Author: Vardiafrica

Chief of Staff to the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, Hon Edison Ehie, has alleged that he was offered a N5 billion bribe to support the impeachment process of his principal, then as a speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Ehi, who did not mention the person that made the attempt to bribe, and disclosed this yesterday night on Channels TV interview, described Fubara as a man of peace, saying he turned down the money when he realised the purpose for the offer. Also, a former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and erstwhile…

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, led a delegation of Abuja residents to the presidential villa on Sunday to pay Sallah homage to President Bola Tinubu. The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohamed Idris, and other prominent FCT indigenes were also present at the Sallah homage. President Tinubu commended Wike for working hard to give Abuja a befitting status as the nation’s capital city

A Nigerian boxer, Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, on Saturday, died in Ghana during a boxing bout. Olarenwaju was a former National and West African light-heavyweight champion. He was competing against Ghanaian boxer, Jon Mbanugu, at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena when he suddenly lost consciousness. Reports indicate that he was ahead on points before the unfortunate incident occurred. A widely circulated video on social media captures the moment he collapsed in the ring, further shocking fans and the boxing community. Olanrewaju, a highly respected figure in Nigerian boxing, held both National and West…

President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Sunday, joined others for prayers at the National Eid ground in Abuja, as Nigerian Muslims mark the Eid-El-Fitr celebrations together with millions of others around the world Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and some ministers are also observing the prayer in the same venue. Eid-El-Fitr, meaning the festival of breaking the fast, is a time of gratitude, charity and communal harmony. It begins with special prayers known as Eid prayers held in Mosques and open spaces. Following the prayers, families share festive meals, exchange gifts…

Telecoms operator MTN South Africa and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite provider Lynk Global have carried out a successful technical trial of what they claim is Africa’s first direct satellite-to-mobile device phone call. “This marks the first satellite-to-unmodified-mobile phone call made on the African continent,” Lynk Global Chief Commercial Officer Dan Dooley said about the test, which took place on Thursday. The call took place in Vryburg – an agricultural town in the North West province of South Africa which has a population of about 21,000 – as part of a technical trial to test voice call quality and…

Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Mike Adenuga, and Abdulsamad Rabiu have been named in the 2025 Forbes billionaires list, released on Saturday, March 29.  The four businessmen are the only Nigerians to feature on the prestigious lineup, with Dangote leading the continent’s wealthiest individuals. Dangote, the owner of Dangote Refinery, has seen a significant increase in his net worth, rising from $13.9 billion in 2024 to $23.9 billion, securing his position as Africa’s richest person for the 14th consecutive year. “Aliko Dangote of Nigeria tops the list for the 14th year in a row with an estimated net worth of $23.9…

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has congratulated mothers across the country as the world marks this year’s Mother’s Day. The First Lady acknowledged the sacrifices made by mothers for their respective families. She said: “On this special occasion of Mothers Day, I celebrate all mothers; the heart of families, the nurturers of children, and the pillars of society. “Your sacrifices, dedication, and commitment to raising the next generation is truly inspiring. “Today, I honour every mother across Nigeria- those who care tirelessly for their families, who balance work and home, and those who, despite challenges, continue to give their best.”…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu, a prominent business executive and socialite, wanted in connection with an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering. In a statement released on Friday by Dele Oyewale, head of media and publicity for the EFCC, the anti-graft agency urged the public to provide information regarding Achimugu’s whereabouts. The EFCC also published her location in Maitam Abuja. The 51-year-old executive, a native of Kogi State, is accused of facilitating the illicit transfer of funds during the 2023 general elections. According to multiple reports, Achimugu is suspected of funneling…

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced plans to collaborate with relevant agencies to enhance the study of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. This initiative is part of TETFund’s strategy to position the country as a leader in AI on the African continent. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday, TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Sonny Echono, highlighted the organization’s efforts to support AI development through various initiatives, including the scaling up of textbook production and the establishment of ICT centres. These efforts aim to help Nigeria tap into the global…

Heirs Holdings Founder and Group Chair, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, has been appointed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to its Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth, convened by IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva. Elumelu, Africa’s leading advocate of entrepreneurship and whose Foundation has funded, mentored and trained over 25,000 African entrepreneurs since 2015, champions entrepreneurship as the engine for the economic transformation of Africa. A self-made entrepreneur, Elumelu’s embracing of entrepreneurship is fundamental to his concept of Africapitalism, his belief that Africa’s private sector can and must play a leading role in the continent’s development, making long-term investments, that…