General news

• Presidency commends Uzodimma over infrastructure projects in Imo

  17-07-2026 11:54 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Soni DanielOWERRI — The Presidency has commended Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for what it described as the scale and quality of infrastructure development across the state, saying the projects reflect purposeful leadership and effective collaboration between the Federal and Imo State governments.The commendation came during the Renewed Hope Ambassadors National Media Tour, an initiative of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in collaboration with the Presidential Communications Team.The d
  
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• Tinubu signs executive order to regulate cryptocurrency, virtual assets

  17-07-2026 18:09 via vanguardngr.com
  
  President Bola Tinubu has signed a new executive order establishing a coordinated regulatory framework for virtual assets in Nigeria, with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) taking the lead in overseeing the sector.The Presidency announced on Friday that the Presidential Executive Order on Virtual Assets Coordination, 2026, takes immediate effect.In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on In
  
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• Govt can’t solve Nigeria’s problems alone – FG, Reps

  17-07-2026 18:06 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Luminous JannamikeABUJA — The Federal Government and the House of Representatives has said government alone cannot solve Nigeria’s growing social and humanitarian challenges, urging faith-based organisations, the private sector and civil society to play a bigger role as economic hardship continues to push more Nigerians into poverty.The appeal comes as rising prices and deepening poverty leave more Nigerians depending on churches, mosques and charities for support, stretching the
  
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• I didn’t know my running mate until she was selected  —  Obafemi Hamzat

  17-07-2026 18:05 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Lagos State Deputy Governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Obafemi Hamzat, has disclosed that he had never met or spoken with his running mate, Damilola Sonayon-James, before the party selected her for the position.Hamzat made the revelation on Thursday during the public presentation of Who Is She? at the Syrian Club Event Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos, where he explained that the choice of his deputy followed consultations within the Lagos APC af
  
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• 5 top Samsung phones with best battery life in 2026

  17-07-2026 17:46 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Samsung continues to produce some of the most reliable smartphones when it comes to battery life, offering devices that can easily power through a full day—or even two days—on a single charge.Samsung has continued to improve battery efficiency across its flagship, mid-range and budget smartphones, offering devices that combine large battery capacities with power-efficient processors and software optimization.Here are five Samsung phones that stand out for their excellent battery lif
  
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• Osun guber: Accord urges voters to re-elect Adeleke

  17-07-2026 17:36 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Luminous JannamikeABUJA — The Accord Party has called on voters in Osun State to return Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term in the August 15 governorship election, saying he has earned another mandate to build on his administration’s achievements.The appeal came on the sidelines of a solidarity visit by the party’s state chairmen and national officers to the National Chairman, Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem, at the Accord national secretariat in Abuja, where they also pas
  
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• U.S ends indefinite stay for foreign students, journalists

  17-07-2026 17:28 via vanguardngr.com
  
  … Sets 4-year limit on visasBy Nkiruka nnoromThe United States has announced a new rule ending indefinite stay for foreign students, exchange visitors and journalists, and capped their period of admission at a maximum of four years.The final rule, announced Thursday by the Department of Homeland Security in a statement, scrapped the “duration of status” policy that allowed holders of F, J and I visas to remain in the U.S for as long as they maintained enrollment or programme
  
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• Liverpool midfielder Szoboszlai signs new contract

  17-07-2026 17:24 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai signed a new five-year contract on Friday, ending speculation over his future.Szoboszlai had two years remaining on his previous deal, but the Hungary captain has been rewarded for his fine form last season.It had appeared negotiations between the 25-year-old’s representatives and Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes had stalled last season.However, talks accelerated in recent weeks and Szoboszlai has finally put pen to paper on his improved c
  
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• Wildfire smoke engulfs millions in US ahead of World Cup final

  17-07-2026 17:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Dense wildfire smoke billowing down from Canada set off unhealthy air quality alerts across the United States again Friday, fomenting concern over the weekend’s World Cup final outside New York.Detroit and Chicago posted air quality index readings in the “hazardous” range, with tracker IQAir saying they were the top polluted cities in the world.Winds drifting south meant the capital Washington was also hard-hit, coming in at the second-highest “very unhealthy” rank
  
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• Two South African soldiers die chasing illegal miners

  17-07-2026 17:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Two South African soldiers died on Friday after falling down a mine shaft during an operation targeting illicit mining, a police spokeswoman said.The deaths are the first military fatalities since President Cyril Ramaphosa deployed troops in March to bolster police operations against crime and illegal mining.The incident occurred at an abandoned mine west of Johannesburg as soldiers pursued suspected illegal miners, known locally as “zama zamas”, police spokeswoman Athlenda Mathe sai
  
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• South African police arrest 69 at violent anti-immigrant protest

