General news

• Shettima: Nigeria’s digital transformation under Tinubu unrivaled

  22-07-2026 20:06 via vanguardngr.com
  
  —Applauds ongoing reforms by NIMC managementBy Johnbosco AgbakwuruABUJA—THE Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima,on Wednesday, applauded the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, describing the process as unrivaled.He attributed the development to the administration’s reforms being undertaken by the current management of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), particularly with the
  
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• Meet Yinka Ogunbiyi, the Nigerian-American behind the world’s first braid-assist robot

  24-07-2026 17:43 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Nigerian-American biomechanical engineer and Harvard graduate Yinka Ogunbiyi has secured $7 million in seed funding to commercialise HaloBraid, a patented braid-assist robot designed to help professional hairstylists cut braiding time and reduce physical strain.The funding round was led by venture capital firm Seven Seven Six, founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, with participation from AlleyCorp and Bling Capital.The startup is entering the market with more than 7,000 professional salo
  
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• IOC reject complaint against FIFA chief Infantino over ‘political neutrality’

  24-07-2026 17:38 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The International Olympic Committee has rejected a complaint filed by the human rights NGO FairSquare against FIFA president Gianni Infantino for alleged breaches of rules on political neutrality, an IOC spokesperson told AFP on Friday.The FairSquare complaint alleges that Infantino has “repeatedly breached IOC’s rules on political neutrality by offering his political support for US president Donald Trump”.“The IOC Ethics Commission thoroughly analysed the complaint by F
  
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• CAS schedules Oct. 8 hearing to decide 2025 AFCON champions

  24-07-2026 17:19 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Emmanuel OkogbaThe Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has fixed October 8 as the date for a landmark hearing that could determine the rightful winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).The case pits the Senegalese Football Federation against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation over CAF’s decision to award the 2025 AFCON title to Morocco following the controversial circumstances surrounding the tournament’s final.At the
  
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• Why I limit kissing scenes in my movies — Biodun Stephen

  24-07-2026 17:16 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Nollywood filmmaker Biodun Stephen has dismissed claims that romantic scenes in movies are responsible for breaking marriages, insisting that actors and their spouses understand the demands of the profession.Speaking in a video shared on Instagram late Thursday, Stephen reacted to comments by a young woman who argued that filmmakers should reduce kissing scenes because they could ruin the marriages of actors.Addressing the claim, Stephen said she found it difficult to understand the argument, n
  
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• 7-month pregnant Crystal Palace star joins pre-season training

  24-07-2026 17:15 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Crystal Palace Women midfielder Justine Vanhaevermaet has drawn praise after taking part in pre-season training despite being seven months pregnant.The 34-year-old Belgium international was pictured training alongside her teammates as the south London club stepped up preparations for the new Women’s Super League (WSL) season.Vanhaevermaet, who joined Crystal Palace last summer and helped the club secure an immediate return to the WSL, is expecting her first child in September with her fia
  
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• Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sent to solitary confinement after prison fight

  24-07-2026 17:02 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Sean “Diddy” Combs has reportedly been placed in solitary confinement after being involved in a fight with another inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Fort Dix, where he is serving a 50-month prison sentence.According to ABC News, citing a source familiar with the incident, the altercation began after another inmate made a remark to Combs, prompting the confrontation.Following the fight, prison authorities placed the music mogul in solitary confinement, the source s
  
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• NGF commends Tinubu for historic creation of four new army divisions

  24-07-2026 16:56 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) welcomes President Bola Tinubu’s creation of four new Army divisions across the country, a statement says.The statement says the simultaneous creation of four new divisions is the largest single expansion of the Nigerian Army in modern history, adding that the bold step shows the President’s renewed commitment to security of lives and property.“We wholeheartedly welcome this development, including the president’s approval for the
  
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• Osun Election: Osun will be the litmus test for INEC, security agencies — Olajengbesi

  24-07-2026 16:51 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ikechukwu NnochiriABUJA— Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Abuja-based lawyer Mr. Pelumi Olajengbesi on Friday described the Osun State governorship poll, slated for August 15, as a litmus test for both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies in the country.Olajengbesi said he had formally petitioned the international community, including the British High Commission, calling for closer scrutiny of pre-election activities, with specific reference to
  
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• US hits Nigeria, 7 African nations with 12.5% tariff over forced labour claims

  24-07-2026 16:50 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Nkiruka NnoromThe United States has slapped Nigeria and seven other African countries with a 12.5 percent tariff on their exports to America over alleged failure to curb forced labour in supply chains.Read Also: Cybercriminals, family members from Nigeria, other countries face new US visa banThe action, taken under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974 by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, USTR, was part of a sweeping measure against 38 economies that the US accused of f
  
