General news

• Pinnick defends FIFA’s plan to sell 20% W/Cup stake

  30-07-2026 12:20 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Dickson OmobolaFormer President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Amaju Pinnick, on Thursday, defended the Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s, FIFA’s, proposal to sell a 20 per cent stake in the World Cup and other competitions, saying the initiative should be judged on its merits.Pinnick, who is the deputy chairperson of the FIFA Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee, said Infantino had a track record of introducing reforms that
  
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• Tinubu’s infrastructure, human capital investments will drive $1tn economy — APC chairman

  30-07-2026 19:52 via vanguardngr.com
  
  ABUJA — National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has said the administration of President Bola Tinubu is making strategic investments in infrastructure and human capital development to achieve its target of building a $1 trillion economy.Yilwatda stated this while receiving the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State, led by its Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Muhammad Audu, at the APC National Secretariat i
  
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• ‘Our loved ones still in captivity despite raising N155m ransom’  —  Kidnap victims’ families

  30-07-2026 19:52 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ibrahim Hassan-WuyoFive months after a deadly attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, families of victims have lamented that more than N155 million raised as ransom failed to secure the release of their abducted relatives, renewing calls for urgent government intervention.Community leaders said the February 3, 2026 attack, carried out by more than 100 heavily armed assailants, left over 260 people dead, more than 30 houses burnt, and 176 residents
  
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• Oprah Winfrey to close down her school in South Africa after 20 years

  30-07-2026 19:51 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Oprah Winfrey has announced that the leadership academy for girls she founded in South Africa nearly two decades ago will close at the end of the 2027 academic year, bringing an end to one of her most ambitious education initiatives.The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG), located near Johannesburg, will hand over its campus to the Gauteng provincial education authorities in line with the original agreement reached when the school was established.The media mogul said students who
  
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• ADC to INEC, Police: You’re erasing the line between state, APC

  30-07-2026 19:45 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Luminous JannamikeABUJA — The African Democratic Congress, ADC, on Thursday challenged the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the Nigeria Police Force ahead of the 2027 general elections, accusing both institutions of ‘blurring the line’ between the Nigerian state and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.The party said reports that a faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, led by Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly k
  
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• ‘We know the forest’ — Tinubu explains refusal to pay ransom over Oriire abduction

  30-07-2026 19:43 via vanguardngr.com
  
  President Bola Tinubu has explained why the Federal Government refused to pay ransom to the terrorists who abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying security agencies understood the terrain where the victims were held.Tinubu spoke on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.The President commended the armed forces for sec
  
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• ‘We know the forest’ — Tinubu explains refusal to negotiate with terrorists over Oriire abduction

  30-07-2026 19:43 via vanguardngr.com
  
  President Bola Tinubu has explained why the Federal Government refused to negotiate with the terrorists who abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying security agencies understood the terrain where the victims were held.Tinubu spoke on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.The President commended the armed forces for se
  
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• Brazil to face India for first time in October 3 friendly

  30-07-2026 19:32 via vanguardngr.com
  
  India will host five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil in a historic international friendly at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on October 3, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced.The encounter will mark the first-ever meeting between the two nations in men’s international football and is expected to be one of the biggest fixtures in Indian football history.Brazil, currently ranked fifth in the FIFA World Rankings, will become the highest-ranked opposi
  
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• N400bn needed to complete Millennium Tower — Wike

  30-07-2026 19:28 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Omeiza AjayiABUJA: Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that between ₦300 billion and ₦400 billion would be required to complete the long-stalled Millennium Tower project in Abuja, saying the cost is too heavy for the FCT Administration FCTA to bear alone.Wike, who spoke to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, said the project, awarded during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, should be reconsidered as a national project an
  
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• Cherubim & Seraphim’s Spiritual Father Emmanuel Alogbo dies at 93

  30-07-2026 19:28 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ebunoluwa SessouThe Spiritual Father of the Cherubim & Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O, His Most Eminence, Prophet Emmanuel Alogbo, is dead. He was 93.The church announced his passing in a statement on Thursday, by its Secretary-General, Prophet Anthony Olusesan Samaye, saying the revered cleric died peacefully at about 2:10 a.m. on Thursday at his residence in Lagos.According to the statement, Prophet Alogbo was surrounded by members of his family and domestic staff at the
  
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• Reps probe prolonged Bille gas leak, demand urgent action as emissions persist

