General news

• 6 countries that were never colonised

  21-06-2026 15:14 via vanguardngr.com
  At the height of imperialism, powerful European nations colonised vast parts of Africa, Asia and the Americas, bringing countries such as Nigeria, India, Algeria, Vietnam and Indonesia under foreign rule.Through a combination of military resistance, strategic diplomacy, geographical advantages and rapid modernisation, some countries managed to preserve their sovereignty and chart their own paths. Here are six countries that were never formally colonised.1. EthiopiaEthiopia stands out as one of
  
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• World Cup: Stuttering Belgium draw 0-0 with Iran

  21-06-2026 23:11 via vanguardngr.com
  Belgium were again held to a draw in World Cup Group G as their meeting with Iran finished goalless in Los Angeles on Sunday.The 2018 third-placed nation boast just two points from as many outings in North America and must win their final pool match against New Zealand next Friday to be sure of a spot in the last 32. A frustrating meeting for Belgium was compounded in the second half when defender Nathan Ngoy received a red card for a last-man foul.
  The post World Cup: Stuttering Belgium draw 0
  
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• Serena Williams to compete at Wimbledon singles as wildcard

  21-06-2026 23:06 via vanguardngr.com
  Tennis great Serena Williams, who retired in 2022, has been awarded a wildcard for the Wimbledon grass court championships starting in a week.Organisers released their initial list of wildcards on Sunday, with Williams, a seven-time champion at the All England Club, one of eight players awarded a place in the ladies singles event.A social media post by the official Wimbledon Championships said: “This is not a drill” with a picture of Williams standing on a grass court captioned &ldq
  
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• Timeless Messi eyes World Cup record as Argentina face Austria

  21-06-2026 22:46 via vanguardngr.com
  The Lionel Messi show rolls into Dallas with the Argentine maestro on the cusp of more footballing history when the World Cup holders face Austria on Monday.Messi, who turns 39 on Wednesday, scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria to pull level with Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record of 16 goals.The skipper broke down in tears after his first goal, and it later emerged that his father is recovering from an unspecified “health issue”.Inter Miami attacker Messi had n
  
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• Flood, windstorm destroy farmlands, shops in Ebonyi communities

  21-06-2026 22:36 via vanguardngr.com
  Torrential rainfall and the accompanying windstorm, on Saturday night, destroyed farmlands and people’s shops in Abakaliki and Akpoha Community in Afikpo North LGA of Ebonyi.The over four-hour rainfall caused severe flooding on the Abakaliki–Afikpo Expressway, submerging farmlands and destroying crops worth millions of naira.A cross-section of affected farmers told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakiliki on Sunday that the flood washed away yams, cassava, maize, rice, melons a
  
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• ‘Absurd’ to doubt Spain, says De la Fuente after Saudi Arabia rout

  21-06-2026 22:08 via vanguardngr.com
  Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said his side had silenced their doubters after Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal inspired a 4-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia on Sunday.One of the pre-tournament favourites, La Roja’s World Cup got off to a slow start as they were held 0-0 by tournament debutants Cape Verde.Barcelona superstar Yamal only appeared as a second-half substitute in that match as he is eased back to full fitness after a hamstring injury.In his first start for two months, the 18-year-old
  
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• Police arrest suspected cult members terrorising Osun

  21-06-2026 21:42 via vanguardngr.com
  Police in Osun have arrested some suspected members of secret cults terrorising the state.This is contained in a statement by the Police Spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Sunday.According to Ojelabi, a suspected notorious cultist known as “small”, who was terrorising Iloro community, Ilesa town, was apprehended on Wednesday, at about 6p.m.“He confessed to being a member of Eiye confraternity,” he said.Ojelabi said similarly, the Anti-Cultism Unit of the command, thro
  
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• Orji Kalu congratulates Oyebanji on re-election victory in Ekiti

  21-06-2026 21:40 via vanguardngr.com
  Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, has congratulated Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his victory in the state governorship election.In a statement issued on Sunday, Kalu described the outcome of the poll as a clear indication of the confidence, trust and overwhelming support Oyebanji enjoys among the people of Ekiti State.The former Senate Chief Whip said the governor’s victory reflected public appreciation of his le
  
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• Iranians walk out of talks venue after Trump threat

  21-06-2026 21:39 via vanguardngr.com
  Iran’s delegation on Sunday walked out of the Swiss venue where it held talks with the United States towards permanently ending the Middle East war, after Donald Trump threatened to strike the Islamic republic over its support for Hezbollah.The negotiations to end a war that sowed chaos across the region and rattled the global economy are meant to trigger a 60-day period to settle broader issues that have dogged US-Iranian relations for decades.But disagreement over key sticking points an
  
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• Security forces repel bandit attack on Sokoto LGA Headquarters

  21-06-2026 21:27 via vanguardngr.com
  … Recover Livestock, MotorcyclesBy Musa Ubandawaki, SokotoSOKOTO — A joint security operation involving troops of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, police operatives, civil defence personnel, and local security outfits has repelled a bandit attack on Tureta, the headquarters of Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State.The attack, which occurred at about 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, prompted an immediate response from security agencies after armed bandits attempted to infiltrate the
  
