PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 EXCLUSIVE: How I got access to attend IPU meeting in New York – Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has provided a detailed account of how she successfully attended the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York, despite not being officially nominated by the Nigerian government. In an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that she registered for the meeting online as a senator and secured her accreditation because she was already on IPU’s mailing list as a past attendee. The senator noted that she personally funded her trip to the global parliamentary gathering after receiving approval to attend. “I registered online as a senator. The suspension does not remove my legitimacy as a senator. I registered online and got a pass. I attended the same programme last year and was already on the mailing list. After I got a pass, I bought my own ticket and funded my trip and participation at the event,” she...

 Criminals, drug addicts, kidnappers are becoming traditional rulers  —  Obasanjo Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has lamented the selection processes of traditional rulers in the country, saying that criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits, and kidnappers have infiltrated royal institutions. The former president said the rapid proliferation of traditional rulers, many of whom lack the required training and moral standing, has led to the deterioration of traditional institutions in the country. Obasanjo, who stated this in one of his newly released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, which was unveiled last week, bemoaned the abandonment of the traditional training and apprenticeship system that once upheld the dignity of royal offices, stressing that this neglect has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s socio-political challenges. He said, “Today, there are criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits and kidnappers as so-called traditional rulers.” He noted that ins...

 NSCDC Anambra Commandant Trains Personnel On Weapon Handling By Juliana Nwachukwu/Nkiru Anakor/Ngozi Okoli The State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, Maku Olatunde has stressed the importance of correct and safe weapon handling for all personnel, warning that any slightest safety breach can have devastating consequences, resulting in casualties. Commandant Maku stated this during a refresher course organised by the command to upscale its personnel's marksmanship and weapon handling skills. This is contained in a release made available to Newsmen at Onitsha by SC Okadigbo Edwin, Head Media and Tactical Ops, for state Commandant. According to him, the training was aimed to achieve the overall goals of the Commandant General,Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi to have well-positioned, professional, gallant, and skilled civil defenders. "This goal of this training is to align with the idea of providing refresher courses to enhance the skills and ...

 Abiodun Inspects Road Projects in Ogun East, Says Current Developmental Drive Must Be Sustained Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, inspected ongoing road construction projects in Ogun East Senatorial District over the weekend as part of his administration’s Urban Regeneration Scheme. Governor Abiodun stated that his administration has successfully redefined Ogun State’s developmental trajectory, emphasizing that this progress must be sustained. He highlighted key infrastructural projects designed to open up the state for more investment opportunities, including the construction of a dry port and the development of over 4,000 affordable housing units for medium- and upper-income earners across Abeokuta, Ilaro, Sagamu, Iperu, Ijebu-Ode, and Ota. Additionally, he announced that plans have been finalized to extend the Blue Rail Line from Agbado to Kajola and the Red Line from Okokomaiko in Lagos to Agbara in Ogun State. “We have built over 4,000—soon to be 5,000—affordable hous...

 Mystery surrounds the deaths of 2 twin brothers from Georgia who missed their flight to Boston and were found deceased 90 miles from home. 19-year-old twin brothers, Qaadir and Naazir Lewis, were both found deceased from gunshot wounds on the summit of Bell Mountain. A hiker discovered the deceased brothers on Saturday March 8th, a full 24 hours after they had missed their scheduled flight. Their flight had been scheduled for 7 a.m. Friday morning however the tickets for that flight were found in their wallets. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has stated their preliminary findings make them believe the deaths to be a M/S. This is a theory the twin's family strongly disputes. Family members contend the brothers have never even heard of Hiawassee, Georgia or Bell Mountain and would have absolutely no reason for being there. The family said the twins were inseparable and had never even fought before. They believe something bad happened to the brothers on that mountain. The family ...

 ERADICATING SGBV:  DSVA ENGAGES RELIGIOUS LEADERS  As part of efforts to stem the tide of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in the State, the Lagos Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has recently conducted a sensitisation programme for 84 religious leaders from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Onigbongbo and Ijede Local Government Areas of Lagos State  The two-day programme, facilitated by Mr. Oluwadamilare Adewusi, Head of the Community Engagement Unit, aimed to equip religious leaders with knowledge on issues surrounding Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), effective reporting systems and their roles in helping survivors find justice. Mr. Adewusi delivered a comprehensive presentation on SGBV, emphasising the importance of religious leaders encouraging open discussions among their congregation about their experiences of victimization and reporting cases of domestic violence to the Lagos DSVA. The programme focused on the role of religious l...

 BURIAL OF NAVY CAPTAIN S AHMADU The National Defence College (NDC) Nigeria regrets to announce the passing of Navy Captain Sokodobo Ahmadu, a distinguished member of National Defence College Course 33. The late senior officer was laid to rest in a solemn ceremony attended by the Commandant of NDC, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, alongside the Deputy Commandant, College Secretary, Directors, faculty members, participants, colleagues, and staff of the NDC. His family and loved ones were also present to bid him farewell. In his remarks, the Commandant, Rear Admiral Olotu, extolled the virtues of the late Navy Captain, describing him as a professional, dedicated, and disciplined officer whose contributions to the Nigerian Navy and the nation’s defence architecture will be greatly missed. He extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul and for God’s grace upon his loved ones. Born on 4 June 1978 in Gwagwar, Kuje Area Council of the ...