Author: Vanguard News

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a $200 million loan to support Nigeria’s digital infrastructure expansion and job creation under the Digital Value Chain Infrastructure for Boosting Employment (D‑VIBE) Project.

The initiative, also known as Project BRIDGE, aims to close connectivity gaps and strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy. It will expand the national fibre backbone from 30,000 kilometres to 120,000 kilometres, linking all 774 local government areas to high‑speed broadband.

The bank said that the loan would fund the Digital Value Chain Infrastructure for Boosting Employment (D-VIBE) Project, a flagship initiative aimed at closing connectivity gaps and strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy.

“Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and West Africa’s largest market, is expected to benefit from improved broadband access, productivity and employment under the project.

“The initiative will expand the country’s national fibre backbone from about 30,000 kilometres to approximately 120,000 kilometres, connecting all 774 Local Government Areas.

“The expanded network will link schools, health facilities, agro-industrial zones, rural communities and commercial hubs to high-speed broadband services.

“It will also establish cross-border fibre connections with Benin, Cameroon, Niger and Chad to boost regional digital integration,” it said.

Schools, health facilities, agro‑industrial zones, rural communities, and commercial hubs will benefit, alongside cross‑border fibre connections with Benin, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad.

Structured as a public‑private partnership, the project will combine sovereign financing with private investment.

The AfDB loan forms part of an $800 million package that includes $500 million from the World Bank and $100 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Additional support comes from EU grants and development partners, bringing total financing to $2 billion.

The project is expected to generate up to 2.8 million jobs and raise broadband penetration from 45% to 70% by 2030. AfDB Nigeria Office Director‑General Abdul Kamara said the investment would “make high‑speed connectivity a reality for every Nigerian community,” equipping young people with digital tools and addressing barriers to adoption through affordable devices, skills development, and cybersecurity measures.

The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s Vision 2050, National Development Plan, and Renewed Hope Agenda, as well as the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and AfDB’s 10‑Year Strategy for inclusive growth and sustainable development. (NAN)

The post AfDB approves $200m loan to boost Nigeria’s digital backbone, jobs appeared first on Vanguard News.

Distributed systems researcher Moritz Platt examines how Nigerians use new payment methods and connects this trend to broader debates around trust, energy consumption, and digital infrastructure.

Platt, affiliated with Google and King’s College London and named a Visiting Research Fellow in 2026, focuses on ensuring digital systems are secure and fair, despite misaligned incentives.

Platt’s research work spans several areas related to distributed computer systems, like blockchain consensus mechanisms, digital identity systems, and the energy consumption of decentralized networks.

Leading the world in stablecoin adoption, Nigeria has established itself as a blueprint for the future of digital payments. While wealthier economies treat digital assets as tools for financial speculation, Nigerians adopt them out of practical necessity to navigate the complexities of the traditional banking sector. This sharp contrast shows the importance of ongoing research for Nigeria’s national development. Consequently, the international arena is watching Nigeria to learn how utility-driven digital finance works in practice.

One of Platt’s studies surveyed Nigerian cryptocurrency users about Bitcoin’s energy consumption. This 2023 study, “Energy Demand Unawareness and the Popularity of Bitcoin”, involved participants in Lagos, Ogun, and Rivers states, revealing that many, including self-described experts, underestimated the energy required by digital currencies.

It also found that respondents with a more accurate understanding of digital currency energy use were more likely to support measures to improve sustainability. The paper argued that consumer education should play a larger role in cryptocurrency sustainability policy than bans or restrictions targeting operators.

https://mplatt.de/

Nigeria was central to the study due to its rapid adoption of digital money. Findings show citizens increasingly use alternative assets to manage inflation and payment challenges, making the country a valuable field research setting for digital assets.

Platt’s earlier research on blockchain consensus mechanisms compared proof-of-work with proof-of-stake systems, finding that proof-of-work networks consumed more energy.

The electricity demand of proof-of-stake systems varies by validator design, hardware, and network structure.

Another recent study led by Platt found that providing users with energy labels, an approach similar to appliance ratings used in Nigeria, decreased their preference for energy-inefficient digital assets.

This finding supports calls for more transparency and sustainability metrics in digital finance.

Platt works at Google as a Technology Manager and maintains academic ties to King’s College London, where he researches trust, resilience, and fairness in digital systems. He holds a PhD from King’s College London and degrees from TU Berlin and Birkbeck, University of London.

His work is part of a broader discussion about the energy demands of cryptocurrencies; a debate the remains highly timely for Nigeria, where the rapid adoption of alternative financial tools is reshaping everyday life. Consequently, public discourse is focused on crucial issues such as easing payment friction, building confidence in new digital systems, and ensuring that modern payments networks remain resilient.

Platt’s work illustrates Nigeria as more than just a major market for alternative payment systems; it also shows how everyday users understand the systems they rely on. The future of digital finance depends on empowering users with the knowledge to make educated choices.

