General news

• I never opposed Amaechi’s nomination – Kenneth Okonkwo

  03-07-2026 19:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Kenneth Okonkwo, has dismissed reports that he opposed the emergence of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as the party’s vice-presidential candidate.Okonkwo also said Atiku recognised his worth despite his previous criticisms of the former vice president, while accusing his former principal and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of betraying
  
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• International exchange programmes: an honest reality check

  04-07-2026 15:18 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Do you dream of travelling and working abroad? Are you ready to trade your cosy little room for a mattress on the floor with ten strangers in the same space? Advertising brochures paint a picture of the Garden of Eden, but the reality of international exchange and employment programmes often turns out to be an honest reality check – where the bet is your nerves, money and health.We decided to conduct our own investigation and check the information about different international programmes:
  
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• Kidnapped worshippers rescued in Ekiti — Police

  04-07-2026 15:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Police Command in Ekiti says the victims abducted during an attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eda-Oniyo, on April 28 have been rescued.The command disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti by its police public relations officer, SP Sunday Abutu.According to the statement, the victims were rescued through sustained intelligence-led operations and coordinated efforts involving the Nigeria Police Force, the military, other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local hu
  
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• 2027 Elections: Oba Akiolu warns against thuggery, violence

  04-07-2026 15:08 via vanguardngr.com
  
  .Tasks APC chairmen on hard work, integrity.Predicts Tinubu’s victory .Meets 36 APC chairmen in Iga-Idungaran Palace By Olasunkanmi Akoni The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has urged Nigerians, especially the youth not to allow themselves be used as tools for violence during the forthcoming 2027 general elections in the interest of progress and development of the nation. Akiolu, however, predicted a convincing victory for the President in the 2027 Presidential election,
  
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• Ranked: The 8 least educated countries in the world – and three most educated

  04-07-2026 15:06 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Education remains one of the strongest indicators of a country’s development, influencing economic growth, health outcomes, innovation and social mobility.While global literacy has risen to about 87.7%, significant disparities remain, with several countries still recording literacy rates below 50% due to conflict, poverty, inequality and weak education systems.At the other end are nations that have invested heavily in education, producing some of the world’s most educated population
  
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• Bundibugyo Ebola toll hits 454 as Congo outbreak spreads

  04-07-2026 14:41 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Chioma ObinnaThe World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarm over a rapidly escalating outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a deadly Ebola strain, which has killed 454 people and infected 1,481 others in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and France, fuelling fears of a broader regional health crisis.WHO said the outbreak, driven by sustained transmission in Congo’s conflict-ridden eastern provinces, is evolving rapidly and poses a severe threat to neighbouring c
  
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• Hosts Canada, Mexico and USA thrive in their World Cup

  04-07-2026 14:28 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Canada have already made World Cup history, while Mexico and the USA are also on course to beat their best ever runs in the tournament as home advantage has paid dividends.AFP Sports looks at how all three co-hosts have thrived while others have struggled with the sprawling tournament spread over three countries and 17 cities.MexicoSwept along by fanatical support in the stadiums and the streets, Mexico have already ended a 40-year wait to win a knockout game by beating Ecuador to make the last
  
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• C’River govt, PDP guber candidate trade words over alleged tax probe

  04-07-2026 13:38 via vanguardngr.com
  
  .tax is statutory obligation – CommisionerBy Ike Uchechukwu, CALABARThe Cross River state government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the state, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, on Friday exchanged words over allegations of a tax witch-hunt.Archibong who spoke with newsmen in Calabar, alleged that the state government was using tax measures to silence opposition voices, an allegation the government has denied.He claimed that the government was planning to clamp
  
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• Lagos Police arrest suspected Eiye cultist, recover ammunition

  04-07-2026 13:35 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Esther Onyegbula Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old suspected cultist, Yusuf Lamina Adigun, and recovered a locally made pistol loaded with one live cartridge during a routine stop-and-search operation in the Ijaiye/Ojokoro area of Lagos.The Police said the suspect was apprehended as part of the Command’s sustained efforts to combat cultism and other violent crimes across the state.According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Publ
  
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• Tinubu media centre shares AI image of first lady selling akara

  04-07-2026 13:32 via vanguardngr.com
  
  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre has stirred fresh reactions after sharing an AI-generated image depicting First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, frying and selling akara, days after her remarks about small-scale businesses sparked widespread criticism.The image, posted on Friday, portrays the First Lady operating a roadside akara stand while wearing an apron with the inscription, “Iya Alakara, fueling the nation with love.”The post came shortly after Mrs Tinubu suggested in an
  
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• Kogi recovers 1,000 rustled livestock from late Battijo, other bandits

