General news

• NCC moves to make digital educational platforms data-free nationwide

  14-07-2026 18:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Progress GodfreyThe Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has begun moves to introduce free access to approved digital educational platforms nationwide as part of efforts to remove data costs that prevent millions of Nigerians from accessing digital learning.The Commission on Tuesday held a public consultation in Abuja on its proposed framework for zero-rated access to educational platforms, bringing together government agencies, mobile network operators, education stakeholders, developme
  
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• Why Spain overpowered France – Stephanie Shaakaa

  15-07-2026 14:26 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Stephanie Shaakaa
  France did not lose because they lacked attacking talent. They lost because Spain seized the centre of the pitch and never truly released it. Rodri, Fabián Ruiz and Dani Olmo controlled the rhythm, resisted pressure and repeatedly launched attacks, while France’s celebrated forwards were left isolated.
  Tchouaméni and Rabiot were overwhelmed, and once Spain established that authority, Mbappé, Dembélé, Olise and Barcola became names on
  
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• ‘We have to forgive ourselves’ — Kwankwaso calls for north, south-east unity

  15-07-2026 14:26 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has called for the revival of political cooperation between the north and South-East, describing the two regions as longstanding allies whose partnership has shaped the country’s political history.Kwankwaso made the remarks in an interview with BBC Igbo published on the broadcaster’s Facebook page on Wednesday.He urged Nigerians to embrace forgiveness, reconciliat
  
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• NPC: Millions of births, deaths still go unregistered despite five million annual births

  15-07-2026 14:23 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Launches nationwide digital birth, death registration platformBy Folarin KehindeABUJA — The National Population Commission (NPC) has disclosed that although Nigeria records an estimated five million births annually, millions of births and deaths still go unregistered, with birth registration coverage standing at about 57 per cent and death registration below 20 per cent nationwide.The Commission said the registration gap leaves many Nigerians without legal identity and deprives go
  
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• ‘Are you not ashamed?’ Fans slam Super Eagles over Spain throwback post

  15-07-2026 14:13 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ayobami OkerindeThe Super Eagles has come under fire from Nigerians after reviving memories of the team’s famous 1998 FIFA World Cup victory over Spain, with many fans accusing the team of dwelling on past glory after failing to qualify for the 2026 tournament.Nigeria produced one of the biggest upsets of the 1998 tournament on June 13, coming from behind twice before Sunday Oliseh’s thunderous long-range strike secured a famous victory in Nantes.In a late-night post on the team&
  
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• Why Stanley Nwabali quit football before making return to Chippa United

  15-07-2026 14:10 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali stepped away from football earlier this year after the devastating loss of both his parents and his grandmother within a short period, with the emotional toll forcing him to prioritize his mental health before making a surprise return to South African side Chippa United.According to ESPN, the 29-year-old rejoined Chippa United five months after leaving the club by mutual consent in February, ending months of speculation over the reasons behind his unexpec
  
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• Gombe police arrest robbery suspects, recover stolen vehicle, master keys

  15-07-2026 14:08 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ben Ngwakwe, GombeThe Gombe State Police Command has arrested suspected armed robbery suspects, recovered a stolen vehicle and seized suspected housebreaking tools in separate operations conducted within the last 24 hours.The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying the operations reflected the police’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.According to the statement, police operativ
  
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• List of countries that don’t need visa to enter UK

  15-07-2026 13:35 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Millions of travelers can visit the United Kingdom, UK without applying for a traditional visitor visa before departure. Instead, many nationalities are eligible to travel with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), while Irish citizens remain exempt from both visa and ETA requirements.The UK government maintains a list of “visa nationals”—countries whose citizens must obtain a visa before travelling. If your country is not on that list, you generally do not need a visitor
  
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• Attempted burglary at Lamine Yamal’s home after France defeat – Police

  15-07-2026 13:35 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Burglars tried to break into the Barcelona home of Spain star Lamine Yamal on Wednesday, shortly after he helped La Roja reach their second World Cup final, police and media said.“There was an attempted burglary at a home in Esplugues de Llobregat in Barcelona’s outskirts,” a spokesperson for Catalan regional police told AFP.The force declined to identify the property’s owner for privacy reasons, but Barcelona-based daily La Vanguardia said the house belonged to the 19-y
  
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• Corruption Charges: Ex-CCT Chairman Umar gets N100m bail as trial begins Oct 29

  15-07-2026 13:30 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ikechukwu Nnochiri, AbujaSix days after he was remanded in prison custody, a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Maitama, on Wednesday granted bail to the former chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Mr Danladi Umar, to the tune of N100 million.The court, in a ruling delivered by Justice Peter Kekemeke, further directed the erstwhile CCT boss, who is facing a four-count corruption charge, to produce one surety in like sum.According to the court, the surety
  
