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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• Osun Violence: APC chieftain blames ‘desperate politicians’, denies party link

  28-06-2026 13:11 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun,  Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has described claims linking the party and its candidate, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, to rising political violence in the state as the handiwork of desperate politicians.Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, made the remark while speaking with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo.He said neither the party nor its candidate had any connection with individuals or groups allegedly using the APC’s name to perpetrate viol
  
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• Peter Obi cannot defeat Tinubu in Lagos again, we are not afraid of him — Sunday Dare

  28-06-2026 13:01 via vanguardngr.com
  
  ….and he is not a threat to this govt
  The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, has dismissed suggestions that the presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi poses a political threat to the Tinubu administration, insisting that the government is focused on delivering its mandate.Speaking during an interview on Mic On Podcast on Saturday, Dare said the administration was not afraid of Obi, arguing that the gove
  
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• How we can build Nigeria of our dreams — Peter Obi

  28-06-2026 12:34 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has said Nigeria can only achieve the nation of its dreams by raising a new generation of responsible and visionary leaders committed to selfless service and good governance.Obi made the remarks in a post on his Facebook page on Sunday following his engagement with students of Madonna University, Okija Campus, during the NextGen Mentorship and Leadership Initiative themed, “Beyond Now: Raising the Next Generation of Le
  
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• MSMEs ‘re improving livelihoods of Nigerians, transforming communities – Shettima

  28-06-2026 12:25 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, AbujaThe Bola Tinubu’s administration is building a sustainable, enterprise-led Nigeria, where MSMEs are improving livelihoods through the prosperity that is created in targeted infrastructure projects, business-support grants, and economic reforms, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has said.The core vision, according to him, is to decentralize economic opportunities so that prosperity is shared equitably among all citizens.Senator Shettima, who spoke on
  
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• NDLEA seizes N12.4bn cannabis at Lagos Port, busts drug syndicate targeting passengers

  28-06-2026 12:16 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Kingsley OmonobiOperatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a 40-foot container loaded with 4,959 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, valued at N12.397 billion in street value at the Apapa Port in Lagos.The seizure followed more than four weeks of intelligence-led surveillance and was made on Wednesday, June 23, during a joint examination by officers of the NDLEA Apapa Strategic Command, the Nigeria Customs Service, other security agen
  
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• Video: POP ceiling collapses during wedding reception in Warri

  28-06-2026 11:32 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Guests were thrown into panic after a POP ceiling suddenly collapsed during a wedding reception in Warri, abruptly disrupting the celebration.
  Moment a POP ceiling suddenly cøllåpsed during a wedding reception in Warri, Delta State pic.twitter.com/UvQqiu8naq— CHUKS(@ChuksEricE) June 28, 2026
  A video circulating online captured the moment the ceiling gave way, sending debris crashing into the reception venue as terrified attendees scrambled for safety.The incident forced guest
  
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• Nigeria’ll be Africa’s safest country soon – Obidike

  28-06-2026 11:18 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Obidike Chukwuebuka, has expressed optimism that Nigeria is on course to becoming one of the safest countries in Africa under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.Obidike said the President’s ongoing security reforms and strategic interventions demonstrate a strong commitment to tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes and other forms of criminality threatening the nation’s peace and development
  
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• Abia intensifies anti-corruption drive, inaugurates monitoring committee

  28-06-2026 11:09 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Steve Oko
  The Abia State Government has intensified efforts to institutionalise transparency and eliminate corruption in the public service with the inauguration of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Committee for the Abia State Strategy on Accountability, Integrity and Anti-Corruption (ABSIAS).The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, funded by the European Union.The committee is tasked with monitoring the implementat
  
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• COAS boosts army strength as over 8,000 soldiers graduate from depot, Osogbo

  28-06-2026 10:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Kingsley OmonobiThe Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has strengthened the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity with the graduation of more than 8,000 newly trained soldiers from the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo.The recruits are expected to reinforce ongoing military operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other emerging security threats across the country.In a statement, the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele
  
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• US AFRICOM Commander commends operation Hadin Kai

