General news

• Iran steps up attacks in return to war with US

  21-07-2026 13:13 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Iran stepped up its attacks in the Middle East on Tuesday, two weeks after its war with the United States resumed, with sirens sounding in Bahrain and Jordan announcing it had intercepted two waves of missiles and drones.Iran’s Yemeni allies, the Houthis, declared they would blockade Saudi Arabia’s ports, in what would throw the world’s energy markets into further chaos after the Islamic republic blockaded the crucial Strait of Hormuz.Iran’s Revolutionary Guards meanwhil
  
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• Brent crude soars above $95 as Middle East war rages

  22-07-2026 12:05 via vanguardngr.com
  
  World oil prices soared Wednesday, with main contract Brent North Sea crude surpassing $95 for the first time in nearly six weeks, as the United States and Iran carried out more strikes.Brent oil jumped 4.4 percent to $95.02 per barrel and the key US contract, West Texas Intermediate, rallied 4.5 percent to $88.16.AFP
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• US reaffirms vigilance against jihadist threats

  22-07-2026 12:00 via vanguardngr.com
  
  … Says groups remain active globallyBy Nkiruka NnoromThe United States has said jihadist terrorist groups have remained a danger to global peace and security despite effective global campaigns and reaffirmed its resolve to sustain counter-terrorism efforts through diplomacy, financial action and military cooperation with partners.Ambassador Gregory D. LoGerfo, Coordinator and Ambassador-at-Large for Counterterrorism at the U.S. Department of State, stated this in a statement on the outco
  
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• Venezuela’s ousted leader Maduro set to appear in US court

  22-07-2026 11:55 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Venezuela’s ousted president Nicolas Maduro is set to appear before a New York court Wednesday, his third public hearing since the US military captured him in a stunning nighttime raid in January.The former leader, 63, and wife Cilia Flores have been held in a Brooklyn jail since the US military operation, awaiting trial on drug trafficking, firearms and other charges.American commandos snatched the pair from their compound in Caracas on January 3, in a lighting operation combining naval,
  
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• Updated list of 44 visa-free countries Nigerians can travel to

  22-07-2026 11:50 via vanguardngr.com
  
  For Nigerian passport holders looking to explore the world without the hassle of extensive visa fees or long application processes, there’s good news.According to the Henley Passport Index 2026, Nigerian citizens can travel to at least 44 destinations where entry is allowed either visa-free, with a visa on arrival (VOA) at no extra cost, or via an e-visa.This expanded access opens doors for Nigerian travellers to experience countries across Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and beyond with gre
  
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• Dubai offers discounts to residents bringing in tourists

  22-07-2026 11:42 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Dubai will offer more than $800 worth of discounts and deals to residents who bring friends and family to visit, the emirate’s media office said on Wednesday, as months of war have battered its tourism sector.“The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism launches ‘A Dubai Invite’, inviting residents to become ambassadors of the city by welcoming their loved ones to Dubai,” the Dubai media office said in a post on X, adding that the programme would run until the end
  
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• Bezos holds talks with group interested in buying Liverpool stake – Reports

  22-07-2026 11:40 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has held talks about joining the Amit Bhatia-fronted consortium that has expressed interest in buying a minority stake in Liverpool, according to reports on Wednesday.Bezos, one of the world’s richest men, could become part of the group led by British-Indian businessman Bhatia, the son-in-law of billionaire steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal.Sky News reported Bezos’ interest but said he is not certain to proceed with the potential plan.The 62-year-old American is
  
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• Ooni sues for peace ahead of Osun governorship election

  22-07-2026 11:03 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has appealed for peace and unity as the Aug. 15 governorship election in Osun draws near.This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare.The Ooni, represented by the Lowa Adimula of Ifeland, Oba Adekola Adeyeye, made the call when the national secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Rauf Aregbesola; the governorship c
  
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• Full list of strongest passports in Africa as Nigeria drops to 45th, 90th globally

  22-07-2026 10:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Nigeria has been ranked the 45th strongest passport in Africa and 90th in the world in the July 2026 global passport ranking released by Henley & Partners on Tuesday, with Nigerian passport holders enjoying visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 44 destinations.
  The latest ranking places Nigeria among the continent’s weakest passports, tying with the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 90th place globally. Only a handful of African countries rank below Nigeria on the index.South Afric
  
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• US hits Iran, says war cost at $37.5 bn

