General news

• NBC scraps annual digital TV access fee

  15-07-2026 12:24 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The National Broadcasting Commission says Nigerians will no longer pay annual Digital Access Fees under the renewed Digital Switch Over (DSO) project.NBC Director-General, Mr Charles Ebuebu, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja,Ebuebu said viewers only need to purchase an approved decoder and satellite dish which cost below N20,000 to enjoy free television permanently.“Previously, users paid an annual digital access fee of about N1
  
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• Photos: Burna Boy reunites with Shakira ahead of World Cup final halftime show

  18-07-2026 13:41 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy has reunited with Colombian music sensation Shakira ahead of their performance at the inaugural FIFA World Cup final halftime show.On Friday, Burna Boy shared a video on his X account showing the pair exchanging hugs, smiles and laughter during rehearsals for Sunday’s historic event at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States.The Grammy-winning singer accompanied the post with the caption: “Sunday Prep! @shakira See you at the @FIFAWorldCup Final! D
  
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• RCCG cleric calls for overhaul of Nigeria’s democracy, cost-cutting measures

  18-07-2026 13:07 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Olayinka LatonaA top cleric of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has called for a fundamental reassessment of Nigeria’s democratic system, arguing that the current model is “unsustainable” and was imposed without proper adaptation to local realities.Assistant General Overseer of RCCG for Continent 3, which covers South West Nigeria, the Middle East, and other regions, Pastor Johnson Funso Odesola, made the remarks during the church’s annual 21-day Destiny En
  
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• Yamal is tremendous, facing him after baby photo is crazy – Messi

  18-07-2026 13:02 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Argentina captain Lionel Messi has described it as “just crazy” that he will face Spain’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final, years after an iconic photograph showed him cradling the future star as a baby.Speaking at the Fan Fanantics event on Friday ahead of the final, Messi reflected on the widely shared image, saying it was extraordinary how fate had brought them together on football’s biggest stage.“That picture with Lamine
  
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• Full List: US places 23 countries on highest ‘Do Not Travel’ alert

  18-07-2026 12:47 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The United States Department of State has updated its global travel guidance, placing 23 countries under its highest travel warning, Level 4, advising American citizens not to visit the listed destinations under any circumstances.In the revised advisory published on Thursday and seen on Saturday via the department’s TravelGov X account, the US government explained that a Level 4 designation applies to countries where security conditions pose serious risks or where its ability to provide a
  
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• Trump asks FIFA to award another World Cup to US, says leave out Canada, Mexico

  18-07-2026 12:25 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ayobami OkerindeUS President Donald Trump has called on FIFA to bring the men’s World Cup back to the United States, saying the next edition hosted by the country should not be shared with Canada and Mexico.Trump made the remarks on Friday during a FIFA World Cup reception at Trump Tower in New York ahead of Sunday’s final between Spain and Argentina, where he addressed FIFA President Gianni Infantino and praised the tournament.“You should choose the United States of Americ
  
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• Tems becomes first African female artist to clinch Diamond single in US

  18-07-2026 12:14 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has become the first African female artist to earn a Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Diamond-certified single in the United States.She attained the milestone for the song “Wait For U”, her acclaimed collaboration with American rapper Future featuring Canadian rapper Drake, after the song surpassed 10 million certified units in the US.Global music monitoring platform Chart Data revealed on
  
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• Police Commend PCRC’s Safe Schools Initiative, back 10,000-volunteer security plan

  18-07-2026 11:56 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Kingsley OmonobiThe Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has commended the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) for launching its Safe Schools Initiative and unveiling plans to mobilise 10,000 volunteers to support the protection of schools across the country.The Force also pledged its full support for the initiative and other programmes of the PCRC aimed at strengthening community policing and enhancing public safety.The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Okokon Iniedu, who represented
  
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• Gombe State University installs 24-hour CCTV surveillance to boost campus security

  18-07-2026 11:53 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ben Ngwakwe, GombeGombe State University (GSU) has deployed a state-of-the-art Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance system across its main campus as part of efforts to strengthen security and protect lives and property.The university said the solar-powered, campus-wide surveillance network provides 24-hour monitoring of pedestrian, vehicular and bicycle movements across the institution. The system is linked to the University’s Central Security Control Room and supported by an
  
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• Gombe police officers urged to uphold professionalism, human rights

  18-07-2026 11:45 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ben Ngwakwe, GombeThe Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 12, Bauchi, AIG Vungmoh S.M. Kwaimoh, has charged officers and men of the Gombe State Police Command to uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity, professionalism and respect for human rights in the discharge of their duties.Kwaimoh gave the charge during his familiarisation and operational tour of the Gombe State Police Command, where he stressed the importance of ethical policing, adherence to t
  
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• Iran attack sparks two fires in Kuwait, firefighters injured

