General news

• 2026 World Cup without Nigeria

  11-06-2026 06:59 via vanguardngr.com
  The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off today, Thursday, 11th June, 2026, marking football’s grandest stage. This historic tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, features 48 teams spread across 12 groups labeled A through L, with 16 host cities staging 104 matches.
  The opening match kicks off at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City between Mexico and South Africa, while the final will be held on 19th July at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA. The qualified t
  
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• CBN’s new FX manual may raise Dollar liquidity, enhance market confidence

  11-06-2026 16:45 via vanguardngr.com
  By Emeka Anaeto, Business EditorThe implementation of the fourth edition of the Foreign Exchange Manual by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently launched in Abuja and will be taking off on June 1. The new manual is expected to deepen FX transparency, improve liquidity and strengthen market confidence and liquidity. The new policy also aligns with the CBN’s broader vision of ensuring that businesses and individual have equal access to FX in a transparent and liquid market.
  The recent
  
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• Senate dissociates itself from warrant of arrest issued against Mele Kyari

  11-06-2026 16:30 via vanguardngr.com
  By Henry UmoruABUJA — The Senate has distanced itself from the warrant of arrest reportedly issued against former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari, by its Committee on Public Accounts.The upper legislative chamber declared that no Senate committee has the authority to independently issue, authorise or execute a warrant of arrest without strict compliance with the provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers
  
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• Labour Party fields 1,211 candidates for 2027 elections

  11-06-2026 16:27 via vanguardngr.com
  By John AlechenuABUJA — The Labour Party (LP) has ratified a total of 1,211 candidates to contest various executive and legislative positions across the country in the 2027 general elections.The candidates were approved on Thursday during a hybrid meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) held at the LP National Secretariat in Utako, Abuja. The party also confirmed Dr. Sunday Chibuzo Okereke as its presidential candidate.Presenting the report of the party’s pri
  
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• High-profile ISWAP commanders surrender as troops sustain pressure in N/East operations

  11-06-2026 16:24 via vanguardngr.com
  By Ndahi Marama, MaiduguriTwo high-profile Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders identified as Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar have laid down their arms and surrendered to troops of the Joint Task Force North East ‘Operation HADIN KAI’ (OPHK).The incident occurred on 8 June 2026, following sustained military pressure in the Theatre.This is as sources told our Correspondent that another high-profile terrorist, Mohammed Khalifa, a member of the ISWAP Shurah Council, was n
  
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• Buhari, not Tinubu highest borrower – Report

  11-06-2026 16:24 via vanguardngr.com
  Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief
  As the debate over frequent borrowings by the current administration rages, Think Business Africa, a policy and communications group, has described Late President Muhammadu Buhari, not Bola Tinubu as the largest borrower, since the current democratic era from 1999 to date.
  The Tinubu administration has been criticised for its continuous borrowings, despite the removal of fuel subsidy and tax reforms that have significantly increased government revenue in the last t
  
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• Trump vows to take Iran oil terminals, launch new strikes

  11-06-2026 16:19 via vanguardngr.com
  US President Donald Trump vowed “very hard” strikes on Iran Thursday and promised to take the country’s key oil infrastructure, in what would be a major escalation in the war with the Islamic republic.Trump threatened “bigger, more powerful” attacks on what would be a third successive night, as he pushes Tehran to turn their increasingly nominal ceasefire into a permanent peace deal.“The United States will be hitting Iran… VERY HARD TONIGHT,” Tru
  
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• UEFA appoints Somali referee for Super Cup after World Cup snub

  11-06-2026 16:15 via vanguardngr.com
  BY Adegboyega AdeleyeUEFA has appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup just days after he was denied entry into the United States and ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Artan, who was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup, will take charge of the UEFA Super Cup clash between UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and UEFA Europa League champions Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, on August 12.Announcing the appointmen
  
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• NDC: ‘You looked insecure; in competition with Obi’ — Aisha Yesufu tackles Dickson

  11-06-2026 16:09 via vanguardngr.com
  Activist and member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Aisha Yesufu, has criticised the party’s national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, saying he appeared “insecure” and was acting as though he was in competition with the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.Yesufu stated this in a post on X on Thursday while responding to comments made by Dickson during an interview on ARISE NEWS, where he defended the party’s leadership and addressed criticisms from
  
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• ‘88,000 practice open defecation; epidemic looms’ – Cross River LG raises alarm

  11-06-2026 16:00 via vanguardngr.com
  By Emma Una, CALABARA local government council chairman in Cross River State, Dr. Fred Okem has bemoaned the high rate of open defecation by residents of the area and warned that an epidemic looms if the practice is not stopped.Dr. Okem, the Chairman of Yala Local Government Area, said this while presenting the Cross River State law on Open Defecation to the councillors in the local government to adopt into a by-law.He sated that the high rate of waterborne diseases in the area is due to the op
  
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• Video: ‘They vowed to shoot remaining Africans’ — Nigerians recount ordeal in South Africa

