General news

• Microsoft tasks Nigeria on operationalising AI for tangible impact

  16-06-2026 16:50 via vanguardngr.com
  Microsoft has urged Nigeria to move beyond Artificial Intelligence (AI) policies and focus on operationalising the technology to deliver measurable benefits for government, industry and society.Mrs Nonye Ujam, Director of Government Affairs, West Africa, Microsoft, made the call on Tuesday at the AI Summit Nigeria, held in Abuja.The summit, with the theme “From Policy to Progress: Accelerating Responsible AI Adoption for Nigeria’s Digital Decade,” was organised by Microsoft in
  
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• ‘God will always be God’— Alison-Madueke speaks after bribery acquittal in London

  17-06-2026 23:21 via vanguardngr.com
  Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has reacted to her acquittal by a London court after bribery charges brought against her were dismissed.The Southwark Crown Court in London, United Kingdom, on Wednesday acquitted the former minister of all charges, including five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.Reacting to the judgment, Alison-Madueke expressed relief and said she and her family had endured years of emotional distress over
  
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• FG, States, others share N2.300trn May 2026 revenue

  17-06-2026 23:07 via vanguardngr.com
  The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared a total sum of N2.3 trillion to the Federal, States and the Local Government Councils for the month of May, 2026.Mr Bawa Mokwa, Director Press and Public Relations in the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (OAGF), revealed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.In the statement, Mokwa said the revenue was shared at the June 2026 Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting held in Abuja.He explained t
  
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• Cosmetics, food, beverages account for 50 per cent of counterfeits products —NAFDAC

  17-06-2026 22:40 via vanguardngr.com
  The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Wednesday said cosmetic products, food and beverages accounted for over 50 per cent of counterfeit products in the country.NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known at a news conference organised by the agency to commemorate the 2026 International Anti-Counterfeit Month observed globally in June.Adeyeye, represented by Dr Martins Iluyomade, the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, NAFDAC,&
  
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• Digital infrastructure key to economic growth, service delivery — Akume

  17-06-2026 22:08 via vanguardngr.com
  By Progress GodfreyABUJA — The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr George Akume has said digital infrastructure remains critical to driving economic growth and improving public service delivery in Nigeria.Akume spoke in Abuja on Wednesday at the Digital Transformation Summit held as part of activities marking the 20th anniversary of Galaxy Backbone, with the theme, “Powering Nigeria’s Digital Future.”He said the future of governance, economic competit
  
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• FG eyes 40m homes, N600bn as digital switch over takes off

  17-06-2026 22:06 via vanguardngr.com
  By Progress GodfreyABUJA – The Federal Government has launched Nigeria’s Digital Switch Over programme, aiming to reach 40 million homes and unlock over N600bn in economic value as the country moves from analogue to digital television broadcasting.The rollout, in Abuja on Wednesday, marks a major shift in Nigeria’s broadcast system after years of delays, with officials saying it would expand access to quality television, create jobs and improve information delivery nationwide.
  
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• UNILAG assures students’ safety amid suspected diarrhoea outbreak

  17-06-2026 22:00 via vanguardngr.com
  By Ifunanya NdigweSuspected outbreak of diarrhoea has been noticed in some hostels at the University of Lagos, with some students said to be vomiting and stooling.
  The outbreak is said to be rampant at Moremi Hall, one of the female hostels on campus.
  Checks by our reporter and even comments by students on social media, indicated that some students are also showing signs of fever.
  A concerned parent, who sent a save-our souls message to our reporter, said “Please dear ones, my daughter in
  
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• UNILAG assures students’ safety amid suspected dia outbreak

  17-06-2026 22:00 via vanguardngr.com
  By Ifunanya NdigweSuspected outbreak of diarrhoea has been noticed in some hostels at the University of Lagos, with some students said to be vomiting and stooling.
  The outbreak is said to be rampant at Moremi Hall, one of the female hostels on campus.
  Checks by our reporter and even comments by students on social media, indicated that some students are also showing signs of fever.
  A concerned parent, who sent a save-our souls message to our reporter, said “Please dear ones, my daughter in
  
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• Amazon founder Bezos says AI will create jobs rather than replace workers

  17-06-2026 21:57 via vanguardngr.com
  Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has dismissed fears that artificial intelligence will make humans obsolete, arguing instead that the technology will increase demand for workers and create new opportunities.Speaking at the VivaTech conference in Paris, Jeff Bezos pushed back against warnings from experts and policymakers who believe AI could lead to widespread job losses. He maintained that the technology would help remove barriers to growth and ultimately boost the need for human labour.“I know
  
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• 5 talking points as DR Congo frustrate Portugal in historic World Cup draw

  17-06-2026 21:25 via vanguardngr.com
  Cristiano Ronaldo’s bid to mark his record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance with victory fell flat as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by the DR Congo on Wednesday.
  Joao Neves gave the Europeans an early lead before Yoane Wissa’s historic strike earned the Congolese their first-ever goal and point at the finals. Here are five key talking points from the Group K encounter.1. DR Congo’s long-awaited return delivered historyPlaying at their first World Cup since 1974, when th
  
