned of his death Saturday from another client and actor on the show, Vincent Curatola. He said that Pastore was found in his home on New York’s City Island after not being heard from for a few days. McGowan had been trying to reach him regarding a potential job. “He was the most loyal client and he always gave to charity,” McGowan said, “and he was the kind of guy who would help anybody, which is rare in my business.” Pastore appeared in movies dating back to the 1980s and earned roles in major films including “Goodfellas” and “Awakenings,” both released in 1990. He often played gangsters, with his most prominent role being his 30-episode run as Salvato...

   'Psychic’ UK IT worker sacked for telling female colleague they already met ‘in his dreams’ A UK employment tribunal has dismissed the appeal of an IT worker who claimed he was unfairly dismissed after telling a female colleague they had met "in his dreams" and sending her romantic messages. Elrich Daudet, a former senior computer analyst at Computacenter (UK) Ltd, had sought compensation for unfair dismissal, harassment and race and religious belief discrimination following his dismissal for gross misconduct in 2022. Daudet argued that he possesses the gift of prophetic dreams, claiming the colleague had appeared to him months before they met as a muse for his poetry and songwriting. The woman later complained to another colleague, saying Daudet was "doing her head in" after he sent her messages and poems, including one comparing her scent to "flowers in the Garden of Eden." Following an internal disciplinary investigation, Computacenter dismissed ...

  President Trump agrees to pause attacks on Iran subject to 'rapidly' making deal   The U.S. has agreed to pause attacks on Iran, President Donald Trump said Saturday, amid what he described as the "perimeters of a deal" being agreed upon, which would include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. "We have just been asked by Iran, and other Middle Eastern Countries, to hold off any attack in that the perimeters of a deal has been agreed to," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. "This would include the Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat." The president said the U.S. was "locked and loaded and ready to go" against Iran but that he agreed to cancel attacks "subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL." He added that Israel, the U.S. partner in the war with Iran, "joins me in this commitment." "Get to work, everybody, and get it DONE," Trump wrote r...

 Authorities in Tigray accuse Addis Ababa of 'launching open war' Authorities in Ethiopia’s Tigray region accused the federal government of launching a military offensive, reigniting fears of a return to war. In a statement, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) said federal forces used heavy artillery against their positions in Western Tigray, near the border with Sudan, Africanews reported. After months of using blockades, sieges, drone strikes and proxy forces against Tigray, the TPLF said, the government had now launched “open war.” Tensions between Tigray and Addis Ababa have been worsening since the 2022 Pretoria Agreement that ended a bloody two-year war between the two sides. The TPLF called on the international community to intervene, warning of wider consequences if the war expands.

 Guinea opts out of planned ECOWAS single currency, the eco Guinea says it’s opting out of the ECOWAS single currency. The 12 member West African economic bloc is set to launch the monetary union and eco currency in July 2027. Last month ECOWAS said it was leaning towards a phased rollout, with countries meeting convergence criteria such as inflation, debt, and monetary stability joining first. Guinea is the first member state to announce it will retain its national currency, the Guinean franc. Analysts say the decision is likely due to fears that joining the monetary union before developing sufficient production capacity could stifle its economy. The country’s major trade partners also lie outside West Africa, with 80 percent of its exports going to Asia. By tying its currency to neighbouring states, Conakry risks losing certain levers of influence, economist Mohamed Camara told RFI. The bloc is set to meet again in December to resolve outstanding issues, particularly around the f...

 Britney Spears reflects on DUI arrest, calls it 'scariest and hardest experience of my life' Britney Spears opened up about her March DUI arrest in a now‑deleted Instagram caption, describing it as one of the most difficult experiences of her life. Sharing the message alongside a video of herself dancing in a blue dress, she suggested that the public has only heard part of the story.  Spears emphasized themes of healing and spirituality, saying she has felt “extremely protected” in recent months, which she attributed to past trauma. The singer was charged with misdemeanor DUI after police alleged she was speeding and swerving in California on March 4, with officers claiming she showed signs of impairment. Spears hinted that the full truth has yet to be revealed, writing that she may one day share her account in a second book.  She insisted that “nothing is what it seems,” while also describing a powerful spiritual shift she felt after the incident, noting the presence of...

