Author: Vardiafrica

A state-of-the-art Clinical Skills and Simulation Laboratory, fully equipped by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), was on Friday commissioned at the Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), Yenagoa, with the goal of positioning the institution to align with global best practices in medical education, and “strengthening local capacity in Bayelsa State and Nigeria at large.” Equipment provided include high-fidelity adult and pediatric patient simulators, laparoscopic training systems, obstetric trainers, advanced life support mannequins, consultation cubicles, and audio-visual learning systems, all of which the university authorities claimed would enable students to “learn, make mistakes, and perfect their life-saving skills in…

Israel and the United States have launched pre-emptive strikes against Iran, targeting radar installations and command and control centres associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The strikes, which began around 8 am local time, have reportedly caused explosions over the capital, Tehran. The US has confirmed its participation in the attacks, with F-22 stealth fighters and aerial refuelling tankers deployed to the region. The strikes come amid heightened tensions and failed negotiations between Iran and the West over Iran’s nuclear program. Israel has gone into lockdown, bracing for potential Iranian retaliation. The extent of the damage and the…

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will implement a fully cashless and contactless payment system across all airport payment points nationwide from March 1, 2026. In a post on X on Friday, FAAN said the initiative is aimed at improving transaction speed, enhancing safety, and delivering a more seamless payment experience for airport users. “Effective Date: March 1, 2026. Pick up your Go-Cashless card at all commercial offices and Access Gates nationwide,” the authority said. On September 26, 2025, FAAN announced the launch of ‘operation go cashless,’ a contactless and cashless payment system — an initiative deployed in partnership with Paystack.…

Ahmadu Fintiri, governor of Adamawa, has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statewide broadcast on Friday, Fintiri said his cabinet and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have moved with him to the APC. The announcement lays to rest speculation on the governor’s plan to defect to the ruling party. Earlier in the week, 15 lawmakers of the Adamawa state house of assembly, including Bathiya Wesley, speaker of the house, and Buba Jijiwa, his deputy, resigned from the PDP. The lawmakers attributed their defections to the “lingering crisis” in the PDP. With Fintiri’s defection, the PDP…

The Defence Headquarters has said that military training, intelligence and operational support provided to Nigeria by the United States come at no financial cost to the country. Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this while briefing journalists on operations conducted against terrorists and other criminal elements in February 2026. He said the assistance is delivered through the United States Africa Command as part of Washington’s global counterterrorism policy. According to him, the presence of US troops in Nigeria is strictly a partnership arrangement focused on training and intelligence sharing. “It is the policy of the United…

Sir Keir Starmer has insisted he will not resign after Labour suffered a shock defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election, describing the result as “very disappointing” but vowing to “keep fighting” for voters. The Green Party’s Hannah Spencer made history by taking the Manchester seat with 14,980 votes, pushing Reform UK’s Matt Goodwin into second place with 10,578 votes and relegating Labour’s Angeliki Stogia to third with 9,364. Speaking after visiting local party members in London, the Prime Minister acknowledged the setback and said he understood why voters were “frustrated” and “impatient for change,” but dismissed suggestions he should…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, February 27, 2026 arraigned Chief Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome, SAN, Ponfa Useni and General Jeremiah Useni (now deceased) before Justice C.N. Oji. Of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Maitama, Abuja over alleged forgery of documents and International Passport to facilitate the ownership of a property in the United Kingdom. They were arraigned on a 12- count amended charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery, impersonation and false pretense. At Friday`s proceedings, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN drew the attention of the court to a 12 -count amended charge dated February 25,…

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court has granted bail in the sum of ₦200 million each to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulaziz, over charges bordering on alleged terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms. The duo, however, were ordered to remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the fulfillment of their bail conditions. In a ruling on their bail applications argued by their lead counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), Justice Abdulmalik directed that each defendant must provide two sureties. One of the sureties must own landed property in either Maitama or Asokoro, high-profile districts within the Federal Capital Territory.…

Nigerian Afrobeats artist Tiwa Savage has launched the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, a philanthropic initiative aimed at supporting the development of emerging African music professionals The foundation seeks to widen access to structured training across the music industry, focusing not only on performers but also on producers, songwriters, sound engineers, executives and other creative professionals. It is intended to address what organisers describe as limited access to world-class music education and industry training across parts of Africa. Speaking at the launch, Savage said the growth of Afrobeats on the global stage requires stronger industry infrastructure behind artists. “Afrobeats has captured the world’s…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN), his wife, Asabe Bashir, and son, Abdulaziz, on money laundering offences. They were re-arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, following the re-assignment of the case to the new trial judge. Upon resumed hearing, EFCC’s lawyer, Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for defendants’ re-arraignment. “The matter is coming before your lordship this morning for the very first time. I will be applying for the plea of the defendants to be taken,”…