General news

• Babaeko challenges agencies to focus on creative mastery, not AI access

  26-06-2026 15:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  As conversations around artificial intelligence continue to dominate the global advertising industry, X3M Ideas CEO, Steve Babaeko, has urged agencies to shift their focus away from technology itself and toward the human skills that truly create competitive advantage.
  Speaking at the inaugural IAA Slam during the 2026 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Babaeko delivered a thought-provoking perspective on AI’s impact on the creative industry, arguing that the widespread ava
  
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• Tinubu appoints Namdas as DG BCDA, Obahiagbon, Umeoji as Executive Directors for NDPHC

  26-06-2026 23:43 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, AbujaPresident Bola Tinubu has appointed Abdulrazak Sa’ad Namdas as the new Director General of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA).Dr Namdas replaces Dr Dakorinama Alabo George, who resigned to contest for an elective post in his home state.A former member of the House of Representatives representing Ganye/Jada/Mayo Belwa/Toungo federal constituency of Adamawa State, Namdas was the spokesperson of the 8th House of Representatives, and an aspirant in t
  
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• Senegal thrash Iraq 5-0 to keep World Cup hopes alive

  26-06-2026 23:31 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Senegal became the first African side to score five goals in a World Cup match, a stunning double by Pape Gueye inspiring them to a 5-0 win over 10-man Iraq in their final Group I match on Friday.Senegal also boosted their chances of progressing to the last 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams — they have the best goal difference of the teams on three points.Iraq go home without a point after a hugely disappointing campaign following an arduous route to qualify.Senegal struck ea
  
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• NDLEA seizes 5,305,484.88kg of illicit drugs worth N1.5trn in 18 months

  26-06-2026 23:18 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, AbujaABUJA — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has seized 5,305,484.88 kilograms of illicit drugs valued at about N1.5 trillion and secured the conviction of 5,225 drug offenders in the last 18 months.Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), disclosed this on Friday at the grand finale of activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Abuja.Marwa said the f
  
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• Dembele hits hat-trick as France thrash second-string Norway at World Cup

  26-06-2026 23:18 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Ousmane Dembele scored one of the earliest hat-tricks in World Cup history on Friday as the Ballon d’Or winner starred in France’s 4-1 win over a second-string Norway, while Erling Haaland watched on from the bench.Paris Saint-Germain forward Dembele opened the scoring in the seventh minute at the Gillette Stadium near Boston, struck again on 20 minutes and, after Thelo Aasgaard had pulled one back, he made it 3-1 in the 32nd minute.The only player to complete a hat-trick earlier in
  
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• Lagos govt begins investigation into collapse of 3-storey shopping complex

  26-06-2026 23:13 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has begun an investigation into the collapse of a three-storey shopping complex at Alakija, Satellite Town, in Oriade Local Council Development Area.The General Manager of LASBCA, Mrs Florence Gbaye, made this known in a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs Unit of LASBCA, Mr Ademuyiwa Adu, on Friday.She disclosed that a secondary structural analysis and detailed investigation would also be conducted to determine the cause of the coll
  
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• Just In: INEC set to delist NDC following court ruling

  26-06-2026 23:10 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Omeiza AjayiABUJA — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to remove the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) from its register of political parties following a Federal High Court ruling that set aside the judgment which had compelled the commission to register the party.INEC, which had initially rejected the NDC’s application for registration before a December 2025 court judgment directed it to recognise the party, said on Friday that it had applied for the Cer
  
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• Fire guts building in Lagos’ Alapere area

  26-06-2026 23:04 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Olasunkanmi AkoniA fire broke out on Friday night at a building on Abiola Street in the Alapere area of Ketu, Lagos, prompting an emergency response from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.Eyewitnesses said the fire started at about 9:00 p.m., with flames engulfing parts of the building before firefighters arrived at the scene.Operatives of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service were battling to contain the blaze as of 9:30 p.m.The cause of the fire had not been determined at the time
  
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• NARD threatens indefinite strike at LUTH over call meal dispute

  26-06-2026 23:01 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Chioma ObinnaThe Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened to embark on an indefinite strike at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) over the hospital’s continued failure to restore call meals for resident doctors.The association warned that the dispute, which it said has lingered for months, could disrupt healthcare services at one of Nigeria’s busiest tertiary hospitals if urgent action is not taken.In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Moham
  
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• Osun 2026: Don’t harbour criminals, DIG Fayoade warns politicians

  26-06-2026 22:48 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Orders police, military, NSCDC to begin joint show of forceThe Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), South-West, Adegoke Fayoade, has warned politicians in Osun State against harbouring criminals ahead of the 2026 governorship election, declaring that security agencies will not tolerate violence or lawlessness.Fayoade also directed the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to work closely with other security agencies to commence regular joint show-of-force operations acr
  
