Author: Vardiafrica

South Africa rejects Starlink investment over Musk’s controversial views South Africa has decided not to pursue Starlink’s satellite internet service due to concerns over Elon Musk’s views, which the Presidency has criticized as “unprogressive” and “racist.” The decision follows a public exchange between Musk and President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding the country’s land reform policies. Musk had raised questions about South Africa’s Expropriation Act, accusing the government of having openly racist ownership laws. His comments were met with a sharp response from South Africa, with Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya stating that South Africa would not entertain investments from a business figure…

Speaking at the event in Uyo, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, urged the physically challenged persons to embrace their uniqueness and not feel inferior due to their disabilities. Ogbuku, who was represented by the Akwa Ibom State Representative on the NDDC Board, Pastor Abasiandikan Nkono, acknowledged the importance of the event’s theme: “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.” He said: “Life is a privilege, and you should be proud of yourself. NDDC is committed to inclusivity and the social welfare of all persons in the Niger Delta region. This is not…

Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) and the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) kicked off its ₦20 Billion Naira automobile credit fund providing consumer credit for Nigerians to purchase locally manufactured automobiles. CREDICORP made a promise that, in Q1 2025, Nigerians will start receiving credit to own these vehicles. In a landmark event in Lagos on Thursday, February 13, the first wave of beneficiaries drove off the manufacturing facilities of Simba Group with their brand-new tricycles and motorbikes, funded by consumer credit. Simba Group (brand: TVS) is Nigeria’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and tricycles, employing over 800 Nigerians to…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Africa Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) to prioritise the establishment of a combined maritime task force to enhance security in the Gulf of Guinea. At the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Sunday, President Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s readiness to host the task force’s headquarters in Lagos. President Tinubu conveyed Nigeria’s position as the AU considered the report on the AUPSC, focusing on peace and security in Africa, and the biennial report on the implementation of the…

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Starzs Gas Limited were upbeat about growth prospects of Nigeria’s gas subsector and the potential boost to industrialisation as the groundbreaking ceremony for a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Station got underway in Iwhreken, Ughelli South, Delta State, on Thursday. Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the General Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Barr. Esueme Dan Kikile, commended Starzs Investments Company Limited, parent company ofStarzs Gas, for pushing industry boundaries with its expansion into the gas subsector. Engr. Ogbe described Starzs Gas Limited, whose offerings cut across natural gas compression, CNG fueling and refueling stations, conversion workshops and training centres, motorised CNG tube skids for sale and distribution, as well as engineering, construction and…

Palestinian militants released three Israeli hostages on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian inmates freed by Israel, completing the latest swap despite fears the Gaza truce deal was near collapse. An AFP journalist saw masked Hamas gunmen parade the hostages onto a stage in front of a crowd in Gaza’s southern city of Khan Yunis, where they were made to make statements into a microphone before being handed over to the Red Cross and taken back to Israeli territory. Clutching gift bags given by their captors and certificates to mark the end of their captivity, the three men, flanked…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on the National Assembly to enact stricter laws prohibiting politicians from possessing large sums of money within polling areas in order to curb vote-buying and other electoral malpractices during elections. This is also as the Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Adebayo Balogun announced plans for a 2025 Electoral Act to replace the current 2022 version, which he said had exposed gaps during the 2023 elections. This is also as the Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Adebayo Balogun announced plans for a 2025 Electoral Act…

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi, has announced that the newly launched Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) program will significantly enhance trade facilitation both within Nigeria and across the globe. Adeniyi made this declaration during the official inauguration of the programme in Lagos on Friday night. According to Adeniyi, the AEO initiative reflects the evolving nature of customs-business relationships, driven by the dynamic demands of international trade and the increasing need for secure and efficient supply chains. He explained that the AEO program, as defined by the World Customs Organisation (WCO), certifies entities involved in the…

Saidu Abdulrahman, a 28-year-old photographer from Nigeria’s Yobe State, has officially been crowned the Guinness World Records (GWR) holder for the most head shot photographs taken in a single hour. Abdulrahman captured an astounding 897 head shots in just 60 minutes in September 2024, shattering the previous record of 500. “I am beyond thrilled to announce that I have officially been recognised as a Guinness World Records title holder for the most head shot photographs taken in one hour!” Abdulrahman exclaimed in a post on Facebook platform. Abdulrahaman attempted the record in an effort to create awareness of photography in…

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has organised sensitisation programmes to promote the girl child education in the Niger Delta region, especially In STEM, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education. Speaking at the “Help the Girl Child” programme in Umuaka Secondary School, Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, the Abia State Representative on the NDDC Board, Chief Eruba Dimgba, stressed the importance of educating the girl child. He noted that the NDDC was not only embarking on infrastructural development but was also on the path of human capital development, observing: “The NDDC is very eager to develop…