  11-06-2026 15:56 via vanguardngr.com
  By Lamidi Bamidele & Nkiru NnoromSome Nigerian returnees from South Africa have recounted harrowing experiences of xenophobia, including extortion, discrimination and intimidation, urging fellow Nigerians still residing in the country to consider returning home.Read Also: South Africa slams 5-yr ban on 268 Nigerian returnees over illegal stayOne of the returnees, Mr. Chukwuemeka Chris Okeke, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government and individuals who facilitated their return, saying
  
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• ‘They vowed to shoot remaining Africans’ — Nigerians recount ordeal in South Africa

  11-06-2026 15:56 via vanguardngr.com
  A group of Nigerian returnees from South Africa have recounted harrowing experiences of alleged xenophobia, extortion, discrimination and intimidation, urging fellow Nigerians still residing in the country to consider returning home.One of the returnees, Mr. Chukwuemeka Chris Okeke, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government and individuals who facilitated their return, saying the situation in South Africa had become unbearable for many African migrants.“There is no place like home. W
  
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• 2027: New NDC media director pledges information-driven campaign for Obi/Kwankwaso

  11-06-2026 15:55 via vanguardngr.com
  The newly appointed New Media and Strategic Communications Director of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Theophilus Agada, has pledged to run an information-driven, issues-based campaign in support of the party’s presidential nominees, Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, ahead of the 2027 elections.In a statement following his appointment, Agada expressed profound gratitude to the National Leader of the NDC, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, fo
  
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• Benue pensioners threaten to occupy govt house over unpaid gratuities, arrears

  11-06-2026 15:39 via vanguardngr.com
  …lament, we’ve become scavengers, beggars, destitutesBy Peter Duru, MakurdiHundreds of aggrieved pensioners under the aegis of the Concerned Pensioners Association of Benue State on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest in Makurdi, threatening to occupy the Benue State Government House if their longstanding grievances over unpaid gratuities, pension arrears and pension harmonisation are not addressed.The aggrieved pensioners, some who carried their sleeping mats and bore placard
  
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• Reps pass state police bill as constitution amendment gains momentum

  11-06-2026 15:36 via vanguardngr.com
  By Gift ChapiOdekina, AbujaThe House of Representatives on Thursday passed a landmark constitutional amendment bill to establish state police nationwide, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s decades-long debate over decentralising policing and strengthening internal security.The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for the Establishment of State Police and for Related Matters (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 20
  
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• Breaking: Reps pass state police bill as constitution amendment gains momentum

  11-06-2026 15:36 via vanguardngr.com
  By Gift ChapiOdekina, AbujaThe House of Representatives on Thursday passed a landmark constitutional amendment bill to establish state police nationwide, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s decades-long debate over decentralising policing and strengthening internal security.The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for the Establishment of State Police and for Related Matters (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 20
  
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• Mexico shuts schools, orders remote work ahead of World Cup 2026 opener

  11-06-2026 15:31 via vanguardngr.com
  The Mexican government has ordered schools in Mexico City to suspend classes and directed federal employees to work remotely as the country prepares to host the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the measures in a decree aimed at reducing traffic congestion and ensuring smooth logistics for Thursday’s tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa at the iconic Azteca Stadium.Under the directive, students in both public and private schools ac
  
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• Infinix Launches HOT 70 Series with Industry-First 12-Colorway Dynamic Shine Design

  11-06-2026 15:31 via vanguardngr.com
  HOT 70 Series debuts with an industry-first lineup of 12 trend-forward colorways under Infinix’s all-new Dynamic Shine Design. It’s the most fashion-forward HOT release to date, designed for the next generation of young users worldwideIn a smartphone market where devices increasingly look and feel the same, Infinix is taking a different approach. Today, the brand launched the new HOT 70, a lineup designed around a simple idea: smartphones should express personality, not just perform
  
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• Missing N210trn: Senate dissociates itself from warrant of arrest on Mele Kyari

  11-06-2026 15:09 via vanguardngr.com
  By Henry Umoru, ABUJAThe Senate has dissociated itself from the warrant of arrest issued against Mallam Mele Kyari, former Group Chief Executive Officer, GCEO, of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC, Limited, by its committee on public accounts.Read Also: Reps minority caucus elect Agbedi, Dasuki as leader, deputyThe Senate resolved that no committee shall purport to issue, authorise or execute a warrant except in strict compliance with the provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers
  
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• Poverty, Illiteracy in North-West: ‘Let’s prioritise actions over announcements’ – Emir Sanusi

  11-06-2026 14:47 via vanguardngr.com
  By Hadiza YusufThe Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called for actions over announcements, raising concerns over the rising levels of poverty, poor education, and weak healthcare systems affecting millions of people in Nigeria’s North-West region.Read Also: Davido uses W’Cup stage to demand action for abducted Nigerian pupilsSanusi said this at a high-level policy dialogue in Kano on Wednesday. Also, he called on leaders to confront the harsh realities facing the region if mea
  
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• Labour Party affirms Okereke as flag-bearer; launches ‘believe again’ vision

