PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Turkey school shooting leaves nine dead and 13 injured after 13-year-old opens fire at classroom  A 13-year-old student opened fire at a school in southern Turkey on Wednesday, killing nine people and injuring 13 others in an attack that sent students scrambling for safety, including some who jumped from windows to escape gunfire. Officials said the incident unfolded in Kahramanmaras province, where mass shootings have historically been rare, and marked the second school shooting in the country in as many days. Authorities said the eighth-grade student arrived at school carrying multiple firearms believed to belong to his father, a former police officer. He allegedly entered two classrooms and opened fire randomly, causing multiple casualties before the situation ended in chaos. Officials said the suspect was carrying five guns and several magazines, and he later died during the incident. Investigators said it is not yet clear whether his death was a suicide or occurred amid ...

 Lionel Messi sued by Miami promoter over $7 million contract tied to missed Argentina exhibition match appearance  A Miami-based event promoter has filed a lawsuit against Lionel Messi and the Argentine Football Association, alleging breach of a $7 million contract tied to a series of exhibition matches last year in which the soccer star did not fully meet agreed-upon playing requirements. The company, Vid Music Group, claims it secured exclusive rights to organize and promote Argentina’s friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico and paid $7 million for Messi’s participation under the terms of the agreement. According to the lawsuit, Messi was expected to play at least 30 minutes in each match unless injured. Messi did not take part in the first match against Venezuela, instead watching from a suite at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida. He later appeared in Inter Miami’s MLS match the following day, scoring twice. He also played in Argentina’s subsequent 6–0 win over Puerto Ric...

 South Africa's Julius Malema jailed for five years for firing gun at rally A South African court sentenced opposition leader Julius Malema to five years in jail on Thursday for firing an assault rifle at a rally eight years ago. Hundreds of red-clad supporters of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party leader gathered outside the court for the sentencing. Large groups of EFF supporters also gathered in other cities, including Johannesburg, to watch the sentencing broadcast live from the court in the city of KuGumpo, formerly called East London. Magistrate Twanet Olivier said Malema, 45, had deliberately violated firearm laws by shooting a gun in the air at an EFF rally in 2018 in a planned event. "It wasn't... an impulsive act," the magistrate said. "It was the event of the evening." "The decision to break the law has been made and it was made with the approval of the accused person, and the leadership," she said, AFP reported. Malema's defe...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES WADAGNI, BENIN REPUBLIC'S  PRESIDENT-ELECT President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the President-elect of the Republic of Benin, His Excellency, Romuald Wadagni, on his victory at the polls. Romuald Wadagni, the country's Minister of Finance, secured an overwhelming majority of the vote in the presidential election held on April 12.  In a letter signed by him, President Tinubu said the victory “reflects the trust the Beninese people have placed in your vision and your distinguished record of service as Minister of Finance.” President Tinubu also stated that Nigeria and the Republic of Benin “share a long history of friendship, cultural ties, and cooperation,” adding that he looked forward to working with His Excellency Romuald Wadagni to strengthen bilateral relations. The full text of the letter :  Your Excellency and Dear Brother,  "On behalf of the Government and the people of the Federal Republic...

 Governor Soludo’s Unscheduled Visit: Absentee Workers Face Disciplinary Committee By MaryAnn Chukwuma Following the recent unscheduled visit by Gov Chukwuma Charles Soludo to the Anambra State Secretariat, defaulting civil servants have appeared before a disciplinary committee to determine their fate in the service. The disciplinary panel, which convened on April 13 at the Committee Hall of the Office of the Head of Service, Jerome Udorji Secretariat Complex, Awka, was chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mrs. Nkiru Jessie Nwankwo, Esq., alongside other Permanent Secretaries and senior civil servants. Addressing the affected workers, the Chairman, Mrs. Nwankwo, stated that lateness—particularly absenteeism—violates Civil Service Rules and constitutes a breach of contract punishable under the law. She urged the workers to take their duties seriously, noting that the current administration is committed to transforming the Civil Service. She further advi...

 Obosi Market Official Urges Intervention to Fix Dilapidated Lavatory, Borehole ‎ ‎By Chiedu Uche Okoye ‎ ‎ ‎The Leader of the Obosi Development Union (ODU) Women Wing, Ambassador Augusta Ebunam, has made a public appeal for assistance to restore the non-functional lavatory and borehole at the Afor-Adike market in Obosi, Anambra State. ‎ ‎While leading journalists on an inspection tour of the market, Ambassador Ebunam drew attention to the dilapidated condition of the facilities. Afor-Adike, which is the largest market in Obosi-inland, operates daily with the exception of Sundays. ‎ ‎He decried the hardship traders endure due to the prolonged breakdown of the market’s lavatory and borehole, stating that vendors are compelled to return to their residences to access toilet facilities. ‎ ‎“During market hours, traders leave the premises to relieve themselves at home,” Ebunam explained. “They also go outside the market to obtain water required for use within the market.” ‎ ‎Mrs. Ifeoma...

 Gov. Uba Sani Approves ₦4.29bn For Pensioners, Death Benefits Governor Uba Sani has approved the release of ₦4.289 billion to settle pension entitlements, gratuities, and death benefits for retired civil servants and the families of deceased workers at both state and local government levels. The approved funds will cover 1,637 beneficiaries under two schemes: the Contributory Pension Scheme (Accrued Rights) and the Defined Benefit Scheme. Out of the total amount, ₦3.915 billion will be paid to 1,392 pensioners under the contributory scheme, while ₦374 million will go to 245 beneficiaries under the defined benefit scheme. According to the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, this latest disbursement brings the total amount paid by the administration to ₦17.796 billion, benefiting over 8,300 retirees and families of deceased workers. He explained that the payment reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to clear pension backlogs, strengthen social protection, an...