General news

• Abia makes soil tests mandatory for building approvals

  22-07-2026 07:48 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Steve OkoUMUAHIA — In a move to curb building collapse and protect lives and property, the Abia State Government has made soil and geo-technical tests compulsory for all new building approvals in Umuahia, the state capital.
  Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, announced the policy while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
  He said prospective developers must now obtain and present soil and geo-technical tes
  
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• High riverine flood to hit Kaduna, Niger, 31 other states in 7 days – NiHSA

  19-08-2026 15:01 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Gabriel EwpeuABUJA — The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has forecast a high risk of riverine flooding in Kaduna, Niger and 32 other states between August 19 and 25, 2026.The agency urged communities located on floodplains to relocate to safer, higher ground and advised state and local authorities to activate early-warning and emergency response measures.The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiHSA, Arc Umar Mohammed, disclosed this in the agency’s lates
  
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• OPHK troops neutralise eight ISWAP fighters in Borno airstrike

  19-08-2026 14:56 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ndahi Marama, MaiduguriMAIDUGURI — Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have reportedly neutralised eight suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in a precision airstrike in the Timbuktu Triangle of Borno State.The operation followed credible intelligence indicating the presence of suspected terrorists at Thethangala, within the Timbuktu Triangle, a known area of insurgent activity.Sources familiar with the operation told our correspondent on Wednesday that the st
  
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• Abia 2027: Gen Ijioma challenges Otti over N150m signage fee

  19-08-2026 14:53 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Threatens court action, demands account of FAAC, IGR funds…Govt: Claims mischievous, cannot be substantiatedBy Steve OkoUMUAHIA — The governorship candidate of the Action Peoples Party (APP) in Abia State, Major General Ijioma Nwokoro Ijioma (retd.), has challenged Governor Alex Otti over the N150 million signage fee reportedly imposed on governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 election, describing the charge as excessive and threatening legal action.Ijioma, who spoke at
  
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• Osun poll: Accord Party spent at least N40bn, Fayose replies Davido

  19-08-2026 14:52 via punchng.com
  
  Former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose claims Accord Party spent N40bn in Osun election, countering Davido’s allegations. Get details on the Osun election spRead More: https://punchng.com/osun-poll-accord-party-spent-at-least-n40bn-fayose-replies-davido/
  
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• Nigerian onion traders resume exports to Ghana

  19-08-2026 14:52 via punchng.com
  
  Nigerian onion traders lift suspension on exports to Ghana, resolving trade challenges and ensuring fair market access for producers and marketers.Read More: https://punchng.com/nigerian-onion-traders-resume-exports-to-ghana/
  
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• From Haaland to Watkins: List of Premier League golden boot contenders

  19-08-2026 14:52 via punchng.com
  
  Who will win the Premier League Golden Boot in 2026-27? Explore top contenders like Haaland, Watkins, Isak, and more in the race for the top scorer award.Read More: https://punchng.com/from-haaland-to-watkins-list-of-premier-league-golden-boot-contenders/
  
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• Explainer: Where N15.8tn subsidy savings went

  19-08-2026 14:52 via punchng.com
  
  Discover how Nigeria’s N15.8tn petrol subsidy savings were distributed among federal, state, and local governments, and how the funds were spent.Read More: https://punchng.com/explainer-where-n15-8tn-subsidy-savings-went/
  
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• Military pensioners protest in Abuja over benefit adjustments

  19-08-2026 14:45 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Demand implementation of consequential pension increasesBy Kingsley OmonobiABUJA — Scores of retired military personnel on Wednesday protested in Abuja over the alleged non-implementation of consequential adjustments to their pensions following salary increases approved for serving military personnel.The pensioners gathered at an open field in Area 10, Garki, near the Ministry of Defence, carrying placards with various inscriptions urging the Federal Government to implement outsta
  
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• 2027: Those seeking ‘His Excellency’ must behave excellently — Obi

  19-08-2026 14:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Urges candidates to shun violent rhetoric, focus on issuesABUJA — The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has urged politicians seeking elective offices in the 2027 general elections to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the positions they aspire to occupy.Obi made the call on Wednesday in a statement posted on his X handle after signing the first National Peace Accord for the 2027 presidential election alongside other presidential candidates.The form
  
