Author: Vardiafrica

Two-time world champion Anthony Joshua knocked out mixed martial arts star Francis Ngannou in just the second round of their widely-hyped heavyweight clash on Saturday, with his promoter quickly declaring him the division’s “number one” fighter Joshua had his Cameroonian opponent on the canvas in the first round and twice more in the second in a brutal and brief exhibition of punching power. Ngannou, 37, a former UFC heavyweight champion, was taking part in only his second professional boxing match, having lost a split decision to Tyson Fury in an October fight that saw him put the WBC champion on…

The Department of State Services (DSS) has warned Nigerians against crowded gatherings to avoid potential threats. In an advisory issued on Friday, DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, urged Nigerians to be vigilant against public dangers, especially Improvised Explosive Devices. Felicitating the Muslim faithful on the commencement of Ramadan and the Christians for the Lent period, Afunanya called on the citizens to report any strange activities or movements to the security agencies. He also cautioned clerics from both religions, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to refrain from economic exploitation, sabotage, or profiteering during these important obligations, stressing that the service calls for…

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has started the search for a new head coach for the Super Eagles, about two weeks after Jose Peseiro left the post. Peseiro, who led Nigeria to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in February, left the role after 22 months in charge of the Super Eagles. Since his departure following the running down of his contract, there have been speculations about an interim coach being appointed for the team. But the football body on Friday said it has begun the search for Peseiro’s successor, calling for applications to fill the role. “Attention…

President Bola Tinubu has promised that his administration will prioritise the welfare of women, protect their rights, and advance their causes. Tinubu described women as the nation’s pivot in a statement signed by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, to commemorate International Women’s Day. The President recognised the role of women in nation-building, emphasising that, without a scintilla of doubt, Nigerian women are elemental to the nation’s development, growth, and greatness. “The President affirms that in every discipline and field of human endeavour, the standout achievements of Nigerian women have become a testament to the resilience, strength, courage, and ingenuity of…

The House of Representatives has resolved to assess the implications of the foreign exchange on the 2024 Appropriation Act. This follows the adoption of a motion on the need to evaluate the implications of the current exchange rates on the 2024 national budget implementation to ensure a balanced budget and increase in the standard of living of Nigerians, raised by Honourable Kafilat Ogbara. The committees on national planning and economic development, appropriation and finance are to determine the method of alignment of the current foreign exchange with the approved national budget; evaluate the prevailing exchange rates to understand the value…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reported a significant increase in foreign exchange inflow into the economy in February 2024. The increase is attributed to substantial remittance payments by Nigerians overseas and purchases of naira assets by foreign portfolio investors. The apex bank’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali, made this known in a statement made available to the media. Sidi noted that the Bank’s data indicates that overseas remittances rose to US$1.3 billion in February 2024, more than four times the US$300 million received in January. She added that foreign investors purchased more than US$1…

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on state governors and lawmakers to prescribe capital punishment for kidnapping. While lamenting the abduction of children and women whom she says are the future of the country, Remi Tinubu described the act as heart-rending. Her media aide Busola Kukoyi quoted Remi Tinubu as saying this during a meeting with the national women leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House, Abuja. “They are cowards. Our hearts bleed. I call on the state governments that once we take hold of them, they deserve capital punishment. Why can’t…

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the recent attack on students of Government Secondary School Kuriga, in Chikun LGA, Kaduna state. On Thursday, over 200 students and pupils were kidnapped by bandits who attacked the school. In a statement on Friday, Christian Munduate, UNICEF representative in Nigeria, said schools are learning sanctuaries and should not be places of fear and violence. She expressed concern over the recent abduction of over 200 women, boys and children from an IDP camp in Ngala area of Borno state. “I am deeply saddened and concerned by the reports of yet another abduction of students in Kaduna…

President Bola Tinubu has condemned the abduction of internally displaced persons, and students in Borno and Kaduna States, and has directed an immediate rescue of the victims. In a statement by Special Adviser to the President, Ajuri Ngelale on Friday, the president described the victims as “very vulnerable”, directing security and intelligence agencies to rescue them and ensure that justice is served against the perpetrators of the abominable acts. “I have received briefing from security chiefs on the two incidents, and I am confident that the victims will be rescued. Nothing else is acceptable to me and the waiting family…

Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, says no sacrifice is too big for him to make for the restoration of peace in the state. Fubara spoke on Thursday in an interview with AIT. The governor said he is willing to leave office if it will bring peace to the south-south state. “No sacrifice will be too big for me to pay for the success of this administration and the reason is very simple,” Fubara said. “It is not political love. It is not because I want to gain any favour from anybody. My interest and love for our dear state is genuine.…