Author: Vardiafrica

Governors from northern Nigeria have strongly condemned the deadly bomb blasts in Maiduguri, describing the attacks as “barbaric” and a direct assault on innocent people. The Northern States Governors’ Forum, led by Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said it was deeply saddened by the incident, which left many people dead and others injured. In a statement, the forum said the explosions at the Post Office area, Monday Market and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital were “heinous, barbaric and a direct assault on innocent lives.” The governors also expressed sympathy to the government and people of Borno State, especially families who lost…

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has been sworn in for a second term in office. He took the oath during his inauguration, which was held at the newly renovated Alex Ekwueme Square in Akwa, the state capital, on Tuesday. Soludo was sworn in alongside his deputy, Onyeka Ibezim. In his address, the governor promised to do more for the people, citing progress made in the areas of security as some of the achievements of his government in the last four years. “The debilitating one-sit-at-home is over, and our schools, markets, businesses, and public servants are back to work. Ndi Anambra…

President Bola Tinubu has departed Abuja for a State Visit to the United Kingdom, marking the beginning of a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. The President left the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja Tuesday morning, accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and was seen off by top government officials. During the visit, President Tinubu is expected to be hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle, in what is being described as a historic engagement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He will also hold a bilateral meeting with…

Iran’s soccer federation is in discussions with FIFA about moving their World Cup matches to Mexico from the United States due to concerns about the safety of their players, Iranian soccer president Mehdi Taj said on Monday. Iran’s participation in the global soccer showpiece was thrown into doubt after co-hosts the United States launched joint air strikes at the country along with Israel. US President Donald Trump said last week that Iran were welcome to participate but suggested it might not be appropriate for them to play in the US “for their own life and safety.” “When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security…

President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the government and people of Borno state over the recent terrorist attacks describing it as the terrorists final desperate and frantic attempts to instill, and spread fear as they come under constant pressure from brave armed forces and security agencies operating in various theatres. A statement the President personally signed says it “is profoundly upsetting. I mourn those who lost their lives, sympathise with the injured and stand in solidarity with the people of Borno during this challenging time. We will continue to intensify our efforts against all criminal elements, wherever they may be.I…

U.S. President Donald Trump has slammed Britain’s reaction to the Iran war, saying it left him “not happy” and “very surprised,” as he fired fresh criticism at Keir Starmer. In his latest attack, Trump said the UK ‘should be involved enthusiastically’ with helping American forces reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This comes as Tehran is blockading the vital sea passage out of the Persian Gulf, stopping the flow of oil and gas from the Middle East and pushing up energy prices across the globe. Mr. Trump suggested countries that became involved in protecting shipping in the Strait would face ‘very few shots’ from…

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into a railway incident involving a passenger train operating on the Rigasa–Idu rail corridor.The occurrence took place at approximately 09:16 hours along the Jere–Asham section near Asham Station in Kaduna State. The section of track where the event occurred is located on a downward gradient. The train, identified as KA2, departed Rigasa Railway Station in Kaduna at the commencement of its scheduled journey to Idu Station in Abuja. The train operated within the scheduled service window of 07:15 to 10:01 and arrived at Jere Station at 08:52 before departing again…

President Bola Tinubu on Monday swore in Mr Taiwo Oyedele, the chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, as Minister of State for Finance, extolling his determination and dedication to duty. President Tinubu, who spoke after the brief ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said the appointment was a vote of confidence in Mr Oyedele. The President extolled the new minister for his professionalism in coordinating the work of the Tax Reforms Committee. He noted that Oyedele’s commitment and deep knowledge of tax policy played a critical role in shaping the reforms designed to simplify the…

Chelsea football club have been handed the Premier League’s biggest fine along with a one-year transfer ban suspended for two years. The total fine of £10.75m relates to secret payments made to agents worth £47.5m between 2011 and 2018, when Roman Abramovich was the owner, and breaches of rules around registering youth players. The investigation determined these payments “occurred with the knowledge and approval” of former senior employees and/or directors, the sanction agreement shows. The transactions came to light during the due diligence process when the new American owners bought the club in 2022. They self-reported the irregularities to the…

The Nigerian Railway Corporation says a train incident occurred near Asham on Monday morning but confirmed that no fatalities were recorded. In a statement issued Monday, the corporation’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kayode Opeifa said the incident happened around 10:30 a.m. and involved a rear locomotive and a passenger coach. Preliminary findings indicate that the rear locomotive made contact with the coach directly behind it due to a coupling issue. The corporation said some passengers sustained injuries and were attended to before being taken to a nearby medical facility for further treatment. According to the NRC, emergency response…