  22-07-2026 10:37 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Fresh US strikes triggered air defences in Tehran on Wednesday after President Donald Trump warned he was “not finished” with a war with Iran that has already cost his nation $37.5 billion.After the foes’ fighting over the strategic Strait of Hormuz led to the collapse of a preliminary deal, the Middle East war has expanded to include the region’s other key chokepoint for global oil supplies.Still, top US diplomat Marco Rubio reiterated Washington’s statement that i
  
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• An Open Letter To The Executive Governor Of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah

  22-07-2026 10:30 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Your Excellency,I wish to sincerely appreciate you once again for the remarkable developmental strides that are evident across Enugu State, including my beloved community of Ette. We are particularly grateful for your recent approval of the Government Technical College (GTC), the proposed site of which is located in Ette. May the Almighty God continue to grant you the wisdom, strength, and grace to positively impact lives across every part of Enugu State. Indeed, as your administration’s
  
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• DJ Chicken hails Seyi Tinubu as ‘Daddy’ after release from prison

  22-07-2026 10:15 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Popular Nigerian content creator Ademola Abiodun, also known as DJ Chicken, has stirred reactions on social media after describing Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, as ‘daddy’ shortly after regaining his freedom.The entertainer, who was released from the Kirikiri Correctional Centre on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, also shared a photo of Seyi Tinubu on his Instagram Stories with the caption: “Hmm ddddy.”He has also changed his Instagram display picture to one of S
  
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• PFIPC scandal: Apologise and resign now, Atiku tackles Tinubu

  22-07-2026 10:12 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Cites conflicting CBN, OAGF accountsBy Omeiza Ajayi, AbujaFormer Vice President Atiku Abubakar has told President Bola Tinubu to apologise to Nigerians and resign over what he described as a cover-up surrounding the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council PFIPC accounts scandal.His demand followed conflicting testimonies by the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation OAGF.In a statement on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant
  
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• Full List: 6 requirements to access FG’s loan to buy phone, laptop

  22-07-2026 10:01 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Federal Government has begun accepting applications for its Credit for Laptops, Internet, Connectivity and Knowledge Digital Devices (C.L.I.C.K.D.) Programme, giving eligible Nigerians the opportunity to obtain smartphones, laptops and tablets through consumer credit.The initiative is being implemented by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. It is designed to improve access to digital
  
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• ‘I’ll take you down without a second thought’ – Burkina Faso’s Traore warns challengers

  22-07-2026 09:47 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Abidjan, Ivory CoastIbrahim Traore, the head of Burkina Faso’s military junta, sought last week to stamp out speculation of a power struggle at the highest levels of government, warning he intended to remain the west African country’s only leader.The prolonged absence of two influential junta figures has fuelled rumours of a tussle within the military government, which came to power in a coup in September 2022.“There can’t be two captains on one ship,” the aut
  
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• NY mayor says city can’t arrest Israel’s Netanyahu on ICC warrant

  22-07-2026 09:34 via vanguardngr.com
  
  New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Tuesday his office does not have the authority to carry out the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and called on US federal officials to step in.“My administration has reviewed every avenue available under applicable law to determine whether New York City could execute the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant if Benjamin Netanyahu came here,” Mamdani said in a brief vide
  
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• ‘It takes courage to remove fuel subsidy’ —  Otti praises Tinubu, dismisses hardship

  22-07-2026 09:30 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has commended President Bola Tinubu for removing the fuel subsidy and floating the naira, describing the decisions as bold reforms that required courage despite their immediate economic consequences.Otti made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during her visit to Abia State to celebrate and promote the historic Akwete weaving heritage in Ukwa East Local Government Area.Addressing the First Lady, the governor asked her t
  
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• Cartoon: ‘Experience is the best teacher’

  22-07-2026 08:47 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Vanguard NewsThe post Cartoon: ‘Experience is the best teacher’ appeared first on Vanguard News.
  
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• US plans to announce nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia

  22-07-2026 08:40 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The United States plans to announce an agreement with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday that would give the country a civilian nuclear program, according to media reports, amid renewed fighting between the Gulf oil giant and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.Citing two unnamed US officials, the New York Times reported Tuesday the Trump administration plans to formally sign and announce the deal with the Saudis on Wednesday.President Donald Trump’s administration said the deal will provide billio
  
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• ‘Dead on arrival’- Ganduje says Obi-Kwankwaso ticket will fail in Kano

  22-07-2026 08:32 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has dismissed the presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), declaring that it would not succeed in Kano State in the 2027 general election.Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, the former Kano State governor said the ticket lacked the political strength and governance credentials needed to win the support of Kano voters.“I don’t thi
  
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• Gas remains backbone of Nigeria’s power system – Vincent Ozoude

