Author: Vardiafrica

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…

Nigerians have taken to the streets to demand better governance and an end to economic hardship in the country. The demonstration took place today, June 12, being Democracy Day in Nigeria. The demonstrators, made up of civil society organisations and pro-democracy activists, assembled at the Ikeja Under Bridge in Lagos. In Akure, Ondo State, protesters also gathered to make similar demands. Videos from the protest grounds were shared by Take It Back Movement, one of the groups organising the demonstration. The protesters carried banners and placards with their demands printed on them.   In Lagos, a large number of police officers, including personnel…

The United States is on high alert amid growing fears that Israel may unilaterally strike Iran’s nuclear facilities if ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran collapse, according to a report by The Washington Post. Amid these concerns, President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the U.S. will begin relocating personnel from the Middle East, particularly from Iran. “It could be a dangerous place,” he said. The State Department has approved the departure of some staff from Iraq, and the Pentagon is allowing military families to voluntarily leave U.S. bases in the region. The heightened state of security coincides with…