Author: Vardiafrica

The United States has restored the maximum validity periods for all categories of nonimmigrant visas for Ghanaian nationals following Ghana’s agreement to accept West African deportees, but similar restrictions for Nigerians remain in place. The B1/B2 visitor visa is now valid for up to five years, with multiple entries allowed, while the F1 student visa’s maximum validity has been restored to four years, with multiple entries permitted. “The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce that the maximum validity periods for all categories of nonimmigrant visas for Ghanaians have been restored to their previous lengths. The maximum validity allowed for the…

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has rolled out a new cashless and contactless payment system as part of its drive to modernise airport operations across the country. Announced in a statement posted via X on Thursday, September 25, FAAN revealed that the initiative—dubbed ‘Operation Go Cashless’—was launched in partnership with payment platform Paystack. The new system is scheduled to go live on September 29 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. FAAN explained that the initiative responds to growing demands for secure, transparent, and 0lmodern transaction methods, aligning Nigeria’s aviation sector with international…

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday announced plans to introduce free digital ID for both nationals and those residing in the country in a bid to curb illegal migration. The government said the drive will also make it simpler to apply for services like driving licences, childcare, and welfare, while streamlining access to tax records. The new digital ID will be held on people’s phones, and there will be no requirement for individuals to carry their ID or be asked to produce it, said the government. However, it will be “mandatory as a means of proving your right to…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delivered a defiant speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), attempting to justify his country’s genocide in Gaza and denouncing Western allies as global criticism over the nearly two-year war mounts. Speaking at UNGA in New York on Friday, the increasingly isolated Israeli leader railed against the “disgraceful decision” by some Western countries in recent days to recognise a Palestinian state. “It will be a mark of shame on all of you,” he said. age terrorism against Jews, and against innocent people everywhere.” Netanyahu, who is facing an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged…

The fight against trafficking in drug in Nigeria has received a major boost as Germany has donated a newly built canine facility to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Speaking on the donation, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) said that the donation of the newly built facility to NDLEA by the German government will boost ongoing efforts against the menace of illicit drugs in Nigeria. Marwa, said on Friday at the inauguration of the new modern canine complex built and donated to NDLEA by the German government,…

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been commended for its significant strides in delivering basic infrastructure across the region. The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal, said this during a stakeholders’ engagement forum on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), in Port Harcourt, for proposed road projects in Rivers State. He lauded the NDDC’s commitment to sustainable development and its efforts towards addressing the long-standing infrastructural gaps in the Niger Delta communities. The forum, held in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, focused on three critical projects: The construction of a 4km Bonny…

The Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to set up a team of between eight and 10 members to determine the fitness of the self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to stand trial. Justice James Omotosho asked the NMA to ascertain whether the health challenges claimed by Kanu could prevent him from further standing trial. Justice Omotosho issued the order while ruling on an application by Kanu, seeking to be transferred to a private ward at the National Hospital for urgent medical attention for an alleged life-threatening…

A total of 180 women entrepreneurs from across the Niger Delta region have commenced a business development training programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in collaboration with the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Port Harcourt Chapter.   Speaking during the commencement of the training at the NDDC Event Centre in Port Harcourt, the Commission’s Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the programme was designed to strengthen the capacity of women-led businesses, improve financial literacy and promote economic independence among women in the region. Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor…

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on Tuesday charged oil and gas industry stakeholders to prioritise research and development (R&D) as a pathway to the development of homegrown technology to deal with operational challenges in the sector and to retain industry spending. The strategy, according to the Executive Secretary of the Board, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, is consistent with provisions of the Board’s enabling statute, the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010, and objectives of the 10-Year Strategic Research and Development Road Map, launched by the NCDMB in 2019. In a welcome address at…

In a celebration as bold and boundary-breaking as the tournament itself, FIFA today unveiled the three Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Mascots, each highlighting one of the host nations of the world’s greatest sporting event. Maple™ the Moose (Canada), Zayu™ the Jaguar (Mexico) and Clutch™ the Bald Eagle (United States) have been thoughtfully developed to reflect the vibrant culture, heritage and spirit of their respective countries, coming together to symbolise unity, diversity and the shared passion for the beautiful game. “The 26 team has just got bigger – and more fun! Maple, Zayu and Clutch are full of joy, energy…