Author: Vardiafrica

A batch of six graduate trainees who recently completed a one-year hands-on programme at PFL Engineering Services Limited, Port Harcourt, on Thursday received certificates at a close-out ceremony attended by Management staff of Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and managers of the training programme.   The Director, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate of the NCDMB, Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, represented by a Manager of the Department, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed, expressed appreciation to PFL Engineering and the trainers for the quality programme which he said meets the standards stipulated by the Board. Ahmed described the training programme as part of strategic intervention by the NCDMB aimed at building the…

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State outlined its programmes designed to enhance local manufacturing and research and innovation, emphasising that the growth of Nigerian Content demands strengthening of in-country industrial capabilities.   Speaking at the 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Rivers and Bayelsa branch, the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said the Board is working towards a target of 70 per cent local content by 2027 and that substantial growth of manufacturing capabilities in the oil and gas industry was imperative for…

The outgoing Governor of Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Friday, dissolved his cabinet ahead of the November 12, 2024 swearing-in of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the new governor of the state. Governor Obaseki dissolved his cabinet,five days to the end of his eight years of two tenures as governor of the state. He dissolved the Exco, shortly after a valedictory session held at the Government House, Benin City. The motion for the dissolution of the State Executive Council for 2020-2024 was moved by the Deputy Governor, Godwins Omobayo and was seconded by the…

A portrait of English mathematician Alan Turing has become the first artwork by a humanoid robot to be sold at auction, fetching US$1.08m (£566,000, A$1.63m) in New York on Thursday. The 2.2 metre (7.5 feet) portrait, titled A.I. God. Portrait of Alan Turing, was created by Ai-Da, the world’s first ultra-realistic robot artist. It smashed pre-sale expectations between $120,000 and $180,000 when it went under the hammer at Sotheby’s, which confirmed that 27 bids were placed on the work.‘ “Today’s record-breaking sale price for the first artwork by a humanoid robot artist to go up for auction marks a moment in the…

The eight clubs participating in the CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco, will benefit from a significant boost in prize money, with each team guaranteed at least USD 150,000. The CAF Women’s Champions League launched in 2021, has seen its prize pool increase by 52% this year to USD 2,350,000. The prize distribution is as follows: Winner: USD 600,000Runner-up: USD 400,0003rd place: USD 350,0004th place: USD 300,0003rd in Group: USD 200,000 each4th in Group: USD 150,000 each CAF’s commitment to growing women’s football is also reflected in their focus on youth academies and increasing prize money to ensure the sport…

The Canadian government has announced the cancellation of the 10-year multiple-entry visa for Nigerians and citizens of other countries. The authorities said that the cancellation of 10-year multiple-entry visa is part of the government’s efforts to curb immigration after experiencing a post-COVID population surge.While the multiple-entry visa previously allowed holders to enter and leave Canada freely, a government update said that the 10-year multiple-entry visa is no longer viewed as the “standard document.” The update by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) added, “Guidance has been updated to indicate that multiple-entry visas issued to maximum validity are no longer considered…

Botswana’s newly elected president has indicated a desire to regularise the status of undocumented Zimbabweans by issuing temporary work and residence permits, according to recent reports. “They do jobs that would otherwise not get done,” Duma Boko stated, according to the BBC Africa Daily podcast. Botswana is home to the world’s second-largest population of Zimbabweans who have fled their country’s economic crisis. Despite being a significant workforce, these migrants often face resentment and are subject to daily deportations. The proposal is unlikely to be popular in Botswana, a nation rich in diamonds, but Boko, who has recently ended the 58-year…

Canadian police and migrant aid organizations are preparing for a potential influx of asylum-seekers fleeing to Canada as President-elect Donald Trump returns to power in the United States. This development comes as Canada grapples with record refugee claim numbers and an aim to reduce immigration. Trump, the former and now future U.S. president, won this week’s election with a platform that includes enacting the largest deportation effort in American history, raising concerns among Canadian authorities about a new wave of border crossings. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have been preparing for months, said RCMP Sergeant Charles Poirier on Thursday. “We knew…

For the second year in a row, there will be a Grammy for Best African Music Performance. Nigeria dominates this year’s Best African Music Performance category of hopefuls, including return contendersBurna Boy and Asake, the former earning a nod for his hit song “Higher,” while the latter’s collaboration with Wizkid, “MMS,” is also in the running. Davido also earns his second nod in the category for his contribution to Chris Brown’s “Sensational,” with Lojay picking up his first Grammy nomination for the same song. Singer Yemi Alade earns her first solo nod for “Tomorrow,” while Tems’ “Love Me Jeje” rounds out the nominees for Best African Music Performance. Tems is the only African artist to be nominated more than once across the global music…

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has condemned alleged extortions by some officers of the force in some areas within the country, and has ordered “severe” punishment for corrupt officers. He referenced the case involving officers of the Zone 16 Zonal Headquarters, Yenegoa, identified as ASP Emmanuel Ubong, Inspector Nse Okon, Inspector Adiewere Collins, and Inspector Kuromare Marine. The officers were accused of extorting the sum of ₦10m from a group of young Nigerians. In a statement signed by the Force’s Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi on Friday, the police said the money has been recovered through the…