Author: Vardiafrica

Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court Abuja has shifted the trial of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on alleged cybercrime to November 24. Justice Umar had fixed Monday, October 20th, for the commencement of trial, but that was stalled due to the protest organised by Mr Omoyele Sowore to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The matter was, however, fixed for November 24 when activities at the court resumed on Tuesday. The judge had on Sepember 22, fixed Tuesday for the hearing after the trial was stalled owing to…

Sanae Takaichi has been elected Japan’s prime minister by its parliament, making her the first woman to hold the office. The 64-year-old won a clear majority on Tuesday – 237 votes in the powerful Lower House and another 125 in the Upper House – as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). A staunch conservative and admirer of the late former UK PM Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi takes over at a challenging economic moment as Japan grapples with a rising cost of living and a frustrated public. It’s also been an uncertain time for the world’s fourth-largest economy. She is…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a groundbreaking digital platform designed to streamline its drug integrity testing and visa clearance processes. This process marks a major technological leap in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. Unveiled in Abuja, the new Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System (DITViCAS) integrates automation, verification, and digital certification to enhance efficiency and transparency. Speaking at the launch, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) described the initiative as “a paradigm shift in our fight against the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug…

X (formerly Twitter) is launching a new feature called the Handle Marketplace, an industry-first solution that lets users claim inactive usernames, some for free, others for thousands of dollars. The marketplace, available exclusively to Premium subscribers, allows users to search for handles that are no longer in use and either request or purchase them. X says both complimentary and paid options will be available, with some rare handles priced as high as $2,500 to over seven figures. According to the company, “The X Handle Marketplace is our industry-first solution to redistribute handles that are no longer in use. Eligible Premium subscribers will be able…

A national effort to connect research, government, and industry in addressing Nigeria’s development challenges took center stage on Tuesday, as stakeholders convened in Abuja for the 2025 edition of the Science and Business (SciBiz) Conference. The event, themed “Collaborative Ecosystems for Sustainable Innovation and Economic Growth,” united policymakers, academics, and private sector leaders to examine how Nigeria can foster a knowledge-driven economy rooted in innovation and strategic partnerships. Representing the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Board’s Director of Corporate Services and President of Triple Helix Nigeria, Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu,…

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has ordered the immediate issuance of a 14-day termination notice to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) over what he described as substandard work and the near-collapse of the Port Harcourt–Aba Road. Umahi, who gave the directive during an inspection tour of federal road projects in Rivers State, expressed frustration at the deteriorating condition of the 43-kilometre dual carriageway. He accused the construction giant of disregarding engineering standards despite multiple warnings from the ministry. Standing on a visibly distressed section of the road, the Minister lamented that the project — inherited from the…

The Nigerian government is targeting the creation of at least 20,000 jobs annually through the launch of the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), aimed at connecting high-potential graduates with real-world work experience, training, and mentorship. To spearhead the initiative in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Vice President Kashim Shettima will on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in Abuja, flag off the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0 and declare open a High-Level Policy Dialogue on Job Creation. The theme for the fast approaching event is, “From Skills to Jobs and Enterprises: Driving Youth Employment and…

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has been named among the financial institutions, in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Bank of Industry (BoI), selected to disburse a ₦15 billion loan initiative aimed at empowering indigenous oil and gas contractors. The loan scheme is designed to address funding and capacity gaps faced by local contractors in the oil and gas industry. It offers up to ₦100 million at a competitive interest rate of 8% per annum, enabling qualified firms to execute impactful projects within their host communities. As part of the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund…

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Governor Oborevwori restated the state government’s willingness to collaborate for the socio-economic development of the state. The commissioning ceremony, which attracted dignitaries, including members of the NDDC Governing Board, the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai and the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon.Ifedayo Abegunde. He said his administration remained irrevocably committed to its partnership with the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government for the transformation of the state. Speaking at the event, Governor Oborevwori described the edifice as a symbol of progress and collaboration between the…

The Nigeria Police Force has warned all protest groups in Abuja to comply with a court order restricting demonstrations in designated high-security areas of the capital The directive follows a ruling by Justice M.G. Umar, delivered on 17 October 2025, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025, Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore and four others, which restrains protests around Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way. Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement, said the Force “reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining public peace in accordance…