Author: Vardiafrica

Ghana’s President John Mahama has announced the dissolution of seven ministries as part of the country’s commitment to an austerity program under the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This decision has reduced the number of ministries from 30 to 23, in line with the president’s pledge to create a leaner and more efficient administration. “The new government structure reflects our commitment to prudent economic management,” President Mahama stated in an e-mailed announcement. “By streamlining the number of ministries, we aim to save costs and ensure a more focused and effective governance framework.” The restructuring is part of Ghana’s broader efforts to…

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dispatched a fact-finding team to Zamfara state to investigate the alleged civilian casualties recorded during military air strikes last weekend. Earlier, NAF said it had commenced an investigation into reports that more than 16 civilians and vigilantes were accidentally bombed during the operations The missiles were launched in Tungar Kara, Zurmi LGA of the state. A statement by Olusola Akinboyewa, NAF’s director of public relations and information, said Hasan Abubakar, the chief of the air staff (CAS), constituted the team led by Edward Gabkwet, director of coordination and cooperation at NAF’s civil-military relations branch. Akinboyewa said the CAS tasked the…

The National Assembly comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives has resolved to remove the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) from the Federal Government’s 2025 budget grant, citing concerns over the board’s financial management. Lawmakers argued on Monday that it is unjustifiable for JAMB to remit N4 billion to the federation account while receiving N6 billion from the government in 2024. This decision followed a presentation by JAMB Registrar, Mr Ishaq Oloyede, before the joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives, led by Mr Sani Musa, during an interactive session on revenue projections for 2025. Mr…

Tyson Fury, the former world heavyweight champion, has declared his retirement from professional boxing. The announcement comes after his most recent fight in December, where he suffered a defeat in his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk, who holds the WBA (Super), WBC, and WBO heavyweight titles. This marks the second time the Briton has announced his departure from the sport. Fury initially retired in April 2022 following a victory over Dillian Whyte but made a comeback just six months later. Throughout his career, Fury has achieved remarkable success, holding the heavyweight title on two separate occasions and amassing an impressive record…

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has unveiled the newly appointed Nigeria Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle. The ceremony took place on Monday, January, 13, at MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed Chelle’s appointment last Tuesday, making him the 42nd substantive head coach of the Super Eagles. The NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, expressed confidence in Chelle’s ability to lead the Super Eagles to new heights. “We appreciate the fact that Nigerians are very passionate about football, which is why there have been different reactions following the appointment of Coach Chelle,” Gusau said on Sunday. “However,…

Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has been impeached following a series of controversies surrounding his financial dealings.   In a significant political shakeup, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mojisola Meranda, was elected to replace him as the new Speaker. Additionally, Hon. Fatai Mojeed, the Deputy Chief Whip, was elected as the new Deputy Speaker. Although the exact reasons for Obasa’s impeachment remain unclear, allegations of financial mismanagement have dogged his tenure. The Lagos State House of Assembly has yet to release an official statement on the impeachment, and Obasa has not commented publicly on…

Justice K.B Olawoyin of an Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has granted the bail applications filed by Olori Naomi Silekunola, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat and Abdulahi Fasasi. Hamzat is the founder of the popular Ibadan-based radio station, Agidigbo FM, while Fasasi is the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan where 35 children d!ed at a children’s funfair organised by the Wings Foundation run by the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi. The Judge gave five conditions for the bail to include N10 million and two sureties who must submit landed documents within the jurisdiction of the…

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday, January 13, formally presented the staff and certificate of office to Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade, marking his official ascension as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo. The ceremony, held at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, celebrated the enthronement of Oba Owoade as the new custodian of the Oyo Kingdom’s rich history and traditions. In his address, Governor Makinde underscored the Alaafin’s significance as a symbol of unity and cultural heritage, expressing confidence in Oba Owoade’s leadership. “I believe the new Alaafin will lead with wisdom, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the unity and development…

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, disclosed this on Thursday in Abia State. According to her, the minimum review timeline is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to his promise to Nigerian workers by ensuring the minimum wage was reviewed after three years. “We are not going to allow minimum wage review to be forever. “It used to be about five years, but now, in three years’ time, which is less than two years, we will also review the minimum wage,” Onyejeocha said. This comes as the Trade Union Congress recently called for a yearly review…

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi disclosed this at the formal signing ceremony of the asset agreement between Nigeria and the United States of America in Abuja on Friday. Delivering his remarks Fagbemi explained that $50m of the recovered assets will be deployed through the World Bank for the rural electrification project and the remaining $2m will be deployed to the International Institute of Justice to expand the Justice system and also counter corruption. Speaking further, Fagbemi noted that the asset return marks a milestone in the ongoing collaboration between nigeria and the United States…