Author: Vardiafrica

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a public health advisory warning that several northern states face a heightened risk of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) as dry season conditions intensify across parts of Nigeria. In a notice posted on its X handle, the agency explained that the disease is a serious infection that affects the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord and is commonly caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. NiMet also explained that CSM spreads through respiratory droplets, particularly in crowded or poorly ventilated environments. NiMet identified Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, and…

The war in the Middle East ​is creating the biggest ‌oil supply disruption in the history of the global ​market, the International ​Energy Agency said on Thursday, ⁠a day after the ​agency agreed to release ​a record volume of oil from strategic stockpiles. Middle East Gulf ​countries have cut total ​oil production by at least 10 ‌million ⁠bpd – a volume equal to almost 10% of world demand – as a ​result ​of ⁠the conflict, the agency said in ​its latest monthly oil ​market ⁠report. Without a rapid restart of shipping flows, ⁠these ​losses are set ​to increase, IEA said.…

Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, has called on Nigerians not to lose faith in the country’s ongoing fight against terrorism despite recent attacks on security personnel and communities. Musa made the appeal on Thursday after briefing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja. The security briefing followed a closed-door meeting between the President and top security officials, including service chiefs and the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu. The meeting came in the wake of renewed attacks on military formations and security personnel across the country, including a deadly assault on the Ngoshe…

Ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s state visit 90pppppto the United Kingdom, King Charles III hosted members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK to a pre-visit reception. The reception, held on Wednesday evening, featured jollof rice and live music by Dele Sosimi and the Afrobeats Orchestra. The Royal Family described it on its official X handle on Thursday as “a wonderful evening,” thanking those who attended the event. “Last night, The King hosted a reception with members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK, ahead of the incoming State Visit of the President of Nigeria. “With jollof rice and music…

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday convened a security meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with service chiefs and top defence officials to review the country’s security situation amid a recent surge in insurgent attacks. Following the meeting, Defence Minister General Christopher Musa briefed journalists on the discussions and the ongoing fight against terrorism. “The meeting is primarily for us to review ongoing events,” Musa said. “We came here to brief Mr. President on the current situation on the ground. There have been a series of attacks, and the security forces have risen to the occasion. Our goal is to give…

The Federal Government has inaugurated principal officers for newly established federal tertiary institutions and the leadership of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s higher education system. The Honourable Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, performed the inauguration at the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja. The appointments include leadership for the Federal University of Science and Technology Epe in Epe and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic Abuja. Dr. Alausa said the development reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality tertiary education, strengthening teacher education, and positioning Nigerian…

Donald Trump has warned that Iran’s football team should not come to the World Cup “for their own life and safety”. In a post on Truth Social on Thursday, the US president wrote: “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.” Trump’s comment comes just days after telling Fifa President Giovanni Infantino that the team would be welcome, despite the ongoing war in the Middle East. In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Infantino confirmed he had spoken to Trump…

NINE senators in Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly on Thursday dumped their political parties and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Their letters of defection were read during plenary by the Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The lawmakers include Ireti Kingibe who represents the Federal Capital Territory. She left the Labour Party for ADC. Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo of Nasarawa South quit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Similarly, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto South), Binos Dauda Yaroe (Adamawa South), Austin Akobundu (Abia Central), and Lawal Adamu Usman (Kaduna Central) left the PDP. Others are Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) from the All Progressives Grand Alliance…

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has urged Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to dismiss the rights enforcement suit filed by former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai. El-Rufai is seeking ₦1 billion in compensation against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Chief Magistrate Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, the IGP, and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). He is challenging a recent search of his Asokoro home in Abuja by law enforcement agents, during which some items were allegedly recovered. In a counter-affidavit, the IGP justified the…

The Nigeria Police Force has officially pulled a former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, out of service, marking the official end of his time in the NPF. The former police chief was accompanied to the event held in Abuja on Thursday by his wife, Elizabeth Egbetokun. Speaking at the ceremony, the former IGP said that serving as IGP remains one of the highest privileges of his He said that under his leadership, the police expanded their operational capabilities. The former police chief disclosed that the cybercrime section had been upgraded. The former IGP also noted that the investigative capability of…