Author: Vardiafrica

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is poised to take legal action against top executives in Nigeria’s banking sector over allegations of financial crimes, including money laundering and fraudulent practices. The EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, made this known during the 17th Annual Banking and Finance Conference organized by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Abuja. Speaking at the event, Olukoyede confirmed that the Commission has concluded its investigations into several banks and their senior officials, signalling imminent prosecution. Olukoyede expressed the EFCC’s determination to impose strict penalties to align Nigeria’s financial system with global best practices.…

The Department of State Services (DSS) has described allegations by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) that its officers had taken control of its Abuja and Lagos offices, as “inaccurate and misleading”.  A statement by the department on Tuesday said it became necessary to clear the air as it had been inundated with multiple enquiries on the matter. According to the DSS, its officers had visited SERAP’s offices on a routine investigation, adding that its officers were not there to harass anyone. It said “This narrative is inaccurate and misleading in its intent. For the records, a team of…

Apple on Monday unveiled new iPhones built for generative artificial intelligence as it seeks to boost sales and show it is keeping up in the technology race. The tech giant has a lot riding on the new iPhone 16 and hopes that customers are enticed to buy the latest models, attracted by new AI powers. “We are thrilled to introduce the first iPhones designed from the ground up for Apple Intelligence and its breakthrough capabilities,” Apple chief executive Tim Cook said at an event at the iPhone-maker’s Silicon Valley headquarters. “Apple Intelligence” is a new suite of software features for…

Nigeria’s Folashade Oluwafemiayo has just broken her World Record in the women’s over 86kg Para-Powerlifting, becoming the first Para-athlete in history to lift 166kg. It is an improvement from her existing WR of 165kg. She also added a gold medal to the record. It is an incredible performance from Oluwafemiayo who takes Nigeria’s overall tally at the Paralympics to seven medals overall. Her win comes on the heels of the Super Eagles’s AFCON qualifier match against Benin Republic. They defeated their opponents 3-0 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday. Goals by Amina Bello, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, Flourish Sabastine…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intercepted consignments of cocaine and pharmaceutical opioids concealed in ladies’ sanitary pads and hair treatment cream containers heading to the United Kingdom, Ireland and Cyprus. A statement signed by the Director, Media and Advocacy said that in one of the logistics companies, not less than 30 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.1 kilograms concealed in hair cream containers were recovered by officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation during examination of cargoes going to Ireland on Tuesday 3rd September 2024. The statement added that another consignment of 24 parcels of cocaine weighing…

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, on Wednesday at the Nigerian Content Tower (NCT), Swali, Yenagoa, donated 52 wheelchairs to the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Bayelsa State Chapter. Addressing the Association Executives at a brief ceremony, Engr. Ogbe said the donation was in fulfilment of a pledge made last March at a meeting between the Management of the Board and leaders of the Association. “We are not turning our eyes away from your needs,” he assured the Association, adding, “We have to aid your mobility.”He urged members…

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe has commended the significant Nigerian Content strides achieved in the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) Train 7 Project.Speaking on Friday during a visit to the NLNG six-train plant, Train 7 Project construction site, and the NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) training centre, Maritime Centre for Excellence (MCOE) in Finima, Bonny Island, Rivers State, Engr. Ogbe emphasised the need for increased collaboration and advocacy for Nigerian Content in the oil and gas industry.Engr. Ogbe was received by Mr. Olakunle Osobu, Deputy Managing Director; Engr.…

US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has revealed that he would place Tech Billionaire Elon Musk in his cabinet if elected.Trump, who has received endorsement from Musk, said he will establish a government efficiency commission headed by Elon Musk if he wins the Nov. 5 election, during a wide-ranging speech in which he laid out his economic vision for the country. Speaking at the New York Economic Club, the former president also pledged to slash corporate tax rates for companies that manufacture domestically, establish “low-tax” zones on federal lands where construction companies would be encouraged to build new homes, and…

President Bola Tinubu has broken his silence on the increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol. Tinubu ,who addressed Nigerians living in China on Friday, said the petrol price hike and other reforms by his administration are part of an overall strategy to set Nigeria on the path of economic growth. “Nigeria is going through reforms, and we are taking very bold and unprecedented decisions. For example, you might have been hearing from home in the last few days about fuel prices,” presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, quoted Tinubu as saying. “What is the critical…

President Bola Tinubu did not extend the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun. This is according to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) which said instead, the President gave his approval to the law governing the tenure of the office as required. In a statement on Friday, Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the IGP’s appointment is for four years. “The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to various misleading reports and misinterpretations concerning the tenure of the Inspector General of Police, and wishes to categorically state that what President Bola Tinubu approved for the IGP…