General news

• BTS pulls out of Grammys after Asian pop category introduction

  30-07-2026 09:23 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Global K-pop sensation BTS said Wednesday they will not submit their music for next year’s Grammy Awards, after the Recording Academy introduced a new Asian pop category criticised for restricting the success of regional artists.The South Korean megastars were widely tipped in the running for several of the Grammys’ top honours, including Album of the Year, after their comeback album, ARIRANG, became one of this year’s best-selling hits.But the seven-member group said they wou
  
  Read more

• China tells US of ‘serious concern’ over latest trade restrictions

  30-07-2026 17:57 via vanguardngr.com
  
  China’s top trade official told his counterparts from the United States on Thursday Beijing had “serious concern” over Washington’s latest trade restrictions affecting it, according to state media.China and the United States spent much of last year embroiled in an escalating trade war but reached a truce when US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping met last October.However, recent tensions have threatened to disrupt that impasse.Beijing condemned
  
  Read more

• Tinubu disbands PIC, warns Dutsin-Ma to stop parading himself as secretary

  30-07-2026 17:53 via vanguardngr.com
  
  —Orders AGF to take over committee activitiesBy Johnbosco Agbakwuru, AbujaPresident Bola Tinubu has warned Bello Suleiman Dutsin-Ma to stop parading himself as the Secretary of the Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC) on the Alienation of Federal Government Properties.President Tinubu, who said that the committee was dissolved on November 5, 2025, ordered the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to take over the activities of the PIC.A statement by the preside
  
  Read more

• Selection process for next UN chief begins

  30-07-2026 17:45 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The UN Security Council began the process of selecting the UN’s next secretary-general, holding a first “straw poll” to gauge the seven candidates’ support for the high-profile global statesman role.Four women and three men are so far in the running to succeed Antonio Guterres, who will complete his second five-year term on December 31, 2026.They are Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador, Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica,
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• FG seeks Japanese partnership for housing projects in 774 LGAs

  30-07-2026 17:43 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Woos Chodai, says Nigeria open for investmentBy John AlechenuThe Federal Government has renewed its call for foreign investment in the housing sector, unveiling plans to develop a social housing programme that will cover all 774 local government areas in the country.The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, disclosed this on Thursday during a meeting with Japanese construction firm, Chodai Company Limited, in Abuja.The engagement, facilitated by the Niger
  
  Read more

• Senate sets for  23-day probe of Nigeria’s Oil sector audit, summons NNPCL, CBN, others

  30-07-2026 17:42 via vanguardngr.com
  
  * As Senators seek to recover revenues, enforce transparency and strengthen accountability in extractive industryBy Henry UmoruABUJA- THE Senate has concluded arrangement to commence the launch of a comprehensive investigation into the  Nigeria’s oil and gas industry as it has summoned  the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), major international and indigenous oil companies as well as  key government institutions to defend
  
  Read more

• UEFA to boycott FIFA tournaments if Infantino’s investment plan goes through

  30-07-2026 17:40 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeEurope’s football governing body, UEFA, has threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, if president Gianni Infantino proceeds with plans to sell a stake in the governing body’s tournaments to private investors.The warning followed an emergency meeting involving UEFA’s 55 member associations on Thursday, where officials unanimously opposed FIFA’s proposal to seek outside investment in competitions such as the men’s an
  
  Read more

• Alleged Cybercrime: Court orders arrest of UK-based radiographer

  30-07-2026 17:35 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …directs IGP to place her on Interpol Red NoticeBy Ikechukwu NnochiriABUJA—Following an application by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a warrant for the arrest and extradition of a United Kingdom-based radiographer, Immaculata Ikenwankwor, to face cybercrime-related charges in Nigeria.The court, in a ruling delivered by Justice James Omotosho, directed that the defendant be placed on Interpol Red Notice and also the watc
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Why FCTA couldn’t complete Millennium Tower project – Wike

  30-07-2026 17:27 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration could not complete the abandoned Millennium Tower project due to the multi-billion naira demanded by the contractor.Wike, who cleared the air after he inspected some ongoing projects in Abuja on Thursday, said the contractor handling the massive project demanded between N300 billion and N400 billion to complete the project.The minister explained that the FCT Administration could not shoulder the staggering
  
  Read more

• Why Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha could lose famous nickname at Colo-Colo

  30-07-2026 17:27 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeCape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, one of the breakout stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, could be forced to abandon the nickname that made him a global fan favourite after completing a move to Chilean giants Colo-Colo.According to Reuters, Chilean football regulations prohibit players from wearing nicknames on the back of their jerseys, meaning the 40-year-old may have to use his real name, Josimar José Évora Dias, instead of the iconic “Vozinha” when
  
  Read more

• Fake news fueling insecurity, says Information Minister

  30-07-2026 17:26 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Urges support for state policing, media literacy…Says Nigeria stronger when South-East is secureBy Steve OkoUMUAHIA — The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has warned that fake news, misinformation and hate speech have become tools being exploited by criminal elements to fuel insecurity and undermine national unity.Idris spoke on Thursday at the South-East Regional Security Summit held in Umuahia, Abia State, organised by the Minister of Defe
  
