Author: Vardiafrica

A group of thugs, on Sunday, forcibly dispersed #EndBadGovernance protesters who had gathered at Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, Lagos State, for the fourth day of demonstrations against economic hardship, poverty, and poor governance. The disruption occurred about three hours after President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide address, during which a faction of protesters suggested suspending the demonstrations, but others opposed the idea. Shortly thereafter, suspected government-backed hoodlums armed with sticks and weapons stormed the venue, violently ejecting the protesters. With chants, slogans, and placards, the protesters earlier on Sunday maintained a peaceful and orderly atmosphere, reiterating their demands for improved governance…

President Bola Tinubu has appealed to protesters not to “shut out” the oxygen of the country’s economy as it is on its way to “recovery.” While delivering his nationwide broadcast this morning, the President said he understands that the nationwide protests are driven by economic hardship but his government is “committed to listening and addressing” the concerns of all Nigerians. “My administration is working very hard to improve and expand our national infrastructure and create more opportunities for our young people. Let nobody misinform and miseducate you about your country or tell you that your government does not care about…

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday ruled out the return of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) famously known as petrol. During a broadcast to over 200 million Nigerians after three days of unbroken nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests economic hardship, the President said the removal of subsidy on petrol was a painful but necessary decision he took for economic reforms. In his speech on Sunday, Tinubu said, “For decades, our economy has remained anaemic and taken a dip because of many misalignments that have stunted our growth. “Just over a year ago, our dear country, Nigeria, reached a point where we couldn’t…

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to suspend the #EndBadGovernance protests and 0embrace dialogue. During a broadcast on Sunday, the President assured Nigerians that his administration is focused on good governance despite the socio-economic challenges confronting Africa’s most populous nation. Tinubu expressed pain over the loss of lives and properties in some states during the nationwide protests, saying the destruction of public and private assets sets the nation back “as scarce resources will be again used to restore them” He also commiserated with the families and relations of those who died in the protests. “We must stop further bloodshed, violence and…

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered illicit drugs hidden in tins of Cerelac baby food. Disclosing this in a statement on Sunday, NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said the food containers and clothes bound for the United States and United Kingdom were intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and a courier firm in Lagos. He said no less than 36 parcels of a strong strain of cannabis concealed in six cartons of tins of branded Nestle Cerelac baby food, with six containers in each package, were recovered at the SAHCOL export shed of Lagos…

The Kano State Government has relaxed the 24-hour curfew imposed on the state from 8am to 2pm, effective Sunday. The announcement was made by the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Baba Haliru Danteye, in a special broadcast to the people of the state. He said, Governor Abba Yusuf expressed sympathy for the families who lost loved ones and property during the violent protests, which were hijacked by hoodlums. However, he urged residents to return home by 2pm, as the curfew will be reviewed as the security situation improves. The Governor also called on residents to continue praying for peace, progress,…

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State government on Friday reeled out “hardship relief measures” in the state including return of Sunday markets with 25% discount on food items; and free medical outreach treatment. Others were; free delivery for expectant women in hospitals and 25% slash in transport fares. Governor Sanwo-Olu, who made this known through the Commissioner for Information in the state, Gbenga Omotoso, during an interview on TVC News, where he said he had heard the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters “loud and clear.” Asked if the decision of the state government was temporarily meant to quench the heat of the ongoing nationwide hunger…

In a significant step to bolster humanitarian efforts, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has intensified its support to communities in its member states through impactful, people-focused projects. A delegation from the ECOWAS Commission, led by Mr. Godfrey Ameachi Alozie, Program Officer for Humanitarian Affairs, participated in the flag-off ceremony for the ECOWAS Humanitarian Support to Nigeria for communities affected by the devastating floods of 2022, in Adamawa State of Nigeria, 30th July, 2024. Through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Nigeria received a substantial flood assistance fund of $906,205 from ECOWAS, aimed at community resilience…

Police authorities have fired tear gas at protesters at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja in a bid to disperse the demonstrators who had converged to press on with their demands.  The protesters, lesser than the number witnessed the previous days, had converged at the facility. But after some hours, police officers fired tear gas canisters to disperse the protesters. The MKO Abiola Stadium is the designated venue for the protests in the nation’s capital. A court order had restrained the #EndBadGovernance demonstrators from using other areas. On Friday, tear gas canisters were also fired at the protesters when they…

Protesters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, briefly obstructed Governor Siminalayi Fubara, insisting that he come down to address them. This happened on Saturday, Day 3 of the demonstrations tagged #EndBadGovernance protests. Waving green leaves and shouting in excitement, the protesters, lined up the streets. After some moments, the governor’s convoy passed as the demonstrators continued with the rallies. The protesters in Port Harcourt had regrouped for the third day running for the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations which began on August 1, 2024. They converged at the Pleasure Park in the city, carried placards, and insisted they would not leave until their demands…