General news

• FCCPC, NTDA align on service standards to drive tourism growth

  11-06-2026 07:27 via vanguardngr.com
  By Progress GodfreyThe Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) have pledged to work together to protect consumers, raise service standards, and boost sustainable tourism in Nigeria.This commitment was reinforced when NTDA Director General, Dr Ola Awakan, paid a courtesy visit to FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tunji Bello, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, according to a sta
  
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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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• 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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• 10 highest-scoring opening matches at World Cup

  11-06-2026 13:19 via vanguardngr.com
  The FIFA World Cup has produced some unforgettable opening matches over the years, with hosts and contenders often setting the tone for the tournament from the very first whistle.
  While many opening games have been cautious affairs, a handful have delivered goals, drama and excitement in abundance.The highest-scoring opening match in World Cup history remains the thrilling encounter between hosts Germany and Costa Rica at the 2006 tournament. Germany edged Costa Rica 4-2 in Munich, with six goa
  
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• 2026 World Cup: Mexico vs South Africa – preview, time and where to watch

  11-06-2026 13:14 via vanguardngr.com
  The expanded 48-team era officially begins on Thursday as co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  The fixture offers a highly nostalgic throwback to 2010, when the same two nations clashed in the tournament’s memorable opening game in Johannesburg.Mexico: Seeking Redemption on Historic GroundMexico makes history before kicking a single ball, becoming the first nation to host the men’s World Cup three separate times (following 1970 and 19
  
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• APC has number, strength to win any election – Yilwatda

  11-06-2026 13:13 via vanguardngr.com
  All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, says the party has the numbers and strength to win the forthcoming Ekiti governorship election and the 2027 presidential election.Yilwatda made the statement while inaugurating the APC National Campaign Council for the Ekiti Governorship election, slated for June 20 in Abuja.The chairman presented the party’s flag to the APC governorship candidate, Gov. Biodun Oyenbanji,, contesting for a second term in office.He n
  
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• Photos: Nigerians repatriated from South Africa arrives Lagos

  11-06-2026 13:12 via vanguardngr.com
  The first group of Nigerians repatriated from South Africa following recent xenophobic violence has arrived in Lagos.A total of 268 returnees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 10:30 a.m. on Thursday aboard an Air Peace flight.The evacuation forms part of efforts to bring back Nigerians affected by renewed attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.
  The post Photos: Nigerians repatriated from South Africa arrives Lagos appeared first on Vanguard News
  
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• INEC restores suppressed constituencies in 4 states, fixes June for primary elections

  11-06-2026 13:02 via vanguardngr.com
  The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has restored some suppressed constituencies in Benue, Delta, Jigawa and Kogi states, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.The commission has also fixed June 16 and June 25 for political parties to conduct primary elections for the restored constituencies, ahead of the 2027 general elections.The commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, made the disclosure in a
  
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• Davido uses W’Cup stage to demand action for abducted Nigerian pupils

  11-06-2026 12:52 via vanguardngr.com
  Afrobeats superstar Davido transformed his performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown concert into a powerful plea for justice.
  Taking the stage in the United States on Wednesday, the singer wore a custom outfit designed to honour the students and teachers recently abducted in Oyo State’s Oriire Local Government Area.A viral backstage video revealed the striking details of his attire. Davido wore a white T-shirt reading “NIGERIA” beneath a black leather jacket. The jacke
  
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• Russia calls on US, Iran to ‘return to negotiating table’

  11-06-2026 12:39 via vanguardngr.com
  The Kremlin called on the United States and Iran Thursday to restart peace talks and said the new strikes in their war would be bad for the world economy.“We call on all parties in this conflict to exercise restraint and return to the negotiating table,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, when asked by AFP about fresh attacks. He added that the escalation risks more “negative consequences for the situation in the region and the global economy.”
  The post Russia ca
  
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• Lawyer petitions Lagos AG, accuses DPP of frustrating 15 Chinese nationals’ trial

  11-06-2026 12:12 via vanguardngr.com
  By Innocent AnabaA Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Ken Nwanna, has petitioned the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, protesting the turn of events in his client’s case pending before Justice Adesanya of a Lagos High Court.
  He also accused the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, of frustrating and delaying the case filed since 2024 without the arraignment of the Chinese suspects in a seven-count charge brought against them by the Inspector General
  
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• Iran vows to target any vessel passing Strait of Hormuz

  11-06-2026 12:08 via vanguardngr.com
  Iran’s military command said Thursday it will target any ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz, after it struck two vessels attempting to pass through the strategic waterway, as talks to end the war faltered.The United States launched a new wave of attacks against Iran on Wednesday, with President Donald Trump vowing to “hit them hard” after accusing Tehran’s negotiators of “playing us for suckers”.The Khatam al-Anbiya command said Thursday, “any vessel
  
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• Ogbonnia to Dickson: Resolve Enugu West NDC primary dispute