  Read more

• Nigeria congratulates Colombia’s president-elect, Espriella

  30-07-2026 17:22 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Federal Government has congratulated Colombia’s President-elect, Abelardo Espriella, on his victory in the June 21, 2026 presidential runoff election.The congratulatory message was contained in a statement issued by the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Thursday in Abuja.Ebienfa said Nigeria welcomed the democratic expression of the will of the Colombian people and looked forward to working closely with the incoming administration ahead of its inaugu
  
  Read more

• Nigeria destroys 19,000 illicit weapons, shows commitment to security — Ribadu

  30-07-2026 17:21 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Kingsley OmonobiThe National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has said the destruction of more than 19,000 illicit, decommissioned and unserviceable small arms and light weapons by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) demonstrates sustained commitment by government to making Nigeria safer.Ribadu stated this on Thursday in Abuja during the destruction of about 2,809 illicit and unserviceable small arms and light weapons by the NCCSALW.Repres
  
  Read more

• Ebonyi PWDs protest alleged neglect, eviction threat, demand inclusion

  30-07-2026 17:14 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Jeff Agbodo, AbakalikiMembers of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Ebonyi State chapter, on Thursday staged a peaceful protest in Abakaliki, demanding greater inclusion and improved welfare from the state government.The protesters called for monthly financial support, welfare assistance and the immediate assent to the Disability Bill recently passed by the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.They also protested an alleged eviction notice issued to their secret
  
  Read more

• Resident doctors declare nationwide indefinite strike from August 10

  30-07-2026 17:06 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ben Ngwakwe, GombeThe Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an indefinite nationwide industrial action from August 10, 2026, over the Federal Government’s failure to implement agreements reached with the association and address lingering welfare and workplace concerns.The decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of NARD’s National Executive Council meeting and Annual National Scientific Conference held in Gombe on Thursday.Addressing
  
  Read more

• Tinubu told to nominate Jonathan for UN Secretary-General

  30-07-2026 17:03 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Samuel Oyadongha, YenagoaThe African Policy and Research Consortium (APRC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to nominate former President Goodluck Jonathan for the position of United Nations Secretary-General.In a statement on Thursday, the convener of APRC, Prof. Edward Agbai, said Jonathan possessed the leadership experience, diplomatic skills and democratic credentials required to occupy the world’s top diplomatic position.Agbai said the UN needed a leader with proven execut
  
  Read more

• BBNaija 11: I’ll soon show my true colours – Ricky warns housemates

  30-07-2026 17:03 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Deborah OyekaleBBNaija Season 11 housemate Ricky has issued a stark warning to his fellow housemates, declaring that they have yet to witness his true self.The warning comes in the wake of a heated clash involving Ricky and fellow housemates Neche and Nomy.
  During the confrontation, Nomy branded Ricky an “Agbaya” — a Yoruba term used to describe a disrespectful elder — and declared she would never speak to him again.
  Ricky, however, maintained that Nomy was simply try
  
  Read more

• ‘Operation Safe Corridor’ under the spotlight: Success, failure, search for accountability

  30-07-2026 17:01 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Esther OnyegbulaFor years, Aisha Umar slept with one eye open. She survived the attack that destroyed her village in Nigeria’s North-East. Her husband never returned. Her children grew up inside an internally displaced persons, IDPs, camp, where survival became a daily struggle rather than a temporary reality.Read Also: ‘We’ll marry beautiful ones, kill the rest’ — Terrorists threaten 176 woro captivesThen one day she heard the news that unsettled her more than
  
  Read more

• NiHSA warns of high riverine flooding in Niger, Kaduna, 25 other states

  30-07-2026 16:56 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Gabriel EwepuABUJA — The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has warned of possible high riverine flooding in Niger, Kaduna and 25 other states within the next seven days due to rising river levels.The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiHSA, Arc. Umar Mohammed, issued the alert on Thursday, noting that communities located along floodplains should prepare for possible evacuation to safer locations.According to the agency, the affected states include Niger, Bauchi
  
  Read more

• Ancelotti ends Brazil careers of Casemiro, Danilo after Neymar retirement

  30-07-2026 16:55 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeBrazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that veteran trio Neymar, Casemiro and Danilo are no longer part of the Selecao’s plans as he begins rebuilding the national team around a younger generation ahead of the 2028 Copa America, according to Reuters.Speaking in an interview with Brazilian outlet ge (Globo Esporte), Ancelotti said Brazil’s disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign marked the end of an era for several of the country’s most influential pl
  
  Read more

• 11-month salary protest: Cross River govt says irregular LG workers won’t be paid

