Author: Vardiafrica

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order declaring the United States’ intent to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing its alleged mismanagement of global health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic. This marks the second time Trump has ordered the US to disengage from the WHO. He first initiated the withdrawal in 2020, criticizing the organization’s handling of the pandemic, its failure to implement necessary reforms, and its inability to maintain independence from political influences by certain member states. Trump also highlighted financial disparities, condemning the “unfairly onerous payments” demanded of the United States compared to other nations. “China,…

Donald Trump administration officials shut down a mobile app designed for migrants to schedule appointments at the U.S.-Mexico border mere minutes after the new president took office on Monday, Jan. 20.  By disabling the CBP One app, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials effectively cancelled all pending appointments made by migrants without visas who were seeking entry into the United States through legal ports of entry.  This move marks part of a broader effort by the new administration to impose stricter measures at the border, despite a significant decrease in migration over the past six months.  According to CBP data, U.S. officials…

Telephone subscribers in Nigeria will pay more for data and airtime as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Monday approved a 50% tariff increase for telecoms operators in the country. In a statement, a spokesman for the regulator Reuben Muoka said the price adjustment though lower than the “over 100% requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability”. The regulator said the increase was pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges by telecommunications operators. “These…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Davos, Switzerland, where he is representing Nigeria at the 2025 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF). The WEF meeting brings together global leaders, business executives, and development partners to address pressing global and national economic challenges and identify strategies for sustainable growth. During his time in Davos, Vice President Shettima will participate in bilateral meetings and discussions aimed at advancing the nation’s economic opportunities and addressing global risks. A notable event on the Vice President’s schedule is a workshop titled “Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africa’s Frontier Markets”, organized by…

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, received the newly appointed Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, and pledged to work harmoniously with her to deliver policies that will benefit Lagosians. The speaker and other principal officers of the House were received by the governor and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, shortly before the commencement of the weekly State Executive Council meeting. Meranda became Speaker last Monday when her predecessor, Mudashiru Obasa, was removed by members of the House over allegations of misconduct and financial misappropriations. Meranda presided over her first sitting on Friday, setting up new…

Donald Trump will be sworn in for a historic second term as US president Monday, promising a new “golden age” for America as the world braces for a return of his unpredictable leadership. Freezing weather has forced the 78-year-old’s inauguration at the US Capitol indoors, but the first hours of the most extraordinary comeback in American politics will be a blaze of activity. The Republican vowed to unleash a blitz of executive orders undoing Joe Biden’s legacy upon his return to the White House, and to launch immediate deportations of undocumented migrants. If Trump painted a dystopian picture of “American…

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has officially unveiled details about Nigeria’s upcoming General Multipurpose National Identity Card (GMPC). This innovative initiative aims to consolidate identification documents, improve financial accessibility, and streamline government and private sector services for Nigerian citizens. Key Features of the GMPC Unified Identification:The GMPC will replace multiple identity documents, serving as a comprehensive form of identification for Nigerians. This will reduce the burden of carrying multiple cards and simplify access to services. Financial Integration:In collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), the GMPC will allow users to conduct financial transactions…

Incoming first lady Melania Trump has launched a cryptocurrency on the eve of her husband’s inauguration as US president. The announcement comes after President-elect Donald Trump launched the $Trump cryptocurrency. Both coins have risen but have seen volatile trade. “The Official Melania Meme is live! You can buy $Melania now,” she posted on the social platform X on Sunday. The website for the “Official Melania Meme” says it is a crypto asset created and tracked on the Solana blockchain. Disclaimers on the websites of both the $Trump and $Melania coins said they were “not intended to be, or the subject of” an investment opportunity…

TikTok is resuming services to its 170 million users in US after President-elect Donald Trump said he would issue an executive order to give the app a reprieve when he takes office on Monday. On Saturday evening, the Chinese-owned app stopped working for American users, after a law banning it on national security grounds came into effect. Trump, who had previously backed a ban of the platform, promised on Sunday to delay implementation of the law and allow more time for a deal to be made. TikTok then said that it was in the process of “restoring service”. Soon after,…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja to represent Nigeria at the 2025 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland A statement by the senior special assistant to the president on media & communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha said that Shettima will join world leaders, top business executives and representatives of development partners at the meeting to discuss the state of the world economy with the view to improving its conditions. While in Davos, the Vice President will hold bilateral meetings with other leaders as well as participate in workshops and forums slated…