  11-06-2026 12:05 via vanguardngr.com
  …Cites Electoral Act 2026By Denis AgboDr. SKC Ogbonnia, an aspirant for the Enugu West Senatorial District seat, has called on the National Leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, to intervene in the party’s nomination process to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.In an open letter dated June 10, 2026, Ogbonnia alleged that neither a valid primary election nor a legally recognised consensus process has been concluded for the senatorial
  
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• New York renames streets after Thierry Henry, Pele ahead of World Cup

  11-06-2026 12:00 via vanguardngr.com
  New York has honored two footballing greats by temporarily renaming streets after Thierry Henry and Pele ahead of the World Cup kickoff, according to the City Council.The tournament — co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico — begins Thursday and the final will be played next month at the MetLife Stadium, rebranded as the New York New Jersey Stadium, just outside the city.Crowds gathered at West 50th Street and 6th Avenue in downtown Manhattan to mark the unveiling of &ldqu
  
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• Army contains Cameroonian troops’ incursion in C’River border community

  11-06-2026 11:58 via vanguardngr.com
  …incursion emanated from levy collectionsBy Ike Uchechukwu, CALABARThe Nigerian Army has successfully contained an unauthorised incursion by Cameroonian soldiers into Danare community in Boki LGA of Cross River State, averting a potential escalation that caused panic among residents.A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, said its troops at the Forward Operating Base in Danare promptly responded after re
  
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• Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrive Lagos amid Xenophobic tensions

  11-06-2026 11:55 via vanguardngr.com
  By Lamidi Bamidele & Nkiru NnoromNigerians evacuated from South Africa have arrived safely in Lagos following recent xenophobic tensions that left many Nigerian residents in fear.The evacuees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 10:15 a.m. on Thursday aboard an Air Peace aircraft.The return flight is part of a coordinated evacuation effort by the Federal Government in response to renewed attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.The Minister of St
  
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• Gunmen kill two vigilantes in fresh Plateau attack

  11-06-2026 11:36 via vanguardngr.com
  By Golok Nanmwa, JosTragedy struck Ta-Hoss community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on Wednesday night as two local vigilantes were reportedly attacked and killed while keeping watch over their community.The incident occurred at about 10 p.m., leaving residents of the community in grief and mourning.The deceased were identified as Davou Dalyop Patu, 48, and Dalyop Zaram, 38, both described as active members of the local vigilante group dedicated to protecting the community.Sour
  
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• Lagos 2027: Sanwo-Olu unveils Hamzat, Sonayon-James as APC flagbearers

  11-06-2026 11:11 via vanguardngr.com
  Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has unveiled Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the state, with Princess Damilola Sonayon-James as his running mate ahead of the 2027 election.Sanwo-Olu made the announcement in a post on his verified X handle on Thursday, describing the duo as a leadership team capable of sustaining and expanding development across Lagos State.He said the selection reflects the administration’s focus o
  
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• US, UK, Canada, 19 others tell Iran to stop attacks ‘on our soil’

  11-06-2026 11:10 via vanguardngr.com
  Twenty-two countries including the United States and European nations jointly warned Iran on Thursday to stop attacking people “on our soil”.Iran’s security services were condemned for their “deplorable” use of international and local criminal gangs for plots in Europe, North America and Australia.“Attempts to kill, kidnap, harass, intimidate, or otherwise attack people on our soil, undermines national sovereignty and international norms. These actions must s
  
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• Kylian, Neymar lead football-inspired baby names across South America

  11-06-2026 11:00 via vanguardngr.com
  What’s in a name? A victory foretold or a homage to greatness past?Across South America, a legion of pint-sized Kylians and Neymars will be following the fortunes of the stars to whom they owe their names when the World Cup kicks off on Thursday.But in a year’s time, depending on which players shine, expectant parents may be leaning towards Lamine (Yamal, Spain), Ousmane (Dembele, France), Harry (Kane, England) or Vitinha (Portugal).In Ecuador, which is taking part in its fifth Worl
  
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• ISWAP commanders, IEDs specialist surrender to troops in Yobe

  11-06-2026 10:27 via vanguardngr.com
  The Nigerian Army says two commanders of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), including a suspected Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) specialist, have surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Yobe.This is contained in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.The report stated that the two terrorists, identified as Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar, surrendered to troops of the 159 Battalion in Geidam on June 8.
  
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• Nigerians fleeing xenophobic attacks in S’Africa head home

  11-06-2026 10:20 via vanguardngr.com
  The first group of Nigerians repatriated from South Africa following escalating anti-immigrant attacks were due to land in Lagos on Thursday, officials said.Anti-foreigner violence has convulsed South Africa for weeks as gangs armed with sticks, whips and shields have marched through parts of the “rainbow nation”, demanding that people with no residency papers leave by June 30.Foreign nationals have reported being intimidated and beaten by mobs going door to door, families have been
  
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