  22-07-2026 08:25 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Managing Director/CEO of Transafam Power Limited, Engr. Vincent Ozoude, has affirmed that gas-fired generation will remain the backbone of Nigeria’s electricity system for years to come, even as renewables and smart energy technologies continue to grow, positioning indigenous operators at the centre of the country’s drive for reliable power.Ozoude made the case during a high-level panel session themed “ReEngineering Africa’s Power Market — Driving Reliable Ener
  
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• FG lauds Kano Govt for dedicating 32% of budget on education

  22-07-2026 08:24 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Federal Government has lauded the Kano State Government for allocating 32 per cent of its budget to education.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Kano State Government allocated a historic N405 billion out of its N1.36 trillion proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year to the education sector.NAN reports that this follows the state government’s declaration of a state of emergency on education.The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, gave the commendation on Tuesday in
  
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• Why I’ve never openly endorsed any politician or political party — Falz

  22-07-2026 08:15 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Popular Nigerian rapper and activist, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has said he has never publicly endorsed any politician or political party, explaining that he remains cautious about lending his support to political figures.Speaking on the need for greater civic participation ahead of future elections, Falz said his advocacy has always centred on encouraging Nigerians to vote rather than campaigning for any candidate.“Just a point of correction: I’ve never, in 2023 or a
  
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• Gunmen abduct two farmers in Ondo, demand N10m ransom

  22-07-2026 08:13 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Police launch rescue operationBy Dayo Johnson, AkureSuspected gunmen have abducted two farmers in Ifira, an agrarian community in Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.Sources said the attackers ambushed the victims on their way to the farm and whisked them into a nearby forest.A family member of one of the victims said the incident had been reported to the police and the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun.According to the source, the kidnappers have e
  
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• Christian-Christian ticket will win Nigeria’s presidency one day — Gov Sule Abdullahi

  22-07-2026 08:13 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has expressed confidence that Nigeria will eventually elect a president and vice-president on a Christian-Christian ticket, insisting that the country’s Constitution does not require religious balancing in political appointments or electoral tickets.Sule stated this on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today while responding to criticism by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu
  
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• Dollar to Naira exchange rate today, July 22, 2026

  22-07-2026 08:02 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Nigerian naira traded at approximately ₦1,381.68 against the United States dollar at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, according to official market data.The official exchange rate showed the naira exchanging at ₦1,381.68/$1 in the NFEM, reflecting the prevailing market rate at the start of trading on Wednesday.In the parallel market, commonly known as the black market, the dollar traded at around ₦1,408 per dollar for buying and ̓
  
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• OPay Leads Nigeria’s Fight Against Digital Fraud

  22-07-2026 07:59 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By:Cynthia Alo
  How Smart Technology Is Protecting Trust in Africa’s Largest Digital EconomyCompany Says Trust, Not Just Speed, Will Define The Next Phase Of Financial Services In Africa’s Largest Market
  LAGOS – As Nigeria completes one of the fastest transitions from cash to digital payments on the continent, a new battlefront has opened in the country’s financial sector: the fight for trust.At a media parley held in Lagos on Thursday, July 16, 2026, leading fintech 
  
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• Ojo council accused of demolishing property despite court order

  22-07-2026 07:59 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Innocent AnabaA property dispute involving Ojo Local Government Area, Lagos State, has taken a fresh turn following allegations that officials of the council demolished a property despite a subsisting judgment of a Lagos State High Court declaring the owner the lawful occupier and restraining further trespass.
  The property owner, Ibrahim Abubakar, alleged that about 1p.m., July 15, 2026, a top official of the council, accompanied by police officers and suspected thugs, led the demolition of
  
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• Boat mishap claims more than 20 Nigerians in Camerounian territorial waters

  22-07-2026 07:56 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Umar YusufYola—No fewer than 20 persons mainly Nigerians have been confirmed killed following a boat mishap within the Cameroun territorial waters.The ill fated boat accident which took off from Garwa was heading to Yola in Adamawa State, when the incident happened.It was gathered  that the boat with over 50 passengers was over loaded with iron rods and other building materials with a destination at Dasin in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State.Locals within the Nige
  
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• 20 Nigerians die in Camerounian boat mishap claims

  22-07-2026 07:56 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Umar YusufYola—No fewer than 20 persons mainly Nigerians have been confirmed killed following a boat mishap within the Cameroun territorial waters.The ill fated boat accident which took off from Garwa was heading to Yola in Adamawa State, when the incident happened.It was gathered  that the boat with over 50 passengers was over loaded with iron rods and other building materials with a destination at Dasin in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State.Locals within the Nige
  
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