Author: Vardiafrica

A bill seeking to establish Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages has passed first reading in the house of representatives.  The bill is sponsored by Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker, and eight other lawmakers: Inuwa Garba, Nasiru Shehu, Alex Ikwechegh, Bako Useni, Amobi Ogah, Akin Rotimi, Halims Abdullahi, and Felix Nwaeke. The university, which is to be located in Aba, Abia state, aims to promote the study and use of Nigerian languages and culture for national development. The institution will offer academic and professional programmes, including diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate research with a focus on Nigerian languages and cultures.…

The Government of Namibia has sought assistance from Nigeria’s Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to bolster its efforts in combating corruption. Namibia emphasized Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s anti-corruption fight and expressed a desire to learn from its success. This request was made during a visit by Namibia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Humphrey Geiseb, to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja where he highlighted Nigeria’s prominent role in the fight against corruption across Africa, stating that “Nigeria occupies an exalted position in the fight against corruption, and its expertise needs to…

The Brazilian government has begun closing down several betting sites in the South American country. Already, more than 2000 betting sites, including those that sponsor popular football team Corinthians and other first-division clubs, have been shut. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s government has warned sites that failed to sign up to new regulations due to take effect in January. The new rules seek to combat fraud and money laundering and protect users, by for example banning minors from betting. The country is making the moves as part of a push to regulate online gambling. According to Brazil Finance Minister,…

President Bola Tinubu has left the United Kingdom for Paris, France in continuation of his annual leave. This was disclosed by the senior special assistant on political and other matters, Ibrahim Masari, on Saturday. During his visit to France, he is expected to attend an ‘important engagement.’ Tinubu had left Nigeria on October 2nd for the United Kingdom for a two-week vacation. The development was after the President departed the country two weeks ago for the UK on vacation. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja today for the United Kingdom to begin a two-week vacation, part of his yearly…

Nigeria’s Super Eagles clinched a narrow 1-0 victory over Libya in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru emerged as the hero with a decisive goal in the 86th minute, converting a cross from Moses Simon. Despite Nigeria’s dominant performance, with 15 shots and 64% possession, they struggled to break down Libya’s tight defense until the late winner. The victory marks Nigeria’s second win in three qualifiers under interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen, moving the Super Eagles to the top of Group D with seven points​( Nigeria will face…

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the National Road Safety Advisory Council with a charge on members to align with global best practices in reducing traffic crashes. The Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed this in a statement. He tasked the council to set national road safety strategy targets and ensure effective coordination between federal, state, and local governments to achieve shared road safety objectives. “The establishment of NARSAC aligns with recommendations from the World Bank’s Country Capacity Review, which highlighted areas for improvement in Nigeria’s road traffic management,” the statement reads. He…

Guinea’s military junta chief General Mamady Doumbouya has banned ministers from traveling abroad without his permission and recalled all those currently out of the country, his office announced. The statement, issued on Thursday, is effective immediately and until the end of the year, the government’s general secretary said. “On the instructions of the president”, read the statement, “it is required of all ministers on mission abroad to finish up and return to national territory”. Several ministers are currently abroad. Government spokesman Ousmane Gaoual Diallo said the decision was made to cut back on public spending. The measure “reinforces government efficacy…

If you’re too lazy to go to the grocery store — or open the front door for your Instacart delivery — Elon Musk has the solution for you. Musk on Thursday night unveiled the Tesla Optimus Robot, the company’s new 5’8″ robot that can be, what Musk called, “your own personal R2D2 [or] C-3PO.” The Tesla boss gave a preview of the bot, which the company plans on selling in 2026, at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, CA. “What can it do? It can basically do anything you want,” Musk said. “It can be a teacher, babysit your kids, it…

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has refused the fresh bail application of the detained Binance Holdings Executive, Tigran Gambaryan. In his ruling on the motion for bail on medical grounds, Justice Nwite rejected the request, noting that renowned Nigerian medical experts were already managing his health. The Judge, however, ordered the Nigerian Correctional Service to refer Gambaryan to a standard hospital in Abuja for treatment for three days to two weeks under security supervision. He subsequently adjourned the case to October 18, November 22 and 25, for the continuation of trial. Counsel to Gambaryan, Mark…

 The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, has rejected the request by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, for Justice Binta Nyako’s recusal from his case. Justice Tsoho returned Nnamdi Kanu’s case file to her to handle, saying two other judges were previously recused from the case. Justice Tsoho stated that Kanu’s case was reassigned to Justice Nyako due to its prolonged nature, dating back to 2015. Given that Justice Nyako had handled the case for the most part, she was deemed the most suitable judge to…