Author: Vardiafrica

The Russian leadership and President Vladimir Putin have been on high alert since early March over fears of a coup and possible drone assassination attempts. Putin has stopped visiting his usual residences near Moscow and in Valdai, instead working from upgraded bunker facilities in the Krasnodar region. This was reported by Vazhnye Istorii, citing an intelligence report from an EU country. Parts of the report were confirmed by independent sources within Russian security services. The Federal Protective Service has expanded its list of officials under heightened protection, adding ten generals from the General Staff and military intelligence, including Igor Kostyukov and…

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, on Thursday charged 30 outstanding young engineers and geoscientists to ready themselves to assume problem-solving roles in and out of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The 30 job-ready youths were beneficiaries of the 12-month intensive project-based human capital development (HCD) programme of Chevron Nigeria Limited, implemented in connection with the supply of Zicornia perforated tiles and molecular sieve by Geoscape Nigeria Limited in support of the Escravos-Gas-Liquids operation in Delta State. Speaking at the close-out ceremony in Port Harcourt, the Executive Secretary, represented by…

Speaking during a two-day workshop for the staff, the Director of Project Monitoring and Supervision, Engr. Gbenga Omowanle, described the workshop as a refresher course and induction programme for old and new staff. He explained that the training was designed to acquaint participants with the fundamental principles of PMS operations and the Commission’s monitoring procedures. According to him, every staff member in the Directorate must understand the step-by-step approach required for effective project monitoring within the Commission. He added that the training would also strengthen the integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality expected of staff while carrying out their duties. Omowanle expressed…

The Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, on Thursday commended the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for the donation of critical equipment to boost the operational capabilities and safety of men and officers of The Nigeria Police. Speaking at the formal handover of a customised patrol and reserve thermal imaging drone, 100 units of M88 bulletproof fibreglass helmets, 100 units of JVD bulletproof vests, and 100 units of Motorola walkie-talkies at the State Command Headquarters in Ovom, Yenagoa, the police boss said what the Board has provided represented the most important equipment, short of…

The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered the deployment of special forces and aerial surveillance assets to Oyo State following a series of recent kidnapping incidents across the state. He assured residents that the military would sustain aggressive operations until those responsible are apprehended and security is fully restored in the affected areas. Speaking with journalists on Tuesday during a briefing on the Armed Forces’ operational activities for May, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the military recognised the growing security concerns in Oyo State and sympathised with affected families, the state government…

The U.S. military carried out strikes in southern Iran Monday against ​targets including boats attempting ​to lay mines and missile ​launch sites, in ⁠what it ⁠described ‌as defensive actions. U.S. Central Command said in ⁠a statement the strikes were designed “to protect ‌our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.” “U.S. Central ​Command continues ⁠to defend our ⁠forces while using restraint ⁠during ⁠the ​ongoing ceasefire,” said Navy ​Captain Tim ⁠Hawkins, a Central Command spokesperson. The strikes came hours after Iran and the United States played down hopes for an imminent breakthrough in the three-month-old war, and U.S. President Donald Trump called on…

Airtel and Globacom, two of Nigeria’s leading telcos, have resumed airtime lending after the country’s consumer protection regulator suspended enforcement of controversial digital lending rules that had temporarily disrupted the market. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) said in a public notice on May 22 that it had suspended enforcement of its Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations (DEON Regulations) 2025, following an interim order issued by the Federal High Court in Lagos. The court order, issued by Justice A.L. Allagoa on April 15, restrained the FCCPC from implementing the rules after a lawsuit filed by Wireless Application Service Providers Association…

Speaking during the NDDC Procurement Policy Reform and Digitisation Stakeholders Sensitisation and Training Summit in Port Harcourt, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, described the initiative as a step in the right direction. Adedokun said the transition to paperless governance had become necessary as the government seeks to modernise its operations, reduce delays, cut waste and improve the speed of service delivery to citizens. He noted that public procurement was central to the implementation of government policies and must therefore adopt modern tools to improve productivity and public trust. According to the DG, “procurement…

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to bar former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election, effectively clearing the way for him to participate in the polls if he chooses to run. Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered judgment in the matter, held that the suit instituted by Johnmary Jideobi lacked merit and amounted to an abuse of court process. The court further ruled that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to institute the suit, noting that he failed to show how Jonathan’s possible participation in the election directly affected his interest. Justice Lifu…

Iran’s national soccer team will sleep in Mexico and travel to the US on the days of its three World Cup matches after Washington declined to host the squad for the tournament, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday. Sheinbaum said FIFA approached her government after US authorities said they did not want Iran staying in the country throughout the June 11-July 19 competition, even though Iran is scheduled to play three Group G matches there. “We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico,” Sheinbaum told her daily press conference. Iran is due to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June…