General news

• SME growth requires more than capital

  28-06-2026 02:36 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By  George  OgbonnayaFor years, discussions about small and medium-sized businesses in Nigeria have focused on access to finance. While funding remains important, money alone will not drive the next stage of SME growth. We need to look beyond funding.Entrepreneurs across Nigeria face high costs, changing customer needs, rapid technology shifts, and more competition. At the same time, digital tools, regional trade, and new technology open new ways to grow. Because of these challen
  
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• Kalu seeks continued UK support for Nigeria’s democracy, electoral reforms

  28-06-2026 22:28 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Gift Chapi OdekinaABUJA — Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has called on the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to sustain its technical support for democratic governance, electoral integrity and institutional reforms in Nigeria.Kalu made the appeal during a meeting with senior FCDO officials led by the Director-General, Network, Christina Scott, in London on the sidelines of his engagement at Chatham House.He s
  
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• NDC judgment threatens Nigeria’s democracy, HURIWA warns

  28-06-2026 22:23 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Chioma ObinnaABUJA — The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed concern over the recent Federal High Court judgment nullifying the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), warning that the ruling could undermine political pluralism and raise fears of opposition exclusion ahead of the 2027 general elections.In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group said the judgment delive
  
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• Troops neutralise two Lakurawa terrorists, recover arms in Kebbi

  28-06-2026 22:20 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Kingsley OmonobiABUJA — Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have neutralised two suspected Lakurawa terrorists and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during a successful operation in Kebbi State.The operation, carried out on June 27, 2026, took place in the Sabarumawa axis of the state as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and improve security across the North-West.The Media Information Officer of the operation, Lieutenant
  
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• Navy busts illegal fuel supply network, recovers 22,870 litres of diesel in Rivers

  28-06-2026 22:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Kingsley OmonobiABUJA — The Nigerian Navy has disrupted an illegal fuel distribution network operating through the creeks of Rivers State, recovering about 22,870 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in a major intelligence-led operation under Operation Delta Sentinel.The Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the operation dealt a significant blow to crude oil theft and illegal refin
  
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• FCCPC warns oil marketers against profiteering as crude prices fall

  28-06-2026 22:14 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned oil marketers against exploiting consumers, saying the current retail prices of petrol do not reflect the sharp decline in global crude oil prices.In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commission said its ongoing surveillance of the downstream petroleum sector had uncovered indications of consumer exploitation, as recent reductions in petrol prices by refiners, depot operators and marketers remain insignificant despite
  
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• MACBAN Chairman’s Killing: No hiding place for perpetrators, SGF vows

  28-06-2026 22:08 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Omeiza AjayiABUJA — Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has vowed that those responsible for the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku, and his associate will be apprehended and brought to justice.Akume made the declaration in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga.Expressing shock, sadness and outrage ov
  
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• Tension in Bayelsa community as women protest arrest of youths, clash with soldiers

  28-06-2026 22:05 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Samuel OyadonghaYENAGOA — Tension is mounting in the Biseni clan of Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State following the arrest of several youths and a confrontation between protesting women and security personnel that reportedly left at least four people injured.The crisis reportedly began after contractors working for Renaissance, formerly Shell, petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, accusing some youths in the community of vandalism, arson, cultism and other offences.T
  
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• Heavy rain triggers flash floods, gridlock across Lagos

  28-06-2026 22:03 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Olasunkanmi AkoniLAGOS — Motorists, commuters and residents were left stranded on Sunday after a torrential downpour triggered flash floods across several parts of Lagos, causing severe traffic gridlock and leaving many vehicles trapped on flooded roads.The heavy rainfall, which began around noon and subsided at about 3 p.m., inundated major roads across the metropolis, disrupting movement and damaging vehicles.Affected roads included the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ikorodu Road, Lagos-Ab
  
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• Bokkos Killings: APC Chairman Yilwatda visits victims

  28-06-2026 21:59 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Donates Relief, Pledges ReconstructionBy Golok NanmwaJOS — National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, on Sunday visited Mushere Chiefdom in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State to sympathise with victims of recent attacks, distribute relief materials and pledge support for the reconstruction of affected communities.The visit followed the June 21 attack on Kawel community in Mushere District, where 22 people, including medi
  
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• Abiodun hails IGP Disu, Ogun-Lagos Police over anti-kidnapping operation

  28-06-2026 21:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By James OgunnaikeABEOKUTA — Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has commended the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Olatunji Disu, for initiating the joint Ogun-Lagos security operation, Operation Kosaye, describing it as a bold, proactive and intelligence-driven initiative that has significantly improved security across the two neighbouring states.The governor said the operation had recorded remarkable successes through coordinated security operations, including the combing of fores
  
