Author: Vardiafrica

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…

The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Gwarzo, has resigned from the position, citing the need to ensure stability in governance and allow the office to function effectively. In a press statement issued by the Kwankwasiyya Movement on Friday, the decision was described as “difficult” but necessary in the overall interest of the people of Kano State. “The Deputy Governor of Kano State has tendered his resignation from office… This decision, though difficult, has been taken in the overall interest of the people and the stability of governance in Kano State,” the statement read in part. The movement noted that…

Iran has announced the mobilisation of one million fighters to counter what it describes as a “suicidal” US ground war on Iranian soil. According to reports, Tehran is particularly focused on defending the strategic Kharg Island, from where nearly 90 percent of Iran’s oil is exported. The Iranian news agency Tasnim quoted a military source stating that as speculation grows regarding a “historical folly” by the United States to engage in ground combat on Iran’s southern front, a wave of enthusiasm has swept through the nation’s land forces, which are prepared to create a “historical hell” for American forces on Iranian soil.…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Prime Minister Terrance Michael Drew have agreed to appoint special envoys to advance bilateral engagement, strengthen existing areas of cooperation, and ensure that the partnership yields gains for both nations and the wider Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Prime Minister Drew disclosed this on Thursday while briefing State House Correspondents after a courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, where both leaders assessed existing bilateral engagements and considered new strategic cooperation. According to him, the move to designate special envoys in Abuja and Basseterre is intended to reinforce institutional follow-through on…

The Federal Government (FG) has introduced a newly developed chicken breed and 57 crop varieties to boost meat availability, enhance food security and improve Nigerians’ nutritional well-being. This was announced in Ibadan on Thursday at the 36th meeting of the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds/Fisheries. The meeting, organised by the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), was presided over by the Chairman of the National Variety Release Committee (NVRC), Soji Olufajo. Mr Olufajo explained that the registration and release of the new chicken breed and the 57 high-yield varieties from 14…