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• PDP receives Iyabo Obasanjo, unveils her as Ogun Central Senatorial candidate

  17-06-2026 21:19 via vanguardngr.com
  By James OgunnaikeThe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State on Wednesday formally received former Senator, Iyabo Obasanjo, into its fold and immediately presented her with the party’s flag as its senatorial candidate for Ogun Central, ahead of the forthcoming elections.The development is viewed as a major boost to the PDP’s growing influence and acceptance across Ogun State, particularly in Ogun Central Senatorial District.Political observers believe that Obasanjo’s ret
  
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• Ronaldo kept quiet as DR Congo hold Portugal to 1-1 draw

  17-06-2026 21:08 via vanguardngr.com
  Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday as Cristiano Ronaldo played in a record-equalling sixth World Cup.Joao Neves opened the scoring in the first half in Houston but Yoane Wissa equalized in first-half injury time to give the Congolese their first ever World Cup point
  The post Ronaldo kept quiet as DR Congo hold Portugal to 1-1 draw appeared first on Vanguard News.
  
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• South Africa’s Zwane handed three-match ban after red card against Mexico

  17-06-2026 20:59 via vanguardngr.com
  South Africa midfielder Themba Zwane has been handed an extended three-match suspension following his red card in last week’s World Cup opener against Mexico, FIFA announced on Wednesday.Zwane was sent off late in South Africa’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico at the Azteca Stadium after striking defender Roberto Alvarado in the face. Bafana Bafana had already been reduced to 10 men following the earlier dismissal of midfielder Sphephelo Sithole, and ended the match with nine players.The 36-ye
  
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• Sub-nationals must drive Nigeria’s investment, tourism growth – Shettima

  17-06-2026 20:49 via vanguardngr.com
  —Says new national compendium will help states convert assets into jobs, capital, productivityBy Johnbosco AgbakwuruABUJA — THE Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has said Nigeria’s next phase of economic expansion will depend largely on the ability of states to properly document their assets, attract investment, grow tourism and convert local potential into jobs and shared prosperity.Accordingly, he charged state governments to move from documentation to implementation
  
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• INEC uploads Gombe as SDP National Chairman, party hails move

  17-06-2026 20:34 via vanguardngr.com
  By Henry UmoruABUJA — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has uploaded the name of Professor Sadiq Abubakar Gombe as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment affirming the party’s autonomy in managing its internal affairs.With the development, Professor Gombe replaces Shehu Musa Gabam, the party’s expelled national chairman, whose name had earlier been restored by INEC based on a Court of Appeal ju
  
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• Nigerian man jailed after storing over 50 bags of human faeces outside home

  17-06-2026 20:22 via vanguardngr.com
  A court in northern Nigeria has sentenced a man to two weeks in prison after neighbours complained that he had been storing dozens of bags of human faeces outside his home, creating a stench they said made daily life unbearable.Mohammed Saidu was arraigned in Kano after residents alerted environmental officials to the offensive smell coming from his property.
  Magistrate Halima Wali ordered that he be detained for 14 days and fined 100,000 naira, describing his conduct as highly inconsiderate an
  
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• El-Rufai support group hires US Lobbyists over ICPC trial

  17-06-2026 20:20 via vanguardngr.com
  By Luminous JannamikeABUJA — The El-Rufai Support Group Association, ERSGA, has hired a United States-based advocacy firm to lead an international campaign over the ongoing trial of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai.The group said the move was intended to draw international attention to what it described as concerns over due process and judicial independence in the handling of the case against the former governor.In a statement, Mohammed Salihu, ERSGA’s Director of Strateg
  
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• South-East Youths condemn alleged SEDC ‘Media Trial’, reaffirm confidence in Okoye

  17-06-2026 20:13 via vanguardngr.com
  By Dennis AgboENUGU — The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), South-East Zone, has criticized the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) over what it described as a “media trial” of the commission’s leadership during a recent appearance before the National Assembly.The group expressed concern over the committee’s treatment of the Managing Director of the SEDC, Dr. Mark Okoye, describing the exercise as a scripted attack disguised as
  
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• Secondus accuses ruling party of fearing 2027 polls, seeking ‘Coronation’

  17-06-2026 19:59 via vanguardngr.com
  By Luminous JannamikeABUJA — Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has accused the ruling government of using the judiciary to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.Secondus made the allegation while reacting to a recent Federal High Court judgment by Justice Peter Lifu ordering the deregistration of some political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC).In a statement made available to journalists in
  
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• PenCom, NURTW to enroll 9m transport workers in pension scheme

  17-06-2026 19:33 via vanguardngr.com
  Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau ChiefABUJA—The National Pension Commission (PenCom), has commenced discussions with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), on a partnership aimed at bringing an estimated nine million transport workers into the Personal Pension Plan (PPP), under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).The proposed collaboration was unveiled during a courtesy visit by the National President of NURTW, Musiliu Akinsanya, to the Director-General of PenCom, Omolola Oloworar
  
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• FG allocates new crude oil terminals to Swede Control Intertek

