Author: Vardiafrica

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, on Wednesday in Yenagoa expressed profound gratitude to industry stakeholders, top-ranking vendors and staff of the Board for their contributions to the success of the Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum 2024. Speaking at the official closing ceremony of the four-day event at the Conference Centre of the Nigerian Content Tower (NCT), he said their active participation enriched discussions as the Board charts a pathway to the next frontier for Nigerian Content implementation. Engr. Ogbe reiterated the Board’s determination to deepen engagements with local communities and oil…

The Nigerian Content performance level in the oil and gas industry has hit 56 percent in 2024, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe announced on Tuesday.He spoke at the 13th Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Conference and Exhibition holding at the NCDMB Conference Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, attended by top government officials including the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo. Other industry leaders in attendance included the Chairperson,…

Scientists have developed a urine test that could indicate the first signs of lung cancer. The researchers from the University of Cambridge and Early Cancer Institute said the goal was to find a test that is a cheaper alternative to scans. The study was funded by Cancer Research UK. The group examined proteins excreted by senescent cells into the lungs. Senescent cells are often called “zombie cells” because though alive in the body, they are unable to grow and divide. The cells reprogramme their immediate environment to help promote the emergence of cancer cells. The scientists developed an injectable sensor that…

Heavily armed policemen and operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) have surrounded the Kano Emir’s Palace at Kofar Kudu, restricting both entry and exit from the premises. The deployment of security to the palace was a result of moves by Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II to install his newly appointed Wamban Kano, District Head of Bichi. Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is scheduled to accompany the newly appointed Wamban Kano, Munir Sanusi, to his official district posting in Bichi. Reliable sources have also confirmed that the Bichi Emir’s Palace is under tight security, with armed policemen deployed to the area. Two…

The Nigerian government has procured 12 pre-owned Alpha Jets from the French Air Force to strengthen the country’s military capabilities. Olusegun Dada, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s special assistant on social media, confirmed on Thursday that the jets, acquired through SOFEMA, a French military and aeronautics company, are ready for shipping. “All the 12 aircraft are ready for shipping,” Dada announced on X, adding that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) currently operates 11 Alpha Jets. The Alpha Jet, a collaborative development by France and Germany, is a versatile light attack aircraft and advanced trainer. It can carry various weapons, including bombs,…

The Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, and over 100 passengers narrowly escaped tragedy when a Max Air flight experienced an engine fire shortly after takeoff from Maiduguri International Airport. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Wednesday when the aircraft, en route to Abuja, reportedly struck a bird mid-flight, causing one of its engines to catch fire. Amid the ensuing chaos, the pilot and crew successfully executed an emergency landing back at Maiduguri Airport. A Max Air staff member, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident on Thursday morning. “Soon after takeoff, the Max Aircraft…

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Commission to executing impactful projects and fast-tracking development for the benefit of all the ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta region. Ogbuku gave the assurance when he hosted a delegation led by the President General of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide, Eze (Dr) Godspower Onuekwa, at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt. The NDDC Chief Executive Officer stated that the Commission was open to all ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta region, noting that its mandate was to serve the people…

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has called on the mass media to join the Commission in publishing and broadcasting its achievements to the world. Ogbuku made the call when he received a delegation from the SUN Publishing Company, led by the SUN newspaper’s Managing Director and Editor-In-Chief, Mr. Onouha Ukeh, at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt. The NDDC Chief Executive Officer thanked SUN Publishing Limited for nominating him for the SUN Public Service Award 2024, noting that the award has come of age. He said that many distinguished Nigerians have been…

Some members of the Nigerian Armed Forces retirees under the umbrella of the Coalition of Military Pensioners in Abuja shut down the Federal Ministry of Finance on Thursday morning over the non-payment of their 20% to 28% salary increment from January to November 2024. The retired military officers who came from different chapters lamented the failure of the Federal Government to pay them their entitlements. Their demands are payment of palliatives from October 2023 to November 2024, payment of N32,000 added to pension, payment of Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) in bulk and refund of deductions made from the pensions of…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has insisted that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery is up and running, with loading operations in full swing. The Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mele Kyari, gave the confirmation at the commissioning of the NUPENG Towers in Lagos on Wednesday. In a goodwill message at the event, Kyari extended invitation to human rights activist and lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, and all those in doubt, to join the NNPC Ltd on a tour of the refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna to verify their status. He also shed light on the controversy around products blending,…