  30-07-2026 19:15 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Gift ChapiOdekina, AbujaABUJA — The House of Representatives Committee on the South-South Development Commission has commenced an investigation into the prolonged gas leak in Bille Community, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, expressing concern over the environmental and humanitarian impact of the incident nearly a year after it was first reported.At an investigative session held on Thursday at the National Assembly, lawmakers questioned officials of the National Oil Spill
  
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• Osun election: Political parties sign accord for peaceful poll

  30-07-2026 19:08 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Candidates of political parties contesting the Aug. 15 Osun governorship election on Thursday signed a peace accord organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC) to ensure a non-violent poll in the state.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 14 political parties signed the accord at the event presided over by the NPC convener, Rev. Matthew Kukah.In his remarks, the NPC Chairman, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) described the signing as another important milestone in the collective comm
  
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• Osun Election: Ballot stronger than bullet, Accord tells APC, Police

  30-07-2026 19:02 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Luminous JannamikeABUJA — Accord on Thursday accused the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Osun State Police Command of using intimidation to undermine the August 15 governorship election, claiming that about 100 of its leaders, candidates and supporters had been arrested in what it described as a politically motivated crackdown aimed at weakening its campaign.Insisting it would not be cowed, the party declared: “No brute force will break the resolve of the people of Osun f
  
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• Nigeria needs better security leadership, intelligence fusion to tackle insecurity — Ex-US Army Officer

  30-07-2026 18:50 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Chimaobi NwaiwuNNEWI — A retired United States Army officer and military strategist, Col. Chukwuemeka Olumkwo, has identified disciplined security leadership, intelligence fusion, credible justice system, economic protection and community trust as key measures required to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.Olumkwo, an Iraq War veteran, made the submission while delivering the keynote address at the 6th Sam Momah Annual Lecture Series (SMALS6) and commissioning of the fifth lib
  
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• Peter Obi not happy about crisis in OK Movement — Kwankwaso’s spokesman

  30-07-2026 18:40 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The spokesman for Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Ladipo Johnson, has disclosed that the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, is unhappy over the leadership dispute currently affecting the OK Movement.Johnson made the revelation during an interview on Arise Television, where he acknowledged the existence of tensions within the movement but maintained that the disagreement would not derail its political objectives ahead of the 2027 general election.According to him,
  
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• UEFA threatens World Cup boycott if FIFA pushes private investor proposal

  30-07-2026 18:39 via vanguardngr.com
  
  European football’s governing body UEFA said Thursday it would boycott the World Cup should FIFA press ahead with its private investor plan.Read Also: Ancelotti ends Brazil careers of Casemiro, Danilo after Neymar retirement“No UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive, unless this proposal has been abandoned in its entirety and binding assurances have been given that FIFA will never again open its governance or competit
  
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• Reps seek completion of NDPHC’s 330kV transmission project

  30-07-2026 18:33 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Obas Esiedesa, AbujaThe House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has urged the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to complete the 330kV Double Circuit Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi Transmission Line Project (Lot 18T), describing it as critical to improving electricity supply and economic development.The committee also pledged to support efforts to resolve funding challenges and community-related issues delaying the completion of the project.Chairman of the committee, Hon. Ad
  
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• Gov Ododo meets Kogi indigenes in London, urges them to support Tinubu, Nigeria

  30-07-2026 18:28 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Soni DanielAbuja: Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has called on the people of the state and other Nigerians in the United Kingdom to rally behind the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and project a positive image of Nigeria.The governor, who made the plea at a Town Hall meeting with the citizens of Kogi and other Nigerians in London on Thursday, asked them to channel their investments, expertise and global networks towards the development of Kogi State and the nation.
  
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• Arsenal close in on £80m move for Newcastle captain Guimaraes – Reports

  30-07-2026 18:24 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adegboyega AdeleyePremier League champions Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes, with reports indicating growing confidence that a deal could be completed in the coming days.According to BBC Sport, there is increasing expectation that the Brazil midfielder will complete a move to the Emirates this summer after making it clear he wants to join Mikel Arteta’s side.The Gunners have tracked the 28-year-old throughout the transfer window and are
  
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• Insecurity: FG orders upgrade of NSCDC training facility in Abuja

  30-07-2026 18:20 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Omeiza AjayiABUJA: The Federal Government has directed the upgrade of the Tactical Training Ground and Obstacle Course of the Federal Capital Territory FCT Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, to enhance the training, development and operational readiness of the Corps.Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed this at the commissioning of the facility on Thursday in Abuja.Represented by the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the m
  
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• Alia hails Tinubu for approving army’s 5 Division headquarters Makurdi

