Author: Vardiafrica

Iran has banned its sports teams from travelling to countries it considers “hostile”, Iranian state TV reported, before club side Tractor SC’s scheduled football match in Saudi Arabia. The ban on Thursday comes nearly a month after United States-Israeli attacks on Iran led to war on February 28 A statement by Iran’s Ministry of Sports announcing the ban singled out the Tractor playoff game in the Asian Champions League against Shabab Al Ahli of Dubai that was set to be played in Saudi Arabia next month. “The presence of national and club teams in countries that are considered hostile and are unable to ensure…

United Arab Emirates officials issued warnings to residents on Thursday evening that Dubai would experience “unstable weather conditions until the morning” with rain, thunder, lightning and strong gusts of wind. Dramatic pictures were posted on social media of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building at 829m (2,722ft), struck by lightning in the midst of the overnight storm. Heavy rain flooded main roads, according to photos shared by Dubai Police. The force activated an emergency response plan to address potential disruptions, said Brigadier Turki Abdulrahman bin Fares, director of the general department of operations at Dubai Police.

A former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, on Saturday received political leaders, associates, and well-wishers at his Abuja residence following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who died on Friday in Cairo, Egypt, after a period of illness. The condolence visits came after he was granted temporary leave from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he had been held since February over allegations of financial misconduct. He was released on compassionate grounds to attend the funeral rites of his mother. Among those who visited El-Rufai was former Vice President…

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has applauded ESSO Nigeria on the groundbreaking of its permanent shorebase facility at the LADOL Deep Offshore Logistics Base, describing the project as a major demonstration that Nigeria has become a prime hub for global oil and gas logistics. ESSO Nigeria is an affiliate ExxonMobil, an international operating company and the shorebase facility is valued at $23m and will include an administrative building, warehouses, and other storage areas. Speaking at the event held on Thursday at LADOL base, Lagos, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr Felix Omashola Ogbe congratulated ESSO and LADOL on the project, and…

The Niger Delta Development Commission said it has delivered relief materials to flood-affected communities in Bayelsa, Rivers and Abia States, part of efforts to support households facing displacement and economic hardship.The intervention covered Oruma in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Ogu/Bolo in Rivers State and Omuma-Uzor in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, according to officials of the commission. The managing director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the initiative was aimed at addressing the impact of flooding and rising living costs on vulnerable populations in the region. “The NDDC remains committed to expanding interventions…

After hours of high-stakes deliberations, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has now concluded its 8th National Convention, with Nentawe Yilwatda returning as the party’s national chairman. Apart from Yilwatda, the ruling picked Surajudeen Basiru as its secretary. The duo and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party were elected via a consensus arrangement ratified by delegates at the convention. The Convention Election Committee announced the members of the NWC during the 4th Elective National Convention of the APC. Others include Felix Morka as publicity secretary and Dayo Israel, who retained his post as youth leader. Yelwata said…

Senegal paraded the Africa Cup of Nations trophy before Saturday’s friendly match against Peru at Stade de France – despite being stripped of the title earlier this month. Morocco were declared the winners of the 2025 Afcon tournament when the Confederation of African Football (Caf) overturned the result of January’s final. Senegal’s players left the field in protest when, with the score at 0-0, hosts Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty. When they returned after a delay of about 17 minutes, Morocco subsequently failed to score the spot-kick and Senegal netted an extra-time winner. Following an appeal by the Moroccan FA (FRMF),…

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has been granted temporary bail from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The development is to enable him to attend the funeral rites of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who reportedly died in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday. An aide to the former governor confirmed that the release was approved on compassionate grounds following the family’s bereavement. Reacting to the development, his son, Bashir El-Rufai, disclosed in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle that his father had been released from detention. He wrote: “My beloved…

Iran’s military has warned that hotels housing US soldiers across the region would be targets in its war with the United States and ‘Israel’. “When all the Americans (forces) go into a hotel, then from our perspective that hotel becomes American,” armed forces spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi told state television on Thursday. “Should we just stand by and let the Americans strike us? When we respond, naturally we have to strike wherever they are.” On Thursday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had accused US soldiers of using people in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as “human shields”. “From the outset of…

Speaking during the Niger Delta Arts and Culture Expo in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the cultural event reflects Nigeria’s enduring strength in unity despite its diversity. The event, with the theme: “Rhythm of the Niger Delta: Music, Dance and the Heartbeat of Our People,” brought together stakeholders and cultural groups from across the region, displaying traditional music, dance, and artistic expressions in a vibrant celebration of heritage and unity. The NDDC Managing Director, represented by the Akwa Ibom State Representative on the NDDC Board, Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, described the Arts and…