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• INEC denied us access code for candidates’ nomination – NDC

  28-06-2026 21:11 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Says it is yet to respond to us…To be in Court today to file for a stay of execution of the Lokoja FHC rulingBy Henry UmoruABUJA-THE Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC said as a party, it has approached the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC for the Access Code to enable it download its candidates on its portal, but the Commission has not responded .Speaking with Vanguard yesterday, the National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Osa Director said, “We have approach
  
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• Don’t stop praying for Nigeria, Gowon urges Christians

  28-06-2026 21:00 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Gabriel EwepuABUJA — Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has urged Nigerian Christians not to relent in praying for the peace, unity and progress of the country.Gowon made the appeal on Sunday during the ongoing Global Crusade with Kumuyi (GCK) in Abuja.The elder statesman, who has devoted much of his post-retirement life to peacebuilding and intercessory prayer for the nation, encouraged believers to remain steadfast in seeking God’s intervention for Nigeria.“
  
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• State Police Bill reflects national consensus, not political expediency — Senate

  28-06-2026 20:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Henry UmoruABUJA — The Senate has defended the passage of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, describing it as a product of national consensus rather than political cynicism.The upper chamber said the legislative initiative was born out of necessity and not political expediency, stressing that the proposal was driven by the country’s worsening security situation.In a statement issued on Sunday, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi
  
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• 80th Anniversary: Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu hail Herbert Macaulay’s legacy

  28-06-2026 20:52 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Urge Investment in EducationBy Juliet UmehLAGOS — President Bola Tinubu on Sunday said investing in education remains the most enduring way to preserve the legacy of Nigeria’s foremost nationalist, Herbert Macaulay, urging Nigerians to collectively prepare the country’s youthful population for future leadership.Represented by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, at the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Macaulay’s passing
  
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• World Cup: 2 countries end group stage without conceding a goal

  28-06-2026 20:00 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Only two countries emerged from the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup without conceding a goal, with Spain and Mexico boasting flawless defensive records.Both nations kept three consecutive clean sheets in their respective groups to finish the opening phase of the tournament with perfect defensive statistics.Spain’s backline, marshalled by goalkeeper Unai Simón, proved impenetrable throughout the group stage, while hosts Mexico matched the feat with Raúl Rangel between
  
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• Skydiving plane crash kills 11 in France

  28-06-2026 19:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A skydiving plane crashed Sunday in eastern France, killing all 11 people on board — among them a group of nurses — local authorities said, the country’s deadliest ever general aviation accident.The crash in the town of Tomblaine killed five instructors, five students and the pilot, said Yves Seguy, the prefect of the Meurthe-et-Moselle department.The students were nurses, according to the head of Meurthe-et-Moselle’s nursing council, Thierry Pechey.“They were coll
  
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• Robert Lewandowksi agrees to join MLS side Chicago Fire

  28-06-2026 19:55 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Poland captain Robert Lewandowski is set to leave European football after reaching an agreement to join Chicago Fire FC from FC Barcelona.Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday that the veteran striker has agreed to join the Major League Soccer side, with all details of the deal finalized.According to the report, Lewandowski is expected to sign his contract in the coming weeks before officially completing the move to the United States.The transfer will bring an end to the 37-year-ol
  
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• Primaries: Purported list of successful candidates fake, unauthorised – APC

  28-06-2026 19:40 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disowned the purported official list of successful candidates from its recently-held primaries in circulation, describing it as fake and unauthorised.The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said the party had not released any official list of winners of its primaries.“The APC hereby informs the general public that it has not released the official list of successful candidates from its recent
  
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• Pharmacists ask Senate to stop NHFRA Bill, warn of fresh health crisis

  28-06-2026 19:03 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Chioma ObinnaThe Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, ACPN, on Sunday urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio to halt the proposed National Health Facility Regulatory Agency, NHFRA, Bill, warning that the move could trigger another round of crisis in Nigeria’s fragile health sector.
  In a petition to the Senate, and made available to Vanguard, the pharmacists described the bill as an unnecessary duplication of existing laws and regulatory structures, insisting that the Natio
  
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• More than 1,300 excess deaths recorded in Europe heatwave – WHO

  28-06-2026 19:00 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The World Health Organization said Sunday that over 1,300 excess deaths had been recorded in Europe since June 21 in connection with the record-breaking heatwave roasting much of the continent.Tens of millions have been braving a weekend of extreme temperatures in Europe as a deadly heatwave moves eastwards, with some countries announcing rising death tolls and health services warning of saturation.On Sunday morning, French health officials said there had been around 1,000 more deaths than expe
  
