General news

• Shettima’s final test, by Azu Ishiekwene

  17-07-2026 06:23 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Vice President Kashim Shettima cannot be blamed for having doubts about whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would renominate him as his running mate for a second term.As governor of Lagos State for eight years, Tinubu used three deputies: KofoworolaBucknor-Akerele, Femi Pedro, and AbiodunOgunleye. Only Senate President GodswillAkpabio (as AkwaIbom governor) matched this record in the last 27 years. Whether it was a matter of style, chemistry, or vision, Governor Tinubu always had a reason
  
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• SEGUN ODEGBAMI: Who wins – Spain or Argentina? 

  18-07-2026 03:28 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The curtains will be drawn on the 2026 FIFA World Cup tomorrow.  The 104 football battles fought amongst 48 countries will come to a most befitting climax. The two teams at the finish line are amongst the 7 that have previously won the World Cup, maintaining a tradition that only a few countries in the world can, and have managed to win in history. Another useful tradition to note is that the coveted trophy is not won by the element of luck, or by accident. It is success earned t
  
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• 2026 World Cup final – Messi vs Yamal: Sorcerer and the apprentice, by Stephanie Shaakaa 

  18-07-2026 03:25 via vanguardngr.com
  
  ​The 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19th is not merely a match; it is a funeral for the game as we knew it. Every civilization has a moment that historians later recognize as the quiet beginning of a new age. It rarely arrives with the fanfare of revolution. More often, it wears the mask of progress,welcomed as improvement, applauded as common sense. The change is almost imperceptible, a slow accumulation of ordinary decisions, until one day we look up and realize we have crossed
  
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• 2026 FIFA World Cup final: History asking for a signature  

  18-07-2026 03:14 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Douglas Baye-Osagie  If the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, FIFA, could have written the script of the 2026 World Cup before a ball was kicked, this would possibly be it. The European Champions against the World Champions. The past meeting the present.  And in the middle, at 39, is Lionel Messi. One more final. One more chance to cement what is already immortal.This is not just a game. This is history asking for a signature. And if it happ
  
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• Umahi: How Mary, not Habila, destroyed a powerful senator, by Emmanuel Aziken

  18-07-2026 03:06 via vanguardngr.com
  
  It was not merely the accident at Chappaquiddick that destroyed Senator Ted Kennedy’s lifelong ambition of becoming President of the United States. It was Mary.Mary Jo Kopechne.She was the young woman who died after Kennedy’s car plunged from a narrow bridge on Chappaquiddick Island in July 1969. Kennedy escaped from the submerged vehicle, but he did not report the accident until the following morning.What happened between the moment the car entered the water and the time
  
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• Israel: The scales are falling off, by Muyiwa Adetiba

  18-07-2026 03:04 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Theirs was a classic Father/Daughter story. She was the apple of his eyes. His Miss Nigeria if not Miss Universe. He was her knight in shining armor. The one person who could do no wrong. She sat on his knees into her teens – much longer than many puritans would deem acceptable. He was putty in her hands and her siblings knew where to go if they needed difficult favors from their dad. It was at her late adolescence, that deeply emotional stage in life when family stability is most im
  
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• Gabon forward Aubameyang leaves Marseille for Deportivo La Coruna

  18-07-2026 00:16 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Gabon international striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has joined Spanish club Deportivo La Coruna from Marseille on a contract until 2028, the promoted La Liga side announced Friday.Aubameyang, who still had a year remaining on his contract with the Ligue 1 club, leaves after playing 92 matches and scoring 44 goals.The 37-year-old arrived in Marseille in the summer of 2023 and returned in 2025 following a season at Saudi Arabia club Al-Qadsiah.“His career demonstrates exceptional consiste
  
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• US forces launch new strikes against Iran – Military

  17-07-2026 23:24 via vanguardngr.com
  
  US forces launched strikes against Iran for a seventh night in a row on Friday, the US military said.US Central Command, in a post on X, said the strikes, which began at 1900 GMT, were designed to “continue degrading Iranian military capabilities.”
  The post US forces launch new strikes against Iran – Military appeared first on Vanguard News.
  
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• Navy dismantles 48 illegal refineries, arrests 91 suspects in anti-oil theft crackdown

  17-07-2026 23:12 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Recovers 4.69 Million Litres of Stolen Crude, Refined Products as Nigeria Exceeds OPEC Production QuotaBy Kingsley OmonobiThe Nigerian Navy says it dismantled 48 illegal refinery sites, recovered about 4.698 million litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products, and arrested more than 91 suspects involved in crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, militancy and related offences during the second quarter of 2026.The Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Foloru
  
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• Benue Chief Judge warns magistrates against corruption