  17-07-2026 17:13 via vanguardngr.com
  
  South African police said on Friday they had arrested 69 people after an anti-immigrant protest on the country’s southeast coast descended into looting and left at least one person hospitalised.South Africa has been swept by weeks of protests and unrest targeting undocumented immigrants, causing tens of thousands to flee the country.Nearly 150,000 people have left the country in recent weeks, according to an AFP tally based on figures provided by African countries that have repatriated th
  
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• Army changes guard in Jos as Oyinlola exits, Dangana takes over

  17-07-2026 16:51 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Outgoing GOC Hails Troops, Successor Vows to Build on Security GainsBy Golok NanmwaJOS — The Nigerian Army on Friday effected a change of leadership at the Headquarters of 3 Division, Jos, as Major General Folusho Oyinlola handed over as General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division, and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, to Major General Maxwell Dangana, who pledged to consolidate the security gains recorded in Plateau State and other parts of the Joint Operations Area.Speaking during the
  
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• FG unveils healthy food rules for schools, hospitals

  17-07-2026 16:48 via vanguardngr.com
  
  … NHF says policy will reduce hypertension, diabetes, obesity… Sugary drinks, processed meat among foods to be phased outBy Chioma ObinnaThe Federal Government has unveiled national guidelines that will ban the procurement and sale of sugar-sweetened beverages, processed meats, deep-fried snacks, and other unhealthy foods in schools, hospitals, correctional centres, NYSC camps, and other public institutions, as part of efforts to curb Nigeria’s growing burden of non-communic
  
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• CSOs, Northern Youth reject calls for Umahi’s resignation

  17-07-2026 16:46 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Demand Thorough Probe Into Nurse’s DeathBy Christopher Ameh, BauchiThe Coalition of Civil Societies for Good Governance (CCSGG), in collaboration with the Northern Youth Association of Nigeria (NYAN), has rejected calls for the resignation of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, over allegations linked to the death of 26-year-old nurse, Mary Habila.Mary Habila reportedly died on June 27, 2026, at the private residence of the minister in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government
  
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• Breaking: Three charged over kidnap of Oyo school children, teachers

  17-07-2026 16:42 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Soni DanielThe Federal Government on Friday charged three men over the kidnap of children and teachers in Orirre Local Government Area of Oyo State.
  Those arraigned were: Abdulrazak Umar (a.k.a. Abu Khalifa/Abu Khalid), Yunusa Musa (a.k.a. Yunusa bin Musa), and Shamsu Adamu Sani (a.k.a. Abu Itisar).The 10-count charge filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja, borders on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment, incitement and illegal mining.The defendants, all of Suleja Local Government Area of
  
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• Oyo School Rescue: We treated abducted pupils as our own children – IRT, SIS operatives

  17-07-2026 16:34 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …IGP Disu Mourns Slain Sergeant, Hails Team for Successful RescueBy Kingsley OmonobiOperatives of the Police Special Intervention Squad (SIS) and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have said they approached the rescue of the 44 abducted pupils and teachers of Oriire schools in Oyo State with the determination to save them because they regarded the victims as their own children.The officers made the disclosure on Friday while meeting with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetoku
  
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• Troops rescue nine kidnap victims in Katsina, arrest suspected terrorist, recover 56 rustled livestock

  17-07-2026 16:33 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Kingsley OmonobiTroops of Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued nine kidnapped victims, recovered 56 rustled livestock and arrested a suspected terrorist in separate intelligence-led operations across Katsina State.The Media Information Officer of the operation, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the operations were part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and other criminal activities in the North-West.According to him, troops of Sector 2, while
  
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• West Ham captain Bowen to stay despite relegation

  17-07-2026 16:29 via vanguardngr.com
  
  West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen has pledged his future to the club despite their relegation from the Premier League.Bowen was linked with a move away from the London Stadium following West Ham’s plunge into the Championship last season.But the 29-year-old England forward has promised to stay with West Ham after pondering his future in the close-season.“There’s a lot of thinking time over the summer and a lot of things that go on in your head,” he said.“For me I look
  
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• Tinubu signs executive order to harmonise virtual assets regulation, establishes council

  17-07-2026 16:22 via vanguardngr.com
  
  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the Presidential Executive Order on Virtual Assets Coordination, 2026, aimed at harmonising the regulation of virtual assets, strengthening oversight and promoting responsible innovation in Nigeria’s digital economy.The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this on Friday in a statement shared on his X platform, saying the order takes immediate effect.According to the statement, the Executive Order was
  
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• PCN seals 505 illegal medicine outlets in Cross River

  17-07-2026 16:20 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ike Uchechukwu, CalabarThe Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 505 illegal and non-compliant medicine outlets in Cross River State following an enforcement exercise that uncovered widespread violations in the state’s drug retail sector.The council disclosed this during a press briefing in Calabar on Thursday, stating that its four-day operation across 10 local government areas inspected 602 premises, with 48.3 per cent found to be operating outside regulatory requirements.Spea
  
