General news

• Lagos debunks HIV figures, unveils direct ARV procurement

  08-07-2026 07:54 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Insists 10,430 cases are diagnoses, not fresh infections
  By Chioma ObinnaThe Lagos State Government on Thursday dismissed widespread reports that the state recorded 10,430 new HIV infections in 2025, clarifying that the figure represents newly diagnosed cases and not fresh infections, even as it announced a historic move to directly procure antiretroviral drugs, becoming the first sub-national government in Nigeria to do so.
  Addressing journalists at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in L
  
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• Alleged money laundering: EFCC arraigns ex-Port Harcourt Refinery Ltd MD

  08-07-2026 14:09 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday arraigned Ahmed Dikko, the former Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refining Company Ltd (PHRC), over alleged money laundering.Dikko, who was arraigned before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 12-count charge, pleaded not guilty.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EFCC, in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/360/2026, named Dikko and Masterpiece Projects & Investment Ltd as first and secon
  
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• [Breaking] PFIPC scandal: Senate rejects motion to investigate controversial N1.3bn allocation

  08-07-2026 14:04 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Henry Umoru, AbujaThe Senate on Wednesday declined to launch a comprehensive investigation into the budgetary allocation, operations, and growing controversy surrounding the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).The move for a holistic probe was initiated by Senator Suleiman Kawu (APC, Kano South), who raised a point of order during plenary.Citing Order 9 and Rule 9(c) of the Senate Standing Orders (2026), Kawu presented a motion titled, “Urgent Need to
  
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• Nigerians on health insurance hit 22million – NHIA

  08-07-2026 14:03 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) says the number of Nigerians enrolled in health insurance has risen to more than 22 million.The Director-General of NHIA, Kelechi Ohiri, said this resulted from the implementation of the mandatory health insurance, which has gained momentum nationwide.He said this on Wednesday at the Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE) in Lagos.Ohiri said enrolment had increased to 22.03 million, representing
  
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• PFIPC scandal: Adeyemi’s father’s arrest unjustified under the law – Falana

  08-07-2026 13:56 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has criticised the Nigeria Police Force over its handling of the questioning of the father of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, the acclaimed Director General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), saying there was no justification for taking the elderly man to a police station.Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Tuesday, Falana, who represents Adeyemi, argued that the action could not be justified under the Constitution, the Administ
  
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• Family commends Edo Govt for rescuing US deportee

  08-07-2026 13:55 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The family of Mr Peter Guobadia, a 53-year-old deportee from the United States, has commended the Edo Government for rescuing him and providing medical support during his ongoing recovery from mental distress.The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Eugenia Abdallah, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday during the family’s courtesy visit.Abdallah said the intervention demonstrated the importance of timely government response in
  
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• CBN: Standard N100 note remains legal tender

  08-07-2026 13:47 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Emma Ujah,  Abuja Bureau ChiefThe Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reiterated that the N100 Standard Note remains legal tender and must be accepted for all transactions.The Bank, in a statement by its Ag. Director,  Corporate Communications,  Mrs. Hakama Sidi-Ali,  yesterday,  said the clarification became necessary following reports that some members of the public were rejecting the note.The statement reads in full, “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria
  
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• 2027: I might not be alive to contest – Peter Obi

  08-07-2026 13:43 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Peter Obi, the presidential hopeful for the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the upcoming 2027 elections, has raised the alarm over his safety and the systematic frustration of his businesses, claiming he “might not even be alive” to contest the next poll.Speaking during an interview on With Chude, hosted by media personality Chude Jideonwo and shared on X on Wednesday, Obi painted a grim picture of the challenges facing opposition figures in Nigeria.When pressed on whether he would d
  
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• Rainstorm destroys over 20 houses, farmlands in Plateau community

  08-07-2026 13:37 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Golok Nanmwa, JosA heavy rainstorm has destroyed more than 20 houses and farmlands in Nghassi community of Mandar Ward, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, leaving residents homeless and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.The rainstorm, which occurred at about 5 p.m. on Tuesday, wreaked havoc across the community, blowing off rooftops, uprooting trees, bringing down buildings and destroying property worth millions of naira.A resident of the community, Mr Bulus Ayuba Ritji,
  
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• Kano people not xenophobic: Kwankwaso rejects Modu Sheriff’s dismissal of Obi’s Northern appeal

  08-07-2026 13:28 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has rejected comments by former Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, dismissing the electoral prospects of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election.In a statement issued on Tuesday, Kwankwaso said he was disappointed by Sheriff’s remarks during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, where the former Borno g
  
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• ‎Police arrest three over Kogi teacher’s death