  17-06-2026 19:24 via vanguardngr.com
  By Elizabeth AdegbesanThe Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has announced the allocation of two additional crude oil terminals to Swede Control Intertek Limited, a Pre-shipment Inspection Agent.The decision was contained in a statement signed by the Director of the CBN’s Trade and Exchange Department, Aderinola Shonekan.According to the apex bank, the newly allocated terminals are the Cawthorne and Okwok terminals.The CBN said the allocation is part of ongoing
  
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• Police arrest man over alleged murder of married lover in Anambra

  17-06-2026 19:21 via vanguardngr.com
  By Florencemary NwabuezeThe Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Thankgod Ikwugwara, over the alleged murder of his married lover three months ago in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of the state.The deceased, a 33-year-old woman whose identity was withheld, was reported missing on March 13, 2026, by her mother at the Oraifite Divisional Police Headquarters. Her lifeless body was later discovered the following day inside a culvert near Jesus Bus Stop, Oraifite.Po
  
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• One killed, two injured as MACBAN alleges attack on Fulani travellers in Benue

  17-06-2026 19:20 via vanguardngr.com
  By Peter Duru, MakurdiThe Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has condemned the alleged attack on four Fulani men in Okpokwu Local Government Area, calling on security agencies to arrest those responsible and ensure justice.In a statement signed by its chairman, Ardo Risku Muhammad, MACBAN said the victims were attacked on June 10, 2026, while travelling from Benue State to Onitsha to visit relatives.The association alleged that the incident
  
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• NiDCOM hails Bukola Babajide as UK honours her with MBE for tech, inclusion work

  17-06-2026 19:14 via vanguardngr.com
  By Nkiruka NnoromThe Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, has hailed entrepreneur and technology leader, Olubukola Moyo Babajide, following her appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire, MBE, by King Charles III.
  Babajide, founder of Crystal Options Ltd. and Female Techpreneur, was named on the King’s Birthday Honours List for her contributions to technology, business and inclusion in the UK and beyond.
  NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the honour wa
  
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• Full list of Samsung phones, devices to receive One UI 9 update

  17-06-2026 19:13 via vanguardngr.com
  Samsung next major software evolution is officially on the horizon. Built on top of Google’s freshly minted Android 17 framework, One UI 9 is gearing up for a massive global rollout to phones.The software officially kicked off its public beta program on May 13, 2026, starting with the flagship Galaxy S26 series.
  While Samsung has kept tight-lipped about an official launch date, industry reports from Korean outlets Seoul Economic Daily and Korea Economic TV strongly point toward a stable r
  
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• Peter Obi refutes rumours of division in Obidient Movement

  17-06-2026 19:12 via vanguardngr.com
  By Henry Umoru, AbujaThe Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, Peter Obi, has dismissed reports suggesting internal divisions within his supporters, popularly known as the “Obidient Movement.”Obi said the claims of disunity were false and insisted that the movement remains intact and united.In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by Ibrahim Umar, spokesman for Peter Obi, the allegations of a split within the movement w
  
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• Plateau to install 5,000 surveillance cameras, deploy drones — SSG

  17-06-2026 19:10 via vanguardngr.com
  By Golok Nanmwa, JosThe Plateau State Government says it plans to install about 5,000 surveillance cameras, deploy drones, and establish a command-and-control centre as part of efforts to strengthen security and improve real-time monitoring across the state.The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Arch. Samuel Jatau, disclosed this on Wednesday in Jos while briefing journalists on the policies and governance direction of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration.Jatau said the initiati
  
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• NNPC renews Methane reduction deal with TotalEnergies for 2 more years

  17-06-2026 19:04 via vanguardngr.com
  By Obas Esiedesa, AbujaThe Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has renewed its partnership with TotalEnergies for another 24 months to continue deploying advanced methane detection technology across its upstream operations, in a bid to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support its decarbonisation targets.The agreement extends the use of the Airborne Ultralight Spectrometer for Environmental Applications (AUSEA), a drone-based system designed to detect, measure and help red
  
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• Nigeria can raise oil output to 1.9m bpd — NUPRC

  17-06-2026 19:01 via vanguardngr.com
  By Obas Esiedesa, AbujaThe Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has expressed confidence that Nigeria can increase crude oil production to 1.9 million barrels per day (bpd), following recent gains that pushed output to a peak of 1.86 million bpd in May.The Commission Chief Executive, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, disclosed this on Wednesday during a meeting with the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, at the NRS headquarters in Abuja.In a statement
  
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• Mother of Cape Verde’s Vozinha gets US visa to attend next World Cup match

  17-06-2026 19:01 via vanguardngr.com
  The mother of Cape Verde’s breakout star goalkeeper, Vozinha, has successfully been granted a visa to enter the United States.
  The breakthrough ensures she will arrive in time for her 40-year-old son’s next World Cup match, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced Wednesday.Vozinha became an early sensation of the World Cup tournament after delivering a spectacular seven-save performance to secure a 0-0 draw against powerhouse Spain—a team heavily expected to rout the
  
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