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• Osinbajo backs Rotary’s bid to establish Fire Station in Abuja community

  17-07-2026 16:15 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Omeiza AjayiABUJA: Former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has thrown his weight behind the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro’s flagship project to establish a Community Volunteer Fire Station to serve Kafe District, Life Camp, Gwarinpa and surrounding communities, describing it as a demonstration of Rotary in action.Osinbajo, who served as Chairman of the occasion at the investiture of Rotarian Engr. Michael O. Oluwagbemi, FNSE, as the 17th President of the Rotary Club of Abuja
  
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• INEC confirms Oran’kan as ACCORD Senatorial flagbearer in Oyo central

  17-07-2026 16:09 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Party rallies behind him, Hamzat
  By Ishola Balogun
  Ambassador Shakirullahi Jimoh Oran’kan has been confirmed as the ACCORD Party’s Senatorial Candidate for Oyo Central District, following his appearance on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.
  Oran’kan secured the ticket after defeating his opponent in a fiercely contested primary election held on June 28, 2026.
  In a statement released by the Oran’kan Media Team in Ibadan, Sheikh Ibrahim Al
  
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• Mary Habila’s Death: Kaduna Youth Group petitions senate, seeks independent probe

  17-07-2026 16:06 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Joseph Erunke, AbujaA youth group, the Southern Kaduna Youth Movement (SKYM), has petitioned the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, seeking an independent investigation into the death of Miss Mary Habila, who reportedly died at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State.In the petition signed by its National President, Suleiman Haruna, the group urged the National Assembly to facilitate a transparent and impartial investigati
  
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• What does African football need to win its first World Cup?

  17-07-2026 15:53 via vanguardngr.com
  
  African football has made remarkable progress over the past decades, but winning the FIFA World Cup remains its greatest challenge. The site for all betting online 1xBet is perfect for wagering on this tournament that takes place every 4 years.The continent has consistently produced world-class players, while Morocco’s historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals proved that African teams can compete with the world’s best. However, turning potential into a championship requires lo
  
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• Bank employee arraigned over alleged forgery of non-indebtedness letter

  17-07-2026 15:51 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A 37-year-old microfinance bank employee, Henry Nwoko, on Friday appeared before an Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly forging a letter of non-indebtedness.Nwoko, whose address was not provided, is standing trial on a two-count charge of forgery and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.The prosecutor, ASP Simon Njue, told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offences in February at Advance Microfinance Bank,
  
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• NANS knocks Northern Group calling for Umahi’s removal, says autopsy necessary

  17-07-2026 15:33 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adesina WahabThe National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has criticised the Northern Youth Council for demanding the removal of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, over the death of Miss Mary Habila, insisting that an autopsy should be conducted to determine the actual cause of death.NANS, in a statement by its National President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, said the decision to subject the deceased to a post-mortem examination should be respected as it would help establish the
  
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• Otukpo Killings: Tinubu must end Nigeria’s descent into ‘Republic of Bloodshed’ — Agada

  17-07-2026 15:27 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By John AlechenuABUJA — The 2027 presidential hopeful of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Arc. Peter Agada, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently reform Nigeria’s security architecture and restore the country to a state of law and order.Agada, who is also the Global Convener of The Movement Nigeria (TMN), made the call in Abuja on Thursday while reacting to the July 12, 2026 killings in Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.H
  
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• Oyo abduction: We took operation to rescue victims personally – IRT, SIS officers

  17-07-2026 15:22 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Kingsley OmonobiPolice officers comprising operatives on the Special Intervention Squad, SIS, and the Intelligence Response Team, IRT, have disclosed that they gave their all in joint coordination with the military and other security agencies to ensure the successful rescue of the 44 abducted pupils and teachers of Oriire schools because they saw the abductees as their own children.One police personnel, Sergeant John Jerome Mbena, was killed during the rescue operation while several other po
  
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• Freed kidnap victims reveal terrorist losses in North-West operations

  17-07-2026 15:11 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have intercepted five freed kidnap victims who revealed heavy losses suffered by terrorists during recent military operations in Kaduna State.An operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday said the victims were intercepted by troops of 1 Division, Sub-Sector 5, at Forward Operating Base Kajuru on Thursday.The report said the victims told troops they were released after sustained military pressure weakened their captors operati
  
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• Breaking: Mary Habila’s family petitions IGP, demands release of body for burial

  17-07-2026 14:30 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By John AlechenuTanko Habila, father of the late Miss Mary Habila, the nurse who died at the residence of the Minister of Works, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), demanding the release of her remains for burial.Habila, who was accompanied by his wife, other family members and their lawyers, addressed the press shortly after submitting the petition at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Friday.The senior Habila, who spoke after the family lawyer, expressed sadness that almost t
  
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