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• NOPPMAN lifts onion export ban to Ghana, demands safe trade

  19-08-2026 14:42 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Seeks fair market access, uninterrupted offloading of consignmentsBy Musa Ubandawaki, SokotoSOKOTO — The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) has lifted its suspension on onion exports from Nigeria to Ghana, paving the way for the immediate resumption of cross-border trade between the two countries.The association said the decision followed consultations with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministries of Trade of Nigeria and Ghan
  
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• Subsidy removal, naira float saved Nigeria N15.8trn — Oyedele

  19-08-2026 14:37 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Lists wage increases, infrastructure, NELFUND, social transfers as benefits of reformsBy Emma UjahABUJA — The Federal Government has said reforms involving the removal of fuel subsidy and the liberalisation of the naira generated savings of N15.8 trillion for the Federation between June 2023 and December 2025.The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this at a media conference on Nigeria’s reform scorecard titled, “The B
  
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• NiHSA warns of flood risk in Kaduna, Niger, Delta, 30 others

  19-08-2026 14:33 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Urges communities to move to higher groundBy Gabriel EwpeuABUJA — The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has warned of a high risk of riverine flooding across Kaduna, Niger, Delta and 29 other states within the next seven days.The agency said the flood risk forecast covers the period from August 19 to 25, 2026, and urged communities located on floodplains to immediately relocate to higher ground.The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiHSA, Arc Umar Mohammed
  
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• Subsidy removal, FX reforms yielded N15.8tn in 30 months – FG

  19-08-2026 14:22 via punchng.com
  
  FG announces N15.8tn generated from subsidy removal and FX reforms between June 2023 and Dec 2025, with states and LGs receiving the largest share.Read More: https://punchng.com/subsidy-removal-fx-reforms-yielded-n15-8tn-in-30-months-fg/
  
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• How 20 Premier League teams could line up in 2026/27

  19-08-2026 14:22 via punchng.com
  
  Get an early look at the potential Premier League lineups for the 2026/27 season. See how all 20 teams, including Arsenal and Chelsea, could set up.Read More: https://punchng.com/how-20-premier-league-teams-2026-27-line-ups-could-be/
  
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• EPL: Man United close in on £60m-plus deal for Brighton’s Baleba

  19-08-2026 14:22 via punchng.com
  
  Manchester United are reportedly close to signing Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba for over £60m, strengthening their midfield ahead of the new season.Read More: https://punchng.com/epl-man-united-close-in-on-60m-plus-deal-for-brightons-baleba/
  
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• ‘Abuja politicians caused APC defeat in Osun’ — Gov Sule

  19-08-2026 14:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Nasarawa governor says incumbency helped Adeleke retain seatLAFIA — Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has attributed the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) defeat in the August 15 Osun State governorship election to what he described as the intervention of “Abuja politicians” in the party’s campaign.Sule said the outcome also demonstrated the considerable advantage enjoyed by an incumbent governor in a governorship election.He made the remarks on Tuesd
  
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• We won’t call off strike until our demands are met – AAUA-ASUU

  19-08-2026 14:12 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) Branch, says it will continue with its ongoing indefinite strike until the state government meets its demands.The Chairman of ASUU-AAUA, Prof. Boluwaji Oshodi, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Akure.Oshodi was reacting to the recent approval of a 60 per cent increment in monthly subventions to the state-owned tertiary institutions and the immediate i
  
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• AA presidential candidate urges INEC, security agencies to ensure credible polls

  19-08-2026 14:06 via punchng.com
  
  AA presidential candidate, Adekunle Omo-Aje, urges INEC and security agencies to ensure credible 2027 elections, emphasizing professionalism and integrity.Read More: https://punchng.com/aa-presidential-candidate-urges-inec-security-agencies-to-ensure-credible-polls/
  
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• Accord moves to end PDP’s 24-year grip on Osun Reps seat

  19-08-2026 14:02 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By John AlechenuThe Accord Party, AP, has declared its intention to end the Peoples Democratic Party’s, PDP/ All Progressives Congress, APC, 24-year hold on the Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.The party’s candidate for the constituency in the 2027 elections, Pelumi Olajengbesi, made the declaration in Abuja on Wednesday.Olajengbesi, a legal practitioner and activist, said the time had come for fresh leadership in the area.The former spokespers
  
