PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Russia: Farmer Breaks National Record with 969kg Pumpkin at Giant Vegetable Showdown A Russian farmer has broken the country's national record by cultivating Russia's heaviest pumpkin, which astonishingly weighs 969 kilograms. Alexander Chusov, the mastermind behind the enormous gourd, attributed its size to months of meticulous scientific care. "The process begins with selecting the right seeds; giant pumpkins are born from giant seeds," Chusov elaborated. "From warming up the soil to providing precise nutrition, every detail is crucial." The colossal pumpkin stole the spotlight at Russia's giant vegetable growing competition, which attracted more than 3,000 participants from all over the country. However, Chusov's pumpkin wasn't the only impressive contender. A 144-kilogram watermelon and a 73-kilogram zucchini also amazed the crowds. Contest organizer Daria Yermilova compared the event to professional sports, saying, “It’s similar to timing a...

 Haiti: Soldiers Complete Military Training in Mexico Amid escalating gang violence and a fragile security situation in Haiti, 143 Haitian soldiers have completed basic military training in Mexico. This initiative is part of an expanding defense partnership between the two countries focused on bolstering Haiti's armed forces. Over the course of eight weeks, 15 women and 128 men underwent training in self-defense, firearms handling, and human rights under the guidance of the Mexican Army. This initiative is viewed as a crucial move in Haiti's endeavor to restore its military capabilities amidst growing instability. "The investment is advantageous not only for Haiti’s Armed Forces but also for Haitian society as a whole," stated Hubert Labbe, the ambassador of Haiti to Mexico. "The skills and knowledge gained will be crucial in promoting national development, bolstering the rule of law, and encouraging a more peaceful and secure environment in Haiti." This tra...

 Sowore Petitions Florida Attorney-General Over 3 Houses Allegedly Linked to Wike in U.S. Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist, has officially filed a petition with Florida's Attorney General James Uthmeier. The petition accuses Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), of covertly purchasing properties in the United States using laundered public money. In his petition, Sowore claimed that three houses in Winter Springs, Florida—though registered under the name of Wike's wife—were directly connected to Wike himself. He asserted that the assets were further distributed among the couple's children to conceal their purported illicit origins. Sowore stated that these transactions are considered "first-class felonies" under U.S. law. He also mentioned that the recent revelations are part of ongoing investigations, which might reveal more foreign assets linked to Wike in the future. The activist accused the minister of following a...

 Netanyahu Says Palestinian State Threatens Middle-East Conflict  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that establishing a Palestinian state would threaten Israel's existence. He promised to resist such initiatives at the United Nations next week. "We must oppose the false propaganda aimed at us and resist calls for a Palestinian state, which pose a threat to our existence and unjustly reward terrorism," Netanyahu informed his cabinet. "We will be addressing this issue with the international community in the coming days."

 Obasanjo Denies Seeking Third Term, Says He Could Have Had It If He Wanted Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has refuted longstanding rumors that he attempted to extend his time in office, asserting that he never advocated for a third term. During the Democracy Dialogue hosted by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Accra on Wednesday, Obasanjo asserted that the allegations are unfounded. "I'm not naive. If I desired a third term, I'm aware of the steps to take. No Nigerian, living or deceased, can claim that I've ever approached them expressing my wish for a third term," he asserted. The ex-leader claimed that obtaining debt relief during his administration was a tougher accomplishment than extending his time in office would have been. "I often tell them, if I managed to secure debt relief—which is harder than getting a third term—and achieved it, then securing a third term wouldn't have been beyond my reach," he remarked. Obasanjo advised leaders ...

 CJN To Inaugurate 57 New SANs As Supreme Court Opens New Legal Year  On Monday, September 29, Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun will administer the oath to 57 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria. The ceremony is one of several events planned to officially commemorate the 2025/2026 legal year of the Court. It is anticipated to take place in the primary courtroom of the highest court. This information was revealed in a statement on Sunday by Festus Akande, the Director of Information and Public Relations for the Supreme Court, in Abuja. "In accordance with our longstanding tradition, the Chief Justice of Nigeria will deliver a State-of-the-Judiciary address during the special court session," stated the announcement. The purpose of this is to spotlight the performance of the Supreme Court specifically, and the Nigerian Judiciary as a whole, in the 2024/2025 legal year. Similarly, other prominent figures in the Justice Sector will deliver speeches addressing the current c...

 NIGERIANS JOIN ACTIVISTS TO COMMEMORATE THE “DRAW THE LINE DAY OF GLOBAL CLIMATE ACTION  Climate activists in Abuja joins millions around the world to commemorate the “draw the line day of global climate action.” The day underscores a collective call to end climate injustice, poverty and environmental destruction, even as vulnerable communities continue to suffer the impacts of increasingly severe weather events. More photos below.