Author: Vardiafrica

After gutting humanitarian assistance for Africa, President Trump told five leaders from the continent at the White House on Wednesday that his administration was recalibrating its policy for the region to focus on trade. “We’re shifting from A.I.D. to trade,” Mr. Trump told the leaders of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania and Senegal, adding that his administration had recently closed the United States Agency for International Development. “We’re working tirelessly to forge new economic opportunities involving both the United States and many African nations. There’s great economic potential in Africa, like few other places.” In many ways, the meeting crystallized the…

Ghana’s president launched a special task force on Tuesday to combat rampant illegal gold mining and smuggling that has long plagued the West African nation. The chronic challenge of illegal gold mining — known locally as “galamsey” — was a major issue during Ghana’s presidential election campaign last year and a source of concern for voters, triggering protests and criticism against the outgoing government. Ghana’s President John Mahama inaugurated the GOLDBOD Task Force, saying its creation “signals our readiness to act decisively.” The task force — comprised of officers from various security agencies and the military — is empowered to…

The Nigerian Army has honoured the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, with the “NA Outstanding Service Commendation Medal, NAOSCM.” In a letter certifying the Service Commendation Medal, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, said: “Having contributed immensely to the development of the NA’s infrastructure, human capacity development, as well as enhancement of the NA’s operational efficiency and accomplishment of the COAS Command Philosophy, is hereby awarded the NA Outstanding Service Commendation Medal (NAOSCM).” The commendation medal was presented to Ogbuku during the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2025 Lecture and Award…

Dangote Refinery has again within a week interval reduced its ex-depot the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from N840 per litre to N820 per litre, effective immediately. It would be recalled that the company last week reduced its ex-depot price from N880 to N840 per litre. With assurance of steady supply of petroleum products, more independent marketers have joined the growing list of distributors retailing Dangote Refinery’s high-quality petroleum products across the country. Dangote Group’s spokesperson, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, confirmed the price adjustment in Lagos, stating: “PMS price has been reduced from N840 to N820…

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, declares that it has achieved remarkable milestones in the last 25 years and made a significant impact in the lives of the people of the Niger Delta region. Speaking during a World Press Briefing at the Dome Event Centre, Asaba, Delta State, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated that the Commission had lived up to its motto of “making a difference.” The NDDC Chief Executive Officer stated that the current Board and Management have initiated several projects and programmes that have helped to change the story of the Niger Delta for the…

The Interim National Chairman of the newly formed opposition coalition party, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, David Mark, has clarified that the party has no preferred presidential aspirant for the 2027 general elections. Mark made this statement on Tuesday while addressing stakeholders of the Kogi chapter of the ADC at a meeting in Abuja. The former Senate President assured Nigerians that, under his leadership, the party would operate with complete transparency. “The ADC has no preferred or favourite presidential aspirant, but has set out to first put out a platform that would be attractive and acceptable to the majority of…

The Asagba of Asaba, Obi Epiphany Azinge, has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for its achievements in the past 25 years. Obi Azinge spoke when the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, led a delegation of the Commission’s Board and Management to pay a courtesy visit to him in his palace in Asaba, Delta State. The NDDC delegation included the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the Executive Director of Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde; and other Directors of the Commission. The royal father commended the…

The United States Department of State has announced updates to its reciprocal non-immigrant visa policy, impacting several countries, including Nigeria. Effective immediately, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period. Those U.S. non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity. We wish to underscore, that as is standard globally, visa reciprocity is a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity. You can view the latest information on…

The Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa has applauded the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, on its achievements over the past 25 years. The Governor gave the commendation during the NDDC’s 25th Anniversary and Thanksgiving Service, held at the St. Thomas Anglican Church in Akure, Ondo State. The Thanksgiving Service marked the beginning of a week-long 25th Anniversary celebration of the NDDC’s existence. Governor Aiyedatiwa celebrated with the NDDC family, which included the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie; the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the Executive…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed banks to submit a capital restoration plan as part of regulatory efforts to support the exit from the forbearance regime. In a circular signed by the CBN Director of Banking Supervision, Mrs Olubukola Akinwunmi, published on its website on Monday, the apex bank said the Capital Restoration Plan would complement its other measures which include termination of forbearance exposure and Single Obligor Limits waivers, suspension of payment of dividends, bonuses and Investment in foreign subsidiaries for affected banks. “To complement the above measures and ensure forward-looking capital planning, all affected banks are…