PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 EFCC Arraigns Brookfield Group Holdings CEO, Olatunji Adebola, for Alleged N990m Fraud The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, on Thursday, August 20, 2026, arraigned the Chief Executive Officer,  CEO, of Brookfield Group Holdings, Olatunji Oluwaseun Adebola,( a.k.a Whitelion) before Justice C. Ngozi of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, for an alleged N990,000,000 (Nine Hundred and Ninety Million Naira) fraud. Adebola, alongside his company, Brookfield Mining Limited, was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence and dishonest misappropriation of funds to the tune of N990 million. His arraignment followed a petition dated April 6, 2026, filed by a petitioner through a legal counsel, BB Dan Habu & Co. Solicitors, alleging that the defendants obtained the funds from its client under the guise of facilitating a foreign exchange transaction worth $75...

 Cubana Chief Priest Urges Singles to Marry, Citing TikToker Peller's Rapid Success Popular Nigerian socialite and entrepreneur Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, famously known as Cubana Chief Priest, has advised single individuals to consider marriage, calling it one of the most rewarding steps a compatible couple can take. Addressing his followers, the celebrity barman debunked popular misconceptions about holy matrimony, urging singles not to be misled by negative narratives. He emphasized that partnering with the right person acts as a major catalyst for personal and financial growth. 'Marriage Changed My Life' Reflecting on his personal journey, Cubana Chief Priest testified to the positive impact marriage has had on his career and lifestyle. He noted that his path has been marked by continuous progress since he tied the knot. "Marriage changed my life; from the moment I got married till date, it’s been up, up, up," he stated, encouraging others to take the leap of ...

 'I Raised a Man Nicknamed Half Salary': President Tinubu Shades Rauf Aregbesola Over Economic Record President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a swipe at his former ally and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, mocking him with the infamous "Half Salary" moniker. The President made the swipe during a meeting at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, August 20, 2026, where he hosted the newly elected Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke. Governor Adeleke’s visit to the State House followed his victory in the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election. While receiving the governor, President Tinubu took a detour to defend his administration's economic reforms, specifically targeting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's pledge to return the controversial fuel subsidy if elected in 2027. During his address, the President recalled how previous administrations struggled to manage state resources, referencing Osun State's historical financial struggles...

 2027 Presidency: Wike Hints at Massive 'Rainbow Coalition' for Tinubu as Governor Adeleke Visits Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has hinted at the formation of a formidable political alliance, describing it as the “largest rainbow coalition,” to champion President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Friday, August 21, Wike revealed that the Nigerian political landscape is set for a massive realignment. His comments followed a high-profile visit by the newly re-elected Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to his Abuja residence on Thursday. A 'Walkover' in 2027 Wike expressed strong confidence in President Tinubu’s prospects for a second term, asserting that the opposition is currently too fragmented to pose any serious challenge. He declared that the 2027 presidential election is already shaping up to be a “walkover” for the incumbent administration. “In the next few weeks, watch what is going to happen. ...

 Edo State Bans Davido From Performing After Heated Feud With Governor Okpebholo Afrobeat megastar David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has been banned from performing in Edo State following a highly publicized dispute with the state governor, Monday Okpebholo. The conflict between the award-winning musician and the politician erupted over political rivalry surrounding the recently concluded Osun State gubernatorial election. How the Clash Began The feud traces back to the campaign trail in Osun State, where Governor Okpebholo, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), openly criticized the incumbent Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, who is also Davido’s uncle. Okpebholo claimed that Governor Adeleke's frequent dancing was a major distraction, preventing him from focusing on effective governance. In a swift defense of his uncle, Davido retaliated on Instagram by mocking Governor Okpebholo’s academic background, sharing an image purported to be the governor's West ...