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• 23.2% of Plateau children out of school, govt mulls sanctions for parents

  15-07-2026 13:25 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Golok NanmwaPlateau State Government has expressed concern over the growing number of out-of-school children in the state, revealing that 23.2 per cent of school-age children are currently out of the classroom.The government said it was considering stricter measures, including sanctions for parents who fail to enrol their children in school, as part of efforts to reverse the trend.The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Kachollom Gang, disclosed this during an advocacy campaign on the activitie
  
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• US military says launched ‘wave of strikes’ on Iran

  15-07-2026 13:06 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The United States launched a wave of strikes against Iran on Wednesday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said, after Washington reimposed a naval blockade in a return to war between the foes.US forces “began launching a wave of strikes… designed to further degrade military capabilities Iranian forces have used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM said on X.AFP
  The post US military says launched ‘wave of strikes’ on Iran appeared first on Van
  
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• Rice declared fit to start for England in World Cup semi-final

  15-07-2026 12:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  England coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed Tuesday that Declan Rice is fit to start in the World Cup semi-final against reigning champions Argentina.“Everyone is fit to start and everyone was in training except for Jarell (Quansah) who is suspended and Jordan Henderson,” Tuchel told reporters in Atlanta on the eve of Wednesday’s showdown.Henderson is out after breaking his arm in a freak accident at the end of England’s win over co-hosts Mexico in the last 16. Rice has been s
  
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• Throwback: ‘Hand of God’, ‘Goal of the Century’ – Two records Maradona set against England

  15-07-2026 12:56 via vanguardngr.com
  
  As England and Argentina prepare to renew one of football’s fiercest rivalries in Wednesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final, memories of Diego Maradona’s unforgettable performance in Mexico 1986 have once again taken centre stage.The quarter-final clash at the Estadio Azteca remains one of the most iconic matches in World Cup history, not only because Argentina defeated England 2-1 on their way to lifting the trophy but also because Maradona produced two goals that are still
  
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• 10 Samsung phones with the fastest processors

  15-07-2026 12:50 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Samsung has equipped its flagship and premium smartphones with some of the most powerful mobile processors available, delivering faster performance for gaming, multitasking, photography, video editing and artificial intelligence features.Here are 10 Samsung phones with some of the fastest processors in the Galaxy lineup.1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra — Snapdragon 8 Elite for GalaxyThe Galaxy S25 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, making it one of Sa
  
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• 50 killed in one week as Plateau youths demand justice, state police

  15-07-2026 12:46 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Say hundreds displaced; seek more DSS deployment to troubled communitiesBy Golok Nanmwa, JOSIndigenous youth associations in Plateau State on Wednesday said no fewer than 50 persons have been killed within one week in renewed attacks on communities in Riyom and Bassa Local Government Areas, with hundreds of residents displaced, as they called on the Federal Government to ensure justice for victims and fast-track the establishment of state police.The groups also appealed to the Federal G
  
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• NIPSS DG meets Gbong Gwom, apologises over militia group comment 

  15-07-2026 12:30 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Prof. Ayo Omotayo, Director-General (DG), National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos, on Tuesday visited the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Gyang Buba.Omotayo, who visited the paramount ruler alongside his management team, also tendered an apology over his recent comments on the Berom people.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the NIPSS DG, during a media interview over a recent security breach at the institute, said that a militia group existed among the Berom t
  
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• Russian Haaland lookalike says viral video felt ‘like a dream’

  15-07-2026 12:29 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Friends and family have for a few years told Russian model Anastasia Kostromina that she looked like Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, but it was not until he became the World Cup’s superstar that she decided to take that online.Earlier this month, she posted a video on Instagram highlighting the resemblance to Haaland — both in looks and mimicking some of his now-trademark mannerisms and distinctive facial expressions.It soon spiralled and gathered 6.4 million likes.“At first
  
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• 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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• PFIPC: Atiku demands probe into N6.44bn failed World Cup qualification

  15-07-2026 12:23 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Omeiza Ajayi, AbujaPresidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has demanded an independent probe into a N6.44 billion budgetary allocation for a “Special Presidential Support Group for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers”, despite Nigeria having already been eliminated from the qualification process in November 2025, about one month before the 2026 budget was presented to and considered by the National Assembly.In a statement issued on Wednesday by
  
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• Legislative legacy not measured by number of motions, bills – Shehu Sani