  04-07-2026 13:06 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Soni DanielKogi State Government, in collaboration with federal and local security forces, has recovered no fewer than 1000 livestock from bandits.The successful operation was carried out in conjunction with the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Hybrid Forces from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and hunters.The security operation targeted the remnants of the criminal network of the late bandit kingpin, K
  
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• UK’s Starmer warns successor he will have to stay on international stage

  04-07-2026 13:04 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Britain’s outgoing prime minister Keir Starmer warned his probable successor Andy Burnham in an interview released Saturday that he cannot ignore international turmoil and just concentrate on the country’s domestic problems.In his first interview since announcing his resignation on June 22, Starmer said his successor as leader of the ruling Labour party could not spend less time on turbulent international affairs.So far, former Manchester mayor Burnham is the only candidate to take
  
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• Anambra didn’t show interest in 2024 Hope-Governance loan – World Bank

  04-07-2026 13:01 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Vincent Ujumadu The World Bank has confirmed that Anambra State did not express interest to participate in its 2024 Hope-Governance Programme, contrary to what the state government described as misleading media reports alleging that the state was denied the loan facility due to poor performance benchmarks.In the bank’s Implementation Status & Results Report on Nigeria Hope-Governance (P181476), dated July 07, 2025, 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory have expressed int
  
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• Anambra didn’t show interest in 2024 Hope – Governance loan – World Bank

  04-07-2026 13:01 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Vincent Ujumadu The World Bank has confirmed that Anambra State did not express interest to participate in its 2024 Hope-Governance Programme, contrary to what the state government described as misleading media reports alleging that the state was denied the loan facility due to poor performance benchmarks.In the bank’s Implementation Status & Results Report on Nigeria Hope-Governance (P181476), dated July 07, 2025, 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory have expressed int
  
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• Ebonyi NDC denies endorsing PDP governorship aspirant for 2027

  04-07-2026 12:09 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Says ex-members expelled over financial impropriety, anti-party activities behind moveBy Anayo OkoliThe Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ebonyi State has distanced itself from a purported endorsement of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant, Chief Ifeanyi Odii, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.The party insisted that it remains committed to fielding and supporting its own governorship candidate in the state.The Ebonyi State Chairman of the NDC, Hon. Enyinnaya Udensi
  
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• Kwara court fixes July 22 for Saraki’s arraignment over alleged defamation

  04-07-2026 12:01 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Says offence is triable by courtBy Demola Akinyemi, IlorinA Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has fixed July 22, 2026, for the arraignment of former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, over alleged defamatory statements against Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.Justice M.O. Folorunsho, in a ruling on Friday, held that the alleged offence is triable by the court, adding that, “this court is blessed with territorial jurisdiction to hear this case.”The Kwara
  
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• PFIPC scandal about public accountability, not one man – Kwankwasiyya Movement

  04-07-2026 12:00 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Hadiza YusufThe Kwankwasiyya Movement has said the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) has gone beyond the actions of one individual and has become a matter of public accountability that requires full explanation from the Federal Government.This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its spokesperson, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed.According to the statement, the movement said the controversy raises serious question
  
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• Pope urges Europe to protect migrants 

  04-07-2026 11:54 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Pope Leo XIV on Saturday pressed Europe to do more to protect and integrate migrants as he visited Italy’s Lampedusa island, a major port of call for those risking the perilous crossing from Africa.His trip to the migration frontline was a stark message to both EU and US leaders in a period of both growing intolerance and indifference.The Catholic Church’s first US pope, who has clashed with President Donald Trump’s administration over its treatment of migrants, chose to
  
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• ‘Show us the drug dens’: South Africa rejects Nigeria’s compensation demand

  04-07-2026 11:53 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ayobami OkerindeThe South African government has pushed back against Nigeria’s plan to seek compensation for properties abandoned by Nigerians fleeing recent xenophobic attacks, insisting that only legally registered assets can be recognised while controversially calling on Nigeria to identify alleged “drug dens” linked to its citizens.South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, made the remarks during a press briefing on Friday.According to a vid
  
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• South Africa rejects Nigeria’s compensation demand over xenophobic attacks

  04-07-2026 11:43 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The South African government has rejected Nigeria’s request for compensation for citizens who abandoned their businesses and properties after fleeing renewed xenophobic attacks in the country.Nigeria had indicated that it was compiling records of properties and businesses left behind by returnees as a basis for seeking compensation from South African authorities.Earlier this week, Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, said the Federal Government had begun docu
  
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• Kebbi Hisbah arrests 25 youths in hotel raid over alleged immoral acts