Researcher Moritz Platt examines Nigerians’ use of digital payment systems

Ryan Alebiosu registered an assist as Blackburn Rovers were held to a 1-1 draw by Stoke City in their Sky Bet Championship clash.

Alebiosu set up Adam Forshaw for the game’s opening goal in the 21st minute.

It was the 24-year-old’s fourth assist of the season for Rovers.

The right-back has also scored once in 36 league appearances.

Alebiosu, who was in action for the entire duration of the game was cautioned on the stroke of half-time.

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi equalised for Stoke City in the 57th minute.

Championship: Alebiosu grabs assist in Blackburn Rovers’ draw at Stoke City

Carlos Alcaraz lined up a blockbuster Monte Carlo Masters final with chief rival Jannik Sinner after the Spaniard ended the run of local boy Valentin Vacherot in the last four on Saturday.

Alcaraz saw off Vacherot 6-4, 6-4 to stay on track to defend his title and set up a Sunday showdown with Sinner for the world number one ranking.

It will be the first meeting this season between the world’s top two players and will decide who will be world No.1 come Monday when the new ATP rankings are released.

“I think it’s the dream spot for everyone I would say. I’m fighting for a second Monte Carlo title, he’s fighting for his first one,” said Alcaraz of Sunday’s final.

“It’s going to be a really special one. The No.1 is on the line, which will make tomorrow even more special.”

The 22-year-old Alcaraz is trying to keep hold of top spot and holds a 10-6 lead over Sinner in the head-to-head series.

Alcaraz broke Vacherot three times to wrap up victory in 84 minutes and is bidding for his third title of the season after winning the Australian Open and in Doha.

“I’m just happy to win this really difficult match against Valentin,” said Alcaraz.

“He’s playing great tennis with a lot of confidence right now, playing in his hometown. It was really tough to get the win, but I’m really excited about my first meeting with Jannik in 2026.”

– Sinner dispatches Zverev –

Sinner eased his way into the Monte Carlo final for the first time with a clinical 6-1, 6-4 semi-final win over Alexander Zverev earlier on Saturday.

The 24-year-old Italian becomes the first player to reach all three finals of the season’s first three Masters 1000 events since Novak Djokovic in 2015.

Roger Federer, in 2006, and Rafael Nadal, 2011, are the only two other players to achieve the feat.

“I’m very happy,” said Sinner.

“We came here trying to give myself some feedback (on clay) and now finding myself in the final means a lot to me.”

Sinner said he had felt in top form right from the outset of the match against his German opponent, ranked third in the world.

“Obviously every match, every day is different, so I’m very happy about today’s performance. I felt really solid from the beginning.

“When you are a break up straight away, it changes the dynamic of the match, so very happy and let’s see what’s coming in the final.”

As in Indian Wells and Miami, Sinner, 24, had the measure of Zverev who has not prevailed in their meetings since the round of 16 at the US Open in September 2023.

Extremely aggressive from the start, Sinner blew the German away in the opening set, breaking him three times and wrapping it up in 34 minutes.

In the second set, Zverev put up more resistance, finding his first serve again, but he still had to battle every time to hold.

He finally folded after 82 minutes on another blistering forehand from Sinner, who has lost only one set in his last 21 matches at Masters 1000 events.

The post Alcaraz and Sinner to face off in Monte Carlo final appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Nigerian government has finally published a list of 48 individuals and groups allegedly linked to terrorism financing in Nigeria.

The list was released by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee, NIGSAC, on Saturday.

The publication contains names of individuals and entities suspected of involvement in terrorism-related activities, including persons linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Ansaru and Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP.

BREAKING: Nigerian govt finally names 48 individuals, groups financing terrorism – Full List

Nigeria’s ambassador to Mexico, Reno Omokri, on Saturday declared that the 2027 presidential election is only a formality.

Omokri said if God spares the life of President Bola Tinubu, he would pull a decisive win during the 2027 presidential election.

He made the remark in a post on X while reacting to the crowd that trooped out to welcome Tinubu to Bayelsa State on Friday.

He wrote: “Bayelsa was created on Tuesday, October 1, 1996, and since that date, Bayelsans have rarely seen the kind of crowd that trooped out yesterday for President Tinubu.

“Maybe this happened under President Jonathan, who is a native of Bayelsa; however, the crowd was massive, active, and supportive. And the people, in their humongous numbers, kept coming. I have been to Bayelsa—multiple times.

“I used to think this was a tiny state in terms of landmass and population. Boy, was I wrong! Yesterday proved that convincingly with regard to the population.

“Definitely, this is a state that knows on what side its bread is buttered. Especially when you consider the following fact.

“And as it is in the South-South, so will it be throughout the federation. And that is why 2027 is, for the President, more or less a formality, God sparing his life.”

2027 election mere formality, Tinubu will win – Omokri

Popular Nollywood Actor, Zubby Michael, who recently picked up the African Democratic Congress, ADC, membership form has indicated interest in running for a House of Representatives seat for the Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency of Anambra State.