 Nollywood Filmmaker Kunle Afod Rallies Support for Veteran Actor Opebe Over Mystery Illness Prominent Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Kunle Afod, has reached out to the public to solicit urgent assistance for veteran Yoruba actor Opebe, who is currently battling a severe and undiagnosed health condition. Kunle Afod Makes Passionate Appeal Afod made the emotional plea on Friday during a personal visit to Opebe’s residence in Ibadan, Oyo State. Sharing a video of his visit on his official Instagram page, the filmmaker highlighted the veteran actor's rapidly declining health and urged well-meaning Nigerians and medical experts to intervene. Addressing his followers, Afod expressed deep concern over the actor's state, noting that Opebe's physical condition has deteriorated significantly. He called on anyone with medical solutions or financial resources to come forward and support the ailing movie veteran in his time of need. A Medical Mystery Defying Diagnosis Speaking about hi...

  SWAN Commiserates With Anambra Football Community Over POR Star FC Auto Crash  By Chukwuka Ugokwe The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has expressed their heartfelt sense of loss over the road crash involving members of the POR Star Football Club (PSFC) of Onitsha who were on their way to Awka on August 16 to honour a fixture in the ongoing All Stars Football Championship when the bus conveying them plunged into a ditch along Enugu-Onitsha expressway leaving some severely wounded and in danger. The incident was confirmed by the Chairman of Anambra State Football Association (AnSFA), Mr Chikelue Iloenyosi, who had paid condolence visit to the club and the families of the affected persons. SWAN, Anambra Chapter, in a Statement jointly signed by  Chimezie Anaso and Uche Ndeke, Chairman and Secretary of the association, respectively, extended their condolences to the entire football family, AnSFA and PSFC for the unfortunate incident. “We are deeply saddened by ...

 NLC Urges FG to Resolve Health Workers’ Pay Dispute, Avert Strike By Chris Chikelue The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to urgently resolve outstanding salary and welfare issues affecting health workers, warning that prolonged delays could trigger another round of industrial action in the health sector. NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made the call in a letter dated August 6 and addressed to the Minister of Labour and Employment. The letter was made available to journalists on Tuesday, August 18, in Abuja. Ajaero expressed concern over the delayed adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and the unresolved demands of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), despite several Memoranda of Understanding, terms of agreement and Collective Bargaining Agreements reached with the Federal Government. He called on the Minister of Labour and Employment to facilitate the immediate resumption of collective bargaining between the government and ...

Man arrested after allegedly stabbing two men at Sikh temple in Edmonton, police say   A man was arrested Friday morning after allegedly stabbing two people at a Sikh temple in Edmonton, Canada, authorities said. Police responded to the Nanaksar Sikh Temple following reports of the attack and took the suspect into custody. The two victims suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening and received medical treatment.

  EDO POLICE COMMAND MARKS INTERNATIONAL YOUTH WEEK 2026 WITH PEACE WALK The Edo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Patrick Daaor, psc(+), mnips, on Friday, 21st August 2026, joined the global community in commemorating International Youth Week 2026 with a peace walk across Benin City. The walk, which commenced from the State Command and passed through major routes including Sapele Rod, Ring Road, Airport Road, Vegetable Market Road and Okada Avenue, was aimed at promoting peace, unity, responsible citizenship and positive youth engagement. The initiative also provided an avenue for the Police to interact directly with young people and members of the public, reinforcing messages on peace, security awareness and collective responsibility for a safe society. The event was attended by the Edo State Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Hon. Charity Amayaenvbo, The Edo state Chairman National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Moses Agwinede, Police o...

