PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Congo audit finds pollution linked to French-British oil firm's operations, ministry says A government audit into the operations of French-British oil company Perenco in Democratic Republic of Congo found it responsible for polluting the environment with potentially harmful effects ‌on the local population, according to preliminary findings shared with Reuters on Wednesday. The hydrocarbons ministry said it found pollution attributable to oil activities carried ​out by Perenco's onshore and offshore units in the ​Muanda area, along the country's narrow Atlantic coastline. The ministry ⁠shared the findings in response to an emailed request for ​comment on a Human Rights Watch report published on Monday that ​said Perenco's operations exposed nearby communities to health risks. The audit found negative impacts on soil and air quality, notably from gas flaring near inhabited areas, ​the ministry said, without giving details of the pollutants or ​their potential effects. T...

 SOUTH AFRICANS WHO TOOK OVER SPAZA SHOPS SAY THEY NEED MORE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT AS THE R178 BILLION SECTOR FACES GROWING CHALLENGES  South African-owned spaza shops in KwaZulu-Natal are calling for greater government support, saying local entrepreneurs continue to face significant challenges despite the township retail sector being valued at an estimated R178 billion. During a recent engagement with the provincial government, local spaza shop owners said they need improved access to funding, business training, mentorship and other forms of support to help them compete, grow their businesses and create more jobs. KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli acknowledged the concerns and pledged that the provincial government would strengthen programmes aimed at supporting South African-owned township businesses through funding opportunities, skills development and enterprise support. The discussions come as many South Africans have been encouraging consumers to support locally owned b...

 "Let me reiterate again, I will never participate in, encourage, or justify the victimization of any fellow African (or any human being) for crimes they did not commit, create, or enable. Africans must steadfastly hold their leaders accountable for their ineptitude, corruption, and incompetence, instead of turning against one another. Tyla must be allowed to ply her trade freely, just as every African artist, worker, and citizen should be able to do across the continent and beyond. The real problem is not ordinary African, it is the failed leadership that has fostered corruption, economic hardship, and the conditions for division. Africans deserve better than leaders who create conditions that pit us against one another".

 The American actor who is widely known for hosting AMERICA GOT TALENT share these five photos today with the caption: "1989 feels like yesterday by your side. Here’s to 37 years!".

 Abia Governor Otti Approves First Phase of Medical Bills for Veteran Actress Ngozi Nwosu Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti has approved payment for the first phase of medical bills for Abia-born Nollywood veteran Ngozi Nwosu as she continues to battle health challenges. The intervention was announced by Dr. Justice Okey Martins (popularly known as JMartins), Senior Special Assistant on Tourism and Entertainment to the Governor. Martins expressed gratitude to Otti for the timely support and appealed to Nigerians to continue assisting the actress. According to Martins, the Governor’s approval covers only the initial portion of Nwosu’s medical expenses. Further financial assistance remains necessary to ensure she receives the full care required. In a post on X, Martins stated: “His Excellency @alexottiofr has just stepped in on the health issues of our Abia-born Nollywood legendary actress, Mrs. Ngozi Nwosu, to approve the first part of our medical bills.” He added: “While we sincere...

Magistrate Orders 10 Strokes of Cane for Bus Conductor Who Slapped Passenger in Kaduna A Kaduna Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday sentenced a 20-year-old bus conductor, Abubakar Shehu, to 10 strokes of the cane for assaulting a female passenger over a dispute about transportation fare. Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel delivered the judgment after Shehu pleaded guilty to the charge of assault. The magistrate said the court had been lenient because the convict admitted the offence and did not waste the court’s time. He warned Shehu to refrain from similar conduct in future, stressing that the court would not treat such behaviour lightly again. Emmanuel also ordered the convict to write an undertaking to be of good behaviour. Prosecutor Inspector Chidi Leo told the court that the offence occurred on July 24 at Kawo in Kaduna. According to the prosecutor, Shehu had an altercation with the complainant, Hadiza Rabiu, over the transport fare and slapped her twice on the face. The act, Leo said, cont...