  18-07-2026 11:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Kuwait’s fire service said Iranian attacks on Saturday sparked fires at two locations in the country, with several firemen injured, after an attack was reported at a power and water plant.The fire service said on X that it was dealing with “two fires that erupted in two different locations” following the latest Iranian attacks, adding that this “resulted in injuries among firemen and a worker”, who were taken to receive care.AFP
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• PFIPC: No legal or factual basis to demand Gbajabiamila’s resignation — Jiti Ogunye

  18-07-2026 11:22 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Efe OnodjaeLegal practitioner, Mr. Jiti Ogunye, has argued that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, should not resign over allegations linked to the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), insisting that such a move would undermine rather than advance justice.Speaking on Journalists’ Hangout on TVC while commenting on allegations made by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew against the Chief of Staff, Ogunye said there was no legal or factu
  
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• FPIC: No legal or factual basis to demand Gbajabiamila’s resignation — Jiti Ogunye

  18-07-2026 11:22 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Efe OnodjaeLegal practitioner, Mr. Jiti Ogunye, has argued that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, should not resign over allegations linked to the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), insisting that such a move would undermine rather than advance justice.Speaking on Journalists’ Hangout on TVC while commenting on allegations made by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew against the Chief of Staff, Ogunye said there was no legal or factu
  
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• England carry ‘scars’ of World Cup exit, says Tuchel

  18-07-2026 11:14 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Thomas Tuchel said Friday that England’s players carry the “scars” of a painful World Cup exit, admitting there was still a gap to close to the top nations.The England boss has been heavily criticised for his defensive substitutions in a 2-1 semi-final defeat by Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday.Anthony Gordon put England on track to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 but late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez turned the match around.The Three Lions face
  
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• Police launch manhunt of teacher for allegedly flogging student to death in Anambra

  18-07-2026 11:04 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Safe School Initiative (SSI) Unit of the Police Command in Anambra has launched a manhunt for a teacher over alleged flogging of a 12-year-old student, which allegedly resulted in his death.The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Awka.Ikenga said that the incident occurred on July 16 in Adazi-Ani Anaocha Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.“The Anambra Police Command has activated its SSI opera
  
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• ‘They made Kane a defensive player’ — Trump criticises Tuchel’s tactics in Argentina loss

  18-07-2026 10:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ayobami OkerindeUnited States President Donald Trump has criticised England manager Thomas Tuchel’s tactical approach in the Three Lions’ 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, saying it was a mistake to deploy captain Harry Kane in a defensive role after taking the lead.Speaking on Friday, Trump said England abandoned their attacking approach after Anthony Gordon’s opener, allowing the defending champions to stage a late comeback and secure a place in S
  
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• FCT getting better under Wike 50 years after creation – Tinubu

  18-07-2026 10:36 via vanguardngr.com
  
  President Bola Tinubu says the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, is changing for the better under the leadership of Nyesom Wike as its minister, 50 years after creation.Tinubu said this in Abuja on Friday night, during a special thanksgiving dinner to celebrate the successful inauguration of 31 projects across the FCT in 28 days.Represented by the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, the president commended Wike and his team for all the sacrifices to ensure that the nation’s cap
  
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• NBA election: Badejo-Okusanya takes early lead in presidential poll

  18-07-2026 10:07 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, has taken an early lead in the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidential election, according to the the electronic votes on Saturday.As of 11:08 a.m., showed Badejo-Okusanya polling 4,860 votes (41.70 per cent) to lead the race.Her closest challenger, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, garnered 3,851 votes (33.10 per cent), while Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, secured 2,824 votes (25.13 per cent).The results are provisional, with the fi
  
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• Kuwait says Iran hit second power, water plant 

  18-07-2026 10:03 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Kuwait on Saturday said Iran struck another of its power and water plants, leading to the deactivation of several power generation units, a day after a similar attack.“Another electricity and water distillation plant was targeted by a hostile attack that led to a fire erupting in one of the plant’s components,” which resulted in the deactivation of some power generation units, the ministry of electricity and water said in a statement.AFP
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• Residents flee Ikorodu community after robberies, killing of CDA executive

  18-07-2026 10:00 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Esther OnyegbulaResidents of Mercyland (Jabe CDA), 3rd Power Line, Oke Eletu, Ijede, Ikorodu area of Lagos State, have begun fleeing the community following repeated armed robbery attacks, including the killing of a Community Development Association, CDA, executive.The latest attack, which occurred between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, left Mr. Abdulazeez Olaoye T.A., a prominent resident and one of the CDA executives, dead after he was allegedly brutally attacked with machetes.The i
  
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• Trump threatens to increase Canada tariffs over wildfire smoke pollution