 Leaving Lagos, Nigeria and feeling super sad about it. 😞❤️ The last week and a half has been one of the most incredible, life-changing experiences of my life. We’ve experienced so much, met so many beautiful people, and had the opportunity to help people who are genuinely in need. I’ll never forget the stories we heard, the people we met, the memories we created, and the moments we shared. Nigeria, you’ll always hold a special place in my heart. 🇳🇬❤️ Until next time… thank you for everything. 🙏🏽"

 LASG Honours 506 LG Workers with Officers' Long Service Merit Award …assures of continued support, investment in workforce development   Lagos State Government on Tuesday honoured 506 officers of the Unified Local Government Service for their dedication and years of service at the 2026 Long Service Merit Award Ceremony, with the assurance that the government will continue to build a culture where excellence is recognised, innovation is rewarded, and every officer understands that their work carries a direct responsibility to the people. Speaking at the event held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu commended the awardee for their dedication, perseverance, commitment, and professionalism over the years, describing their service as an important part of the institutional history of Lagos. The Governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, assured public servants that the present administration, as well a...

 Football’s forbidden fixtures: The six international matchups politics has blocked Football is often hailed as a force that unites nations, yet political disputes, territorial claims and security fears have repeatedly forced football’s governing bodies to keep certain national teams apart. FIFA and UEFA have intervened on several occasions, separating sides in competition draws to avoid inflaming tensions. Here are six of the most notable pairings that have been kept off the fixture list. Spain vs Gibraltar Spain and Gibraltar remain locked in a long-running sovereignty dispute. The territory has been under British control since 1713, but Spain continues to claim it. UEFA has responded by ensuring the two sides cannot meet in its competitions, citing the sensitive nature of the disagreement. Armenia vs Azerbaijan The bitter conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh has kept Armenia and Azerbaijan apart for years. Armed clashes, most recently in 2020 and 2023, prompted UEFA to bar the nationa...

 Sabon Gari LG Chairman To Begin Asphalt Laying On Second Side Of Kwangila Flyover Feeder Road The Chairman of Sabon Gari Local Government Area and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kaduna State, Hon. Sheikh Muhammad Jamilu Abubakar Albani Samaru Zaria, is set to commence asphalt laying on the second side of the Kwangila Flyover Interchange feeder road. The project is part of ongoing efforts by the local government administration to improve road infrastructure, ease traffic movement and enhance connectivity within Sabon Gari and surrounding communities. According to the council, the initiative reflects the commitment of the chairman to delivering quality infrastructure that will positively impact residents, motorists and other road users. The commencement of asphalt laying is expected to mark another milestone in the ongoing transformation of the area, particularly around the Kwangila Flyover Interchange. The project is being carried out under the...

IGP DISU RECEIVES ICAN PRESIDENT, SEEKS STRONGER PARTNERSHIP ON FORENSIC ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL CRIME The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, today, 21st August, 2026, received the President and Chairman of Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Hajia Queensley Sofuratu Seghosime, mni, FCA, and her delegation at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, during a courtesy visit focused on strengthening collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the Institute. The ICAN President congratulated the IGP on his appointment and commended the priority areas of accountability, modernisation and institutional reform being pursued under his leadership. The delegation, which included the Registrar/Chief Executive, Dr. Lanre Olasunkanmi; Chairman, ICAN Abuja District, Mr. Emeka Okoroeze; and Mr. Adamu Yusuf, FCA, discussed the growing complexity of financial and economic crimes and the need for stronger technical capacity in forensic acco...

 Cubans, Venezuelans and Colombians among 1,200 US deportees to be flown to Liberia People deported by the US to Liberia will mostly hail from Latin American countries including Cuba and Venezuela, Liberia's information minister told Reuters, as authorities received the first deportation flight. The West African nation announced on Tuesday that it had agreed to accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the US in the next 12 months, the latest of several deals the Trump administration has implemented on the continent to accelerate removals. A government statement on Tuesday said the deportees would come from "African and Western Hemisphere ​countries", without specifying, while the State Department did not provide details on nationalities. Liberia's information minister, Jerolinmek Piah, told Reuters that "most of the people are from Latin American countries. Some from Venezuela, Cuba, Colombia and others." 'Guests' He said the International Org...