  17-07-2026 22:39 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Says Judicial Compromise Erodes Public Confidence in Justice SystemBy Peter Duru, MakurdiThe Chief Judge of Benue State, Hon. Justice Maurice Ahemba Ikpambese, has cautioned magistrates in the state against all forms of corruption, warning that any compromise of judicial independence undermines public confidence in the justice system.Justice Ikpambese gave the warning on Friday during a strategic meeting with magistrates at High Court 1, Benue State High Court of Justice Headquarters in
  
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• NRC boss seeks stronger security collaboration with police, demands tougher penalties for vandals

  17-07-2026 22:19 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Olasunkanmi AkoniThe Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to protect railway infrastructure across the country.Opeifa made the pledge on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Olugbenga Abimbola, at the Command Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.He was accompanied by the
  
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• Liberia cancel US football friendly after visa denials

  17-07-2026 22:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Liberia have cancelled their planned football friendly against Major League Soccer’s Minnesota United after US visas for at least some team members were denied.Liberia’s Ministry of Sports announced the cancellation in a statement published on its Facebook page on Wednesday that said “members of the Liberian national team and the official delegation were denied United States visas, making it impossible to field the required delegation and fulfill the contractual obligations wi
  
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• 2027 polls: NNPP raises concerns about potential misuse of state police

  17-07-2026 22:14 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, AbujaA fresh controversy has erupted over the recently passed State Police Bill after Prince Nweze Onu, Deputy National Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), warned that the proposed security reform could be turned into a dangerous political weapon by state governments ahead of the 2027 general elections.Prince Onu in a strong worded statement on .Thursday, acknowledged that establishment of state police has long been proposed as a potential solution t
  
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• Shettima charges LG chairmen on driving nutrition 774 at grassroots

  17-07-2026 22:03 via vanguardngr.com
  
  —*Says Tinubu’s commitment to nutrition is governance directive that must become operational
  —Demands ALGON’s full participation in Local Government Committees on Food, nutrition, functional structures at the community levelBy Johnbosco Agbakwuru, AbujaThe Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima has charged local government chairmen to drive the implementation of the Nutrition 774 (N-774) Initiative at the grassroots to improve nutritional outcomes in communities across
  
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• World Cup final: Tackling Messi ‘huge challenge’ for Spain, says Merino

  17-07-2026 21:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Spanish super-sub Mikel Merino said Friday that neutralising the threat of Lionel Messi will be a “huge challenge” as La Roja prepare for their World Cup final showdown against Argentina.Argentina skipper Messi, 39, has been pivotal in dragging the defending champions into Sunday’s final in East Rutherford, orchestrating a 2-1 semi-final victory over England with two assists.Messi, the tournament’s joint top-scorer with eight goals, also inspired a dramatic comeback agai
  
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• NUPRC urges new licence holders to support Nigeria’s 2mbpd oil production target

  17-07-2026 21:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Obas Esiedesa, AbujaThe Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has urged newly awarded holders of Petroleum Prospecting Licences (PPLs) to fast-track the development of their assets to support the Federal Government’s target of increasing crude oil production to two million barrels per day by 2027.The Commission Chief Executive, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, gave the charge on Friday in Abuja during the signing ceremony for the second batch of winners of the 2022/2023 Mi
  
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• 2027: Wike declares Abuja ‘shut’ to opposition, dares them to fault Tinubu’s projects

  17-07-2026 21:55 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Omeiza AjayiABUJA: Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Friday declared that President Bola Tinubu’s extensive infrastructure delivery in Abuja has effectively silenced political critics, insisting that visible performance remains the strongest response to opposition.Speaking during the commissioning of the reconstructed Arab/Gbazango Road in Kubwa, Bwari Area Council, Wike said the scale of projects executed under the Tinubu administration had transformed gov
  
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• 2027: NNPP’s Onu warns against abuse of state police

  17-07-2026 21:54 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By John Alechenu, AbujaThe Deputy National Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Prince Nweze Onu, has cautioned that the newly passed State Police Bill could be abused by politicians and undermine Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.In a statement issued on Friday, Onu said although state policing has long been advocated as a solution to Nigeria’s security challenges, its implementation without adequate safeguards could pose significant risks.
  
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• NAICOM warns insurers ahead of July 31 recapitalisation deadline

  17-07-2026 21:51 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Rosemary IwunzeThe National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has warned insurance operators that the July 31 recapitalisation deadline is mandatory, urging companies yet to meet the new minimum capital requirements to act with urgency.The Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of NAICOM, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, gave the warning on Friday at the investiture of Mr. Akinjide Oluwarotimi-Orimolade as the 53rd President and Chairman of the Council of the Chartered Insurance Instit
  
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• Peter Obi has capacity to lead Nigeria, says Ebonyi NDC senatorial candidate

  17-07-2026 21:43 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Mobilises Support for NDC Ahead of 2027 PollsBy Jeff Agbodo, AbakalikiThe National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ebonyi Central Senatorial District in the 2027 general election, Prof. Ben Ifeanyi Odoh, has described the party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, as a leader with the capacity and integrity to move Nigeria forward.Odoh said Obi’s record in public service makes him one of the few politicians whose performance speaks for itself.He spoke in Abakalik
  
