General news

• One dead as Taraba records first diphtheria case

  16-09-2026 20:07 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Activates surveillanceBy Femi BolajiJALINGO — Taraba State has recorded its first confirmed case of diphtheria, resulting in the death of a patient in Bali Local Government Area and prompting health authorities to activate an emergency public health surveillance response.The State Epidemiologist, Dr Udi Aketemo, confirmed the fatality to newsmen in a telephone interview, saying the patient died from the acute bacterial infection before comprehensive clinical management could be ad
  
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• King Charles warns tech bosses of ‘existential dangers’ of AI

  17-09-2026 17:36 via vanguardngr.com
  
  King Charles III warned tech giants of the “existential dangers” posed by artificial intelligence falling into the wrong hands during a conference in Scotland on Thursday.The gathering at Dumfries House brought together senior representatives from Nvidia, Google DeepMind, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Britain’s minister for artificial intelligence.The debate over the risks of the technology has intensified in recent months, fuelled by several incidents and apocalyptic warnings from i
  
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• HURIWA kicks against proposed concession of King’s College

  17-09-2026 17:16 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Chioma ObinnaThe Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has called on the Federal Government to suspend moves to concession the management of King’s College, Lagos, to the school’s Old Boys’ Association under a proposed Public-Private Partnership, PPP.
  HURIWA also demanded the immediate publication of the legal and contractual framework backing the proposed arrangement, insisting that Nigerians should know who would control the school, for how long and under w
  
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• U-20 Women’s World Cup: 2 Quarter-Final Fixtures Confirmed

  17-09-2026 17:14 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Two quarter-final fixtures have been confirmed at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup following the latest round of matches.South Korea will face Italy in the first confirmed quarter-final on Saturday, September 19, while Brazil will take on Spain later the same day.South Korea and Italy will meet at Arena Sosnowiec in Sosnowiec, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm WAT.Brazil will then face Spain at the same venue at 5:30pm WAT.The remaining two quarter-final ties will be decided after Thurs
  
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• Updated: CSOs protest at Finance Ministry, demand end to excessive borrowing

  17-09-2026 17:11 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Warn FG against rising debt burdenEmma Ujah, Abuja Bureau ChiefCivil society organisations, youths, students and market women, yesterday, took their protest against rising public debt to the Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja, demanding that the Federal Government reduce borrowing and channel more resources into critical sectors of the economy.The protesters, under the aegis of Climate Action, said the country’s rising debt-servicing burden was crowding out funding for essential p
  
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• Guinea bans France 24 TV outlet from broadcasting

  17-09-2026 17:06 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Guinea’s media regulator banned French media outlet France 24 from broadcasting in the country Thursday, following comments it said were against the president.The west African nation is ruled with an iron fist by President Mamady Doumbouya, and dissenting voices have been reduced to a bare minimum.In a statement, the country’s High Authority for Communication (HAC) cited the TV channel’s “remarks deemed to undermine the dignity of the head of state, Mamady Doumbouya&rdqu
  
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• Nigeria shock England 3-0 to reach U-20 Women’s World Cup quarter-finals

  17-09-2026 17:04 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Nigeria’s Falconets have advanced to the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after defeating England 3-0.The Falconets produced a dominant performance, securing their second victory of the tournament and taking their goals tally to 13 in four matches.Tosin Rafiu gave Nigeria the lead in the eighth minute before Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei doubled the advantage two minutes into the second half.Mary Mamudu completed the scoring in the 73rd minute as the Falconets sealed
  
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• 2027: Why Tinubu should be given second term — Lalong, First Lady

  17-09-2026 17:02 via vanguardngr.com
  
  —Gains from reforms must be secured for future generations — First Lady
  –As ex-Plateau governor says subsidy removal painful but necessaryBy Johnbosco AgbakwuruABUJA —FORMER Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Thursday urged Nigerians to sustain President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda beyond 2027, saying the tough measures already rolled out need more time to yield their full benefits.As Lalong asked Nigerians to re-
  
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• Africa CDC warns Ebola outbreak not ‘under control’

  17-09-2026 16:57 via vanguardngr.com
  
  An Ebola outbreak in DR Congo was far from being “under control”, Africa’s top health body said Thursday, a day after the WHO said it was gaining ground against the virus.The outbreak, which began in the conflict-scarred northeastern province of Ituri, has seen more than 3,500 deaths from over 7,200 cases to date across seven northern and eastern provinces.The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director general Jean Kaseya acknowledged there had been a &ld
  
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• Customs intercepts police uniforms, pistol, explosives in Oyo

