PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Fed Govt pushes toward single window port system, targets seven-day cargo clearance The Federal Government has intensified its drive to implement a National Single Window system at ports by 2026 in a move expected to drastically cut cargo clearance time and enhance transparency in maritime trade processes. Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking on Thursday at the second meeting of the Ports and Customs Efficiency Committee at the State House, Abuja, said the digital platform—set for rollout in the first quarter of 2026—will harmonise documentation, reduce human contact, and improve efficiency across the ports ecosystem. “Our goal is to reduce the average cargo clearance time in Nigeria to under seven days by the end of 2026 and to position our ports among the top three most efficient trade gateways on the continent. The National Single Window will be a game changer,” the Vice President stated. Shettima expressed concerns over the current clearance delays, noting that cargo dwell...

 Rivals gun down notorious bandit ‘Jankare’  A feared bandit leader, Jankare, has been killed by a rival gang during a violent clash along the Dutsenma axis of Katsina State. Security analyst Zagazola Makama said the fight broke out after a dispute between Jankare and another bandit commander over recent attacks and control of territories in the area. Jankare, who had long terrorised several communities in Dutsenma and nearby local governments, was reportedly shot dead during the confrontation. He was infamous for leading kidnappings, killings, and cattle rustling operations across the region and was known for his TikTok videos, where he flaunted weapons and mocked security forces. Makama said the slain bandit had recently attended a meeting of bandit leaders meant to settle internal disputes before falling out with his rivals. Security agencies are said to be on alert to prevent reprisal attacks following his death

 Nathaniel Bassey: Why I won't monetize my YouTube despite 'N1bn gain' Gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey has finally addressed reports and online debates about his decision not to monetise his viral Hallelujah Challenge on YouTube, despite claims that he could have earned over N1 billion from the platform. Speaking during one of the live sessions of the ongoing Hallelujah Challenge, Bassey said his decision was based on divine direction, not financial logic. “People are dragging me because I didn’t monetise my YouTube channel for the Hallelujah Challenge. I won’t monetise it, God didn’t tell me to,” he said. Bassey, who has hosted the Hallelujah Challenge annually since 2017, explained that while some may view his decision as financially unwise, he considers it an act of obedience and spiritual integrity. The gospel minister also revealed that some individuals have created fake accounts and rebroadcast the live praise sessions without permission in an attempt to profit from hi...

 Fresh Boko Haram, ISWAP clash erupts in Sambisa Forest, dozens reportedly killed Heavy fighting has broken out between rival factions of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Sambisa Forest axis of Borno State, as renewed hostilities spread across parts of Bama and Konduga Local Government Areas. Reliable sources told security analyst Zagazola Makama that the latest round of infighting began when a faction loyal to a notorious commander, Abba Tukurre, alongside his lieutenants Bunjumma and Ali Kalumbo, launched a coordinated offensive against rival camps. The assault reportedly started at Gazuwa Camp, a major stronghold in the Sambisa area of Bama, where Tukurre’s fighters overpowered their opponents after hours of fierce gunfire. Subsequent raids targeted nearby enclaves in Kashimeri, Katchi, and Bula Musaye, where several hideouts were overrun. Another factional commander, Abu-Rijal (also known as Ba-Sulhu), was said to have mobilized reinforcement...

 US singer Ciara shocked by Nigeria’s transformation American singer and global superstar Ciara has expressed admiration for the transformation she observed in Lagos State upon her return to Nigeria for the Lagos Fashion Week 2025. Speaking in a viral video, the singer said she was amazed by the visible development and cleaner environment in the city compared to her previous visit. “I’m so happy to be here and I’m really glad. No, this is not my first time; I know about Lagos,” Ciara said. “When I used to land, I used to see dirty roads, but now it’s all clean, and it has changed.” Ciara, who arrived in Lagos earlier this week, attended the fashion event alongside other international celebrities and Nigerian designers.

 King Charles strips Prince Andrew of royal title, orders him out of Windsor home over Epstein scandal King Charles III has formally stripped Prince Andrew, his younger brother, of his “prince” title and ordered him to vacate his Windsor residence. The decision comes amid renewed scrutiny of Andrew’s links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement on Thursday, Buckingham Palace said the King “has today initiated a formal process to remove the style, titles and honours of Prince Andrew”. The statement added that the 65-year-old royal “will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor”. The palace also confirmed that “formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease” on Royal Lodge, Andrew’s Windsor mansion, which he has lived in for more than two decades. He is expected to relocate to the royal estate in Sandringham, Norfolk, with any future accommodation privately funded by the King. “These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he contin...

 Air travellers kick as NCAA introduces $11.5 security levy Starting December 1, 2025, passengers flying into or out of Nigeria will pay an additional $11.50 per ticket following the introduction of a new security levy by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The levy, separate from the existing $20 security charge and other FAAN fees, is part of the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) project aimed at enhancing airport security and border control. According to the NCAA, the fee—effective for 20 years—will support a single-window security platform for airport agencies and improve passenger data tracking. Airlines will collect the charge at the point of ticket sale and remit it to the NCAA. The APIS, implemented in partnership with the Nigeria Immigration Service, will streamline passenger clearance by processing traveller data before arrival. Infants, diplomats, airline crew on duty, and passengers affected by involuntary rerouting or within 24-hour transfers are ex...