Author: Vardiafrica

The US state department says it has uncovered birth tourism-related fraud networks in Africa, where foreign nationals allegedly used fake documents and visa “fixers” to secure entry into the US and obtain birthright citizenship for their children. One of the discoveries was linked to a US embassy in West Africa and reportedly involved over 100 foreign nationals. The state department did not disclose the country involved. “We shut it down, revoked these foreign nationals’ visas, and are coordinating with local authorities to systematically identify and cut off any similar operations,” the statement issued by the department on Wednesday reads. According…

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has grounded a privately operated aircraft and suspended the operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) following an incident in which the aircraft made an emergency landing on a roadway in Ogwashi-Uku, near Asaba, Delta State. In a preliminary report issued on Wednesday, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, said the aircraft encountered difficulties while attempting to land at Asaba Airport and executed a missed approach at approximately 7:43 a.m. local time. According to the NCAA, the aircraft subsequently landed on a roadway in the Ogwashi-Uku area. Personnel…

Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has donated medical equipment to the Model Primary Health Care Centre, Orogbum Community, in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State, as part of its efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to quality Speaking during the handover at the Health Centre, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated that the intervention aligns with the Commission’s mandate to enhance healthcare delivery and improve the well-being of people in communities across the region. He noted that access to functional healthcare facilities remained critical to sustainable development and reiterated the Commission’s determination to support…

A fire outbreak on Wednesday disrupted activities in a section of the Senate wing of the National Assembly complex in Abuja, raising concerns over safety within the nation’s legislative headquarters before it was swiftly contained by emergency responders. The incident occurred shortly after the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) concluded the screening of Zainab Marwa as the North-east representative on the commission’s board. The fire reportedly started in the kitchen area attached to Hearing Room 107, where the screening had taken place. Sources within the National Assembly said the blaze was believed to have been triggered…

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has reaffirmed its commitment to climate action, environmental protection, and sustainable development across the Niger Delta region, as it joined the global community to commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day in Port Harcourt. Speaking at the event, the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, said the Commission remained focused on implementing strategic environmental projects to restore degraded ecosystems and build climate resilience in communities across the region. Antai, who was represented by the Director II, Environmental Protection and Control, Elder Henry Okokon, noted that the 2026 World Environment Day theme, “Inspired by Nature.…

The House of Representatives is set to vote on a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police across Nigeria. Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu, stated this while briefing members of the House of Representatives Press Corps at the National Assembly on Wednesday. Kalu, who also Chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, described the proposed amendment as a major legislative step toward addressing the country’s growing security challenges. According to him, the proposal reflects increasing public concern over insecurity and the need for stronger policing structures nationwide. “The security of lives and property is the primary purpose…

The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a planned kidnap attack targeting students. The directive followed a security alert issued by the Department of State Services (DSS), warning of a potential mass abduction of schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District. In a circular issued on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Enodolomwanyi Otamere, announced that the affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School. Otamere said the decision was based on security advisories from relevant agencies…

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has stressed the need for increased investment in education as a key element in reorienting the children and laying the groundwork for a better future for Niger Deltans and Nigerians. Ogbuku spoke during the plenary session of the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yenagoa Branch, at the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, Conference Hall, Nigerian Content Tower, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The 2026 Law Week, with the theme “Securing the Future,” was attended by the renowned Kenyan lawyer and activist, Professor Patrick Lumumba,…

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected prime minister, describing the milestone as a reflection of the confidence and trust reposed in him by the Indian people. In a statement issued on Tuesday by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said Modi’s achievement followed three consecutive electoral mandates and underscored his dedication to public service, national development and global leadership. I warmly congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the historic milestone of becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister. This remarkable achievement reflects the enduring confidence and trust the people of India have reposed…

Fifteen graduate trainees of engineering and geology backgrounds on Friday at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, underwent commencement formalities for the Human Capacity Development (HCD) Training Programme of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL) on underwater welding and commercial diving. The 12-month training is in respect of the 14.4-kilometre sectional replacement of pipeline infrastructure contract of the company under its oil mining lease (OML) 30 in Warri, Delta State, and comprises an intensive three-month foundational component at the PTI Training Centre and months of shallow water diving at Abraka and at sea in Burutu, before a final…