  08-07-2026 13:25 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Boluwaji ObahopoKogi State Police Command said it has concluded its investigation into the death of a staff member of Brains Minds Nursery and Primary School, Ugbamaka, in Olamaboro Local Government Area, and arrested three suspects who will be prosecuted for alleged culpable homicide.‎The victim, Mariam Usman, died on June 25, 2026, days after she was allegedly assaulted in separate attacks linked to the disciplinary action she took against a pupil.‎Kogi Police Public Relations Offi
  
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• PFIPC scandal: ‘They came through the fence,’ Adeyemi’s father recounts police raid

  08-07-2026 13:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The father of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, the promoter of the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), has recounted how security operatives allegedly stormed his residence, searched his home and later took him to a police station while searching for his son.Speaking during an interview with BBC Yoruba published on Wednesday, the elderly man said the operatives gained access to his compound through the fence after cutting the barbed wire before knocking on his door.Accor
  
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• Greenland is a big problem for America – Trump

  08-07-2026 13:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  US President Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened to cut off trade with Spain and insisted he still wanted Greenland, as NATO leaders met for their summit in Ankara.“I’m very upset with NATO,” he told reporters as he met alliance chief Mark Rutte ahead of the main summit session.“I’m not happy with NATO because of what they did with Greenland, and I’m not happy with NATO because of the fact that they didn’t want to help us with the number one state spon
  
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• World Cup: Bellingham, Hakimi, Rice among 17 players at risk of suspension

  08-07-2026 13:03 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Seventeen players will head into this week’s World Cup quarter-finals knowing that another yellow card will rule them out of a potential semi-final.
  Players who receive a second booking of the tournament during the last-eight fixtures will serve a one-match suspension, putting their participation in the semi-finals at risk if their teams advance.
  Among those walking the disciplinary tightrope are Morocco’s Issa Diop, Achraf Hakimi, Redouane Halhal and Bilal El Khannouss.
  England hav
  
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• 10 players who could decide the World Cup quarter-finals

  08-07-2026 12:51 via vanguardngr.com
  
  With just eight teams remaining in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the quarter-finals are expected to be decided by moments of individual brilliance.
  From experienced superstars to emerging talents, these players have the quality to turn tight contests in their team’s favour.
  The last eight features France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina and SwitzerlandKylian Mbappé (France)
  France’s captain remains one of the tournament’s biggest threats. His pace, movemen
  
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• Trump calls Nicki Minaj ‘so hot’ during White House event

  08-07-2026 12:41 via vanguardngr.com
  
  United States President Donald Trump has publicly praised rapper Nicki Minaj, describing her as “so hot” while welcoming her at a White House Rose Garden luncheon.
  The remark, made during an introduction at the event on Monday, has since attracted widespread attention online after clips from the ceremony circulated across social media.
  Speaking before guests, Trump commended the award-winning rapper for her talent and friendship, saying: “We also have a woman that is respected
  
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• Syrian president arrives in Ankara for talks with Trump

  08-07-2026 12:40 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Ankara on Wednesday, where he was due to meet US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the NATO summit.The summit of the military alliance, which closes on Wednesday, has brought together 36 heads of state, as well as several representatives from Gulf countries.Al-Sharaa was invited by Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.Trump, who has flaunted his closeness to Erdogan, described his Syrian counterpart — a former jihadist f
  
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• ADC names Okumgba as Rivers deputy governorship candidate for 2027

  08-07-2026 12:21 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Daniel AbiaPORT HARCOURT — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has announced the nomination of Mr. David Amapakaye Okumgba as its deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 governorship election.The announcement was made in a statement issued on Tuesday in Port Harcourt by the party’s state chairman, Dr. Chukwudi Dimgba.According to Dimgba, Okumgba, who hails from Okrika Local Government Area, is an administrator, businessman and politician with experience in bo
  
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• ESUT SUG Election peaceful, transparent – VC

  08-07-2026 12:18 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Alumona Ukwueze
  ENUGU—The Vice Chancellor of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Prof Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, has expressed appreciation to the law enforcement agencies and critical stakeholders in the state for their unbiased roles leading to a successful outcome of Students’ Union Government, SUG, election in the university.Speaking on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the Vice Chancellor, said certain forces bandied lies and all sorts of misleading information
  
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• Tinubu’s reforms working, support his re-election — Tompolo

  08-07-2026 12:16 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, has urged Nigerians to support the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu to enable him solidify ongoing reforms for the benefit of Nigerians and the economy.
  Ekpemupolo in a statement by the Director-General of The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Door to Door Movement, Sunday Asuku, in Abuja, said the economic and structural reforms being undertaken by the current administration are beginning to yield benefits as evidenced in increased foreign investments, g
  
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• Guinness World Records certifies Saheed Osupa, Malaika-led Afrobeats orchestra feat

