Author: Vardiafrica

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to represent the country at the second United Nations Food Systems Summit scheduled from July 27 to 29. The Vice President’s aircraft touched down at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport at 15:26 GMT, where he was received by Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Temesgen Tiruneh; the Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy, Amb. Nasir Aminu; Dr. Suleiman; and other top officials of the Nigerian mission. Shortly after his arrival, Vice President Shettima held a meeting with members of the Nigerian delegation, including Amb. Aminu and the Technical Assistant to the…

The Federal Government has launched the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), a loan scheme that provides eligible tertiary institution staff with up to ₦10 million to support their welfare and development. The initiative, unveiled during a high-level stakeholder engagement session held in Abuja, aims to promote financial stability, improve quality of life, and support career advancement for staff across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, made the revelation in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. The statement noted that the scheme was designed to enhance the welfare and professional development of…

The federal high court in Abuja has declared the National Youth Service Corps’ (NYSC) refusal to permit female corps members to wear skirts in accordance with their religious beliefs as unconstitutional. In a landmark judgment delivered on June 13, 2025, Hauwa Yilwa, judge of the federal high court, held that compelling female participants in the scheme to wear trousers — contrary to their sincerely held religious convictions — amounted to a breach of their rights to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution and relevant human rights instruments. The case was brought by two former corps members,…

England defeated Spain 3-1 in a penalty shootout on Sunday, July 27, to win the Women’s Euro 2025 after a dramatic final ended 1-1 following extra time, sealing back-to-back continental titles for the Lionesses and avenging their World Cup final defeat from two years ago. Spain had taken the lead at St Jakob Park in Basel through Mariona Caldentey’s first-half header and appeared poised to repeat their Sydney triumph over England in 2023. But Sarina Wiegman’s side, who had already staged comebacks against Sweden and Italy in earlier knockout rounds, fought back once again. Alessia Russo equalised just before the…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Super Falcons of Nigeria on their victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, securing their record 10th continental title. The President, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said, “The Super Falcons’ spectacular performance tonight in Rabat, coming from behind to beat a spirited Moroccan side playing in front of a passionate home crowd, exemplifies the determination that defines the Nigerian spirit.” “With hard work, dedication, and tenacity, you have achieved the mission the nation dreamed of and prayed for. The nation looks forward to welcoming our champions. Congratulations!…

Nigeria staged an extraordinary second-half comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 and lift their 10th TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown at the Stade Olympique in Rabat on Saturday night. Trailing 2-0 at half-time in front of a partisan Moroccan crowd, the Super Falcons showed their pedigree and resilience, clawing their way back into the match with a display of clinical finishing and sheer determination to cement their status as queens of African football. Goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and a late winner by Joe Echegini overturned Morocco’s strong first-half lead, stunning the Atlas Lionesses who…

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced the arrival of 4,000 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered trucks in Lagos, marking a major milestone in its nationwide fuel distribution initiative scheduled to begin on August 15. The announcement was made on Saturday via the official Dangote Group X page and was accompanied by a video clip showing the vessel berthing at the port. In the footage, cranes were seen offloading the CNG trucks onto the company’s base, followed by a wide aerial view of hundreds of the newly imported vehicles lined up in an expansive formation. “We are delighted to receive 4,000…

The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has hailed the honour conferred on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, during the 35th Convocation Ceremony and 50th Anniversary Celebration of UNIPORT as not only timely but richly deserved, considering Wike’s legacy of service, both as a two-term governor and now a minister. He described Wike as a transformational and visionary leader whose strides in governance and development continue to shape Nigeria’s future. Fubara stated this in a statement he signed on behalf of his family and the people of Rivers State on Saturday, to congratulate his predecessor on the conferment of…

US President Donald Trump has dramatically shifted his stance on the Gaza conflict, urging Israel to “finish the job” against Hamas — just weeks after suggesting that a ceasefire deal was within reach. Speaking to reporters before departing Washington for a weekend trip to Scotland, Trump blamed Hamas for the breakdown in ceasefire negotiations and said the time had come for Israel to escalate its military campaign. “I think they want to die, and it’s very, very bad,” Trump said. “You’re gonna have to finish the job.” This shift comes after Trump’s administration pulled back from U.S.-brokered ceasefire talks, with…

The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has bestowed a Doctor of Science Honourary Degree on Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, the wife of President Bola Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and others. Wike and Tinubu received the award at the university’s 50th Anniversary and 35th Convocation on Saturday. The lecture topic for the day was ‘The Role of Universities in Nation Building’. Other recipients of the Honourary Degree include: Aminu Masari (Chairman of TETFund), and Umaru Fintiri (Governor of Adamawa State).