  15-07-2026 12:20 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Legislative legacy is not measured by the number of motions, bills sponsored or oversight visits but by the courage displayed in addressing controversial and nationally important issues.Former senator representing Kaduna Central, Sen. Shehu Sani, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during the 2026 National Assembly Open Week, themed “Three Years of the 10th Assembly: Advancing Transparency, Inclusion and Reform.”Addressing the leadership of the National Assembly, Sani challenged the
  
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• Kenya denies Rastafarians the right to smoke weed

  15-07-2026 12:14 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A Kenyan court refused to grant Rastafarians the right to smoke weed on religious grounds in a ruling Wednesday.Rastafarians, who use marijuana as part of their religious meditation, have waited years for the High Court to decide whether they can use the herb under the constitutional right to freedom of religion.The court ruled that the community had failed to show why the country’s drug laws impinge on their religious freedoms. The judge said the petition was “dismissed in its enti
  
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• Iran hangs man convicted for participating in January protests

  15-07-2026 12:06 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Iran hanged a man on Wednesday, the judiciary announced, after finding him guilty of taking part in anti-government protests that rocked the country over the winter.“Mohammad Amini Dehaghani, a collaborator with the enemy, was hanged this morning after confirmation of the verdict by the supreme court,” the judiciary’s press agency reported.He was found guilty of “moharebeh” (war against God in Persian) and “corruption on earth”.The condemned had “
  
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• Belgian star Meunier signs for Premier League side Sunderland

  15-07-2026 11:57 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Veteran Belgian defender Thomas Meunier said he was “hugely excited” to “begin a new chapter” after he signed for Premier League side Sunderland on a free transfer on Wednesday.The 34-year-old — one of Belgium’s ‘golden generation’ whose last hurrah was a World Cup quarter-final exit to Spain — signed a two-year contract.The 83-times capped Meunier, who has played club football at the top level in his homeland, Germany, Turkey and France, ha
  
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• FG sets Dec 2028 for final analogue TV switch-off

  15-07-2026 11:54 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The federal government has fixed Dec. 2028 as the deadline for final transition from analogue to digital television broadcasting.The Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr Charles Ebuebu, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.Ebuebu said the Dec. 2028 deadline marks the final analogue switch-off.“We put a timeline for analogue switch-off. Before that time, a lot of things will be put in place. This is just phase one,&rdq
  
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• Senate working with Tinubu not constitutional surrender; won’t manufacture conflict – Akpabio

  15-07-2026 11:48 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said the National Assembly will continue to collaborate with President Bola Tinubu in advancing Nigeria’s national interest, stressing that the legislature has no constitutional obligation to create unnecessary confrontation with the executive.Speaking on Tuesday while declaring the 2026 National Assembly Open Week open in Abuja, Akpabio said the parliament exists to serve Nigerians and should remain open, transparent and accessible to the citizens it
  
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• Why we’re yet to upload a presidential candidate to INEC portal — APGA

  15-07-2026 11:41 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Gift ChapiOdekina, AbujaThe All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has explained why it is yet to upload the name of a presidential candidate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal for the 2027 general election, saying the decision follows the party’s endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term.The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, while speaking to Vanguard, said its National Executive Committee (NEC), after extensive c
  
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• ‎Gunmen abduct four students, principal, NECO officer during exam in Kogi

  15-07-2026 11:16 via vanguardngr.com
  
  ‎…One Student Rescued – Police‎By Boluwaji Obahopo, Lokoja‎Gunmen on Tuesday attacked Government Secondary School, Odo-Ekina, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting four students, the school principal and a National Examinations Council (NECO) ad hoc staff member.‎The attack occurred at about 5:25 p.m. while the students were writing their NECO examination. according to the Kogi State Police Command.‎Vanguard gathered that a combined team of po
  
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• Capacity building, critical to Africa’s energy future

  15-07-2026 10:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Stephen BoluContrary to the new normal where technology leads business reformations, growth conversations in Africa’s business landscape, particularly in Nigeria energy sector, often begin with capital.Investment, infrastructure, and asset acquisition are frequently treated as the clearest indicators of progress. While important, they do not tell the full story of what is required to build a stronger, more resilient energy sector. As Africa continues to confront the realities of energy
  
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• Iran Guards say Hormuz to remain closed till US ends ‘acts of aggression’ – State TV

  15-07-2026 10:51 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Wednesday the Hormuz strait would remain closed until the United States ends its “acts of aggression” while warning that other regional oil export routes could also become targets.Fighting between the United States and Iran, which began late February, has hampered energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route for oil and gas shipments from the Gulf.The Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said they carried out attacks on US military
  
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