  08-07-2026 12:12 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Guinness World Records has officially recognised a concert staged by Dapper Live & Artists in Lagos as the world’s largest orchestra assembled for an Afrobeats performance.The global record-keeping body announced the achievement in a post on X on Tuesday, accompanied by a video from the event, which featured performances by Fuji icons King Saheed Osupa and KS1 Malaika alongside several Afrobeats stars.In the post, Guinness World Records wrote, “Largest orchestra for an Afrobeats
  
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• Alleged fake agency: I never met Gbajabiamila in person, says Adeyemi

  08-07-2026 12:10 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Dapo AkinrefonThe Director General of the fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC, Mathew Adeniyi Adeyemi, has denied ever sitting down face-to-face with Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila.
  Speaking from an undisclosed location to social media activist, Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkBlackMan (VDM), the embattled Adeyemi said he was in no position to confirm or rule out Gbajabiamila’s involvement in the scandal engulfing the PFIPC.
  
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• Nasarawa police confirm abduction of three students of fed varsity

  08-07-2026 12:08 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Edwin Philip, LafiaThe Nasarawa police command has launched a manhunt to rescue abducted Federal University of Lafia students, following a distress call from the chief security officer of the Federal University of Lafia, reporting that three students residing at Living Seed Lodge, located in a bushy area on the outskirts of the students’ residential community, were abducted on Tuesday, 7th July, 2026, at about 9:20 p.m.The police command manhunt had led to the rescue of one of the vict
  
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• Crushing Nigeria’s illicit alcohol trade before it costs more lives

  08-07-2026 12:07 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Peter EgwuatuNigeria’s campaign against illicit alcohol deserves to be seen for what it truly is, not simply a fight against counterfeit drinks, but a battle to protect consumers, safeguard legitimate businesses and defend the country’s economic future.
  The recent efforts by the Spirits and Wines Association of Nigeria (SWAN) to rally regulators, policymakers and other stakeholders against illicit trade have come at a critical time. Counterfeit wines and spirits, smuggled product
  
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• Egypt file complaint against referee after controversial World Cup exit

  08-07-2026 11:46 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Egyptian football federation said Wednesday it had asked for the officiating team who handled the Pharoahs loss 3-2 last-16 to Argentina to be thrown out of the World Cup.“Hany Aburida, President of the Egyptian Football Federation, filed a complaint with FIFA, demanding an investigation into the French referee Francois Letexier… after the serious refereeing mistakes committed by the team of referees and double standards, which caused the Egypt team to lose the match and leave
  
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• NCAA warns revenue cut could jeopardise aviation safety

  08-07-2026 11:35 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Nnasom DavidThe Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has cautioned against moves to reduce its statutory share of the Ticket Sales Charge (TSC), warning that such a decision could weaken its regulatory capacity and pose risks to aviation safety across the country.The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, gave the warning while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday amid ongoing efforts to amend the revenue-sharing formula in favour of the
  
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• ‘A waste of time dealing with Iran; ceasefire over’ – Trump declares

  08-07-2026 11:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran was “over” on Wednesday, after fighting flared between the countries sparked by Iranian attacks on ships in the vital Strait of Hormuz.The strategic shipping route remains a flashpoint in the conflict, which began in late February with massive US-Israeli strikes on Iran.Tehran insists on controlling the waterway, saying it will charge fees for passage and threatening to hit vessels that deviate from its authorised route.Its mili
  
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• Oil prices jump to 74$ per barrel after Trump says Iran ceasefire over

  08-07-2026 10:52 via vanguardngr.com
  
  World oil prices soared more than five percent Wednesday after US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran was over, following fresh strikes in the Middle East.International benchmark Brent North Sea crude jumped 5.3 percent to $78.09 a barrel, while the main US contract, West Texas Intermediate, advanced 5.4 percent to $74.23 a barrel.The US has launched extensive strikes on Iran following attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a wave of reprisals against American base
  
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• Explained: Why the 2026 World Cup is on a one-day break

  08-07-2026 09:48 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Football fans will have to wait another day for 2026 FIFA World Cup action, as Wednesday marks the tournament’s first scheduled break since the knockout stage began.After weeks of near-daily fixtures across the United States, Canada and Mexico, FIFA has paused the competition to allow the remaining teams time to recover before the quarter-finals.The tournament has now been reduced to its final eight teams, leaving only seven matches to determine the next world champion. With fewer fixture
  
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• France v Morocco rematch as World Cup quarter-finals get under way

  08-07-2026 09:47 via vanguardngr.com
  
  France begin their final push towards a third World Cup crown on Thursday when they take on Morocco in a blockbuster showdown as a star-studded quarter-final line-up kicks off.After a month of scintillating action that has dispelled pre-tournament anxieties over sky-high ticket prices and geopolitics, the biggest, boldest and most logistically complex World Cup ever staged has been whittled down to eight teams.France, who have emerged as the outstanding team of the tournament after a series of
  
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