 Another group of 870 Sudanese nationals leave Egypt for home Sudan’s Al Amal Committee for Voluntary Return said on Thursday that 870 Sudanese nationals had left Egypt for Sudan aboard 30 buses departing from Cairo, Alexandria and Aswan, the state-run Sudan News Agency (SUNA) reported. The Al Amal Committee is a community-led humanitarian initiative that coordinates with Sudanese state institutions to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of citizens. Returnees include university professors and students enrolled in Sudanese universities, the committee said. Hassan Khalid, rapporteur for the return committee, said the committee had helped organise the repatriation of roughly 50,000 Sudanese nationals from Egypt to Sudan. Last week, the committee announced the departure of 22 buses carrying 1,100 Sudanese from Egypt. Early this month, 350 Sudanese nationals returned from Alexandria aboard seven buses under the same programme. In July, more than 6,000 Sudanese returned from Egypt ...

 Guinea-Bissau faces first mpox outbreak: UNICEF Guinea-Bissau is facing its first outbreak of mpox, UN children's agency UNICEF said, voicing concern that half of suspected cases were affecting children. "This is the first time mpox cases have been reported in Guinea-Bissau, making even a small outbreak a major public health event," Sandra Martins, UNICEF deputy representative in Guinea-Bissau, said in a statement. Guinea-Bissau confirms seven cases "We face the risk that cases are going undetected, particularly among children who are the most vulnerable to severe complications," she said. As of August 17, Guinea-Bissau had reported seven confirmed mpox cases, all among adults. No deaths have been reported. But, out of 46 suspected cases, 23 are children aged under 15, UNICEF said, adding the reopening of schools next month could contribute to spread of the disease. Mpox, which is caused by a virus from the same family as smallpox, can be transmitted to humans ...

 Central African Republic shuts gold mine after deadly collapse The Central African Republic has temporarily shut a gold mine near the Cameroonian border after a landslide killed dozens of people earlier this week, the country's mines minister said. Rufin Benam-Beltoungou visited the Zamboye artisanal gold mine on Wednesday and put the official death toll at 49, the ministry told AFP. The minister confirmed this included 34 Central Africans, 13 Cameroonians and two Chadians. Several local sources have told AFP that around 100 people died, with many still missing and likely buried beneath the rubble. Seven injured people were taken to hospital in the nearby town of Baboua, around 50 kilometres (30 miles) away. Security agencies guard mine The mining site was closed and access to the pit barred on Thursday, an AFP correspondent reported. Security reinforcements, including personnel from the Russian paramilitary group Wagner, were deployed to the area. Rescue efforts were suspended as...

 Police confirm ex-Zambian transport minister killed during post-election security operation Zambian police confirmed that a former cabinet minister was shot and killed in a security force raid on the home of the main opposition leader after last week's elections. The operation was a day after the August 13 vote, which handed President Hakainde Hichilema a second term with 60 percent of ballots, according to the electoral authority. The cabinet said last week the raid targeted a suspected militia posing "a serious threat to State security" and 11 people were rounded up. Opposition leader Brian Mundubile, the runner-up in the poll, said it took place at his house and parliamentarian Mutotwe Kafwaya was struck by gunfire, but he had no news of him since. The police confirmed in a statement on said that he was killed in the joint task force operation. Security forces met with "gunfire and resistance from unknown individuals, resulting in the task force returning fire...

 South African Police Bust $37M Industrial Drug Lab In Limpopo South African police have shut down a suspected industrial-scale drug manufacturing laboratory in Musina, northern Limpopo Province. Officers seized drugs and equipment worth more than $37 million, plus an undisclosed amount of cash. Five suspects have been arrested: two Mexicans, two Zimbabweans, and one Malawian, aged between 20 and 47. The raid followed a two-month intelligence-driven investigation and involved multiple agencies, including the police's specialist Hawks unit, the US Drug Enforcement Administration, and US Homeland Security. Police say this is the third clandestine drug laboratory shut down in the province along the border with Zimbabwe.

