General news

• Nigeria’s health system faces crisis amid financing, workforce shortages – Public physicians warn

  06-12-2025 01:41 via vanguardngr.com
  …Say out-of-pocket payments push families into poverty
  By Chioma ObinnaNigeria must urgently overhaul its health financing, workforce policies, and governance systems if it hopes to stop the country’s worsening health indicators from spiralling further, Public Health Physicians warned.
  The experts who spoke at the Biennial & Scientific Conference of the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, APHPN, Lagos Chapter.
  Speaking at the conference, Chairman of the Lagos Ch
  
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• Defence Headquarters assures public of ongoing rescue of St. Mary’s abducted students

  08-12-2025 01:45 via vanguardngr.com
  By Kingsley OmonobiThe Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Sunday reassured parents, the public, and all concerned citizens that concerted efforts are underway to rescue the kidnapped students of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Agwara, Niger State. The military also urged the public and media to avoid speculation that could undermine the ongoing operations.Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, made the disclosure in a statement titled “Defence Headquarters Effor
  
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• Fighting terrorism: France pledges support to Nigeria

  08-12-2025 01:39 via vanguardngr.com
  French President, Emmanuel Macron, has expressed France’s solidarity with Nigeria in addressing its security challenges, particularly the terrorist threat in the country’s northern region.In a message posted on X yesterday, Macron said he spoke with President Bola Tinubu and affirmed that France would strengthen its partnership with Nigerian authorities.He wrote:  “I spoke with President Tinubu of Nigeria, @officialABAT.  I conveyed France’s solidarity in the f
  
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• Otti gives outstanding Abia Poly graduates N1m grant each

  08-12-2025 01:17 via vanguardngr.com
  …Pledges employment for Abia’s bestBy Steve OkoUMUAHIA — Governor Alex Otti has announced a business grant of N1 million each for 100 distinguished graduates of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic (formerly Abia Poly).This comes less than a week after the Governor awarded N1 million grants to 150 exceptional students of the institution who graduated between 2022 and 2025.At the weekend, Governor Otti presented a posthumous award conferred on the first civilian Governor of the old Abia
  
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• Law pivotal to stability, upholding freedoms — CJN

  08-12-2025 01:17 via vanguardngr.com
  By Innocent AnabaABUJA — THE Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has emphasised the pivotal role of the law in maintaining political stability, ensuring economic confidence, and upholding freedoms and responsibilities in society.She spoke on the ‘Law, Politics, and Economic Development: Nigeria at  Crossroads,’ at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, NIALS’s 2025 Fellows’ Lecture and 19th Conferment of the Institute’s
  
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• LP Reps to Tinubu, APC: Prioritise welfare, security of Nigerians, not 2027 politics

  08-12-2025 01:12 via vanguardngr.com
  By Gift ChapiOdekinaAbuja-The Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives has expressed disappointment that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, was prioritising 2027 politics over the welfare and security of Nigerians, labeling it insensitive, unconscionable and a clear example of questionable leadership.It emphasised that while the President’s aspiration for re-election was legitimate, his priority should be addressing the pressing challenges facing Nigerians.In a statemen
  
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• Hunger: FAO’s $2.5bn fund to support 100m people in Nigeria, 53 others

  08-12-2025 01:12 via vanguardngr.com
  By Gabriel EwepuABUJA – THE Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO, has said its new Global Emergency and Resilience Appeal seeks $2.5 billion to support 100 million people in Nigeria and 53 other countries.The FAO in a statement, explained that its first-ever fund appeal was for a more coherent and urgent approach to rising levels of acute food insecurity at a moment of tightening humanitarian resources.The statement read:  “The Appeal places emergency agricultural assistance
  
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• 9-man Real Madrid crumble at home as Celta Vigo claim 2-0 win

  07-12-2025 23:14 via vanguardngr.com
  Real Madrid crashed to a damaging 2-0 home defeat by Celta Vigo on Sunday in La Liga, finishing the game with nine men after red cards for Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras.Williot Swedberg struck twice in the second half for Celta, with Madrid’s second league defeat of the season leaving rivals Barcelona four points clear at the top of La Liga.Xabi Alonso’s side, second, also lost defender Eder Militao to injury on a difficult night in the Spanish capital.Madrid were playing their fi
  
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• This trend must be stopped — Atiku condemns Benin coup attempt

  07-12-2025 23:03 via vanguardngr.com
  By Bayo WahabFormer Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned Sunday’s attempted coup in the Benin Republic, warning that the growing pattern of military interventions across West Africa poses a grave threat to democracy in the region.The attempted takeover was announced on Benin’s national television by a group calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, claiming it had seized power, removed President Patrice Talon and dissolved state institutions. The m
  
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• Coup: How Tinubu saves Benin democracy – Presidency

  07-12-2025 22:49 via vanguardngr.com
  By Johnbosco AgbakwuruABUJA —THE Presidency late Sunday night said acting on the two requests by the authorities of Benin Republic, President Bola Tinubu ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter the country and take over the airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV and a military camp where they had regrouped. The Presidency in a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said President Tinubu has commended
  
