Author: Vardiafrica

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to tackle the ongoing hardships, particularly the rising prices of food and drugs, through the establishment of the National Credit Guarantee Company. In his 2025 New Year’s message to Nigerians on Wednesday, the Federal Government announced that this initiative will also support local production of essential drugs and medical supplies in the coming year. The President explained that the new company, which is set to begin operations before the end of the second quarter of 2025, will be a collaboration between government bodies such as the Bank of Industry (BOI), the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation,…

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has insisted that the Federal Government withdraw the controversial tax bills from the National Assembly. In his New Year message to Nigerians, especially workers, the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero said the need to withdraw the bills was based on the welfare of the Nigerian workers. He also spoke on the need for government to reflect transparency, inclusivity and honesty in its dealings with the masses. The message, titled “In 2025, hope is in our collective resolve,’’ read: “As we step into the year 2025, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, extends warm New Year greetings…

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa on Tuesday said the President Tinubu-led government has requested for the extradition of pro-Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa from the government of Finland. He made this known while featuring on a television programme monitored in Lagos. In November 2024, Finland authorities arrested Ekpa alongside four others on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing. A Finland district court in Lahti subsequently ordered Ekpa’s remand on probable cause for public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent in Nigeria. The separatist leader was accused of using social media platforms to spread…

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has warned Nigeria against its continued dependence on oil as the primary source of revenue, emphasizing that this reliance will only deepen inequality, increase poverty, and lead to higher unemployment. Delivering the 14th convocation lecture at Al-Hikmah University in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Monday, Abbas highlighted the urgent need for Nigeria to shift away from oil dependence and explore alternative revenue sources. Speaking on the theme, “Beyond Oil: Exploring Alternative Revenue Potentials for Economic Growth and Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” he called for a comprehensive strategy to diversify the country’s economy.…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consented to a proposal to establish a federal university in Southern Kaduna. Vice President Kashim Shettima who revealed this during a condolence visit to the Kukah family on the death of Yohanna Sidi Kukah, the Agwom Akulu of Ikulu Chiefdom and family member of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto. Shettima’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed this in a statement on Monday. He said discussions were ongoing to create the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, Kaduna State. “With Senator Katung and the member of the House of Representatives, we have reached out…

The Confederation of African Football has announced that it has fined the Libyan Football Federation $50,000 for misconduct during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Recall that Benin played a goalless draw with Libya in Benghazi on the final day of the qualifiers to book a ticket to the continental showpiece. The outcome of the match sparked anger among the Libyan fans, who resorted to throwing stones and bottles at the visiting team. Benin head coach Gernot Rohr lamented that his players and officials suffered assault from fans and police after the final whistle was blown. In a statement, the…

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his profound joy at the re-opening of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. A statement by the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga on Monday, described the development as another remarkable achievement in 2024 that has strengthened Nigerians’ hope in his administration. “Today, the Warri Refinery returned to operation weeks after NNPC Limited restarted the 60,000 Barrels per day at the Port Harcourt Refinery in November. “With Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) going into operation after several years of inactivity, President Tinubu has once…

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has presented the 2025 budget proposal of ₦1.1 trillion to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Rivers State House of Assembly. The Appropriation Bill, tagged “Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development”, was presented during plenary on Monday. Arriving at the Assembly complex with members of his cabinet and other top government officials, Governor Fubara was warmly received as the house rules were suspended to allow for his address. In his speech, Governor Fubara described the 2025 budget as a blueprint for consolidating the achievements of his administration in 2024 while charting a new course for sustainable development. Highlighting…

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has informed residents of the Federal Capital Territory about upcoming power outages in certain areas as a result of a maintenance work. This was revealed via a statement by the company’s General Manager for Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, on Saturday, December 28. Mbah notes that engineers would carry out scheduled maintenance work at two transmission substations over the weekend, from Saturday, December 28 to Sunday, December 29. He stated that from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 28 maintenance will be conducted on a 60MVA power transformer and its related switchgear at the Gwagwalada 330/132/33kV Transmission…

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced a N30 billion fund aimed at fostering young entrepreneurship in the Niger Delta region. In a statement released on Saturday, the NDDC revealed that the funds will be channeled through the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines, and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) to support the growth and development of young entrepreneurs in the region. NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, disclosed this during a recent interview. He emphasized the Commission’s dedication to empowering youths through economic initiatives, including training and support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Supporting Genuine Businesses “The consultant managing the…