Author: Vardiafrica

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on Wednesday at the Nigerian Content Tower (NCT), Yenagoa, marked the close-out of the 2023 edition of its Science Quiz Competition for Secondary Schools in Bayelsa State, with prizes for institutions and their students that emerged overall best. Organised in partnership with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the competition is designed to stimulate interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education among secondary school students and thus orientate them towards academic disciplines vital to oil and gas industry operations. In an address at the occasion, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB,…

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has confirmed the escape of Nadeem Anjarwalla, the Binance regional manager for Africa. A statement by Zakari Mijinyawa, head of strategic communication at ONSA, said “preliminary investigation shows that Mr Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport”. “The personnel responsible for the custody of the suspect have been arrested, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances that led to his escape from lawful detention,” the statement reads. On Monday, a report by Premium Times said the Binance executive escaped from the Abuja guest house where he and his colleague were detained,…

The Central Bank of Nigeria has issued a circular to Bureau De Change operators (BDCs), informing them that it has sold $10,000 to each BDC at a rate of N1,251/$1. In a circular seen by Nairametrics, each BDC is instructed to sell the dollars to eligible customers at a rate not exceeding 1.5% above the purchase price. This suggest BDC are not expected to sell above N1,269/$1. This confirms the resumption of dollar sales to BDC operators after a prolonged period of suspension by the central bank in 2021. The ban was lifted earlier in the year following the revocation of licences of over 4173…

The Federal Executive Council has sanctioned the creation of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, aimed at enhancing social services nationwide. Zacch Adedeji, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Services, revealed this information following the 4th FEC meeting of the year, held on Monday in Abuja. He mentioned that the fund is designed as a Special Purpose Vehicle to draw the crucial investment needed for the country’s infrastructure development demands. Infrastructural Funds to drive economic growth According to the FIRS chief, this effort aims to bridge the infrastructure gap of over $858 billion, which has been an obstacle to national growth. …

After more than five months of war, the UN Security Council for the first time Monday demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza after the United States, Israel’s ally which vetoed previous drafts, abstained. Drawing unusual applause in the normally staid Security Council, all 14 other members voted in favor of the resolution which “demands an immediate ceasefire” for the ongoing Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The resolution calls for the truce to lead to a “lasting, sustainable ceasefire” and demands that Hamas and other militants free hostages seized in their October 7 attack that triggered the massive Israeli military campaign.…

The Federal Government says Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has been invited by security agencies for questioning over some comments he made on the activities of bandits. The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, who briefed State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday, said nobody is above the law and found guilty, Gumi will be reprimanded. “The security agencies are up and doing. Sheikh Gumi or any other person is not above the law. If he he suggestions that are constructive enough for the security agencies to take, they will take but if they think that…

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, 44, is set to win the keenly contested presidential election in West Africa’s more stable democracies, as major contender, Amadou Ba conceded defeat. From a Dakar prison to the presidency, Senegal’s anti-establishment Bassirou Diomaye Faye embodies the winning charisma of his mentor and opposition figurehead Ousmane Sonko, who endorsed him as his replacement “Bassirou is me,” said Sonko of his number two, who at the age of 44 is set to become Senegal’s youngest head of state after his main rival in the presidential election recognised his victory on Monday. The former tax inspector has risen in…

Senegal’s ruling coalition candidate Amadou Ba has conceded defeat in the just concluded presidential election. Ba on Monday called Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to recognise the opposition candidate’s win in Sunday’s presidential election. “Considering the trends of the presidential election results and awaiting the official declaration, I congratulate the president Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye on his victory in the first round,” Ba said in a statement on Monday. Since Sunday evening when the polls closed, opposition party supporters have been celebrating on the streets around the country though the vote count is still on and results are not expected until later…

The recently released Kuriga schoolchildren have arrived at the Kaduna government house to meet Uba Sani, the state governor. The schoolchildren, dressed in new clothes, arrived at the government house Monday afternoon after undergoing medical checkups. The Kaduna governor had in the early hours of Sunday announced the release of the students. They were abducted by bandits on March 7 from their schools in the Kuriga community, Chikun LGA. Sani said all the 137 abducted students were released except the teacher who died in captivity SEE PHOTOS Advertisement

The federal government says no ransom was paid to secure the release of 137 schoolchildren abducted from the Kuriga community, Chikun LGA in Kaduna state. Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, told State House correspondents in Abuja on Monday, that the federal government had vowed not to pay ransom to secure the release of abducted victims. The minister commended the national security adviser (NSA) and service chiefs for the role they played in securing the release of the schoolchildren. He said President Bola Tinubu has asked security agencies to intensify efforts to stop the menace of kidnapping across…