  30-07-2026 16:54 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ike Uchechukwu, CalabarThe Cross River State Government has defended its ongoing payroll sanitisation exercise, dismissing Wednesday’s protest by persons claiming to be unpaid local government workers as an attempt to pressure the government into recognising appointments that did not follow due process.The Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Victor Felix Idem, said the protesters were not legitimate employees of the Local Government Service but individuals whose names were
  
  Read more

• Real Madrid set to bid £51m for Rodri — Reports

  30-07-2026 16:42 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeReal Madrid are preparing an offer worth up to £51 million (€60m) for Manchester City midfielder Rodri, according to Sky Sports, as the Spanish giants step up their pursuit of the World Cup-winning captain.The report says Real Madrid have already made initial contact with City over the Spain international, who enhanced his reputation this summer by captaining his country to the FIFA World Cup title and winning the tournament’s Golden Ball award.Rodri has ju
  
  Read more

• Police release Osun SSG

  30-07-2026 16:40 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Shina Abubakar OsogboThe Osun State Police command has confirmed the release of the secretary to the state government, Mr Teslim Igbalaye, from its custody.Igbalaye was detained along with five others till Thursday afternoon for allegedly committing vote-buying-related offences, as the police recovered Permanent Voter’s Cards, PVCs, cash sums and a voters’ register from his house.The police also identified the other suspects arrested at the residence as Abiodun Arowomole, popular
  
  Read more

• FA introduces minimum 10-match ban for discrimination in English football

  30-07-2026 16:35 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeThe Football Association (FA) has introduced a tougher anti-discrimination policy that will see players, managers and members of technical staff found guilty of discriminatory conduct receive a minimum 10-match suspension from the start of the new season, according to the BBC.The new sanction, agreed by the FA, Premier League, English Football League, National League and Women’s Super League, replaces the previous standard minimum six-match suspension for aggravated b
  
  Read more

• Argentina president demands expulsion of foreigners expressing ‘hate’ against country

  30-07-2026 16:34 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Argentine President Javier Milei on Thursday demanded a bar on foreigners who express “hate” toward the Latin American country.The decree published by the presidency — which requires parliamentary approval — would bar or expel foreigners deemed to have “spread or incited hate messages” against the country or its people.In a statement, Milei said the measure was in response to “recent displays of hostility against the Argentine republic and Argentines.&r
  
  Read more

• Oscar winner Jared Leto denies sexual assault allegations after BBC documentary

  30-07-2026 16:24 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeOscar-winning actor and Thirty Seconds to Mars frontman Jared Leto has denied allegations of sexual assault and criminal sexual conduct after a BBC documentary featured accounts from 10 women, four of whom accused him of offences allegedly committed when they were teenagers.The documentary, “Jared Leto: Hollywood’s Dark Secret”, released by the BBC on Wednesday, includes testimonies from 10 women, with nine speaking publicly for the first time. The women a
  
  Read more

• Atletico complain to FIFA over Barca’s Alvarez approach

  30-07-2026 16:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Barcelona have received a complaint from Atletico Madrid filed with FIFA over allegedly tapping up Julian Alvarez, a source from the Catalan club told AFP Thursday.Argentina striker Alvarez said during the World Cup it would be “the best thing for everyone” for Atletico to let him leave, amid strong Barca transfer interest.Atletico believe Barcelona made prohibited contact with the 26-year-old attacker to encourage him to force his departure.Barca president Joan Laporta said at the
  
  Read more

• Man vandalises ex-lover’s apartment, docked

  30-07-2026 15:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A 35-year-old man, Samuel, on Thursday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly breaking into his former lover’s apartment and damaging property worth N650,000.Samuel, whose address was not provided, is facing a three-count charge of malicious damage, unlawful entry and conduct likely to cause inconvenience.Read Also: Idi Amin’s grandson disqualified from Commonwealth boxing boutThe prosecutor, SP Josephine Ikhayere, told the court that the defendant
  
  Read more

• Tricycle ticket dispute: Pass distributor stabbed to death in Taraba, two arrested

  30-07-2026 15:55 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Femi BolajiJALINGO — Operatives of the Taraba State Police Command have arrested two suspects in connection with the killing of a commercial tricycle union pass distributor at Angwan Kassa junction, a suburb of Jalingo, the state capital.The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, caused panic among residents and commuters in the area.Vanguard gathered that the deceased was involved in an altercation with a commercial tricycle (Keke NAPEP) operator after he allegedly intercepted the ope
  
  Read more

• Adidas apologises for plethora of pink boots at World Cup

  30-07-2026 15:52 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Adidas on Thursday apologised for a surfeit of pink boots at the World Cup, saying that it was a coincidence that they were sported by a striking number of players.Asked by AFP about the unusual uniformity of boot colours during a press conference on the company’s quarterly results, Adidas CEO Bjorn Gulden said “it was an accident”.“I think it’s a coincidence, and I hope it will not happen again,” he added.It was not the colour itself but different brands all
  
  Read more

Follow @GeneralNews_NGR on Twitter!