  30-07-2026 18:19 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Gov. Hyacinth Alia has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the Nigerian Army’s 5 Division Headquarters in Makurdi to boost security and stability nationwide.Alia gave the commendation in a statement signed by Mr Tersoo Kula, his Chief Press Secretary and made available to newsmen in Makurdi.The governor said the approval demonstrated Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and addressing security challenges nationwide.He stated that the n
  
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• Xenophobia has no place in Africa, Nwachukwu warns

  30-07-2026 18:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Steve OkoUMUAHIA — Former Military Administrator of old Imo State, Maj.-Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (retd.), has warned that Africa must not replace apartheid with xenophobia, condemning attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.Nwachukwu spoke on Thursday at the South-East Regional Security Summit in Umuahia, Abia State, where he commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his condemnation of recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.The elder statesman said
  
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• Northeast Development Commission distributes 10,000 e-vehicles to beneficiaries

  30-07-2026 18:13 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Establishes 18 model schools in 6 statesBy Soni Daniel, Northern Region EditorThe North-East Development Commission says it has concluded arrangement to supply 10,000 electric-powered vehicles to beneficiaries in the region in its earnest bid to improve transportation and reduce the suffering of commuters.The Managing Director of the commission, Mr. Mohammed Alkali, who announced the development at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, said the vehicles would include four-seater taxi c
  
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• Aiyedatiwa approves N1.1bn intervention to end AAUA strike

  30-07-2026 18:10 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Dayo Johnson AkureOndo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the release of N1.1 billion as a Special Intervention Fund to Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, AAUA, to offset outstanding staff salaries and end the ongoing ASUU strike.The approval came hours after the Students’ Union issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the state government to resolve the industrial action.A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, in Akure on Tuesday said the
  
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• China tells US of ‘serious concern’ over latest trade restrictions

  30-07-2026 17:57 via vanguardngr.com
  
  China’s top trade official told his counterparts from the United States on Thursday Beijing had “serious concern” over Washington’s latest trade restrictions affecting it, according to state media.China and the United States spent much of last year embroiled in an escalating trade war but reached a truce when US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping met last October.However, recent tensions have threatened to disrupt that impasse.Beijing condemned
  
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• Tinubu disbands PIC, warns Dutsin-Ma to stop parading himself as secretary

  30-07-2026 17:53 via vanguardngr.com
  
  —Orders AGF to take over committee activitiesBy Johnbosco Agbakwuru, AbujaPresident Bola Tinubu has warned Bello Suleiman Dutsin-Ma to stop parading himself as the Secretary of the Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC) on the Alienation of Federal Government Properties.President Tinubu, who said that the committee was dissolved on November 5, 2025, ordered the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to take over the activities of the PIC.A statement by the preside
  
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• Selection process for next UN chief begins

  30-07-2026 17:45 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The UN Security Council began the process of selecting the UN’s next secretary-general, holding a first “straw poll” to gauge the seven candidates’ support for the high-profile global statesman role.Four women and three men are so far in the running to succeed Antonio Guterres, who will complete his second five-year term on December 31, 2026.They are Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador, Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica,
  
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• FG seeks Japanese partnership for housing projects in 774 LGAs

  30-07-2026 17:43 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Woos Chodai, says Nigeria open for investmentBy John AlechenuThe Federal Government has renewed its call for foreign investment in the housing sector, unveiling plans to develop a social housing programme that will cover all 774 local government areas in the country.The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, disclosed this on Thursday during a meeting with Japanese construction firm, Chodai Company Limited, in Abuja.The engagement, facilitated by the Niger
  
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• Senate sets for  23-day probe of Nigeria’s Oil sector audit, summons NNPCL, CBN, others

  30-07-2026 17:42 via vanguardngr.com
  
  * As Senators seek to recover revenues, enforce transparency and strengthen accountability in extractive industryBy Henry UmoruABUJA- THE Senate has concluded arrangement to commence the launch of a comprehensive investigation into the  Nigeria’s oil and gas industry as it has summoned  the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), major international and indigenous oil companies as well as  key government institutions to defend
  
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• UEFA to boycott FIFA tournaments if Infantino’s investment plan goes through

  30-07-2026 17:40 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeEurope’s football governing body, UEFA, has threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, if president Gianni Infantino proceeds with plans to sell a stake in the governing body’s tournaments to private investors.The warning followed an emergency meeting involving UEFA’s 55 member associations on Thursday, where officials unanimously opposed FIFA’s proposal to seek outside investment in competitions such as the men’s an
  
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