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• Top 6 phones for photography and videography

  24-07-2026 16:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The latest generation of phones is closing the gap with professional cameras, offering improved sensors, advanced image processing and stronger low-light performance for photography enthusiasts and content creators.Photography accessories brand Moment has released its list of the top six camera phones of 2026, ranking devices from Apple, Samsung, Google, OnePlus and Xiaomi based on their photography and video capabilities.iPhone 17 ProThe iPhone 17 Pro was ranked as the best camera phone for cr
  
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• It’s a privilege to succeed Guardiola at Man City – Maresca

  24-07-2026 16:41 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Enzo Maresca said Friday it is a “privilege” to follow Pep Guardiola as manager of Manchester City.Former Chelsea and Leicester boss Maresca was named as Guardiola’s successor after the Catalan stepped down at the end of last season, having won 20 trophies during a superbly successful 10-year spell at the Etihad Stadium.“First of all, I have to say that it’s a privilege,” said the Italian in his first press conference as City boss.“I’ve said many
  
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• Dutchman van Bommel appointed new Belgium football coach

  24-07-2026 16:35 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Mark van Bommel is the new coach of the Belgian national football team, the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) announced on Friday.The 49-year-old former Dutch international succeeds Frenchman Rudi Garcia, who stepped down having guided the ‘Red Devils’ to the World Cup quarter-finals.“Mark van Bommel has signed a contract that will see him lead Belgium’s national team through UEFA EURO 2028,” read an RBFA statement.Van Bommel, who was an uncompromising
  
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• Trump returns to White House press dinner after shooting chaos

  24-07-2026 16:32 via vanguardngr.com
  
  US President Donald Trump will return to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner amid heightened security on Friday, three months after an alleged assassination attempt forced his chaotic evacuation from the event.Defying threats from what he called “lunatics,” Trump is set to give the speech he was prevented from delivering in April when gunshots were fired at the Washington Hilton and the black-tie dinner was called off.California man Cole Allen, 31, has pleaded not guilty to
  
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• Soludo bans graduation ceremonies in Anambra schools

  24-07-2026 16:29 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Vincent UjumaduAWKA — Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has approved an indefinite ban on graduation ceremonies in kindergarten, primary and secondary schools across the state.The state Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, said the measure is aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents.In a statement issued on Friday, Mefor said the clarification became necessary following inquiries and concerns from members of the public over the direct
  
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• Commonwealth Games 2026: Roland Ezuruike wins Nigeria’s first medal

  24-07-2026 16:21 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Nigeria’s Roland Ezuruike has secured Team Nigeria’s first medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games after claiming silver in the men’s Lightweight Group A Para Powerlifting event.The experienced para powerlifter produced a strong display throughout the competition and came close to winning the gold medal.Ezuruike successfully completed his opening lifts but narrowly missed out on the top prize after failing in his final attempt to set a new Commonwealth Games record with a 190kg l
  
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• N1.32bn allocation: No Kobo was released to PFIPC, Budget Office tells Reps

  24-07-2026 16:10 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Gift Chapi OdekinaDirector-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu, on Friday defended the agency’s role in the controversial budgetary allocation to the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), insisting that despite provisions made in the 2026 Appropriation Act, not a single kobo was released or spent because the statutory conditions for expenditure were never fulfilled.Appearing before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee investigatin
  
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• US imposes sanctions on financial networks linked to Muslim Brotherhood

  24-07-2026 16:01 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced on Thursday new sanctions targeting a prominent official in Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, along with three individuals and three entities, which it said had provided financial and logistical support to Hamas through international networks for raising and transferring funds.The sanctions released on Thursday included Mahmoud Al-Ebiary, whom the U.S. Treasury Department described as a prominent leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, residing in the Uni
  
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• 2027: Peter Obi remains Nigerians’ preferred choice, says PDP chieftain

  24-07-2026 16:01 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Engr. Anselm Ijebor, has expressed support for former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.Ijebor said he would mobilise support for Obi, describing him as a leader with a track record in public service.According to him, Nigerians should support candidates they believe possess the experience, vision and capacity to address the country’s challenges.He also mentioned for
  
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• Teni releases ‘The Wellness Package’ EP

  24-07-2026 15:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Award-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter, Teni, has released her highly anticipated extended play (EP), The Wellness Package, marking a new phase centred on personal growth, healing and community.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project reflects Teni’s personal experiences over recent years, presenting wellness as a lifestyle rooted in love, laughter, self-care and meaningful human connections.The six-track EP also marks the beginning of Teni’s strategic partner
  
