Author: Vardiafrica

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced plans to begin the production of surfactants, a key raw material used in detergent manufacturing, in a move expected to strengthen local industry and reduce reliance on imports. Surfactants are the active ingredients that enable detergents to create foam and remove dirt, and are widely used in household cleaning, garment care and personal hygiene products. Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Refinery, David Bird, disclosed the development on Wednesday during a news conference, stating that the company has reached advanced stages in securing commercial agreements to install a Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) plant, which will produce…

United States President Donald Trump has launched a new website that he says will lower the cost of prescription medicines, which have long stood out for their sky-high prices in the US compared with similar products around the world. Trump announced the launch of the new website called TrumpRx, which allows consumers to buy discounted drugs directly from pharma companies, at an event at the White House on Thursday. “People are going to save a lot of money and be healthy,” Trump said, stating that some of the world’s largest drug producers have agreed to bring down prices under “Most Favoured Nation”…

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu on Thursday, met with Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, at the Presidential Villa ,Abuja. The meeting came on the heels of the deadly attack on Worro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. More than 100 people were killed in the community in what authorities described as an attack by suspected jihadist fighters. But in a decisive strike against the rampaging terror gripping Nigeria’s heartland, President Tinubu ordered the deployment of a military battalion to parts of Kwara State following the deadly attack on Kaiama Local Government Area that left scores of residents dead. Some…

The Defence headquarters has disclosed that the recent deployment of specialist troops by the US AFRICOM was done in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and in accordance with existing bilateral frameworks between the two countries. Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, made this known in a statement titled, “Clarification On Speculations Regarding the Presence of US Troops in Nigeria”. It reads, “The Defence Headquarters has noted recent media reports and public speculation suggesting the presence or deployment of United States troops in Nigeria. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to state that Nigeria maintains a long-standing and…

The 183 worshippers abducted from the Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have regained their freedom, eighteen days after they were kidnapped by bandits during a church service on January 18. The victims were received by Governor Uba Sani on Thursday at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna. Receiving the worshippers alongside heads of security agencies, top Kaduna State Government officials and community leaders, the governor described the occasion as “a day of joy for the state”. He said the safe return of all the abducted worshippers vindicated the quiet but relentless efforts of…

The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Bayo Ojulari, has stated that the company is currently in talks with partners with a proven track record of refining and petrochemical operations in order to build sustainable, self-financing, and profitable solutions for its refineries. Ojulari disclosed this while fielding questions during a fireside chat themed “Securing Nigeria’s Energy Future at NIES 2026” at the ongoing Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026 on Wednesday in Abuja. The GCEO observed that historically, the focus on refineries has largely been on financing and EPC delivery, noting that the…

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, was in the international spotlight on Thursday, as US President, Donald Trump, publicly acknowledged her faith leadership during the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. The prestigious event, attended by members of the US Congress, global religious leaders, and international dignitaries, featured Trump recognising Mrs Tinubu in the audience as he addressed attendees on faith and global religious freedom. “We’re honoured to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also happens to serve as a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria. A very respected woman. First Lady, please,…

In compliance with a recent judgement of the Federal High Court, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recognised the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Abdulrahman Mohammed. Mohammed’s National Caretaker Committee is backed by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Recall that the faction led by Barr. Tanimu Turaki was recently sacked by the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State. INEC’s compliance with the court order became a public knowledge following the decision of the electoral body to extend invitation to the Wike’s faction to attend the commission’s first regular consultative meeting with…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the registration of two new political parties, bringing the number of registered parties in the country to 21 ahead of the 2027 general election. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Thursday during the Commission’s first regular consultative meeting with political parties for 2026, held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. The newly registered parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Amupitan said the decision followed a rigorous assessment process in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s Regulations…

Superstar footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo has been pictured back in training with his Saudi Pro League side, Al-Nassr, despite being on strike. The 41-year-old Portuguese star had refused to play,with his participation in the upcoming match against Al-Ittihad still not certain. Ronaldo, who earns an astronomical £488,000-a-day, is understood to be unhappy with the recruitment at his club and thinks the Saudi backers are giving their rivals preferential treatment. But the Portuguese forward was seen working out on the pitch in a training session under the watchful eye of manager Jorge Jesus, in a hint that he could return to the…