Author: Vardiafrica

Prominent members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are leading the “Save Nigeria Democracy” protest in Abuja. Several chieftains of the party, including Peter Obi; ex-vice president Atiku Abubakar; a former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi; ex-governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso; a former Senate President, David Mark; and ex-Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, among others, are present as the protesters march through the streets of Abuja. The protest began at the Maitama Roundabout in the city and is expected to lead them to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Atiku and the ADC are accusing…

Two ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz since Iran agreed to reopen the waterway as part of a ceasefire deal, maritime monitor Marine Traffic said Wednesday. “The Greek-owned bulk carrier NJ Earth crossed the Strait at 08:44 UTC, while the Liberia-flagged Daytona Beach transited earlier at 06:59 UTC, shortly after departing Bandar Abbas at 05:28 UTC”, MarineTraffic said on X. The United States and Iran agreed overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday to a two-week ceasefire, during which passage through the Strait of Hormuz “will be possible via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces”, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said…

Crude oil deliveries from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery doubled in March, boosting prospects for improved fuel availability. This was revealed by the President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, on Tuesday, when he received the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, at the industrial complex in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos. While speaking on feedstock supply, Dangote commended the NNPC for increasing crude deliveries to the refinery in March, noting that volumes rose to 10 cargoes—six supplied in naira and four in dollars—to support domestic fuel availability, according to a statement by…

United States President Donald Trump has announced a two-week ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Iran after Tehran agreed to allow safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said he would suspend planned military strikes on Iran following discussions with Pakistani leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who urged de-escalation. The decision came just hours before a scheduled attack deadline, with Trump stating that the pause was conditional on the “complete, immediate, and safe opening” of the strategic oil route.Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, confirmed that a tentative agreement had been reached, adding that Iran would allow coordinated safe…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) yesterday confirmed that it commenced the export of its new crude grade – Cawthorne, marking a significant milestone in the company’s drive to increase Nigeria’s crude oil production and expand its portfolio of globally competitive export streams. Cawthorne blend crude, the latest addition to Nigeria’s basket of crude grades, NNPC said, has an American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity of 36.4, placing it firmly within the light, sweet category – comparable to Bonny Light, and highly valued in the global market for its superior petrol and diesel yields. “NNPC Ltd confirms that on Sunday,…

Motorists along the Kugbo–Nyanya corridor in Abuja were stranded in hours-long traffic gridlock on Tuesday after a heavy rainstorm damaged parts of the newly constructed Kugbo Bus Terminal, spilling debris onto the busy Nyanya–Keffi Expressway. The downpour, accompanied by strong winds, tore through sections of the terminal’s roof and surrounding structures, with rubble obstructing parts of the highway and disrupting the flow of traffic, particularly for inbound commuters into the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Eyewitness accounts and videos from the scene showed debris scattered across the road, worsening congestion along the already busy route. Some motorists reported being stuck in…

Speaking during the handover ceremony at the Ayakoro Community Town Hall, the NDDC Director, Bayelsa State Office, Engr. Godknows Alamieyeseigha noted that it was necessary to formally hand over the projects and present the contractor to the Communities. He observed that the land reclamation and shoreline protection for communities demonstrated the NDDC’s commitment to improving people’s welfare, noting that the benefitting Communities had always cooperated with the NDDC and its contractors. Alamieyeseigha advised community members to see themselves as owners of the project and to report any abnormalities they might notice during its execution. He further urged the Communities to…

US President Donald Trump has threatened that Iran’s “whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again” if the country’s leadership fails to make “something revolutionarily” happen. Over the weekend, Trump said Iran had until Tuesday at 8pm ET (1 am WAT) to make a deal. The US president has demanded that Iran fully opens the Strait of Hormuz to shipping traffic or risk facing “hell”. “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will,” he said in a Truth Social post hours ahead of the deadline.…

The National Association of Resident Doctors on Tuesday announced the suspension of its planned strike after reaching an understanding with the Federal Government on key demands, including payment of outstanding allowances and improvements in doctors’ welfare. The decision was taken after an emergency meeting of the association’s National Executive Council, where members reviewed assurances from government representatives and resolved to give dialogue another chance. “The NEC, in recognition of the ongoing high-level interventions and as a demonstration of goodwill, hereby suspends the previously declared Total, Indefinite, and Comprehensive Strike action,” the communique read. NARD said the suspension was informed by…

Yusuf Muhammad Buhari, son of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, has formally declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Sandamu/Daura/Mai’adua Federal Constituency under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a letter addressed to stakeholders and supporters, Yusuf Buhari expressed readiness to contribute to leadership and development in the constituency, noting that his decision followed extensive consultations. “With all respect, I am extremely delighted to write and inform you my intention to contest for the seat of House of Representatives at the above mentioned constituency (Sandamu/Daura/Mai’adua), under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC),”…