Author: Vardiafrica

The Federal Government has called on young Nigerians participating in the 2026 National Youth Confab to move beyond discussions and develop practical solutions to challenges confronting the country. The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, made the call while declaring the conference open at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Auditorium in Abuja. According to a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the ministry, Omolara Esan, Olawande described the confab as more than a gathering for discussions, saying it offers young Nigerians an opportunity to exchange ideas, examine challenges and opportunities, and contribute to policies and…

The federal government has  kicked off the  construction of a new ultra-modern National Control Centre for the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) in Osogbo, Osun State,  to replace  a 64-year-old facility that no longer meets the demands of running Nigeria’s grid. The groundbreaking was performed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, supported by the Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe. Delivering a breakdown of the project, Tegbe explained that the upcoming facility will provide NISO with complete, real-time visibility across the entire national grid network, enabling rapid intervention during system swings. He described the initiative as tangible proof of President Tinubu’s resolve…

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is set to launch an initiative to help African countries improve their sovereign credit ratings by strengthening economic data and transparency. AfDB President, Mr Sidi Ould Tah, disclosed this on Thursday while speaking at the S&P emerging markets conference in London. Mr Tah said gaps in economic data and market infrastructure contribute to perceptions of higher risk, which in turn increase borrowing costs for African countries. He said the initiative would be implemented through the African Legal Support Facility to help governments prepare for sovereign credit assessments and improve the quality of information available to…

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has empowered 100 women in Akwa Ibom State with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and digital marketing skills to enable them to expand their businesses and access online markets. Speaking during the two-day training programme in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the NDDC Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, Mrs Lyna Okara, said the initiative reflected the Commission’s commitment to empowering women with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the digital economy. She said the ICT training was designed to equip women with practical digital skills for online business, marketing and networking. The…

Africa’s richest industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has expanded his continental industrialisation push into East Africa, as Africa must mobilise its own capital, build at scale and take ownership of the industries driving its transformation. Dangote, who disclosed plans to invest an additional $50 billion across Africa after committing more than $25 billion to existing businesses, said the next phase of the Group’s expansion would combine massive industrial investment with a deliberate opening of its businesses to African ownership through the capital markets. The declaration came in Nairobi on the eve of the groundbreaking of the Dangote East Africa Petroleum Refinery &…

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has congratulated the new Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, His Majesty, King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, Jeki VI, describing his coronation as a significant moment for the historic kingdom and the Niger Delta region Ogbuku spoke on Saturday when he joined prominent Nigerians, traditional rulers and other dignitaries at the coronation ceremony held at King Jaja Square in Opobo Town, Rivers State. King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja was formally crowned the sixth Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom at the colourful ceremony, succeeding the late King Dandeson Douglas Jaja. The…

The federal government has launched the National Digital Alphanumeric Postcode System aimed at improving location identification, service delivery and access to opportunities across Nigeria. Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, announced the launch on X on Thursday. The system, launched by the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), assigns an 11-character digital postcode to addressable buildings across the country. Tijani said the system would help small businesses reach customers beyond their immediate locations, while making it easier for emergency responders and public agencies to locate communities and deliver essential services. “Every Nigerian deserves to be found. Every business deserves…

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has charged traditional rulers and community leaders to be vigilant and take collective responsibility in the protection of public infrastructure across the Niger Delta region. Speaking at a Stakeholders’ Forum on Public Infrastructure and Vandalism Prevention in Port Harcourt, NDDC Managing Director Dr Samuel Ogbuku said that while the government has a duty to provide basic amenities, communities are responsible for protecting them. Ogbuku, represented by the Director, Administration and Human Resources, Sir Kelechi Nwelue, noted that destroying public infrastructure harms communities and individuals, not just the government. He said: “The aim of the…

Five European Union countries are moving ahead with plans to establish migrant return centres outside the bloc, with the first facility expected to become operational in Africa in 2027. The countries involved are Greece, Germany, Austria, Denmark and the Netherlands. The five nations, known as the “Group of Five”, are working on a common model for so-called return hubs for migrants whose asylum applications have been finally rejected or who have no legal right to remain in the EU Plevris said Greece had already selected an African country to host the facility but that its identity could not yet be…

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday dismissed concerns about his health, saying he is “healthy, sound, and ready to go” after returning to Nigeria from his extended working vacation in Europe. Tinubu spoke with journalists on arrival in Lagos following his stay in France, where he had spent the latter part of his vacation. Asked about concerns raised by some Nigerians and his supporters about his health, Tinubu said there was nothing wrong with him. “Ready to kick, ready to walk. There’s nothing wrong. Rumour will always be emanating from politics, but the facts remain: I’m here. Healthy, sound, and ready…