Author: Vardiafrica

The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu has called on Nigerians in the diaspora to show more commitment to the wellbeing of their home country by throwing their weight behind ongoing efforts to rebuild the country. She said this while granting audience to the President of Montefiore Medicine, Dr Phillips Ozuah, a renowned Pediatric and philanthropist at the State House Abuja. “We are proud that a Nigerian is doing so well in the US. It is a good thing that you have also looked back and helped your alma mata, University College Hospital, Ibadan.“For you to look back home, starting…

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved a financing package of up to $184.1 million to support the development of the Obelisk 1-gigawatt solar photovoltaic project and 200MWh battery energy storage system in Egypt, which will be Africa’s largest solar power plant. Located in Qena Governorate in southern Egypt, the project entails the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of a photovoltaic power plant with an integrated battery energy storage system. The Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company will be the sole off-taker under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement. The project’s total cost is estimated at more than…

In a bold move that could reshape global trade dynamics, China has announced its readiness to drop all tariffs on imports from African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing. This development marks a significant expansion of China’s trade policy and deepens its economic ties with Africa, at a time when the continent is seeking new pathways for growth and development. The announcement was made on June 11, 2025, by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a China-Africa trade and investment forum held in Changsha. Wang confirmed that China is prepared to grant zero-tariff treatment to 100% of taxable products from all…

The Ministry of Regional Development has applauded the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for its inclusive budgeting process, which actively engages stakeholders in the development of the Niger Delta region. Delivering the keynote address at the NDDC 2025 Budget Conference and Partners for Sustainable Development, PSD, Forum held in Port Harcourt, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Regional Development, Dr Mary Ogbe, praised the Commission for aligning its budgeting process with the provisions of extant laws. Commending the NDDC for convening key stakeholders to collaborate on the 2025 budget, she stated, “This conference reflects a collective commitment to the…

President Bola Tinubu has granted a full presidential posthumous pardon to the late environmental rights activist, Ken Saro Wiwa, and eight other Ogoni men, also known as Ogoni Nine. Tinubu announced the pardon to the nine Ogonis, who he described as national heroes, while exercising his powers under the Prerogative of Mercy during an address to a joint session of the National Assembly in commemoration of Democracy Day on Thursday. He said others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State would also receive a presidential pardon. He also conferred posthumous national honour of…

In a symbolic gesture, President Tinubu conferred national honours on several fallen and living icons of Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, asserting that their sacrifices “weaved the culture of democracy into the very fabric of our nation.” “As we mark a twenty-sixth year of unbroken democracy, it is right to honour those who have made sacrifices in the past, braving all the odds and the guns to ensure we have a regime of democracy in our country,” President Tinubu declared. The highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of national honours on dozens of distinguished Nigerians, many of whom paid the ultimate…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says it is a pleasure to see members of the opposition parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) in disarray. The president made the remarks on Thursday, June 12, during a joint sitting of the National Assembly to mark this year’s Democracy Day, where he also welcomed defectors from the opposition into the All Progressives Congress (APC). “A one-party state is not in the offing. Nor should it ever be. That said, we would be guilty of political malpractice if we closed the door on those from other parties who now seek to…

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), has disclosed that the emoluments of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, members of the State House of Assembly, and other political office holders were included in the proposed N1.48 trillion 2025 state budget. Ibas made the revelation on Wednesday, June 11, while appearing before the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers State oversight to defend the proposed budget. He explained that the provisions were made in anticipation of a return to constitutional governance following the expected expiration of the current emergency rule in the state. There are growing…

US President Donald Trump has announced the launch of a new website for his much-publicised $5 million US residency permit, dubbed the “Trump Card”, as pre-registration officially opens. In a social media post on Wednesday, Trump claimed, “Thousands have been calling and asking how they can sign up to ride a beautiful road in gaining access to the Greatest Country and Market anywhere in the World.” The new portal, TrumpCard.gov, invites prospective applicants to enter their details and register interest for what is being marketed as a premium pathway to US residency. While the visa is not yet available, the website…

A plane carrying 242 people has crashed at India’s Ahmedabad Airport, according to local media. The plane, heading to Gatwick, London, crashed when the aircraft was taking off from Ahmedabad airport in India, Reuters cites local TV channels as reporting. Video circulating on social media shows massive plumes of smoke rising into the sky near the airport in the western city.  People were shown being carried on stretchers and taken away in ambulances. According to police, the Air India plane crashed in a “civilian area” outside an airport. The plane crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar, Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the director general…