Author: Vardiafrica

The Federal Government, through the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has unveiled the approved version of Nigeria’s reintroduced national anthem The Director-General of the NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, unveiled the standardised version of the anthem on Wednesday in Abuja. He urged Nigerians to pay close attention to the words in lines three and five of the national anthem that was reintroduced. On May 29, 2024, on the one-year anniversary of the current government, President Bola Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 reverting to the old national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee” from “Arise, O Compatriots” The President said the latest national anthem, ‘Nigeria,…

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has adjourned till June 25 for further hearing in the case against celebrity bartender and businessman, Pascal Okechukwu popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, for alleged abuse of the Naira. The court adjourned on Wednesday at the instance of the defendant who was absent but had written a letter seeking an adjournment of the case. Channels TV obtained a copy of the letter which was dated June 4th, 2024 and written by the law firm of Classicus & Dewlight on behalf of Cubana Chief Priest. In the letter, the lawyers reminded the court…

The ad hoc committee set up by the Kaduna State House of Assembly to investigate all finances, loans and contracts awarded under the former governor, Nasir El-Rufai has submitted its report to the House. Presenting the report during plenary on Wednesday, the chairman of the ad hoc committee, Henry Zacharia, said that most of the loans obtained under the El-Rufai’s administration were not used for the purpose for which they were obtained, while in some cases, due process was not followed in securing the loans. Receiving the report, the Speaker of the Kaduna House of Assembly, Yusuf Liman, said that…

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) plans to introduce some changes that will enhancethe Nigerian Content Intervention (NCI) Fund and increase the fund’s impact and efficiency. The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omotsola Ogbe hinted at the changes at the quarterly engagement forum held with the Bank of Industry (BoI), custodians of the fund on Monday in Lagos. Commenting on the performance of the Fund, the Executive Secretary confirmed that the NCI Fund has since its inception played a crucial role in transforming the Nigerian oil and gas industry. He stated that by providing essential financial support, the fund has empowered numerous Nigerian companies andfostered local capacity development and…

Nedogas Development Company Limited (NDCL), a Joint Venture company between Xenergi Limited and NCDMB Capacity Development Intervention Company, has in collaboration with the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, successfully completed the construction and technical commissioning of a 300 MMscfd Capacity Kwale Gas Gathering (KGG) and injection facility located in the Umusam Community, near Kwale in Delta State, Niger-Delta, Nigeria.  The formal commissioning ceremony of the facility will be performed by the Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Honorable Ekperikpe Ekpo on June 6, 2024. The Minister will be supported by the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor…

Festus Osifo, president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), says organised labour will not accept an “unreasonable” addition to the N60,000 minimum wage offer by the federal government. Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Tuesday, Osifo said labour would not have embarked on a strike if the federal government had shown signs of seriousness in previous meetings. Earlier, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and TUC “relaxed” their indefinite strike by one week to negotiate with the federal government on a new minimum wage. The NLC and the TUC had declared an indefinite strike, which started on Monday, over the failure…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has firmly denied allegations suggesting that it plans to revoke the licenses of three more banks following its recent regulatory action against Heritage Bank Plc.  In a press release dated June 4, 2024, signed by Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications, the CBN unequivocally stated that these claims are baseless and aimed at creating unnecessary panic within the financial sector. The rumours emerged shortly after the CBN’s regulatory intervention with Heritage Bank Plc, leading to speculations about further actions against other banks. However, the CBN has assured the public that the…

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, to calculate the cost implications of the proposed new national minimum wage. The President gave the directive in Abuja when he met with members of the Federal Government’s Negotiation Team, which briefed him on the outcome of its engagement with the Organised Labour. After the meeting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said the Minister of Finance had been given Wednesday, tomorrow to provide the figures that would guide government on the issue at stake. “It’s been quite…

Chelsea on Monday appointed Leicester boss Enzo Maresca as their new manager on a five-year deal to replace the departed Mauricio Pochettino The Italian, 44, was appointed by the Foxes in June 2023 and led them to the Championship title last season. Chelsea said they were “thrilled to welcome Enzo into the Chelsea family”. “He is a highly gifted coach and leader that we are confident can help fulfill our vision and competitive goals for the club,” said the club’s ownership group. Pochettino left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent last month despite a strong end to the season. AFP

Most tertiary, primary and secondary schools across the country have shut down activities, and students turned back home as the Labour Unions on Monday, flagged off an indefinite nationwide strike action. This followed a declaration by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), on Sunday, that there was no going back on the industrial action. “For now, we don’t have the power to call off the strike, tomorrow (Monday) morning, the strike will kick off as we take their (NASS) plea asking us to call off the strike to our various organs,” said Festus Osifo after…