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• NDC, Peter Obi, Sowore, Bolaji, Paul Ibe, PDP reject Lokoja court ruling

  26-06-2026 22:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, activist Omoyele Sowore, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC) spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi and Paul Ibe, media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have rejected Friday’s ruling of a Federal High Court in Lokoja setting aside its earlier judgment that led to the registration of the NDC as a political party.Justice Isah Dashen, who delivered the ruling, held that t
  
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• Trump blasts ‘godless’ Democrats in incendiary speech to evangelicals

  26-06-2026 22:33 via vanguardngr.com
  
  US President Donald Trump accused the Democratic left of being “hardcore, godless communists” in a divisive, politicized speech Friday full of falsehoods about his perceived foes as he addressed evangelicals at a right-wing Christian conference.Speaking in Washington after the success of three progressive candidates in New York’s Democratic primary elections this week, Trump called left-wing ideology an “uncontrollable form of cancer” that will ensure America is &l
  
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• Benue: Miyetti Allah chair killed in ambush after peace meeting

  26-06-2026 22:20 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Peter Duru, MakurdiThe Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Ardo Risku Muhammad, has been reportedly killed in an ambush by unidentified gunmen in the Otukpo Local Government Area, LGA, of the state.The incident occurred at about 2pm on Friday around the Okudu community, where the deceased and his associate, Yakubu Isah, were attacked while returning from a security meeting held in the neighbouring Ohimini LGA.Sources said the victims
  
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• Tinubu congratulates Group Chief Executive of Oando PLC Adewale Tinubu at 59

  26-06-2026 22:05 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, AbujaPresident Bola Tinubu has rejoiced with the Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc, Adewale Tinubu, who clocked 59 years and has had a resounding impact on Nigeria’s energy sector.A statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said the President shared in the joy of celebrating Forbes’s “African King of Oil”, whose entrepreneurial and innovative spirit transformed Oando from a petroleum marketing company into a fully integrated energy group
  
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• Forces working against my 2027 ambition will fail — Obi

  26-06-2026 22:03 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Vincent UjumaduFormer Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has alleged that there are efforts by the Federal Government to prevent him from participating in the 2027 presidential election, expressing confidence that such attempts would not succeed.Obi made the remarks while speaking at Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State.According to him, despite the challenges facing his political ambition, he remains determined to pursu
  
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• S’West retired top Civil Servants demand constitutional reforms

  26-06-2026 21:55 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Seek return to regional governanceBy Adeola BadruRetired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries from the South-West have called for constitutional reforms to strengthen regional governance, describing it as a practical solution to Nigeria’s developmental and security challenges.The resolution was reached at the 11th Quarterly Meeting of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, South-West Nigeria (ARHOSPS-SWN), held in Ibadan.The meeting brought together r
  
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• Burkina Faso cuts diplomatic ties with ex-ruler France

  26-06-2026 21:55 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Burkina Faso’s ruling junta on Friday severed diplomatic ties with former colonial ruler France, accusing Paris of persistently acting against its interests.The military regime led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, in power since a coup in September 2022, is pursuing a policy repressive toward critical voices and hostile to Westerners, particularly France.“The government of Burkina Faso hereby informs the national and international community that it has decided to sever diplomatic relation
  
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• NDC: Lokoja judgment a setback for democracy — Obi

  26-06-2026 21:53 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi has expressed concern over Friday’s ruling by a Federal High Court in Lokoja setting aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Friday, Obi described the judgment as “another setback for our democracy and the institutions upon which our future depe
  
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• Osoba, Amosun, Alake celebrate Soyode at 85, unveil book

  26-06-2026 21:38 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By James Ogunnaike, AbeokutaFormer Ogun State governors, Chief Olusegun Osoba and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, alongside the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, on Friday paid tribute to former Vice-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Prof. Afolabi Soyode, during the celebration of his 85th birthday and the unveiling of his book, Abeokuta Club: The Making of a Life President.Speaking on behalf of Chief Osoba, former member of the House of Repre
  
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• Gov. Uba Sani gives 97 freed inmates N100,000 each for reintegration

  26-06-2026 21:34 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ibrahim Hassan-WuyoKaduna — The Kaduna State Government has fulfilled Governor Uba Sani’s pledge to provide financial support to 97 inmates granted clemency on Democracy Day, with each beneficiary receiving N100,000 to support their reintegration into society.The beneficiaries, who were released under the governor’s constitutional prerogative of mercy, received the funds on Friday at the Kaduna Medium Security Custodial Centre.Speaking during the presentation, the Officer i
  
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• Trump threatens 100% tariff on EU countries over digital services tax