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• Ogun Govt links Ijebu-Ode gas emissions to underground fault lines

  28-06-2026 18:46 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Ogun government has dismissed traditional explanations surrounding recurring gas emissions in Ijebu-Ode communities.It described the incidents as natural underground geological events linked to fault lines.The Commissioner for Environment, Dr Ola Oresanya, spoke during a town hall meeting in Ijebu-Ode on Sunday.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that students and teachers were hospitalised after suspected chemical odour exposure.The incidents occurred on three occasions this year acro
  
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• Aramco helicopter crash kills 14 in Saudi Arabia

  28-06-2026 18:42 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A helicopter crash in Saudi Arabia killed 14 Saudi citizens on Sunday, the kingdom’s official press agency reported, adding that the aircraft belonged to state oil giant Aramco.The Saudi Press Agency, citing an official at the energy ministry, reported the helicopter crashed in Ras Tanura in the country’s east.“The accident claimed the lives of all 14 passengers, all Saudi citizens,” the agency said, adding that an investigation was under way to determine the cause of the
  
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• FG condemns killing of MACBAN chairman in Benue, demands arrest of perpetrators

  28-06-2026 18:37 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Federal Government has condemned the killing of the Benue Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Risku, and his associate, describing the incident as reprehensible and unacceptable.The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, expressed shock, sadness and outrage over the incident in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Yomi Odunuga.Akume said the killing was a direct assault on the
  
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• Court sentence four rapists to 95 years imprisonment in Niger

  28-06-2026 18:32 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Wole Mosadomi.
  Minna- A Minna Senior Magistrate Court number four has sentenced four rapists to ninety five years imprisonment after being found guilty  of gang-raping and impregnating  thirteen year old girl.
  The convicts are Salisu Shehu Baura, Lawali Shaibu, Haruna Musa  Saidu and Bello  all of Kontagora town in Niger State.
  One of them, Bello who was sentenced in absential is now at large after being  granted bail.
  They were arrested by men of the Kontagora Divis
  
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• Fubara raises alarm over activities of foreign trawlers in Nigeria waterways

  28-06-2026 18:25 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Daniel Abia
  P/HarcourtGovernor Siminalaye Fubara of Rivers state has called for action to checkmate the continuous illegal incursion into Nigerian Maritime environment by foreign fishing trawlers.Fubara  said this while declaring open the 66th Annual General Meeting/Conference of The Nigerian Chambers of Commerce, industry,Mines and Agriculture( NACCIMA) in Port HarcourtTheme for the conference was”The Gulf of Guinea And The Blue Economy: PATHWAYS To A ONE Trillion dollars Economy
  
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• Tinubu hails Fashola as outstanding administrator @63

  28-06-2026 18:18 via vanguardngr.com
  
  President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, on his 63rd birthday.Tinubu, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday in Abuja, described Fashola as an outstanding administrator, accomplished legal practitioner and patriotic Nigerian.The president said Fashola’s exemplary leadership had left an enduring legacy, particularly in Lagos State, through his commitment to good governa
  
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• Iran warns ships not to bypass its chosen Hormuz route

  28-06-2026 18:16 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Iran’s top diplomat warned Sunday that any attempt by shipping to bypass its preferred route through the Strait of Hormuz would “increase tensions” in the Middle East, as US and Iranian forces again traded attacks across the vital seaway.The exchanges underscored the fragility of a Pakistan-brokered agreement aimed at ending the war launched by the United States and Israel in February, which disrupted shipping through the strait and rattled global energy markets.Although a cea
  
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• South Korea coach quits after early World Cup exit

  28-06-2026 18:11 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Much-maligned South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo resigned on Sunday, reports said, a day after his side’s group-stage exit from the World Cup.The 57-year-old former captain, in his second stint as coach, oversaw an early World Cup exit for the second time to go with the failure in 2014.South Korea were expected to get out of a Group A that included co-hosts Mexico plus South Africa and the Czech Republic.But they lost 1-0 to South Africa and Mexico, and finished on three points, their only su
  
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• Tinubu brought me back from exile — Sunday Igboho declares loyalty, attacks Aregbesola

  28-06-2026 18:06 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adeola BadruFounder of the Iru Ekun Security Network and prominent Yoruba nation agitator, Mr. Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has declared his unwavering loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, stating that he owed the President a lasting debt of gratitude for facilitating his return from exile.Speaking in a video that has since gone viral on social media, Igboho said he would continue to support the Tinubu administration because the President “forgave” him and ensur
  
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