 Jack Osbourne says baby daughter Ozzy is already showing traits that remind him of her late grandfather Jack Osbourne has shared a new photo of his four-month-old daughter, Ozzy Matilda, saying she is already showing a personality trait that reminds him of her late grandfather, Ozzy Osbourne. Posting on Instagram on Friday, July 31, Jack shared a picture of himself holding his daughter while sitting in a park. "Little miss Ozz already has a mischievous sparkle," the 40-year-old wrote in the caption. Ozzy Matilda was named after Jack's father, Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, who d!ed at 76 in July 2025. Jack and his wife, Aree Osbourne, welcomed their second child together in March, announcing her arrival with a photo of the newborn alongside a card stating she was born on March 5 weighing 7 pounds, 4 ounces. The couple are also parents to daughter Maple Artemis, who was born in July 2022. Jack also shares three daughters — Pearl, Andy and Minnie — with his former w...

 Nikki Bella says she's 'celibate' amid tough dating scene: 'Like a nun' Nikki Bella admitted that her love life has been quiet lately, joking that she feels “like a nun” because of her celibacy. Ahead of WWE SummerSlam, the 42‑year‑old wrestler explained she doesn’t have the energy to pursue dating, even though she wishes she were living more freely.  Nikki was last linked to NFL player Cooper DeJean, and she finalized her divorce from Artem Chigvintsev in late 2024 after two years of marriage. The former couple share a 5‑year‑old son, Matteo. Brie Bella has been trying to help her sister meet new people, but says Nikki’s busy schedule and devotion to Matteo leave little room for romance. Between traveling, running their wine company, co‑hosting a podcast, and parenting, Nikki prefers quiet nights at home over dressing up for dates.  Brie, who is married to fellow wrestler Bryan Danielson and raising two children, noted that she still keeps an eye out for potential...

 MILITANTS IN SOUTH EAST  BOW TO TROOPS' PRESSURE, SURRENDER ARMS AS ADDITIONAL WEAPONS ARE RECOVERED The Nigerian Army has recorded another significant operational breakthrough in the South East as sustained offensive operations by troops of 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA (OPUK), compelled members of a militant group to voluntarily surrender arms, while separate intelligence-led operations resulted in the recovery of additional weapons and an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The latest successes further underscore the effectiveness of the Nigerian Army's integrated kinetic and non-kinetic approach in dismantling criminal networks and restoring lasting peace and security across the region. The breakthrough followed sustained operational pressure mounted by troops of 34 Artillery Brigade and the recent arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a soldier. Unable to withstand the relentless military offensive, members of a militant group operating w...

  OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA: TROOPS REPEL TERRORISTS'  INFILTRATION AT FOB KASUWAN DAJI, INFLICT HEAVY CASUALTIES AND RESCUE ABDUCTEES Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kasuwan Daji, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, have decisively foiled an attempted infiltration by terrorists. The successful defense of the base resulted in heavy casualties for the attackers, forcing them to retreat in disarray, and led to the rescue of 9 abducted civilians.  The incident occurred at approximately 0140 hours (1:40 a.m.) on 2 August 2026, when terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the military facility. Alerted troops swiftly detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated, overwhelming firepower. The fierce resistance compelled the terrorists to abandon their mission and withdraw in confusion.  Following the initial engagement, reinforcements arrived and troops launched ...

 South Carolina - A well-known local man, who faces serious daily difficulties, was battered and robbed by a group of callous teens.  Christopher Holdt is a fixture at the Anderson Station Shopping Center; he can be found there on most days. Christopher is known by most everyone in the community of Anderson, South Carolina, and is well-liked.  Christopher was born with a genetic condition, causing issues with the development of facial bones. He also has a tracheostomy and is especially vulnerable due to these conditions. Because of all of his pre-existing health struggles, the events of Monday, July 27th left Christopher in a bad way.  On that Monday evening, a trio of local teens targeted Christopher.  Christopher was in the parking lot of Anderson Station Shopping Center when 17-year-old, Kenneth Croegaert and a 16-year-old accomplice approached him. The two teens threatened him with a firearm before snatching $200. Even though the teens had taken his cash, th...