  18-07-2026 09:46 via vanguardngr.com
  
  US President Donald Trump threatened on Friday a tariff increase on Canada to cover the cost of smoke pollution from wildfires that have choked large parts of the United States.Dense wildfire smoke billowing down from Canada and northern Minnesota has set off unhealthy air quality alerts across the US.As of Saturday, there were 937 active fires in Canada, most of which were burning out of control, according to the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System.“This is Willful Negligence, and
  
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• Magnitude 5.0 earthquake hits southeastern Turkey

  18-07-2026 09:42 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck several southeastern provinces in Turkey on Saturday morning without causing casualties or damage, the country’s disaster management agency said.“No adverse situation has been reported following the magnitude 5 earthquake that occurred at 6:20 am (0320 GMT) in the Battalgazi district, in Malatya province, and was felt in the provinces of Malatya, Elazig, Adiyaman, Tunceli and Sanliurfa. Our teams continue to work in the field,” the disaster ag
  
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• Venezuela earthquake death toll exceeds 5,000

  18-07-2026 09:29 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela last month killed over 5,000 people, officials said, while announcing they drew hundreds of millions of dollars from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for reconstruction.The 7.2  and 7.5 magnitude quakes struck within a minute of each other on June 24, decimating the coastal state of La Guaira, located north of Caracas.The disasters killed 5,069 people, National Assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez posted on Telegram, with most casualties occur
  
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• Iran’s Guards say two oil tankers explode after hitting mines in Hormuz

  18-07-2026 09:25 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Saturday that two oil tankers transiting through the Strait of Hormuz hit mines and exploded, a claim disputed by the US military.“An hour ago, two oil tankers, which were trying to pass through the minefield south of the Strait of Hormuz by deceptive American intelligence agencies, exploded and caught fire,” the Guards said in a statement published by state news agency IRNA, without identifying the tankers.“To protect their capital and,
  
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• Messi to get ‘special attention’ from Spain, says de la Fuente

  18-07-2026 09:20 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Luis de la Fuente said Spain planned to pay “special attention” to Lionel Messi in Sunday’s World Cup final but ruled out trying to man-mark the Argentina captain.De la Fuente told reporters at a press conference on Friday that he knows from experience the challenges of using man-to-man marking against the eight-time Ballon D’Or winner.The Spain coach recalled an experience from when he was coaching Sevilla’s youth team while Messi was playing junior football for B
  
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• Troops rescue 42 kidnapped victims, kill 8 terrorists, arrest 18 

  18-07-2026 09:08 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Kingsley OmonobiTroops of the Nigerian military, in coordination with other security agencies, have rescued 42 kidnapped victims, neutralised 8 terrorists and arrested 28 others during several encounters at the theatres of operation in the past one week.Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, while making this known at the weekend, disclosed that troops also discovered and dismantled 2 Illegal crude oil refining sites in the Niger Delta.Detailing the offensives, On
  
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• Breaking: Cyberattack disrupts NBA presidential election

  18-07-2026 08:57 via vanguardngr.com
  
  — ECNBA delays votingBy Henry OjeluThe Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, ECNBA, has announced an indefinite delay in the commencement of voting for the 2026 NBA National Elections following what it described as a coordinated cyberattack on its electronic voting platform.Voting was scheduled to commence at 12:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, but failed to start as planned after the electoral body said external actors targeted the platform in an apparent attempt to com
  
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• Nigeria, Ghana agree to tackle Afrophobic protests across Africa

  18-07-2026 08:53 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Favour UleborNigeria and Ghana have pledged closer cooperation to address the growing cases of Afrophobic protests and attacks against African nationals, agreeing to seek the inclusion of the issue on the agenda of the next African Union Summit.The agreement was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by its Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, following a bilateral meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Am
  
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• Navy Primary School 50th Anniversary: ‘Mum flogged me in front of my class teacher and mates’

  18-07-2026 08:52 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Fred IwenjoraIt has been tales of nostalgia for former pupils of Nigeria Navy Primary School, Apapa, Lagos as the school set up in1976 by the Nigeria Navy to fulfill the educational needs of its children as well as that of its stakeholders in Apapa turned 50 years.Former pupils many of them now parents were swarming like bees, shaking hands and hugging and ‘chopping knuckles’. The full week started with Jumat service, then followed with an excursion to War ship NNS BEECROFT
  
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• Diezani, associates, friends: Can an acquittal undo 11 years of headlines? – Lessons from the verdict

  18-07-2026 08:43 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Prisca Sam-DuruThere was a period in Nigeria when almost every headline in both traditional and social media platforms screamed the name Diezani Alison-Madueke.For more than a decade, beginning from the time ex-president Goodluck Jonathan left office, the name Diezani Alison-Madueke attracted a disproportionate amount of public vilification and controversies for global discourse on corruption. To the public, the former minister of petroleum resources’ name became synonymous with excess
  
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