  26-06-2026 21:29 via vanguardngr.com
  
  US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened to slap a 100 percent tariff on European countries that impose a digital services tax, adding that existing trade deals would be scrapped.“Any Country that imposes such a Tax will immediately be met with a 100% TARIFF on any and all Goods sent to the United States of America,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform, adding that “this TARIFF will supersede Trade Deals made with the Country, whether implemented, signed, o
  
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• Lagos moves to tackle population pressure amid climate threats

  26-06-2026 21:21 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Plans regional strategy with South-West statesBy Olasunkanmi AkoniThe Lagos State Government has announced plans to collaborate with other South-West states on a regional development strategy aimed at easing population pressure on Lagos as part of efforts to address climate change, environmental degradation and rapid urbanisation.The government also reaffirmed its commitment to building a climate-resilient future through deliberate policies, strategic partnerships and sustainable urban planning
  
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• Alleged $4.5bn fraud: Court reserves ruling on Emefiele’s statements until July 9

  26-06-2026 21:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Henry OjeluLAGOS—Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday reserved ruling till July 9 on the admissibility of extra-judicial statements allegedly made by former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, in his ongoing alleged $4.5 billion fraud trial.The court fixed the date after listening to arguments by both the prosecution and defence on whether the statements sought to be tendered by the Economic and Financial
  
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• Court ruling: NDC heads to Appeal Court, insists it remains registered

  26-06-2026 21:13 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected Friday’s ruling of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi, setting aside an earlier judgment that had compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register it as a political party.The party said that it remained legally recognised and would immediately challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.The party’s national chairman, Sen. Moses Cleopas, stated this at a news conference he addressed in Abuja at the NDC
  
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• Usyk says vacating heavyweight world title belts

  26-06-2026 21:02 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk said on Friday that he was vacating his three boxing world title belts but is not retiring.The 39-year-old Ukrainian, who is unbeaten in his professional career, said that he wanted “to make them free so that the guys who are in line for them can box”.Usyk’s announcement came just a month after he came close to a shock upset defeat to Kick-boxer Rico Verhoeven.Usyk needed a highly-controversial 11th-round stoppage to turn the tables on the D
  
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• Xenophobia: ‘South Africa is nothing without the rest of Africa’ — MTN Group Chairman condemns anti-foreigner sentiment

  26-06-2026 20:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  South Africa’s economic growth and future are inextricably tied to the rest of the continent, and the country is “nothing without Africa,” MTN Group Chairman Mcebisi Jonas declared in a sweeping and unsparing condemnation of ongoing xenophobic violence and anti-foreigner sentiment.Delivering a deeply political eulogy at the funeral of Zimbabwean-born activist and public servant Thokozani Damasane, the former South African Deputy Minister of Finance turned private-sector leader
  
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• Every confirmed Round of 32 matches at 2026 World Cup

  26-06-2026 20:07 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage is nearing its conclusion, with Matchday Three matches underway as teams battle for places in the tournament’s expanded knockout rounds.While several nations have already secured qualification for the Round of 32, others remain in contention as the final group fixtures, scheduled to end on Saturday, June 27, determine the remaining qualifiers.Mexico became the first nation to book a place in the knockout stage after edging South Korea 1-0 in its second
  
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• Africa Technology Expo returns to drive cross-border collaboration in Africa’s tech ecosystem

  26-06-2026 19:40 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The founder of the Africa Technology Expo (AT), Nnaemeka Clinton, has called for greater collaboration among African businesses and governments, saying the continent must become more integrated to unlock its innovation and economic potential.Speaking during his opening remarks at the Africa Technology Expo in Lagos on Friday, Clinton said the event was created to strengthen Africa’s enterprise ecosystem at a time when geopolitical shifts and global changes are making it increasingly diffi
  
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• 2026 NBA Draft: Six players of Nigerian heritage earn selections

  26-06-2026 18:54 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Enitan AbdultawabSix players of Nigerian descent were among those selected in the 2026 NBA Draft, further highlighting Nigeria’s growing influence on basketball’s biggest stage.The players — Ebuka Okorie, Zuby Ejiofor, Felix Okpara, Otega Oweh, Tobi Lawal and Ugonna Onyenso — were picked by different NBA franchises during the two-day draft held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.Stanford University’s Ebuka Okorie emerged as the highest-selected player
  
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• Court ruling on NDC is a hurdle, not stop sign – Obi

  26-06-2026 18:29 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Henry UmoruPresidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, ahead of the 2027 polls, Peter Obi, has described Friday’s judgment of a Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, mandating the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, not to recognise the NDC as a political party pending when all legal issues surrounding it are resolved as a hurdle and not a stop sign.The former Anambra State governor has urged his supporters to remain calm as their legal teams are cu
  
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