Author: Vardiafrica

Ghana’s former president John Dramani Mahama won a historic comeback election victory on Sunday after voters appeared to punish the ruling New Patriotic Party over its management of an economic crisis. NPP candidate Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia on Sunday conceded defeat in the weekend presidential election after failing to shake off widespread frustration over high costs of living. Defeat in Saturday’s election ended eight years in power for the NPP under President Nana Akufo-Addo, marked by the west African state’s worst economic turmoil in years, high inflation and a debt default. For Mahama, president from 2012-2017, it was his third…

The hashtag #RamaphosaMustGo is trending on social media as some South Africans voice their dissatisfaction with President Cyril Ramaphosa following his announcement of a simplified five-year visa process for Nigerian nationals. The initiative, revealed during the 11th Session of the South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission in Cape Town on December 3, has sparked outrage, with many citizens taking to social media under the hashtag #RamaphosaMustGo to demand his resignation The policy aims to enhance economic growth and tourism by easing visa processes for Nigerian businesspeople. Those who qualify will be granted a five-year multiple-entry visa, without needing to present a passport…

Millions have been warned to stay indoors, thousands are without power and trains have been cancelled as the Government’s “risk to life” alert brought on by Storm Darragh came into force. The emergency alert came into effect at 1am on Saturday for people covered by the Met Office’s rare red warning for wind in parts of Wales and south-west England. It was the largest use of the warning system yet, with the alert urging residents to avoid driving and to “stay indoors if you can”. The Met Office confirmed to the PA news agency wind gusts of up to 92mph…

Oil marketers and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited have signed a deal for a hitch-free distribution of petroleum products during and after the Yuletide season. This was disclosed by the National Public Relations Officer of the Petroleum Retail Operators Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) Dr Joseph Obele on Friday, following an official visit of the National President of PETROAN Dr Billy Hary, alongside his team to the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL in Abuja. The association also presented an award as an honourary life council member of PETROAN, and as the most productive GMD/GCEO of NNPCL to Kyari. “The…

Ghanaians voted in elections on Saturday with frontrunners Vice President and former central banker Mahamudu Bawumia and opposition ex-president John Mahama facing off in a closely fought race. Ghana’s struggling economy emerged as the dominant electoral issue after the West African gold and cacao producer went through a debt default, high inflation and negotiations for a $3 billion IMF bailout. Voters will choose a successor to President Nana Akufo-Addo, who steps down after his legally allowed two terms and will also elect the country’s new parliament. Voting opened at 0700 GMT and will close at 1700 GMT on Saturday, with…

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reaffirmed its commitment to preventive mechanism against corrupt practices in its internal operations and interface with stakeholders as well as transparency in local content implementation processes. The Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe made the commitment on Thursday at the Nigerian Content Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, at an event organised by the Board to mark the international anti-corruption day. He disclosed that the NCDMB is deliberate in its efforts to curb instances of corruption and has signaled its firm resolve through adequate support to the Board’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACTU-NCDMB)…

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, on Wednesday in Yenagoa expressed profound gratitude to industry stakeholders, top-ranking vendors and staff of the Board for their contributions to the success of the Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum 2024. Speaking at the official closing ceremony of the four-day event at the Conference Centre of the Nigerian Content Tower (NCT), he said their active participation enriched discussions as the Board charts a pathway to the next frontier for Nigerian Content implementation. Engr. Ogbe reiterated the Board’s determination to deepen engagements with local communities and oil…

The Nigerian Content performance level in the oil and gas industry has hit 56 percent in 2024, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe announced on Tuesday.He spoke at the 13th Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Conference and Exhibition holding at the NCDMB Conference Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, attended by top government officials including the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo. Other industry leaders in attendance included the Chairperson,…

Scientists have developed a urine test that could indicate the first signs of lung cancer. The researchers from the University of Cambridge and Early Cancer Institute said the goal was to find a test that is a cheaper alternative to scans. The study was funded by Cancer Research UK. The group examined proteins excreted by senescent cells into the lungs. Senescent cells are often called “zombie cells” because though alive in the body, they are unable to grow and divide. The cells reprogramme their immediate environment to help promote the emergence of cancer cells. The scientists developed an injectable sensor that…

Heavily armed policemen and operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) have surrounded the Kano Emir’s Palace at Kofar Kudu, restricting both entry and exit from the premises. The deployment of security to the palace was a result of moves by Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II to install his newly appointed Wamban Kano, District Head of Bichi. Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is scheduled to accompany the newly appointed Wamban Kano, Munir Sanusi, to his official district posting in Bichi. Reliable sources have also confirmed that the Bichi Emir’s Palace is under tight security, with armed policemen deployed to the area. Two…