Author: Vardiafrica

At least four more countries on Sunday said the United States has invited them to join President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace,” a new body meant to oversee next steps in Gaza that’s showing ambitions for a broader mandate in global affairs. A $1 billion contribution secures permanent membership on the Trump-led board instead of a three-year appointment, which has no contribution requirement, according to a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity about the charter, which hasn’t been made public. The official said the money raised would go to rebuilding Gaza. The board will be made up of world leaders.…

Senegal’s players sprinted away in celebration at the full time whistle, after they stunned Morocco 1-0 in the 2025 AFCON final in Rabat. The Teranga Lions claimed a second Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday (18 January). “The players deserve credit. It was an objective we set for ourselves, one we wanted to achieve, especially this year,” Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said after the game. “We prepared well to come and win this trophy. We knew it was going to be difficult, and we had some tough matches, especially the final. We really suffered, but we showed character and resilience. It paid off.”…

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have reportedly rearrested Abdulaziz Malami, the son of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN), at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, sources say. According to reports, the controversial incident unfolded on Friday when bailiffs from the Federal High Court arrived at the prison with fully processed bail papers authorising Abdulaziz’s release. However, detainees’ legal teams were said to be stalling after Malami reportedly resisted leaving the facility via normal public procedures, allegedly urging that his son be quietly moved out of the prison without customary formalities.…

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has forecast dust haze and sunshine from Monday until Wednesday across the country. ‎NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, predicted moderate dust haze over parts of Kebbi and Kano States of the northern region on Monday. ‎The agency envisaged horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km over the region with the rest of the northern States to be under sunny and hazy skies throughout the forecast period. ‎For central region, the agency said moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km is anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory and Niger…

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima on Sunday, arrived in the alpine town of Davos, Switzerland, to lead the Nigerian delegation at the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum, scheduled to be held from January 19 to 23, 2026. The Vice President arrived from Conakry, Guinea, where he represented President Bola Tinubu at the presidential inauguration of President Mamadi Doumbouya on Saturday. He was received on arrival by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yussuf Tuggar, and Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and officials of the Nigerian mission in Switzerland. 2026 WEF marks a milestone in Nigeria’s global economic diplomacy…

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against Nigeria’s governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike “over their failure to account for the spending of billions of naira of public funds in the name of ‘security votes’ by them since 29 May 2023 to guarantee and ensure the security of life and property of Nigerians.” The suit followed reports of the Benue massacre and well-documented ongoing cases of insecurity in several states and FCT, despite the over N400 billion budgeted yearly as ‘security votes.’ 10 governors reportedly budgeted about N140 billion as security votes…

Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his role as the leader of the coastal state, pledging to uphold peace and security and not support any action that could threaten public safety. Fubara gave the assurance on Saturday while speaking as a special guest at the finals of the 2026 Port Harcourt Polo Tournament, held in the state capital. He emphasised that protecting lives and property remains a top priority and reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling his promises to the people of Rivers State. “What is important is that I am still the governor of Rivers State, and we will continue…

Nigeria maintained their perfect record in Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-offs, beating Egypt on penalties to claim bronze at the 2025 tournament on Saturday (17 January). After a goalless draw in regulation time in Casablanca, the match went straight to a shootout, with the Super Eagles prevailing 4-2. Akor Adams had a first-half goal ruled out by VAR in a game short on clear chances. Nigeria won the toss and opted to shoot first, but Fisayo Dele-Bashiru saw his opening effort saved by Egypt goalkeeper Oufa Shobeir. Egypt were unable to take advantage. Stanley Nwabali turned the momentum decisively Nigeria’s way by saving successive penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Rami Rabia and Mahmoud Saber kept Egypt alive from…

Guinea junta leader Mamady Doumbouya was sworn in as president on Saturday in front of tens of thousands of supporters and several heads of state, following an election victory last month. Doumbouya toppled Guinea’s first freely elected president Alpha Conde in 2021 and has since cracked down on civil liberties and banned protests, while opponents have been arrested, put on trial or driven into exile. The west African country’s Supreme Court validated his victory days after a late December poll, crediting him with 86.7 percent of the vote. Dressed in a traditional gown, Doumbouya swore an oath to uphold the…

President Bola Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Saturday after he and some of his ministers participated in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW2026). On the sidelines of the summit, Nigeria signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The agreement aims to deepen economic cooperation, boost bilateral trade and investment, enhance technology transfer, and expand collaboration across key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and renewable energy. In his address, President Tinubu announced that a joint Nigeria-United Arab Emirates (UAE) INVESTOPIA would be held in Lagos in February, an initiative aimed at attracting global…