Author: Vardiafrica

Aliko Dangote, the richest Black man in America, has reached a new milestone, with a net worth of $30.3 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Per Business Insider Africa, the feat makes him the first African-born billionaire to achieve this level of wealth, fueled by growth in his cement and oil ventures. Dangote’s wealth increased by $2.16 billion year-to-date, including a recent $430 million valuation gain. His net worth previously stood at $29.8 billion, just $200 million short of the mark, before crossing the threshold in October 2025, Business Insider Africa reports. Cement Expansion Strengthens Dangote’s Holdings Dangote’s latest…

Nigeria’s pioneering local content framework in the oil and gas industry is emerging as a blueprint for African nations seeking to maximize domestic participation and economic benefits from their natural resources. The Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said this during the fourth Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology in Abuja on Wednesday. Represented by General Manager, Research and Statistics, NCDMB, Tassalla Tersugh, noted that the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010 has driven local content in key industry segments from less than 5% to over 54%, generating more than 50,000 direct…

The former Navy Chief, represented by the Commander, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Noel Madugu, stated that the operational facilities handed over by NDDC would bolster the Nigerian Navy’s presence and security operations. He observed that Ayakoro was an important town located on the river, making it strategic and crucial for maritime security in the Niger Delta region. He stated: “The event we are witnessing today is a statement of the existing close collaboration between the NDDC and the Nigerian Navy, which is geared towards addressing maritime security challenges in the region. “I commend the vision and commitment of the…

Speaking during an inspection of the project, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated that the Commission was committed to enhancing the educational development in the Niger Delta region. Ogbuku, who inspected the project in the company of the Vice Chancellor of NDU, Professor Allen Agih, the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai, and other Directors of the Commission, stated that it was part of the Commission’s efforts to build the capacity of universities in the Niger Delta region. He observed that the completion of the students’ hostel followed a directive from President Bola Tinubu to ensure that…

Former US Vice President Kamala Harris has said she could run for the White House again in the future. “I am not done,” Harris told the BBC on Saturday, saying she could “possibly” still be president one day, her strongest suggestion yet that she was considering a third bid for the White House. “I have lived my entire career as a life of service, and it’s in my bones,” she said. Harris lost the 2024 election to Donald Trump after President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race just 107 days before Election Day. In her memoir about her campaign, titled “107 Days,” Harris had signaled that…

In a historic decision that could redefine Nigeria’s political architecture and deepen democratic inclusivity, the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Constitution Review has approved the creation of an additional state for the South East geopolitical zone. The committee also agreed to revisit the over 278 pending requests for new local government areas and 55 proposals for new states, noting that additional reviews would be handled by a newly formed subcommittee In addition, the committee endorsed independent candidacy for future elections and an extra elective seat for women in every state of the federation. The far-reaching resolutions were adopted…

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has unveiled a 13-member National Convention Screening Committee to screen aspirants for national offices ahead of the party’s much-anticipated 2025 Elective National Convention, scheduled for November 15-16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. In a statement issued on Saturday by the Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee, NCOC, and Governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Fintiri, the screening exercise is slated to take place on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. According to the statement, the committee will be chaired by former Ondo State governorship candidate, Eyitayo Jegede. Jegede will be assisted by Hon. Mohammed L. S. Diri,…

Madagascar’s new government has stripped ousted president Andry Rajoelina of his Malagasy nationality in a decree published Friday, media reports said, 10 days after he was removed in a military takeover. The decree means that Rajoelina — who was impeached on October 14 after fleeing the island nation in the wake of weeks of protests — would not be able to contest future elections. The decree published in the official gazette said Rajoelina’s Malagasy nationality was revoked because he had acquired French nationality in 2014, local media reported, as photographs of the document were shared online. French broadcaster RFI said…

President Donald Trump announced he’s ending “all trade negotiations” with Canada because of a television ad sponsored by one of its provinces that used the words of former President Ronald Reagan to criticize U.S. tariffs — prompting the province’s leader to later pull the ad. The post on Trump’s social media site Thursday night ratcheted up tensions with the U.S.’s northern neighbor after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he plans to double his country’s exports to countries outside the U.S. because of the threat posed by Trump’s tariffs. White House officials said Trump’s reaction was a culmination of the administration’s long, pent-up frustration about Canada’s…

Mr. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has announced his readiness to appear in court as a witness in the trial of the proscribed IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, should he be legally subpoenaed. Wike made the statement on Friday, October 24, during his monthly media parley in Abuja, monitored by Persecondnews. He explained that a court appearance requires a formal court order, not merely a news report, clarifying that an individual must be subpoenaed before they are required to testify. He said: “Nobody has served or subpoenaed me. So because I saw Wike listed I should…