The actor declared his intention on Saturday after he joined the ADC in his hometown, Ozubulu ward 5, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of the state.

DAILY POST earlier reported that Zubby officially joined the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The move is coming when several celebrities from the South-East are moving into the ruling party to solicit support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The celebrities are leading the All Progressives Congress, APC City Boys Movement in the region.

DAILY POST reports that Zubby’s alignment with the opposition party may have a significant impact on the much anticipated general elections, especially in Anambra State.

Nollywood actor Zubby Michael declares for House of Reps under ADC

The Kwankwasiyya Movement in Kano has called on the Department of State Services to investigate what it describes as a coordinated online harassment campaign against its leaders.

In a petition dated April 9, 2026, the group stated that its top members are being targeted with cyberbullying and false allegations intended to damage their reputations and weaken the movement.

The petition named some of those affected, including Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo and Muhammad Samir Hanga, alongside other loyal members.

It alleged that many of the attacks are being carried out on social media, particularly Facebook, where posts are said to be aimed at discrediting them.

The movement also levelled serious allegations against certain individuals it claims are linked to the Kano State Government.

It specifically mentioned the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, as well as other unnamed officials.

The petition accused these individuals of using social media to conduct what the group described as a campaign of character assassination.

Kwankwasiyya petitions DSS over alleged online harassment of leaders

Amidst the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress, ADC, at the national level, its Anambra State chapter has elected Chris McCool Nwosu as its chairman in the state.

Nwosu, a journalist, media personality and publisher of Courage Magazine was elected through a consensus congress, which was affirmed by all delegates of the party who converged on Awka, the Anambra State capital.

The party had initially moved three motions before the commencement of the election and they included a motion for the dissolution of the former state executive, a motion to adopt the outcome of the ward and local government congresses held on Friday and another for the adoption of a consensus method of election.

Nwosu was announced the state chairman, alongside 35 other members, who now constitute the state executive of the party, and were sworn in immediately.

The newly elected chairman, Nwosu, in his inaugural address promised to ensure cohesion in the party, while urging members to ensure loyalty and steadfastness.

He said: “We will organize with diligence, mobilize with purpose and work with unwavering focus to achieve this mandate. We will reach every local government, every ward and everyone.

“Together, we will build a united and formidable party that truly represents the hopes and aspirations of our people. We also cherish and adore the respective doggedness of our stakeholders and office holders at different levels of the legislature.

“We extend our hands in warm embrace of unity and oneness in pursuit of the enormous task before us, which is convincing Ndi Anambra that ADC is the right platform for every election.

“We must rise above differences and build a strong cohesive structure anchored on trust, inclusion and shared purpose. Our task is clear. We must reconnect with the people, deepen our grassroots presence and present a credible alternative rooted in accountability and service.

“The strength of our party will not be measured by works, but by our ability to end and sustain the confidence of Anambra people. Beyond our state, we shall strive to set a standard body of emulation befitting a people privileged to have produced Anambra’s number one political export, the great man, Mr Peter Obi.”

The congress was organized by members of the ADC State Congress Committee from Abuja, led by the Chairman, Amb. Fidel Ayogu, with Queen Nkechi Okiyi as Secretary and Godson Okoye as member.

Anambra ADC holds successful state congress, elects Nwosu as chairman

Iran and the United States have commenced direct high-level negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking one of the most significant diplomatic engagements between the two nations in decades.

The talks, which began on Saturday, are being hosted by Pakistan following a fragile ceasefire between the two sides.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a statement ahead of the negotiations, signalling Tehran’s firm resolve while reassuring the Iranian public of the government’s continued commitment to domestic priorities regardless of the outcome.

“The high-ranking Iranian delegation that has arrived in Pakistan is a staunch guardian of Iran’s interests with all its might, and in this vein, it will engage in negotiations with courage,” Pezeshkian said. “In any case, our service to the people will not pause for a moment, and whatever the outcome of the negotiations may be, the government stands firmly by the people’s side.”

Iran’s delegation is reportedly led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the United States is represented by Vice President JD Vance alongside other senior officials.

Pakistan’s role in facilitating the talks has been central to the process. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif played a key mediating role, including a phone conversation with President Pezeshkian earlier in the week that helped pave the way for Iran’s confirmation of its participation.

Islamabad has set modest initial goals for the talks, focused primarily on sustaining dialogue and stabilising the ceasefire rather than resolving all outstanding issues at once.

Matters expected to feature prominently on the negotiating table include Iran’s nuclear programme, regional security, sanctions relief, and broader de-escalation efforts.

However, analysts caution that deep-seated mistrust between Washington and Tehran means outcomes remain highly uncertain.

The Islamabad talks represent the first direct high-level engagement of their kind between Iran and the United States in decades, and the world is watching closely as both sides sit across the table in the Pakistani capital.

Iran, U.S. Begin Historic Direct Talks In Islamabad Amid Ceasefire is first published on The Whistler Newspaper