  17-09-2026 16:49 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adeola BadruThe Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intercepted 573 Nigeria Police Force crests, 92 yards of police camouflage uniform fabric, a pistol, six pistol magazines, a pump-action magazine and 60 detonating cords during its anti-smuggling operations in August 2026.The Acting Customs Area Controller of the command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Wale Moses Adewole, disclosed this on Thursday in Ibadan while briefing journalists on the command’s revenue
  
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• IPOB demands referendum on Nigeria’s political future

  17-09-2026 16:28 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has called for a referendum to allow Nigerians and the various constituent peoples of the country to determine their preferred political future.In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group argued that the 2027 general elections alone would not resolve what it described as longstanding constitutional and political questions in Nigeria.IPOB said it believed a referendum would provide an opportunity for the people to express their views
  
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• Shettima clarifies remarks on Northern governors’ support for Tinubu

  17-09-2026 16:21 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Johnbosco AgbakwuruABUJA —OFFICE of the Vice President, has clarified the remarks by Vice President Kashim Shettima concerning the support President Bola Tinubu received from northern governors in the build-up to his emergence as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).A statement issued by the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Communication, Office of the Vice President, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha explained that “The Vice President’s r
  
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• Tinubu 2027: S’East APC rejects Wike’s ‘rainbow coalition’, backs Govs

  17-09-2026 16:12 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Omeiza AjayiABUJA: The leadership of the All Progressives Congress APC in the South-East has thrown its weight behind the Progressive Governors’ Forum PGF, demanding full party support for all APC candidates, from the Presidency to state Houses of Assembly, in the 2027 general elections.This was contained in a joint statement signed by the APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu, alongside the party chairmen of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states, who argu
  
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• Nigerian man, Babatunde who masturbated in front of woman on UK train jailed

  17-09-2026 16:12 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A Nigerian man and registered sex offender, Babatunde Odutola has been jailed in the UK after exposing himself and masturbating in front of a woman on a train travelling towards Manchester.Odutola, 36, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 44 weeks in prison at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Monday, September 14, after pleading guilty to outraging public decency and breaching a suspended sentence order.The incident occurred around 7pm on Friday, September 11, on a train travelling throu
  
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• Own your streets, politics is not a game of mouth — Adebayo

  17-09-2026 16:09 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Henry UmoruABUJA: Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has urged young professionals to take an active interest in politics and contribute to efforts to address Nigeria’s development challenges.Adebayo, who spoke on Wednesday in Abuja while interacting with members of the SDP Young Professionals and the Confederation of West African Youths at the party’s national secretariat, said young Nigerians must take ownership of the country&rs
  
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• Afreximbank backs Tanzanian SMEs with $10m export finance facility

  17-09-2026 15:54 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Udeme Akpan
  The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has extended a US$10 million finance facility to Azania Bank Plc of Tanzania to improve ac-cess to funding for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country’s export value chains.
  The facility, provided under Afreximbank’s Export SME Development Programme (ESDP), will enable Azania Bank to offer eligible SMEs working capital and medium-term financing for business expansion, asset acquisition, and pre- and pos
  
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• Canada processing times rise for Nigerians applying for study, visitor visas

  17-09-2026 15:49 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Nigerians applying to travel to Canada are facing longer processing times for several temporary residence applications, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s latest update.As of September 16, 2026, the estimated processing time for a Canadian study permit from Nigeria increased to 10 weeks, up from nine weeks the previous week.The estimated wait for a visitor visa from Nigeria also increased, rising from 84 days on September 9 to 87 days on September 16.Meanwhile, th
  
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• Reconcile or face consequences, APC stakeholders warn pro-SGF faction

  17-09-2026 15:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Omeiza AjayiABUJA: Concerned stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Benue State have urged members of the Benue Strategic Alliance to reconcile with the party or face disciplinary action for alleged anti-party activities.The stakeholders, who spoke after a meeting in Abuja on Thursday, said the APC constitution applied equally to all members, regardless of their position, history or influence within the party.The Benue Strategic Alliance comprises APC members regarded as loya
  
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• Full List: Lagos APC unveils campaign council, names Sanwo-Olu, Fashola, Ambode

  17-09-2026 15:42 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Olasunkanmi AkoniThe Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, will on Friday formally inaugurate members of its campaign council for the 2027 general elections.The inauguration is expected to take place at the APC Secretariat on ACME Road, Ikeja, Lagos.Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his predecessors, Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode, are among those listed in the campaign structure.According to a statement released on Thursday and made available to the media by the K
  
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• 2027: Lagos APC unveils campaign council, names Sanwo-Olu, Fashola, Ambode

  17-09-2026 15:42 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Olasunkanmi AkoniThe Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, will on Friday formally inaugurate members of its campaign council for the 2027 general elections.The inauguration is expected to take place at the APC Secretariat on ACME Road, Ikeja, Lagos.Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his predecessors, Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode, are among those listed in the campaign structure.According to a statement released on Thursday and made available to the media by the K
  