 China, Italy-bound cocaine concealed in local mortar, backpack intercepted in Lagos . As NDLEA nabs notorious drug dealer in Rivers Island, bandits’ supplier in Zamfara  Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted consignments of cocaine concealed in local mortar and false bottom of a backpack packaged for shipment to China and Italy respectively through a logistics company in Lagos. The seizures made by NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operation and General Investigations (DOGI) on Thursday 30th July 2026 include 250grams of cocaine factory fitted into the base of a local mortar packed in a carton for export to China, and 500grams of the same class A drug hidden in the false bottom of a backpack being shipped to Italy. Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives in Rivers state have arrested a 38-year- old notorious drug dealer, Ugo Gift Okonkwo, at Eagle Island Port Harcourt, following credible intelligence. The suspect was nabbed with various quanti...

 NCPC LIFTS BAN ON CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE TO ISRAEL The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite, has announced the lifting of the ban on Christian pilgrimage to Israel.  The ban was suspended by the Commission in February this year following the commencement of the US-Israel-Iran conflict. Bishop Adegbite made the declaration at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem in Israel. He explained that the lifting of the ban will only permit pilgrims from Nigeria to travel through the Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel. He noted that Jordan is not safe at the moment and the Commission cannot take that risk. Bishop Adegite notes that all pilgrims who travelled have returned safely, and that the 2026 pilgrimage exercise will not be an exception. He also declared prayers for peace with Mr. President, peace with the First Lady of Nigeria, peace with everyone in government, and peace in the North East, Peace in the North Centr...

 FAAN CONFIRMS  FIRE AT MMIA TERMINAL 2; NO CASUALTIES The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, says a fire incident occurred at Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos Sunday morning.  FAAN on its X handle further says its Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Service, ARFFS, is on ground and working to contain the situation. The Authority confirmed that there were no casualties or loss of life. FAAN added that further updates will be communicated to the public as more information becomes available.

 ARTMA Traffic Marshals Earn Commendation for Easing Traffic Congestion in Nnewi   By Mercy Akaolisa   Traffic marshals of the Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) deployed at Okpuno Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi, have continued to receive commendation from motorists, traders, commuters and residents for their commitment to reducing traffic congestion, ensuring the smooth flow of vehicles along one of the city's busiest road corridors.   Despite heavy vehicular movement, particularly during peak hours, the officers have remained dedicated to maintaining order, professionally directing traffic and preventing unnecessary gridlock. Their efforts have contributed to improved road safety and shorter travel times for road users.   Speaking with journalists, several motorists and commuters praised the discipline, professionalism and dedication of the ARTMA personnel, noting that their consistent presence has significantly enhanced traffic management within the area...

 Nnamdi Kanu’s Current Lawyers Blame Former Counsel for Failure to Challenge Stay of Execution Nnamdi Kanu’s defence team has attributed the IPOB leader’s prolonged detention and subsequent conviction to the failure of his former lawyers, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and Ifeanyi Ejiofor, to file a preliminary objection against the Federal Government’s application for a stay of execution of a 2022 Court of Appeal judgment that had freed him. In a statement issued on Saturday by Christopher Chidera, Esq., on behalf of the defence team, the lawyers said Kanu was a free man after the Court of Appeal on October 13, 2022, unanimously discharged and acquitted him. The appellate court had declared his extraordinary rendition from Kenya illegal, stripped the Federal High Court of jurisdiction, and quashed the charges against him. “The case was over. Freedom was minutes away,” Chidera said. According to the statement, the Federal Government then filed what the defence described as an irregular “civil...

  Fire engulfs Lagos airport Fire incident, on Sunday, occurred at Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos State. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria confirmed the outbreak in a statement posted on its official X handle. According to FAAN, its Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Service, ARFFS, had been deployed to contain the fire. FAAN said there were no reported casualties or loss of life. “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) wishes to inform the public that a fire incident has occurred at Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. “The FAAN Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Service (ARFFS) is currently responding to the incident and working diligently to contain the situation,” the statement read