Author: Vardiafrica

Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his role as the leader of the coastal state, pledging to uphold peace and security and not support any action that could threaten public safety. Fubara gave the assurance on Saturday while speaking as a special guest at the finals of the 2026 Port Harcourt Polo Tournament, held in the state capital. He emphasised that protecting lives and property remains a top priority and reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling his promises to the people of Rivers State. “What is important is that I am still the governor of Rivers State, and we will continue…

Nigeria maintained their perfect record in Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-offs, beating Egypt on penalties to claim bronze at the 2025 tournament on Saturday (17 January). After a goalless draw in regulation time in Casablanca, the match went straight to a shootout, with the Super Eagles prevailing 4-2. Akor Adams had a first-half goal ruled out by VAR in a game short on clear chances. Nigeria won the toss and opted to shoot first, but Fisayo Dele-Bashiru saw his opening effort saved by Egypt goalkeeper Oufa Shobeir. Egypt were unable to take advantage. Stanley Nwabali turned the momentum decisively Nigeria’s way by saving successive penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Rami Rabia and Mahmoud Saber kept Egypt alive from…

Guinea junta leader Mamady Doumbouya was sworn in as president on Saturday in front of tens of thousands of supporters and several heads of state, following an election victory last month. Doumbouya toppled Guinea’s first freely elected president Alpha Conde in 2021 and has since cracked down on civil liberties and banned protests, while opponents have been arrested, put on trial or driven into exile. The west African country’s Supreme Court validated his victory days after a late December poll, crediting him with 86.7 percent of the vote. Dressed in a traditional gown, Doumbouya swore an oath to uphold the…

President Bola Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Saturday after he and some of his ministers participated in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW2026). On the sidelines of the summit, Nigeria signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The agreement aims to deepen economic cooperation, boost bilateral trade and investment, enhance technology transfer, and expand collaboration across key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and renewable energy. In his address, President Tinubu announced that a joint Nigeria-United Arab Emirates (UAE) INVESTOPIA would be held in Lagos in February, an initiative aimed at attracting global…

An aircraft carrying 248 passengers and 12 crew members on Friday made an emergency landing at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, following a technical fault while in flight. The incident was confirmed in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu. According to the statement, the aircraft developed a technical problem while airborne within Nigerian airspace, prompting the crew to declare an emergency and request an immediate landing. LASEMA said it received a distress alert via its 767/112 toll-free emergency lines, after which its Lagos Response Team (LRT)…

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni won a seventh term in office on Saturday, January 17, after an election marred by violence and an internet shutdown, with African observers saying arrests and abductions had “instilled fear.” Museveni, 81, won 71.65% of the vote in Thursday’s election, the Electoral Commission said, amid reports of at least 10 deaths and intimidation of the opposition and civil society. His victory allows him to extend his 40-year rule of the East African country. Museveni defeated Bobi Wine, 43, a former singer-turned-politician who won 24.72% and said he was in hiding on Saturday after a raid by security…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Conakry, the capital of Guinea, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of President-elect Mamady Doumbouya. The Vice President was received by senior Guinean government officials and members of the Nigerian diplomatic corps ahead of the official ceremony, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 17, at the GLC Stadium in Nongo. The inauguration of President Doumbouya follows his victory in the December 2025 general elections, signalling the formal end of a four-year military transition. The Vice President’s attendance at the inauguration affirms Nigeria’s leadership role within the Economic…

Rivers High Court in Oyigbo Local Government Area has intervened in the deepening political crisis in the state by issuing an interim injunction that temporarily halts further action on the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Nma-Odu. In a ruling delivered in Port Harcourt, the court restrained the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, alongside thirty-two others, including the Clerk of the House and the Chief Judge of Rivers State, from taking steps aimed at advancing the impeachment proceedings. The order specifically barred the Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, from receiving, forwarding,…

Last month in Nigeria, Anthony Joshua was injured while two of his closest friends passed away in a fatal car crash. After Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele died, Joshua has now finally shared an update on his life. Still recovering from the aftermath of the crash, Joshua has returned to the gym in a bid to recover from his injuries. The 36-year-old boxer now shared a video on Snapchat, showcasing his road to recovery and journey back. Captured training and working out, Joshua could be seen hitting pads, exercising, and riding a stationary bike. One of the clips also contained the caption, “mental strength therapy.” The…

The United States has approved $413 million to support counter-insurgency and wider security operations in Nigeria and other West African countries for the 2026 fiscal year, following the signing of the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) into law in December 2025. The funding, allocated under the budget of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), reflects Washington’s growing concern over deteriorating security conditions across the region. It forms part of a sweeping defence package authorising $901 billion in total military spending and providing a four per cent pay increase for US service members, marking the 65th consecutive annual defence authorisation by…