Author: Vardiafrica

The Nigerian Navy has deployed 15 warships and three surveillance helicopters for the 2024 Chief of Naval Staff Annual Sea Inspection, aimed at bolstering maritime security, curbing threats, and enhancing crude oil production in the Niger Delta.The exercise, codenamed Exercise DEIN ABAJI, which translates to “Calm Waters” in the Kalabari language of Rivers State, highlights the Navy’s capacity to secure the maritime environment and support economic growth. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Onne, Rivers State, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, emphasised the Navy’s dedication to improving national security and supporting maritime stakeholders through collaborative…

German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, has been received at the Aso Rock Villa by President Bola Tinubu. Although Steinmier arrived in Abuja on Tuesday evening, he met the President on Wednesday. Accompanying him were business delegation of CEOs and high-ranking board members of some of Germany’s most successful companies in the fields of IT, high-tech and energy. Steinmeier is the second German leader to visit Nigeria in the last 14 months. Earlier in October 2023, specifically 29th, German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, visited the country for his two-day working visit where he met business leaders in Lagos a day after. The visit…

Nigerians may soon experience a total blackout, as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has directed gas producers to cease supplying gas to indebted generation companies (GenCos). Leadership reports that the Authority stated that the substantial debts owed to producers had hindered their ability to sustain operations. It called on gas off-takers, particularly power generation companies, to ensure timely payment for the gas supplied. The federal government and some GenCos currently owe over N2 trillion in legacy debts to gas producers in Nigeria. Speaking at a stakeholder sensitisation workshop on wholesale supply operations in Nigeria, the Authority’s Chief…

Apple Inc, the iPhone maker is set to revolutionize wearable technology by introducing satellite connectivity and blood pressure monitoring to its Apple Watch lineup by 2025. This is according to a Reuters report, citing insiders familiar with the company’s plans. The satellite communication feature is expected to debut in the 2025 model of the Apple Watch Ultra. This technology will enable users to send messages without relying on cellular or internet connections. The feature will expand Apple’s emergency communication capabilities, especially in areas with no network coverage Apple began offering satellite communication through its iPhone lineup in 2022. The company’s $1.5…

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has given sound technical advice to politicians to stop restricting politics and its associated engagements to only satisfying private or sectional interests but to advance the general welfare and development needs of the people. Governor Fubara gave the advice at the inauguration of Okocha Road and Spurs in Rumuolumeni Community, which took place at Okocha Road Junction, Nkpor Road, Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State on Tuesday. He explained that the benefits of politics and focus of government should not only be to identify supporters from non-supporters for accruable favours but…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Acting Accountant General of the Federation (AGF). This was contained in a statement on Tuesday by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga. “His appointment is effective immediately following the pre-retirement leave of the incumbent AGF, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein,” the statement read. “In announcing Madein’s successor, President Tinubu ensures a seamless transition in the administration of Nigeria’s treasury and consolidates the implementation of the present administration’s treasury policy reforms.” Onanuga said Ogunjimi brings over 30 years of extensive experience in financial management across the public and private sectors. He described…

US President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday mocked Canada’s Justin Trudeau as the “governor” of a state, rather than prime minister of the giant US neighbor. “It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada,” posted Trump on his Truth Social platform shortly after midnight. “I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in depth talks on Tariffs and Trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all!” Trump’s jibe follows reports that he suggested making Canada the 51st US state…

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on Monday in Port Harcourt challenged practising journalists and other media stakeholders to deploy their skills in interrogation of reports on Nigerian Content performance in the oil and gas industry, so as to make the facts behind the resounding success in in-country value addition known to citizens. Speaking at a one-day workshop themed “The Role of the Media in Maintaining the Tempo of Nigerian Content Implementation,” the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said the Board profoundly appreciates the capacity of the mass media to inform and educate the…

Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, has remanded former governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail application. Justice Anenih on Tuesday also adjourned the case until Jan. 29, Feb. 25, and Feb. 27, 202,5 for the continuation of the hearing, just as she refused to grant a bail application filed by Bello, saying it was filed prematurely. The former governor is standing trial, along with two others, in an alleged N110bn money laundering charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The judge also…

A total of 227 staff of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, have been given plaques for long service awards for their contributions to the progress and performance of the Commission. Speaking during the award ceremony at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the awards’ essence was to motivate and build staff confidence in career progression and promote excellence through healthy competition for better service delivery. Ogbuku noted that the Commission’s management placed a high premium on staff development and growth, stating that the 227 awardees were recognised for their long-term service and…