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• Foreign missions urged to review long visa processes

  17-09-2026 15:39 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Favour Ulebor, AbujaThe Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has urged foreign missions in Nigeria to review their visa processes for Nigerian applicants, particularly lengthy waiting periods for visa decisions.Odumegwu-Ojukwu made the call on Thursday in Abuja during an interactive session with heads of diplomatic missions in Nigeria.She said prolonged delays created difficulties for legitimate travellers, students, businesspeople and families, while stressing the
  
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• Foreign missions urged to review long visa processes, waiting periods for Nigerians

  17-09-2026 15:34 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Favour Ulebor, AbujaThe Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has urged foreign missions in Nigeria to review their visa processes for Nigerian applicants, particularly the long waiting periods for visa decisions.Odumegwu-Ojukwu made the call during an interactive session with Heads of Diplomatic Missions in Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja, saying delays create difficulties for legitimate travellers, students, business people and families.She said Nigeria respects the
  
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• 2027 Budget: Oyedele launches fiscal policy review

  17-09-2026 15:30 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau ChiefThe Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has commenced preparations for the 2027 Federal Government budget with the inauguration of a subcommittee to develop an implementable Finance Bill.The Subcommittee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms was inaugurated in Abuja on Wednesday to review the implementation of existing fiscal and tax reforms and develop proposals that respond to current economic realities.The Finance Bill, which u
  
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• Oriire school kidnappings: DSS docks Five Ansaru leaders on 7-count terror charge

  17-09-2026 15:25 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ikechukwu Nnochiri, AbujaThe Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday re-arraigned five alleged leaders of the proscribed terrorist group Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru) over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of about 46 people, including students and teachers, from a school in Orire Local Government Area, Oyo State.According to the amended charge the security agency filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the terror attack, which occurred on
  
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• Full list: Jide Kosoko, Toyin Abraham, Pasuma, others make Lagos APC campaign council

  17-09-2026 15:23 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has named several prominent entertainers to its Entertainment and Creative Economy Directorate ahead of the 2027 elections.Veteran actor Jide Kosoko, actresses Eniola Badmus, Toyin Abraham-Ajeyemi and Bimbo Akintola, as well as Fuji musicians Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Abass Akande Obesere and Adewale Ayuba, are among the 33 members listed in the directorate.The campaign council was unveiled on Thursday by the Kadri Obafemi Hamzat Media Ce
  
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• Tinubu campaign feud: APC chieftain slams Wike over governors

  17-09-2026 15:07 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Olasunkanmi AkoniTensions within the All Progressives Congress, APC, have heightened following criticism by party chieftain Farouk Aliyu of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, over his recent remarks about APC governors.Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Thursday, Aliyu described Wike’s reported references to some APC governors as “419ers” and “lazy” as being in bad taste.Aliyu said the leadership and members of the ruling part
  
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• Lagos APC unveils 2027 campaign council, names Sanwo-Olu, Fashola, Ambode

  17-09-2026 15:07 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has unveiled its campaign council for the 2027 general elections, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and former governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode among those listed in the leadership structure.The list, released on Thursday by the Kadri Obafemi Hamzat Media Centre, places Sanwo-Olu in key positions within both the advisory and campaign structures of the council.Prince Tajudeen Olusi is listed as Chairman of the Governan
  
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• S-West group condemns bandits’ attack in Oyo, tasks govt on security

  17-09-2026 14:47 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Dapo AkinrefonThe South-West Security Stakeholders Group, SSSG, on Thursday condemned Monday’s attack by suspected bandits on an Operation Burst base in a forest reserve along the Igbeti-Igboho axis in Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State.The attack, which occurred between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., reportedly saw the attackers open fire on security personnel and set a patrol van ablaze, causing damage to the facility.Reacting to the incident, the SSSG, in a statement by its Publi
  
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• 10 high-budget Samsung Phones with the best battery life

  17-09-2026 14:42 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Battery life remains one of the most important features to consider when buying a premium smartphone, particularly for Samsung users who spend long hours streaming videos, browsing the internet, using social media, gaming or working on their phones.Samsung’s high-end Galaxy range includes several devices with large-capacity batteries, while newer processors and software optimisation are designed to improve power efficiency.Samsung’s current flagship range includes the Galaxy S26 ser
  
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• South African Woman jailed 25 years for trafficking heroin into Nigeria

  17-09-2026 14:35 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday sentenced a 38-year-old South African woman, Will Ann, to 25 years imprisonment for smuggling 5.75 kg of heroin into Nigeria.Justice Obiora Egwuatu, in a judgment, held that the Nigerian law does not respect emotions.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ann was arrested when she trafficked the substance through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had, in August, arraigned Ann befo
  
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