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• Police hunt teacher over alleged flogging death of student in Anambra

  17-07-2026 21:40 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Vincent UjumaduThe Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a teacher accused of allegedly flogging a 12-year-old student to death at a school in Adazi-Ani, Anaocha Local Government Area of the state.The command said it has also activated its Safe School Initiative, headed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Harrison Oruruo, to ensure a thorough investigation of the incident.The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said police o
  
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• Anambra Court jails native doctor, Onyeze Jesus, for false claims of supernatural powers

  17-07-2026 21:37 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Vincent UjumaduAn Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has sentenced a self-acclaimed prophet and native doctor, Onyebuchi Okocha, popularly known as Onyeze Jesus, to six years’ imprisonment for offences under the Anambra Homeland Security Law.The court also imposed a fine of ₦20 million on Okocha.The conviction forms part of the Anambra State Government’s ongoing campaign against alleged fraudulent spiritual practices and criminal activities linked to some self-styled
  
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• Deschamps set for bittersweet ending to France reign as Zidane waits

  17-07-2026 21:35 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Didier Deschamps brings the curtain down on a remarkable 14-year reign as France coach on Saturday when Les Bleus face England in the World Cup third-place play-off.Waiting in the wings is Zinedine Zidane, Deschamps’ former teammate and one of the all-time great French players.Deschamps, 57, had been determined to sign off by leading Les Bleus to a third World Cup triumph after a glittering career as a player and coach.France justified their billing as favourites for the 2026 tournament w
  
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• Tinubu mourns dame Amaechi, mother of ex-transport minister Rotimi Amaechi

  17-07-2026 21:34 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, AbujaPresident Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, mother of former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi.Dame Amaechi died at the age of 89.In a condolence message, President Tinubu described the late matriarch as a woman of deep Catholic faith, exemplary family values and unwavering commitment to raising children dedicated to service.He noted that her life was ma
  
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• Naira depreciates to N1,425/$ in parallel market

  17-07-2026 21:21 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Elizabeth AdegbesanThe naira on Friday depreciated to N1,425 per dollar in the parallel foreign exchange market, compared with N1,422 per dollar recorded on Thursday.The local currency also weakened slightly at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), where it traded at N1,381.5 per dollar, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).The latest figure represents a 50 kobo depreciation from the N1,381 per dollar recorded at the official market on Thursday.Following the moveme
  
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• ‘I’ll miss the French team’ – Deschamps ahead of England clash

  17-07-2026 21:04 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Didier Deschamps said Friday that no tears will be shed as he prepares to take charge of his final France match in the World Cup third-place play-off against England.The 57-year-old coach has enjoyed a successful reign, winning the World Cup in 2018 and reaching the final in Qatar four years ago, having also won it as a player in 1998.His talented team were favourites to win a third World Cup for France at the 2026 tournament but lost 2-0 to European champions Spain in the semi-finals.That mean
  
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• Kelechi Iheanacho joins Turkey side Bursaspor

  17-07-2026 20:57 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho has completed a move to Turkish club Bursaspor after rejecting a new contract offer from Scottish champions Celtic.The 29-year-old striker departs Glasgow after helping Celtic secure a domestic league and cup double in an injury-disrupted campaign.Celtic had offered Iheanacho fresh terms in a bid to keep him at the club, but the former Leicester City and Manchester City forward opted for a new challenge in Turkey.Bursaspor, who earned promotion to the Tur
  
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• ‘I wasn’t scammed’ – Bella Shmurda dismisses $4m property reports

  17-07-2026 20:53 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Popular Nigerian singer Bella Shmurda has denied reports claiming he lost $4 million in an alleged Lagos property scam, describing the story as false.The rumours gained traction after a viral report alleged that the singer broke down in tears during an Instagram Live session over a fraudulent property deal.However, the singer debunked the reports in a series of posts shared on his Instagram Story on Friday.In one of the posts, he wrote, “Fake news!! I wasn’t scammed. Trust bloggers
  
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• 2 Nigerians, one other jailed in UK after stealing almost £5m in police impersonation scam

  17-07-2026 20:46 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Three men, including two Nigerians, have been sentenced to a combined 28 years and nine months in prison for stealing nearly £5 million in cryptocurrency from victims through an elaborate fraud scheme.Anthony Ikenwe, 29, Hamza Bashir, 23, and Kevin Nwamma, 25, were convicted of conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering and sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday.The trio reportedly posed as police officers and contacted victims, falsely claiming their cryptocurrency accounts
  
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• Lagos begins controlled demolition of fire-damaged Martins Street building

  17-07-2026 20:02 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), has commenced the controlled demolition of the fire-damaged building on Martins Street, Lagos Island.The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.He said the exercise followed a comprehensive structural assessment and would be carried out in line with international best practices in urban s
  
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