  11-06-2026 14:41 via vanguardngr.com
  By John Alechenu, ABUJAThe Labour Party, LP, on Thursday confirmed Dr Chibuzo Okereke as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections as he rolled out an ambitious “Believe Again” vision built around a “Nigerians First” philosophy.Okereke’s ratification came during a hybrid meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee, NEC, at the LP national headquarters in Utako, Abuja.Accepting the nomination, the candidate promised leadership that woul
  
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• How Afrobeat Is Finding a New Home in North Wales Through Emerging Artist Don Gz

  11-06-2026 14:41 via vanguardngr.com
  Afrobeat’s global rise has largely been associated with major UK cities such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester. However, in recent years, a quieter cultural shift has been taking place in North Wales, where Nigerian-born artist Emmanuel Eze-Ogwa, professionally known as Don Gz, has been contributing to the genre’s growing visibility in the region.Rather than positioning himself solely as a performing artist, Don Gz has become part of a wider cultural movement introducing Afrobea
  
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• Argentina reclaims top spot in FIFA ranking as World Cup kicks off [Top 10]

  11-06-2026 14:39 via vanguardngr.com
  By Ayobami OkerindeDefending champions Argentina will head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the highest-ranked team in the world, according to the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday.The expanded 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, kicks off today, with South Africa facing Mexico in a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opening fixture.Argentina reclaimed top spot following friendly wins over Honduras and Iceland. Spain remain second after recording a draw and a
  
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• US bans Ivory Coat supporters from World Cup

  11-06-2026 14:28 via vanguardngr.com
  Ivory Coast home-based fans have been denied visas to the United States, the president of the national supporters’ committee told AFP on Thursday.The run-up to the World Cup, which kicks off Thursday, has been dogged by the visa policies of the main host nation, the United States. Somali referee Omar Artan was turned away Sunday and some support staff for the Iranian team have been denied entry.The Ivory Coast supporters group, said Julien Kouadio Adonis, president of the National Committ
  
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• US bans Ivory Coast supporters from World Cup

  11-06-2026 14:28 via vanguardngr.com
  Ivory Coast home-based fans have been denied visas to the United States, the president of the national supporters’ committee told AFP on Thursday.The run-up to the World Cup, which kicks off Thursday, has been dogged by the visa policies of the main host nation, the United States. Somali referee Omar Artan was turned away Sunday and some support staff for the Iranian team have been denied entry.The Ivory Coast supporters group, said Julien Kouadio Adonis, president of the National Committ
  
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• Niger criminalises same-sex relations with jail terms

  11-06-2026 14:23 via vanguardngr.com
  Military-run Niger has enacted a new penal code criminalising for the first time same-sex relations, with heavy sentences of up to 20 years in prison, a legal source said Thursday quoting the official gazette.Although a taboo subject, same-sex relations had not been criminalised in Muslim-majority Niger, which follows several other African nations in toughening their anti-LGBTQ legislation.Under Niger’s new law, same-sex relations will be punishable by a jail term of between five and less
  
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• Reps minority caucus elect Agbedi, Dasuki as leader, deputy

  11-06-2026 14:17 via vanguardngr.com
  By Gift Chapi-Odekina, AbujaThe House of Representatives on Thursday completed the composition of its minority leadership following the unanimous nomination and endorsement of three lawmakers to fill vacant principal officer positions in the opposition caucus.The announcement was made on the floor of the House during plenary, where the minority members of the 10th House of Representatives presented a consensus list for the positions of minority leader, deputy minority leader and minority whip.A
  
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• 5 things to know about Mexico’s Azteca Stadium hosting World Cup opener

  11-06-2026 14:08 via vanguardngr.com
  As the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway, all eyes will be on Mexico City’s legendary Estadio Azteca, the iconic venue selected to stage the tournament’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa.The stadium is set to make football history by becoming the first arena ever to host matches at three different FIFA World Cups, further cementing its place among the sport’s most celebrated venues.From unforgettable triumphs to controversial moments that shaped football history,
  
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• Poverty, poor education still grip millions in north-west – Sanusi

  11-06-2026 13:59 via vanguardngr.com
  By Hadiza YusufThe Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has raised concerns over the rising levels of poverty, poor education, and weak healthcare systems affecting millions of people in Nigeria’s North-West region.Speaking at a high-level policy dialogue held in Kano on Wednesday, Sanusi said leaders must confront the harsh realities facing the region if meaningful progress is to be achieved.“We must tell ourselves the truth,” he said.According to him, despite years of interven
  
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• Why Brazil, England, Portugal may not win 2026 World Cup

  11-06-2026 13:50 via vanguardngr.com
  By Ayobami OkerindeAs the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off today across the United States, Mexico and Canada, attention will be on who emerges champion on July 19.The expanded 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the three North American countries, has already generated off-field global headlines, including controversies around visa issues, denial of officials’ access to the United States, security concerns and ticket prices.As talking points shift to the players, coaches and supporters, attenti
  
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