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• Israel lifts all war-related restrictions on northern border areas

  21-06-2026 21:12 via vanguardngr.com
  Israel on Sunday announced the lifting of all restrictions imposed on northern border areas as part of the war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, after fighting wound down following a flare-up.“Starting at 6:00 am on Monday, June 22, 2026, all restrictions will be lifted in the Confrontation Line area,” the Israeli military said, adding that the border communities “will move to a full activity level, with no restrictions, instead of a partial activity level”.AFP
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• Security Clampdown: Abia bans Okada operations in Umuahia, Aba, Ohafia

  21-06-2026 20:49 via vanguardngr.com
  By Steve OkoThe Abia State Government has banned commercial motorcycle operations in the metropolitan areas of Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia, citing security and public safety concerns.The ban, approved by Governor Alex Otti, will take effect from Monday, June 22, 2026, and is one of the most extensive transport regulations introduced by the administration.Announcing the decision, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said the measure forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen secur
  
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• Egungun Festival not licence for violence, Olubadan warns

  21-06-2026 20:47 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adeola BadruThe Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, has warned masquerades and their followers against engaging in any form of violence during and after this year’s Egungun Festival, stressing that anyone found disrupting public peace will face the full weight of the law.The monarch issued the warning ahead of the commencement of the annual festival in Ibadan on Monday.In a statement signed by his Chief Spokesman and Media Aide, Chief Adeola Oloko, Oba Ladoja described the Egungun
  
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• Why I accepted Renewed Hope Grand Patron role – Anyim

  21-06-2026 20:41 via vanguardngr.com
  By Emmanuel IheakaFormer Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, has explained why he accepted to serve as National Grand Patron of Renewed Hope for Greater Nigeria (RHGN), saying the role will enable him to sensitise Nigerians, particularly in the South East, on what he described as the “silent impact” of the President Bola Tinubu administration.Anyim, whose appointment was announced alongside that of Chief Longers Anyanwu as ambassador, said the administration, despite early economic
  
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• PGF hails Oyebanji’s landslide win as endorsement of APC governance

  21-06-2026 20:36 via vanguardngr.com
  By Dayo Johnson & Rotimi Ojomoyela, Ado EkitiThe Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his victory in the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, describing the outcome as a strong endorsement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governance agenda.Oyebanji was declared winner of Saturday’s poll after securing 319,224 votes, defeating PDP candidate Dr. Wole Oluyede, who polled 40,543 votes, while ADC’s Ambassador Dare Bejide sco
  
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• Nigerians in UK decry passport renewal delays, urge interior minister to intervene

  21-06-2026 20:34 via vanguardngr.com
  By Peter Duru, MakurdiNigerians living in the United Kingdom have expressed frustration over persistent difficulties in renewing international passports and obtaining new ones for their children, alleging that the process has become increasingly cumbersome despite recent reforms by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).They accused immigration officials of creating bottlenecks that have made passport applications and renewals almost impossible, even as the government introduced a contactless re
  
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• Aiyedatiwa congratulates Oyebanji, Faduyile, seeks continued progress in South-West

  21-06-2026 20:30 via vanguardngr.com
  By Dayo Johnson, AkureOndo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has congratulated his Ekiti State counterpart, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, on his re-election for a second term, describing the outcome as a strong endorsement of his leadership.Aiyedatiwa also felicitated Prof. Dayo Faduyile on his victory in the Ondo South Senatorial bye-election, commending voters for their participation in the electoral process.In a statement on Sunday, the governor said Oyebanji’s re-election reflected the conf
  
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• Lagos Taskforce impounds 278 Okada over traffic, security violations

  21-06-2026 20:26 via vanguardngr.com
  By Olasunkanmi AkoniOperatives of the Lagos State Taskforce have impounded 278 commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, over traffic violations and alleged involvement in criminal activities across the metropolis.The Chairman of the Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, disclosed this on Sunday, saying the enforcement exercise followed the state government’s directive banning Okada operations on highways and other restricted routes under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 201
  
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• Yamal opens World Cup scoresheet as Spain thump Saudi Arabia 4-0

  21-06-2026 20:22 via vanguardngr.com
  Lamine Yamal kickstarted Spain’s World Cup Group H campaign as he returned to the starting line-up to open the scoring for the European champions in a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia on Sunday.The Barcelona star needed just 10 minutes to get Spain up and running against the Saudis in Atlanta, before a Mikel Oyarzabal brace and a Hassan Al-Tambakti own goal ensured Luis de la Fuente’s side took a big step towards the last 32 following a shock goalless stalemate in their o
  
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• APC congratulates Oyebanji on historic re-election

  21-06-2026 20:21 via vanguardngr.com
  By Omeiza AjayiABUJA — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his re-election as Governor of Ekiti State, describing his victory as “historic” and “epic.”In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party said Oyebanji’s re-election marks the first time an incumbent governor has secured a second term in the state’s contemporary democratic history.The APC said th
  
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• I faced pressure picking new deputy — Diri

