Author: Vardiafrica

The presidency has denied reports that Nigeria was snubbed in the recent Human Rights Council elections at the United Nations. According to the presidency, Nigeria was not a candidate in the 2024 cycle of UN Human Rights Council Elections, refuting claims that the country lost to other African countries in the just concluded UN polls. On October 9, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly elected 18 members to the Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term. The members elected to the Council are Benin, Bolivia, Colombia, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Iceland, Kenya, Marshall Islands, Mexico,…

Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC has commenced remedial works at failed sections of Warri-Benin Road. Speaking during inspection of the work along Elume, Amukpe and Ologbo areas of East West Road, Managing Director Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku expressed displeasure over the deplorable state of the road which has caused traffic jam and loss of manhour. Dr. Ogbuku said NDDC awarded the contract for the repairs to complement the efforts of Federal Government towards providing a permanent solution to the challenge. The MD who noted that the commission has also intervened at the Ahoada axis of East…

In a letter dated October 10, 2024, Secretary to the State Government, Joseph Eboigbe, said that establishing the team will allow both parties to begin meaningful discussions and share vital information that will ensure a seamless transfer of responsibilities and continuity of governance. Recall that in July 2024, the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, had inaugurated a 20-member transition committee chaired by Mr. Joseph Eboigbe, to pilot the smooth transition of power and knowledge to the next administration. The letter reads: “I hope this message finds you in great spirits. As we prepare for the transition of power, we believe…

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been left stranded at Abraq International Airport in Libya, less than forty-eight hours before an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights, scheduled for Tuesday. The Nigerian contingent had departed Uyo on Sunday morning for Libya. However, sports journalist Tobi Adepoju revealed in a post on Sunday night that the team’s predicament began when the host nation made a last-minute diversion of their chartered flight. He stated that the federation had secured approval for the team’s plane to land in Benghazi, just a short distance from the Benina Stadium, where the match…

Air Peace has denied any wrongdoing by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Allen Onyema, and Chief of Finance and Administration, Mrs. Ejiro Eghagha, who have been charged by the United States for alleged obstruction of justice. A statement released by the US Attorney’s Office said that Onyema has been charged in a superseding indictment with obstruction of justice for submitting false documents to the government to end an investigation of him that resulted in earlier charges of bank fraud and money laundering. Also charged is Eghagha, the airline’s Chief of Administration and Finance, for allegedly participating in the obstruction scheme,…

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) says international customers owe $5.79 million for electricity supply in the second quarter (Q2) of 2024. The debt amounts to N9.41 billion when converted using the official exchange rate of N1626.32/$ as of October 10. In its latest quarterly report, the agency said market operators (MO) issued an invoice of $15.60 million to four firms in three countries. Out of the aforementioned value, the electricity regulator said only $9.81 million was paid The firms are Paras-SBEE and Transcorp-SBEE both from the Benin Republic; Mainstream-NIGELEC from Niger; and Odukpani-CEET from Togo. Under an international treaty, Nigeria sells…

ĵAs the Federal Government approved a sum of N70,000 minimum wage for civil servants, the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Saturday announced the implementation of N73,000 minimum wage for state government workers. The governor also expressed the commitment of his administration to the welfare of the people of the state. Aiyedatiwa made the announcement during the kick-off of his campaign in Ondo town, Ondo State, ahead of the November 16 governorship election. The governor declared that despite the fact that the Federal Government approved N70,000 as the new minimum wage, “Ondo will go a step further by paying…

A bill seeking to establish Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages has passed first reading in the house of representatives.  The bill is sponsored by Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker, and eight other lawmakers: Inuwa Garba, Nasiru Shehu, Alex Ikwechegh, Bako Useni, Amobi Ogah, Akin Rotimi, Halims Abdullahi, and Felix Nwaeke. The university, which is to be located in Aba, Abia state, aims to promote the study and use of Nigerian languages and culture for national development. The institution will offer academic and professional programmes, including diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate research with a focus on Nigerian languages and cultures.…

The Government of Namibia has sought assistance from Nigeria’s Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to bolster its efforts in combating corruption. Namibia emphasized Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s anti-corruption fight and expressed a desire to learn from its success. This request was made during a visit by Namibia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Humphrey Geiseb, to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja where he highlighted Nigeria’s prominent role in the fight against corruption across Africa, stating that “Nigeria occupies an exalted position in the fight against corruption, and its expertise needs to…

The Brazilian government has begun closing down several betting sites in the South American country. Already, more than 2000 betting sites, including those that sponsor popular football team Corinthians and other first-division clubs, have been shut. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s government has warned sites that failed to sign up to new regulations due to take effect in January. The new rules seek to combat fraud and money laundering and protect users, by for example banning minors from betting. The country is making the moves as part of a push to regulate online gambling. According to Brazil Finance Minister,…