Author: Vardiafrica

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disowned a circular claiming it has introduced two new denominations—N5,000 and N10,000 notes. The apex bank described the circular as “fake” in a statement via its official handle on X (formerly Twitter). The alleged circular said the new notes were set for circulation from May 1. The viral circular widely shared on WhatsApp, falsely attributed to the CBN, stated, “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has officially announced the introduction of two new denominations – N5,000 and N10,000 banknotes; as part of ongoing efforts to streamline cash transactions and improve liquidity management.” The…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for organising the Niger Delta Sports Festival, describing it as the first of its kind and stating that it would harness the youth’s potential, promote unity and community development in the Niger Delta region. President Tinubu, who was represented by the Chairman of National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, spoke at the opening ceremony of the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He said: “Let me commend the Niger Delta Development Commission for its initiative in organising this laudable event aimed at…

CANCELLATION OF ALL PENDING PROCUREMENT AND TENDER PROCESSES BY THE RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT In adherence to the Supreme Court judgement upholding the Appeal Court ruling in Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/133/2024 and in the absence of an Appropriation Law, the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (RTD.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, CFR, wishes to notify the general public that all procurement and tender processes that were carried out by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) during the period are hereby cancelled. Accordingly, all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that carried out such tender processes for projects in their respective offices are, by this special announcement, mandated to…

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has departed Abuja for Dakar, Senegal, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the country’s 65th Independence Day Anniversary celebrations. Senegal celebrates its Independence Day on April 4, commemorating its freedom from French colonial rule in 1960. The day is marked by national pride, with ceremonies, parades and cultural events. The Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications, Office of The Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha in a statement says Senator Shettima’s attendance at the annual event is in honour of an invitation extended to President Bola Tinubu by the Senegalese President, Bassirou…

The inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) was officially launched at the Uyo Township Stadium on Wednesday, showcasing the beauty, charm, and rich cultural diversity of the Niger Delta region. The event was graced by a spectacular display of splendour and grandeur, with President Bola Tinubu’s presence represented by Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), who urged athletes to bring the same energy and excitement from the opening ceremony into their competition performances. The ceremony, a star-studded gathering of dignitaries and participants from various walks of life, exceeded expectations, attracting cheers from a captivated crowd. Among the…

The Nigerian Military, in partnership with Briech UAS, a communications company, has unveiled the first and largest indigenous attack drones and bombs in Nigeria and Africa. Briech UAS, alongside the Nigerian Army, demonstrated these attack drones and bombs at the company’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday. General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), hailed the initiative as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s progress toward self-reliance in defence technology and a crucial step in enhancing national security. Musa highlighted the importance of developing combat drones, particularly for intelligence gathering. He pointed out that these drones would play a pivotal role…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared that the petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has failed to meet the constitutional threshold required for such a process. The electoral body made this revelation on Thursday afternoon in a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle. “The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended),” INEC wrote. This latest twist in the recall saga comes barely a week after INEC initially accepted…

The Minister of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has dismissed rumors that he collapsed and was flown for medical treatment in France, describing the claims as baseless and politically motivated. The Minister dismiss the rumors while inspecting ongoing projects in the nation’s capital on Thursday. Wike clarified that he has remained active in his duties, pointing out that he attended public engagements, including leading Abuja residents to Presidential Villa and participating in the President’s Iftar event. “I don’t want to give credence to people who are only interested in spreading rumors. First of all, I am…

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern warning to international airlines over the increasing number of complaints from passengers who are flown halfway to their destinations, only to be deported back to Nigeria. The NCAA condemned this practice, stating that it has caused significant distress to passengers and tarnished the reputation of Nigeria’s aviation industry. In a statement on Thursday, April 3, Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, criticized airlines for failing to properly inform passengers about visa and entry restrictions before departure. “These actions, which involve the refusal of boarding or denial…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, has rejected the judgment of the Election Petition Tribunal and announced his decision to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal. The tribunal’s decision, which upheld the election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, was met with strong opposition from Ighodalo and his supporters, who described it as a “huge travesty of justice.” In a statement issued after the ruling, Ighodalo reaffirmed his commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring that the will of the Edo people is respected. “While we all may not agree with…