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• Canada invites 1,000 skilled workers to apply for permanent residence

  19-08-2026 13:53 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Canada has invited 1,000 candidates to apply for permanent residence through its Express Entry system under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).The invitation round was conducted on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, according to the latest ministerial instructions published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 523 to receive an invitation.“Number of invitations issued: 1,000,” the notice stated.The d
  
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• Nigerians drive SuperSport’s 19 billion World Cup digital views

  19-08-2026 13:49 via punchng.com
  
  Nigerian football fans significantly contributed to SuperSport’s 19 billion digital views for the FIFA World Cup 2026, showcasing massive engagement.Read More: https://punchng.com/nigerians-drive-supersports-19-billion-world-cup-digital-views/
  
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• Burna Boy, Vinicius, Jaylen Brown discuss coming to Nigeria

  19-08-2026 13:49 via punchng.com
  
  Burna Boy reveals Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. and NBA star Jaylen Brown are in a group chat discussing a visit to Nigeria. Discover more about their plans.Read More: https://punchng.com/burna-boy-vinicius-jaylen-brown-discuss-coming-to-nigeria/
  
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• ‘Stop running to TV’, Wike tells Kingibe amid flood criticism

  19-08-2026 13:41 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Omeiza AjayiABUJA: Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, has launched a blistering attack on the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, accusing her of poor legislative performance, media posturing and abandoning her constituents.Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja on issues surrounding governance and recent flooding challenges in the nation’s capital, Wike dismissed claims of non-cooperation allegedly raised by the lawmaker, stating that he was appointed to serve
  
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• BBNaija: ‘I’ve always known I was party animal’ — Kamsy

  19-08-2026 13:37 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adewale AdesewaFormer BBNaija Season 11 housemate Kamsy has opened up about her lively personality in the Big Brother Naija house, insisting that her fun-loving and party-driven side was not an act but a genuine part of who she is.Kamsy made the remarks during an interview with Cool FM, where she reflected on her experience in the house and explained why she wanted viewers to see more than just her glamorous side.According to her, she already knew she would embrace the party atmosphere befor
  
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• Wike bans use of FCT green areas as car lots

  19-08-2026 13:32 via punchng.com
  
  FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has banned the use of green areas and parks in Abuja as car dealership lots, citing environmental concerns and flood management efRead More: https://punchng.com/wike-bans-use-of-fct-green-areas-as-car-lots/
  
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• Kaduna CP orders investigation following viral extortion video

  19-08-2026 13:32 via punchng.com
  
  Kaduna CP orders investigation into officers seen in a viral video allegedly extorting motorists. The command vows disciplinary action against those foundRead More: https://punchng.com/kaduna-cp-orders-investigation-following-viral-extortion-video/
  
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• Arsenal closing in on deal for Ezri Konsa

  19-08-2026 13:32 via punchng.com
  
  Arsenal are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa. Find out how this potential transfer could strengthen Arsenal’s defensRead More: https://punchng.com/arsenal-closing-in-on-deal-for-ezri-konsa/
  
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• Ebonyi elder killed after APGA endorsement meeting

  19-08-2026 13:32 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Jeff Agbodo, AbakalikiABAKALIKI — An elderly man identified as Amos Onwe Ubochi, in his 70s, has been found dead in a stream in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, a day after participating in an endorsement meeting for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Tochukwu Ogalagu.Ubochi, a resident of Osege Village, Umuogudu Oshia Ngbo, reportedly left the political meeting on Monday, August 17, 2026, and was trekking home wh
  
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• Tourist helicopter crashes in Kenya, no survivors

  19-08-2026 13:26 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A helicopter carrying several tourists crashed Wednesday in Kenya’s Samburu county, north of the capital, Nairobi, killing all those on board, an aviation source told AFP.“I can confirm an accident has happened, there are no survivors,” the source told AFP, without being able to say how many people were onboard.In a video shared on X, black smoke can be seen billowing into the sky at the foot of Mount Ololokwe, where the crash occurred.Mount Ololokwe, a sacred mountain for the
  
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