Author: Vardiafrica

The Nigerian government is targeting the creation of at least 20,000 jobs annually through the launch of the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), aimed at connecting high-potential graduates with real-world work experience, training, and mentorship. To spearhead the initiative in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Vice President Kashim Shettima will on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in Abuja, flag off the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0 and declare open a High-Level Policy Dialogue on Job Creation. The theme for the fast approaching event is, “From Skills to Jobs and Enterprises: Driving Youth Employment and…

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has been named among the financial institutions, in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Bank of Industry (BoI), selected to disburse a ₦15 billion loan initiative aimed at empowering indigenous oil and gas contractors. The loan scheme is designed to address funding and capacity gaps faced by local contractors in the oil and gas industry. It offers up to ₦100 million at a competitive interest rate of 8% per annum, enabling qualified firms to execute impactful projects within their host communities. As part of the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund…

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Governor Oborevwori restated the state government’s willingness to collaborate for the socio-economic development of the state. The commissioning ceremony, which attracted dignitaries, including members of the NDDC Governing Board, the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai and the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon.Ifedayo Abegunde. He said his administration remained irrevocably committed to its partnership with the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government for the transformation of the state. Speaking at the event, Governor Oborevwori described the edifice as a symbol of progress and collaboration between the…

The Nigeria Police Force has warned all protest groups in Abuja to comply with a court order restricting demonstrations in designated high-security areas of the capital The directive follows a ruling by Justice M.G. Umar, delivered on 17 October 2025, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025, Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore and four others, which restrains protests around Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way. Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement, said the Force “reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining public peace in accordance…

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has described as misleading a report by an online publication insinuating that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup. The report claimed that 16 military officers, ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General, were taken into custody by the Defence Intelligence Agency over alleged involvement in covert meetings to plan a coup against the government. In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, on Saturday in Abuja, the Armed Forces of Nigeria categorically stated that the claims made…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wishes to inform the public that Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection for those who registered during the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Anambra State will take place: •From Wednesday, 22nd to Sunday, 26th October 2025 Registered voters who participated in the recently concluded CVR exercise are encouraged to visit the Registration Area where they originally registered to collect their PVCs. INEC emphasizes that PVC collection is strictly in person. There will be no collection by proxy under any circumstances. All registered voters are urged to ensure they collect their PVCs within the…

The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students sitting for their ordinary level (O’Level) examinations, despite recent confusion over education policy reforms. In a statement issued on Sunday, October 19, by Boriowo Folasade, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the government clarified that students must continue to register and sit for both subjects, emphasizing that no new policy exempts them from doing so. “The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that all students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics in…

Nigeria’s air power push took a decisive step forward as the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, inspected the production of advanced helicopters and fighter jets at Leonardo S.p.A. facilities in Italy. The move reinforces the country’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces and strengthening international defence partnerships. The Minister, as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s high-level delegation to the AQABA Process meeting, visited two key sites: the Leonardo Helicopters Division in Vergiate and the Leonardo Aircraft Division in Venegono. These sites are assembling AW109 Trekker attack helicopters and M-346 Fighter Attack Jets for the Nigerian Air Force. At the…

Army colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as Madagascar’s president Friday, just days after a military power grab that sent ex-president Andry Rajoelina fleeing and raised international alarm about a new coup on the island. Randrianirina led the CAPSAT army unit that mutinied and joined anti-government protesters before announcing the military had taken over after Rajoelina was impeached for desertion of duty on Tuesday. “Today marks a historic turning point for our country,” he said after taking the presidential oath. “We will work hand in hand with all the driving forces of the nation to draft a fine constitution… and…

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has issued new guidelines on the correct rendition of Nigeria’s national anthem at public events, specifying that only the first stanza should be sung during official functions. ‎In a four-point guideline released on Friday, October 17, the agency further instructed that the third stanza be adopted as the national prayer and recited at the beginning of all public gatherings. ‎The NOA clarified that all three stanzas of the anthem should only be rendered in full during major national occasions such as independence day, presidential inaugurations, armed forces remembrance day, democracy day (June 12), and the inauguration of the national…