 Courtney Stodden celebrates ‘historic’ milestone to end child marriage in Calif. years after Doug Hutchison wedding at age 16 Courtney Stodden is celebrating a major milestone in California’s push to end child marriage. On August 19, she shared a heartfelt Instagram video announcing that AB 1267 the bill that would prohibit child marriage had passed the state Senate unanimously.  Stodden described the vote as “historic,” noting that every senator supported the measure. The bill now heads back to the Assembly for clearance before reaching Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk. In her message, Stodden reflected on her own experience of marrying actor Doug Hutchison at 16, while he was 51, emphasizing that a marriage license does not magically grant a child adult freedoms or resources.  She explained that California remains one of only three states without a minimum marriage age, making the legislation crucial for establishing a “legal floor” of protection.  Stodden has been wo...

 Taylor Sheridan says he was 'homeless twice' and lived in his car before career success Taylor Sheridan’s rise to becoming one of television’s most powerful creators was anything but easy. Before Yellowstone and his sprawling empire of shows, Sheridan endured years of hardship as a struggling actor.  He revealed that he was homeless twice, living out of his car and sometimes driving to Ojai just to find a safe place to sleep for months at a time. Despite the difficulties, he refused to abandon his artistic ambitions, choosing to endure instability rather than give up on his dream. His persistence eventually paid off. After a recurring role on Sons of Anarchy, Sheridan shifted gears when acting opportunities dwindled, selling his spec script for Hell or High Water. That sale marked a turning point, allowing him to buy a small home in Wyoming and begin building a life rooted in independence.  As his success grew, he expanded his property, added horses, and maintained a phi...

  Gwyneth Paltrow Mocks Backlash Over Reported Sam Altman Dinner Invitation as Journalist Says It Was Likely AI-Generated Gwyneth Paltrow has mocked the backlash over a reported invitation to host OpenAI CEO Sam Altman at her Hamptons home, suggesting the invitation circulating online was not genuine. Journalist Matthew Belloni had reported in his Puck newsletter that Paltrow would host a private, “off-the-record” dinner for Altman, with the invitation describing it as a “private, off-the-record al fresco dinner at her home in honor of Sam Altman.” The report quickly drew criticism on social media, with some users on X calling Paltrow “a villain” and “tone-deaf.” Comedian-activist Matt Bernstein also posted a video linking Paltrow’s association with artificial intelligence to what he described as “technofascism.” Paltrow addressed the criticism on Thursday, August 20, by sharing several versions of the dinner invitation on Instagram. The replicas replaced Altman’s name with “M3GAN,...

World’s oldest living person Ethel Caterham turns 117 with family celebration in England  Ethel Caterham, the world's oldest living person, celebrated her 117th birthday Friday with family and friends in Surrey, England. Caterham marked the milestone by reflecting on a year filled with memorable experiences, including meeting King Charles III and even getting the chance to stroke a llama. She met Charles last September and spoke with him about her memories of watching his investiture as the Prince of Wales in 1969. Caterham was born Aug. 21, 1909, during the reign of Charles' great-great-grandfather, King Edward VII. Caterham became the world's oldest living person last year following the death of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas at age 116. She also holds the distinction of being the world's oldest living woman. The centenarian has previously suggested that avoiding arguments may have contributed to her longevity. She has described herself as someone who listens to o...

  Prince Harry, Elton John, and others ordered to pay nearly $13 million to UK tabloid publisher Prince Harry and six other defendants, including Elton John, Sadie Frost and Elizabeth Hurley, have been ordered to make an initial payment of nearly $13 million to a British tabloid publisher after losing a privacy lawsuit. The group brought the case against Associated Newspapers Limited, the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, accusing the company of unlawfully gathering private information. The defendants lost their High Court case in July. The latest order requires them to make the substantial initial payment to the publisher as the legal dispute continues over costs.