  04-07-2026 11:32 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Operatives of the Kebbi Hisbah Board, under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, have arrested 25 youths in Argungu town for alleged involvement in immoral acts.The Director of Shariah of the Board, Sirajo Kamba, confirmed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.He said: “On July 3, the Kebbi Hisbah Board carried out a raid at a hotel in Argungu and successfully apprehended 25 suspects allegedly involved in immoral activities.&ldquo
  
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• Mali hit by new wave of coordinated attacks

  04-07-2026 11:22 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Jihadists and their separatist Tuareg allies hit Mali with fresh coordinated attacks Saturday, striking multiple towns and a prison, according to the army, residents and security sources.The fighting, which started around 5:00 am (0500 GMT), came more than two months after the same groups staged attacks against the ruling junta in which the country’s defence minister was killed.The attacks were reported in Gao, Anefis, Aguelhok and Sevare, as well as a prison in Kenieroba.Mohamed Elmaoulo
  
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• NiMet predicts 3-day sunshine, cloudiness nationwide

  04-07-2026 10:54 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted sunshine and cloudiness from Saturday to Monday across the country.NiMet’s weather outlook released on Friday in Abuja predicted sunny skies with patches of clouds over the northern region on Saturday.It forecast chances of thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Taraba, Adamawa and Kaduna States during the morning hours.By the afternoon and evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over parts o
  
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• World Cup 2026: Full fixtures, venues, dates of Round of 16

  04-07-2026 10:33 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The fixtures for the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been confirmed following the conclusion of the Round of 32 matches.Argentina secured their place in the last 16 with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Cape Verde, while Colombia edged Ghana 1-0 to book their spot in the next round.Argentina will face Egypt on Tuesday, July 7, while Colombia are set to take on Switzerland.Co-hosts Canada will kick off the Round of 16 against Morocco on Saturday, July 4. Other fixtures include Paraguay v
  
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• US turns 250 as Trump warns of ‘attack’ on American identity

  04-07-2026 10:29 via vanguardngr.com
  
  America turns 250 on Saturday — a landmark birthday that coincides with a time of deep national division and a president determined to seize the festive center stage.The independence anniversary also comes in the middle of a brutal heatwave that has placed some 160 million Americans under major or extreme heat warnings, playing havoc with planned parades and block parties in towns and cities across much of the country.But the searing temperatures have done little to deter President Donald
  
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• Kebbi Hisbah nabs 25 in hotel over alleged immoral acts

  04-07-2026 10:11 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Operatives of the Kebbi Hisbah Board, under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, have arrested 25 youths in Argungu town for alleged involvement in immoral acts.The Director of Shariah of the Board, Sirajo Kamba, confirmed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.He said: “On July 3, the Kebbi Hisbah Board carried out a raid at a hotel in Argungu and successfully apprehended 25 suspects allegedly involved in immoral activities.&ldquo
  
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• World Cup: Leading scorers revealed as Round of 16 kicks off

  04-07-2026 10:08 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Argentina skipper Lionel Messi continues to lead the goalscoring standings at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the tournament moves into the Round of 16.Messi increased his tally to seven goals after finding the net in Argentina’s 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in the Round of 32.The Inter Miami star remains one goal clear of France forward Kylian Mbappé, who has scored six times in the competition.Norway striker Erling Haaland and England captain Harry Kane occupy the next spot on the scor
  
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• Huge crowds gather as Khamenei funeral ceremonies begin in Iran

  04-07-2026 09:57 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Funeral ceremonies for Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei officially began on Saturday, state television reported, an event drawing thousands and intended to serve as a show of strength to the Islamic republic’s foes.Iranian authorities say they anticipate between 15 and 20 million participants in Tehran alone over the next three days for tributes to the man who ran the country for three-and-a-half decades.Six days of funeral ceremonies are planned to commemorate Khamenei, who ruled
  
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• TCN announces planned outage at Katampe transmission substation 

  04-07-2026 09:45 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Abuja Region, has announced a planned preventive maintenance at the Katampe 132/33 KiloVolt (kV) Transmission Substation on Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.Mrs Ndidi Mbah, TCN’S General Manager, Public Affairs, said in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.According to her, the scheduled maintenance is to enable TCN’s maintenance crew to carry out preventive maintenance on the 100 megavolt ampere (MVA) 132/33kV Power Transformer (TR1), its auxi
  
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• Playing Mines Games Online for Free at Stake

  04-07-2026 09:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  When done the right way, gambling is a lot of fun. These days, when we can play online, and on the go, it has gotten more fun than ever. Yet, despite hundreds of different games, one can get bored by the standard casino titles. Blackjack, poker, roulette, and classic slots, have all been tested, played for hours, and consumed to the point where your average casino goer needs something new. Despite what we said, most casinos never address this trend. After all, classic casino games will nev
  
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