PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 SURVIVORS DEMAND URGENT ACTION ON BENUE KILLINGS 12th July, 2025      Survivors of recent attacks in Benue State have called for an end to the killings, urging government and security agencies to take urgent action to protect lives and restore peace in affected communities. They spoke at a town hall in Makurdi, the Benue State Capital, hosted by News Central. At the town hall, traditional rulers, security officials, civil society groups, survivors and community leaders gathered to confront the crisis that has gripped the state for over a decade. The event came on the heels of a deadly escalation in violence across the region. Since 2009, hundreds of communities in Benue have suffered repeated attacks, often blamed on Fulani militia. These assaults have led to the deaths of thousands and the displacement of over 2 million people, turning vibrant farming settlements into ghost towns. In just the last two years alone, more than 1,000 lives have been lost, making the ur...

 LESS SALT, LONGER LIVES: NIGERIA'S PUSH FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE 12th July, 2025    EXCESSIVE salt consumption is a major risk factor for hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), adults should limit their sodium intake to less than two grams per day.  However, many Nigerians exceed this recommended amount, primarily due to the high sodium content in processed and packaged foods. Reducing salt intake has proven health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Notably, while WHO recommends less than two grams of sodium (equivalent to five grams of salt) per day, data shows that Nigerians consume an average of 7 to 9 grams of salt daily. This is well above the global recommendation. This intake level is comparable to the average in sub-Saharan Africa and higher in countries like the United States, where the average salt intake is about 8.5 grams per day. In th...

 Reduction in visa validity: Nigerians have misunderstood us - U.S. The U.S. Mission Nigeria says its reasons for reducing most nonimmigrant U.S. visas in the country, have been misunderstood by people. In a statement shared on its X handle, the Mission claimed that the reduction in visa validity was not a result of Nigeria’s stance on third-country deportees, introduction of e-visa policies, or affiliations with groups like BRICS. The U.S. Mission said that the reduction in validity was part of an ongoing global review of the use of U.S. visas by other countries. According to it, the review uses technical and security benchmarks to safeguard U.S. immigration systems. It emphasised its commitment to working closely with the Nigerian public and government officials to help them meet the necessary criteria and benchmarks. The statement read: “The U.S. Mission Nigeria wishes to address misconceptions about the recent reduction in visa validity for most nonimmigrant U.S. visas in Niger...

 Abia State Sees Decline in HIV Prevalence, Urges Community Action The Abia State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ABSACA) has reported a significant drop in HIV prevalence from 5.1% in 2018 to 2.1% in 2024. The announcement was made by ABSACA Director General, Dr. Uloaku Ukaegbu, during a one-day sensitization workshop for Ward Development Committee (WDC) members in Umuahia, aimed at boosting community involvement in HIV prevention across the state’s 17 local government areas. Dr. Ukaegbu revealed that 46,788 individuals are currently receiving HIV treatment in Abia. However, she expressed concern over persistently high infection rates in areas like Ukwa East, Ikwuano, and Obingwa. She called on WDC members to lead grassroots campaigns, including town hall meetings, market outreaches, and faith-based engagements, to raise awareness about HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. Mr. Chinedu Iroh, ABSACA’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, emphasized prevention as the cornerstone of ...

 Kevin Smith’s patience reached its limit on the Chasing Amy set when Ben Affleck kept ad‑libbing lines.  Smith reportedly told him to “write your own script someday.” Affleck took that challenge seriously teaming up with Matt Damon to write Good Will Hunting, which went on to win the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.  A moment of creative tension sparked one of the greatest success stories in Hollywood. 

 Onitsha North Launches Immunization Task Force, Kicks off Second Round of NIDDs By Chika Obi/Chioma Nwankwo/Claribel Udah  The Mayor of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Hon. Nweze Tony Nwora has officially inaugurated a dedicated Immunization Task Force and launched the second round of National Immunization Plus Days (NIDDs), marking a renewed push to safeguard children against polio and other preventable diseases. The ceremony took place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Hall on Awka Road, where Councillor Chike Nwanosike, Supervisor for Health, stood in for Mayor Nwora. In his address, he charged the newly appointed task force with providing “effective leadership coordination” to drive routine immunization deep into every community. He stressed that “prudent management of funds and the recruitment of competent personnel will be crucial to the success of this initiative.” Mrs. Elizabeth Ezedinachi, Director of Onitsha North Healthcare Services, extended gratitude to the Mayo...

 Cleric Laments High Bride Price In Igboland , Says It's Destroying Marriage Institution  By Juliana Nwachukwu  A senior cleric in the  Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion, Anambra State, Rev Canon Ugochukwu Ogunoegbunam, has raised serious concerns over what he described as the “outrageous and condemnable” high bride price culture in Igboland.         He warned that the age old practice was contributing to the decline of the marriage institution in the region.        Delivering a sermon during the midweek worship service Wednesday, July 9, at Calvary Chapel, Onitsha, Rev Canon Ogunoegbunam lamented that many intending husbands were forced to sell land or other valuable properties in order to meet the financial demands associated with traditional marriage rites. “Today, before a man marries, he would first sell land or something tangible.            "Some umunna (kindred) even increase the mar...