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• Tinubu commends Nigerian Armed Forces for protecting democracy in Benin Republic

  07-12-2025 22:42 via vanguardngr.com
  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the gallantry of Nigeria’s military for swiftly responding to the Republic of Benin’s request for assistance in safeguarding its 35-year-old democracy following an attempted coup on Sunday.Acting on two separate requests from the Beninese government, President Tinubu ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to secure the country’s airspace and help dislodge coup plotters who had seized the National TV station and a military camp.In a Note
  
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• PDP factional BoT holds meeting, vows to hold pending state congresses

  07-12-2025 22:28 via vanguardngr.com
  The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) factional Board of Trustees (BoT), under the chairmanship of Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, is presently meeting in Abuja.Ohuabunwa, in his opening address at the meeting, reaffirmed the board’s commitment to restoring confidence within the party and to organising congresses in states where they had yet to hold one.Ohuabunwa said that the party’s national leadership was ready to work collaboratively with all state chapters to bring fresh leadership and stabil
  
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• Just in: FG secures release of 100 kidnapped schoolchildren in Niger

  07-12-2025 21:59 via vanguardngr.com
  The Federal Government has secured the release of 100 pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.The development, reported by TVC News on Sunday, comes even as federal authorities have yet to issue an official confirmation as of the time of filing this report.Gunmen had stormed the remote community in the early hours of 2 am on 21 November, arriving on motorbikes and operating for nearly three hours
  
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• Macron, US lawmaker reaffirm support for Nigeria amid security challenges

  07-12-2025 21:18 via vanguardngr.com
  By Favour UleborA US lawmaker and the French President have both expressed strong support for Nigeria as the country tackles rising security challenges.Member of the United States House of Representatives, Riley Moore, described his visit to Nigeria as “very productive” in a post on X on Sunday.According to the post, “I came to Nigeria in the name of the Lord and on behalf of the American people.”Announcing the end of his trip, he added, “Just ending a very product
  
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• PDP: Wike’s faction moves to install caretaker leadership, declares Mohammed, Makinde ‘on their way out’

  07-12-2025 21:09 via vanguardngr.com
  By Omeiza AjayiABUJA: The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party PDP intensified on Sunday night as the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led faction announced plans to inaugurate a national caretaker committee following the expiration of the tenure of the current National Working Committee (NWC) this Tuesday, December 9.The decision, which is expected to be ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee NEC which was underway on Sunday night, aligns with a strong recommendation fr
  
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• Kwara community appeals for government intervention to rescue abducted monarch

  07-12-2025 21:06 via vanguardngr.com
  By Demola Akinyemi, IlorinThe Bayagan-Ile community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State has called on the police, state government, and other security agencies to intervene and rescue their monarch, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, the Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile, who has been held captive by bandits for ten days.The monarch was abducted on November 29, 2025, while tending to his farm, and has been in the hands of armed bandits inside dense forests since the incident.Speaking on behalf of the comm
  
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• ECOWAS deploys troops to Benin to uphold constitutional order

  07-12-2025 21:01 via vanguardngr.com
  By Favour Ulebor, AbujaIn response to the recent attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has ordered the immediate deployment of its Standby Force to the country.A statement released on Sunday by the ECOWAS Commission said the action aligns with the provisions of the 1999 Protocol on Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Security.The deployment, approved after consultations among ECOWAS Heads of State
  
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• ADC decries non-payment of local contractors, pensioners

  07-12-2025 20:58 via vanguardngr.com
  The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed concern over the plights of local contractors and pensioners in the country.The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed the concern in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria had threatened to embark on a nationwide naked protest on Dec. 8 over non-payment of its members’ outstanding pension increment arrears an
  
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• Benin president says situation ‘under control’ after coup bid

  07-12-2025 20:55 via vanguardngr.com
  Benin’s President Patrice Talon went on state television on Sunday to reassure viewers following an attempted military coup earlier in the day.“I would like to assure you that the situation is completely under control and therefore invite you to calmly go about your activities starting this very evening,” said Talon on state broadcaster Benin TV.“Security and public order will be maintained throughout the national territory,” he added.Vanguard News
  The post Benin p
  
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• Coup: Nigeria’s air force launches strikes in Benin

  07-12-2025 20:52 via vanguardngr.com
  Nigeria’s air force has struck targets in neighbouring Benin, a source in the Nigerian presidency told AFP  Sunday, in apparent coordination with Beninese authorities working to contain a coup attempt.Reached for comment, air force spokesman Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said “the Nigerian Air Force has operated in the Republic of Benin in line with ECOWAS protocols and the ECOWAS Standby Force mandate”.It was not clear what the targets of the strikes were.Vanguard Ne
  
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• Why I didn’t sign Flavour years ago – Kcee

