Author: Vardiafrica

President Bola Tinubu has commended the security agencies for their tireless efforts in securing the freedom of the 100 students of Papiri Catholic School in Niger State. While expressing his joy over the safe return of the students, President Tinubu equally charged the security agencies to ensure the swift release of the remaining 115 students and their teachers who are still held hostage. President Tinubu assured the parents that both the federal and the Niger State governments are working closely to reunite all the abducted students with their families. “I have been briefed on the safe return of 100 students…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has granted licences to 82 bureau de change (BDCs) to operate under its revised guidelines from November 27, 2025. On May 22, 2024, CBN issued regulatory guidelines for bureau de change operations after consultation with stakeholders and directed existing BDCs to reapply for a new licence. In a circular on Monday, the apex bank also said that only BDCs listed on the website are authorised to operate from the aforementioned date. CBN warned that operating a BDC business without a valid licence is a punishable offence under section 57(1) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act…

President Bola Tinubu has called on public servants to uphold accountability in service to build trust, as he conferred the Distinguished Award for Excellence in Infrastructure Delivery and Sustainable Regional Growth on the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, and other outstanding leaders. Speaking at the third edition of the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service, NEAPS, held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, the President warned that weak sanction systems and lax oversight often fuel cynicism about governance. President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator…

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago on Monday evening received 100 students of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary/Secondary School Papiri, Agwara local government, rescued on Sunday. The children were brought to Government House in five buses belonging to the office of the National Security Adviser and under heavy security. Wing Commander Abdullahi Idi Hong who represented the National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu presented the children to Governor Bago. Idi Hong said the rescue operation was carried out by the Department of State Services (DSS),the Army and other sister security agencies. “This operation took two intensive weeks by the DSS, Army…

Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, refused to grant an ex-parte application by the convicted leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, seeking for his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre, where he is currently serving a jail term. Justice Omotosho declined to grant the application on the grounds that the request contained therein cannot be granted through an exparte application. Kanu was last month sentenced to life imprisonment upon conviction on terrorism offences. He however brought an application before the court seeking amongst others, “an order compelling the Federal…

The British High Commission in Abuja has launched two flagship economic reform programmes – the Nigeria Economic Stability and Transformation (NEST) programme and the Nigeria Public Finance Facility (NPFF) – reaffirming the United Kingdom’s long-term commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic reform and growth agenda. Backed by a £12.4 million UK investment, NEST and NPFF sit at the centre of the UK-Nigeria mutual growth partnership and support Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen macroeconomic stability, improve fiscal resilience, and create a more competitive environment for investment and private-sector growth. Speaking at the launch, Head of Development Cooperation at the British High Commission in…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has met with six Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House, Abuja. The Governors who met with the President behind closed doors were those of Jigawa, Umar Namadi; Edo, Monday Okpebholo; Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji; Kogi, Usman Ododo; Sokoto, Aliyu Sokoto; and Kebbi, Dr. Nasir Idris. Details of the meeting were not yet made public as of press time. The closed-door session, which lasted for about two hours, took place against the backdrop of recent security challenges confronting the nation. When journalists sought their comments, the Governors declined to…

The CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, CAF and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) have unveiled the Official Mascot for the competition, ‘ASSAD’. CAF dislcosed this in a statement on their website on Monday, December 8. “Inspired by the Atlas lion, one of Morocco’s most iconic national symbols and a unifying and powerful figure across the African continent. “His name, meaning “lion” in Arabic, embodies strength, pride, and cultural authenticity that resonates deeply with fans both in Morocco and throughout Africa. “As an ambassador for the tournament, Assad embodies the joy, passion, and energy that define Africa’s most…

The Federal Government is said to have secured the release of 100 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State.The development comes two weeks after bandits attacked the school, abducting 315 people, comprising 303 students and 12 teachers. It was gathered that with the release of 100 pupils, 153 pupils and 12 teachers are still held captive.Although details of the release are still sketchy as of the time of filing this report, The Guardian could not independently confirm if ransom was paid or if they were released unconditionally. However, sources…

Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says he would not be pushed out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by members who joined the party after him. Speaking on Sunday at a factional national executive committee (NEC) meeting of the party held at his official residence in Abuja, Wike said Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi; and Seyi Makinde, his Oyo counterpart, joined the PDP long after he did. Last month, the PDP faction backed by Makinde and Mohammed expelled Wike and his allies — Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Oyo; Samuel Anyanwu, former national secretary; Umar Bature, former national organising secretary;…