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• Blogger urges Adeyemi to apologise to Gbajabiamila over allegation

  24-07-2026 15:39 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Nigerian content creator and blogger, MC Izzy, has called on Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi to apologise to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations made against the presidential aide, saying he believes the claims have not been substantiated.In a video posted on his social media platforms, MC Izzy said his comments were informed by recent developments surrounding the matter, including the involvement of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commis
  
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• Bangladesh president resigns citing ill health

  24-07-2026 15:20 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Bangladesh’s president, a close ally of former premier Sheikh Hasina, resigned from the largely ceremonial role on Friday citing ill health, according to a letter seen by AFP.President Mohammed Shahabuddin confirmed he was stepping down in a call with AFP.“Yes, I have resigned,” Shahabuddin said when asked about widespread speculation that he planned to step down before completing his full term ending in 2028.He did not provide further details.In a resignation letter to the sp
  
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• ‘It wasn’t a crash’ —  Enugu Air CEO clarifies Benin Airport incident

  24-07-2026 15:09 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Chief Executive Officer and Accountable Manager of Enugu Air, Captain Tolu Ita, has clarified that the airline’s recent runway excursion at the Benin Airport was not a crash or an emergency landing, assuring the public that everyone on board the aircraft was safe.Speaking in a video shared on the airline’s official social media page on Friday, Ita said the incident occurred after the aircraft hydroplaned on the runway during landing, causing it to veer off the runway.She emphasi
  
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• Lagos govt releases 2026 admission list for model colleges, upgraded schools

  24-07-2026 14:53 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Olasunkanmi AkoniThe Lagos State Government has released the merit admission list for candidates who sat for the 2026 screening test into Lagos State Model Colleges and upgraded secondary schools following the screening exercise.In a statement issued on Friday by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, the government said successful candidates can now check their admission status on the Lagos State Examinations Board portal.The statement
  
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• NDA warns public of explosive blasts during cadets exercise

  24-07-2026 14:40 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has announced that it would conduct an inter-company obstacle crossing competition for Short Service Cadets on Saturday at its Afaka facility.The Academy disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its Public Relations Officer, Maj. Reuben Kovangiya.Kovangiya explained that the exercise, which was part of the Academy’s routine training activities, would take place between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.He noted that the day and night exercise was designed to te
  
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• Osun’s newly opened LAMECO flyover damaged three weeks after commissioning

  24-07-2026 14:34 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Shina Abubakar, OsogboA section of the recently commissioned 672-mete4 LAMECO flyover in Osogbo has suffered damage.The State Governor had on July 1st this year, commissioned the flyover and opened it for public use.However, a section of the flyover sunk earlier hours of Friday, following the downpour which happened for almost 8 hours between Thursday and Friday in the state capital.The noticeable depression on the bridge raised concern among motorists and residents as they took alternative
  
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• 2027: Hamzat right man for Lagos, says Ashafa

  24-07-2026 14:28 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A former Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Sen. Gbenga Ashafa, has  urged  Lagos residents to support the aspiration of  the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr Obafemi Hamzat,for 2027.Ashafa made the call  in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Friday in Lagos.He said that Hamzat possessed the competence, experience and leadership qualities required to sustain the development strides of the state.According to him,
  
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• Chris Brown pleads guilty to public order offence in UK

  24-07-2026 14:25 via vanguardngr.com
  
  American R&B singer Chris Brown on Friday pleaded guilty to a public order offence following an alleged brawl at a London nightclub in 2023.“Guilty,” replied Brown, 37, dressed in a beige suit and dark tie, after the charge of affray was put to him as he stood in the dock at Southwark Crown Court in London.He will now not face trial on several other charges, including attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon, namely a bottle, in
  
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• Former adult film star sworn in as Colombia senator

  24-07-2026 14:10 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Former adult film actress Deyci Alejandra Omaña Ortiz, popularly known by her stage name Amaranta Hank, has officially been sworn in as a senator in Colombia following her victory in the country’s March parliamentary elections.Omaña will represent Colombia’s Norte de Santander region in the Senate as a member of the left-wing Historic Pact coalition for the 2026–2030 legislative term. She secured her seat after placing 23rd on the coalition’s closed elector
  
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• ‘Be bold to support your kinsman’ – Atiku blasts Obasanjo over Na’Abba bribery claim

  24-07-2026 14:02 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Omeiza AjayiPresidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s allegation that he bribed the late Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba to impeach him as politically motivated, aimed at boosting the electoral fortunes of Obasanjo’s preferred candidate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, on Friday, Atiku said: “
  
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