  21-06-2026 20:19 via vanguardngr.com
  … Akpe Recounts Journey From Humble BeginningsBy Samuel OyadonghaGovernor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has revealed that he faced what he described as “spiritual pressure” before selecting Dr. Peter Akpe as his new deputy governor following the death of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo on December 11, 2025.Akpe was later sworn in on February 25, after what the governor said was a process guided by divine direction and prayer support from clerics.Speaking on Sunday during a special
  
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• Judy Austin vs Mr Obasi: No mortal can bring me down — Yul Edochie

  21-06-2026 20:16 via vanguardngr.com
  Actor Yul Edochie has dismissed recent criticism surrounding his personal life, insisting that no “mortal or spirit” can bring him down amid ongoing public debate involving his marriage to actress Judy Austin and her former husband, Mr Obasi.In a Facebook post on Sunday, Edochie said he has faced false claims for years but maintained that they have failed to affect him.“My aura gives my enemies sleepless nights. In the last 4 years they’ve told all sorts of lies against
  
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• Nigeria ‘ll overcome current challenges through collective commitment – Shettima declares

  21-06-2026 20:07 via vanguardngr.com
  —Pays tribute to Tinubu’s mother, extols her leadership legacy
  —Says late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji still serves Nigeria through values she instilled in her sonBy Johnbosco AgbakwuruABUJA —THE Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Sunday, expressed confidence that Nigeria will surmount its current security and economic challenges through fervent prayers, unity, and the collective commitment of its citizens.This is as the Vice President has showered praises on the late
  
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• World Cup 2026 already has second-most own goals in history

  21-06-2026 19:57 via vanguardngr.com
  Own goals are piling up at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with seven already recorded after just 10 days of action; putting the tournament on course to challenge an unwanted record.Only the 2018 World Cup in Russia saw more own goals, with 12 scored across the tournament. With this year’s edition expanded to 48 teams and 104 matches, that tally is well within reach.The United States have been the biggest beneficiaries so far, with Paraguay’s Damián Bobadilla and Australia’s C
  
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• NCC, CAC require approval for telecom share transfers above 10%

  21-06-2026 19:56 via vanguardngr.com
  By Juliet UmehThe Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) have directed telecommunications companies to obtain regulatory approval before executing any transfer of shares amounting to 10 per cent or more of their total share capital.The directive, which takes immediate effect, is aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight, preserving competition, and improving transparency in Nigeria’s communications sector.In a joint statement issued on Sunday
  
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• Rainstorm wreaks havoc in Ebonyi, destroys shops, farmlands

  21-06-2026 19:50 via vanguardngr.com
  By Jeff Agbodo, AbakalikiABAKALIKI — A torrential rainfall accompanied by a windstorm has caused widespread destruction in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, destroying farmlands and shops.The downpour, which lasted about three hours on Saturday, triggered severe flooding that submerged farmlands along the Abakaliki–Afikpo Expressway, while strong winds blew off roofs of several shops and damaged property worth millions of naira.Shop owners also recorded significant losses as t
  
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• Mob kills woman accused of child theft, burns body in Kaduna

  21-06-2026 19:45 via vanguardngr.com
  By Ibrahim Hassan-WuyoKADUNA — The Kaduna State Police Command has condemned the killing of a woman by a mob in Maraban Jos, Kaduna State, following allegations of child theft.The Command described the incident as barbaric, criminal, and a direct assault on the rule of law, vowing to ensure that those involved are brought to justice.According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the incident occurred on June 21, 2026, after the woman w
  
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• Father’s Day: Mrs Soludo hails husband as exceptional father

  21-06-2026 19:43 via vanguardngr.com
  By Vincent UjumaduThe wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Nonye Soludo, has described her husband, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, as an exceptional and devoted father who continues to serve as a source of inspiration to their family.In a message marking this year’s Father’s Day, she also celebrated fathers generally for their love, sacrifice, and guidance, noting that their roles strengthen homes and society.Speaking on her husband, the Governor of Anambra State, she said: &ld
  
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• Police condemn Kaduna mob killing, arrest suspects

  21-06-2026 19:40 via vanguardngr.com
  The Police command in Kaduna State has condemned the mob killing of a woman accused of child theft in Maraban Jos.The command described the incident as barbaric and a serious violation of the rule of law.It said the woman was attacked on Sunday by an angry mob over unverified child theft allegations.The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna.Hassan said the Maraban Jos Divisional Police Officer received a distress call around
  
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• Awujale: Afobaje Council disowns Olisa’s alleged nomination letter to Abiodun

  21-06-2026 19:40 via vanguardngr.com
  By James Ogunnaike, AbeokutaThe succession crisis surrounding the vacant Awujale stool of Ijebuland took a dramatic turn at the weekend as the Awujale Afobaje Council publicly distanced itself from an alleged letter reportedly sent by the Olisa of Ijebu-Ode, Chief Rasheed Adesanya, to Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, recommending names for consideration in the selection of a new Awujale.The council described the move as unauthorised, misleading and contrary to the established legal and tradit
  
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