  07-12-2025 20:47 via vanguardngr.com
  Nigerian singer Kingsley Okonkwo, popularly known as Kcee, has opened up about his long-rumoured rift with highlife star Flavour, shedding new light on what he believes sparked the tension.The pair famously clashed on social media in 2024 after Flavour threw a cryptic jab at an unnamed artist for allegedly copying his musical style.
  Although Flavour did not mention anyone, Kcee responded publicly, warning him against gatekeeping Igbo cultural music and reminding him that he had been in the indu
  
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• Ribadu hosts US Congressional delegation, seeks deeper security cooperation

  07-12-2025 19:58 via vanguardngr.com
  National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, on Sunday received a United States Congressional delegation in Abuja, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its strategic security partnership with the U.S.Ribadu, in a post on his official X-Handle on Saturday, said the visit was a continuation of earlier engagements in Washington, D.C., aimed at advancing shared priorities.He said the high-level visit underscored the importance both nations attach to cooperation on security
  
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• UNESCO urges stakeholders to combat climate change misinformation

  07-12-2025 19:56 via vanguardngr.com
  By Favour UleborIn a bid to tackle misinformation on climate change, UNESCO has called on media, civil society, and other stakeholders to collaborate in promoting accurate and reliable information.Jean Paul Ngome Abiaga, UNESCO Abuja Head of Office and Representative, emphasized in a statement on Sunday that responsible and factual reporting is essential to shaping public understanding and supporting effective climate action. He made the remarks at the opening of a two-day workshop on the digit
  
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• Crystal Palace sink Fulham to reach fourth place

  07-12-2025 19:47 via vanguardngr.com
  Crystal Palace moved into fourth place in the Premier League as their remarkable rise hit a new high with a 2-1 win against Fulham.
  Marc Guehi headed the decisive goal for Palace in the closing minutes at Craven Cottage as Oliver Glasner’s side made it four victories from their last six league games.The England defender’s late winner lifted the Eagles above Chelsea and Everton into the Champions League qualification places.For so long one of English football’s also-rans, Palac
  
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• Ex-British PM Johnson under fire for downplaying Nigeria’s security situation

  07-12-2025 19:42 via vanguardngr.com
  By Steve OkoUMUAHIA — Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has faced widespread criticism for downplaying Nigeria’s growing insecurity during a visit to the country.Johnson made the remarks last week while delivering a keynote address at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025, hosted by Governor Hope Uzodinma in Owerri. He stated, “I feel perfectly safe in Nigeria,” dismissing negative security reports that had preceded his trip.The comment drew strong rebuke from the
  
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• AU condemns attempted coup in Benin

  07-12-2025 19:36 via vanguardngr.com
  By Favour Ulebor, AbujaThe African Union (AU) has condemned the recent attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin, describing it as a direct attack on the country’s democratic order.In a statement issued on Sunday, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Yousouf reiterated that any military involvement in political affairs violates the organisation’s core principles and values. He stressed that the AU has consistently opposed unconstitutional changes of government, with its
  
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• FG revokes Raycon’s Calabar-Odukpani-Itu Road contract, reassigns job to Hitech

  07-12-2025 19:09 via vanguardngr.com
  By Egufe YafugborhiUYO — The Federal Government has terminated the rehabilitation contract awarded to Raycon and Company (Nigeria) Limited on a 9.7-kilometre section of the Calabar–Odukpani–Itu Road over what it described as unacceptable slow pace of work.Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the revocation during an inspection tour of road projects in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, declaring that the project was “definitely beyond the capacity” of the contr
  
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• Why I oppose state police, withdrawal of police from VIPs — Senator Hanga

  07-12-2025 19:05 via vanguardngr.com
  By Bashir BelloKANO — Senator Sani Hanga, representing Kano Central Senatorial District, has explained his strong opposition to the creation of state police, warning that the move would hand excessive power to state governors and endanger Nigeria’s democracy.Speaking to journalists at his constituency office in Kano, Hanga said state police would be used by governors to intimidate political opponents and silence dissenting voices. He insisted the proposal, if implemented, could plun
  
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• Shettima departs Abuja for Alassane Ouattara’s Inauguration in Abidjan

  07-12-2025 18:41 via vanguardngr.com
  By Johnbosco AgbakwuruThe Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Sunday departed Abuja for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of Mr Alassane Ouattara for a fourth term as President of that country.Senator Shettima is expected to join other leaders across Africa and beyond to witness activities lined up for the swearing-in ceremony scheduled to hold on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan.Ouatara was re-elect
  
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• PDP Crisis: Wike’s camp moves to reorganize state chapters, conduct fresh congresses, convention

  07-12-2025 18:38 via vanguardngr.com
  By Omeiza AjayiABUJA: The factional Board of Trustees BoT of the Nyesom Wike tendency in the Peoples Democratic Party PDP has unveiled a major internal restructuring plan aimed at reorganizing troubled state chapters and preparing the grounds for fresh congresses and a national convention.Chairman of the factional BoT, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, disclosed this on Sunday at the opening session of the board’s meeting held at the Life Camp official residence of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.He s
  
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