  28-06-2026 10:42 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Reaffirms support for Nigeria’s counter-terrorism effortsBy Kingsley OmonobiThe Commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA), Major General Claude Tudor, has commended the operational successes of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation Hadin Kai, describing them as a reflection of the Nigerian Armed Forces’ commitment and resilience in the fight against terrorism.Maj. Gen. Tudor gave the commendation during a visit to the headquarters of Operatio
  
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• ‘Probe alleged diversion of ₦6.3bn constituency project funds’, SERAP tells Akpabio, Abbas

  28-06-2026 10:39 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas “to urgently refer allegations that ₦6.3 billion in constituency project funds may have been diverted, misapplied, or remain unaccounted for to the appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and possible prosecution.”SERAP urged Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas “to ensure that anyone found responsible is pr
  
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• Trump threatens to annihilate Iran after new exchange of attacks

  28-06-2026 10:29 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Tehran said Sunday it carried out a third day of retaliatory strikes against US attacks on Iranian territory, as both accused the other of violating their fragile ceasefire, straining negotiations meant to end the Middle East war.The exchanges underscored the fragility of a Pakistan-brokered peace process aimed at ending a war launched by the United States and Israel in February, which disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and rattled global energy markets.Iran’s Revolutionary Gu
  
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• Venezuela quakes kill 1,400 as time running out to find survivors

  28-06-2026 10:24 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Rescue crews raced Saturday to find survivors in the rubble of Venezuela’s powerful earthquakes as the death toll reached 1,430 and hopes dwindled more than three days after the earth roared and rumbled.Tens of thousands of people were reported missing as collapsed buildings dotted cities in a country already enduring an economic crisis and political upheaval after US special forces captured authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro in January.Millions of people were also feared to lack sanitati
  
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• France records around 1,000 excess deaths in heatwave: health agency

  28-06-2026 10:21 via vanguardngr.com
  
  French health officials said Sunday there had been around 1,000 more deaths than expected during a record-breaking heatwave that has baked much of western Europe for days.“Since June 24, approximately 1,000 additional deaths (unconsolidated figures) have been observed compared to the deaths recorded in previous months,” Public Health France said in a statement.The agency said areas under red alert for heat had been particularly badly affected, and 85 percent of the deaths had been th
  
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• Gov Uba Sani visits family of slain Ummulkhairi, vows justice

  28-06-2026 09:50 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ibrahim Hassan-WuyoKaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Ummulkhairi Usman Aliyu in Maraban Jos, assuring them that everyone involved in her killing would be brought to justice.The governor, who met with the deceased’s husband, Malam Aliyu, and other family members, expressed his heartfelt sympathy and prayed for the repose of Ummulkhairi’s soul, while asking Almighty Allah to grant the bereaved family the strength and pati
  
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• ‘I didn’t sell my husband properties alone’ – Mr Ibu’s wife

  28-06-2026 09:33 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The widow of late Nollywood actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, Stella Maris Okafor, has refuted allegations that she secretly disposed of her late husband’s properties and kept the proceeds for herself.Speaking in a video interview with content creator King Mitchy, Stella Maris insisted that the sale of the property was carried out legally and in compliance with a court order.According to her, the transaction was jointly handled by herself and Mr Ibu’s two sons, Valentine
  
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• First Lady’s small business advice misunderstood — APC chieftain

  28-06-2026 09:33 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …urges Nigerians to focus on solutionsBy Adeola BadruA chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has defended the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, against criticism over her advice urging Nigerians to embrace small-scale businesses, insisting that her remarks were widely misunderstood and were intended to promote economic self-sufficiency, particularly among women and low-income families.His reaction followed widespread criticism after Senator Tinubu urged Niger
  
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• ‘It’s a disaster World Cup’ — Iran captain Taremi slams FIFA over visa, travel chaos

  28-06-2026 09:28 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has launched a scathing attack on FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, over the treatment of his team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the tournament as “a disaster” and accusing football’s governing body of failing to resolve persistent visa and travel problems.Taremi spoke out after Iran’s hard-fought draw against Egypt, with the striker revealing that several members of the team’s backroom staff have been unable to join the s
  
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• Shettima calls for unity in Plateau at Gov Mutfwang’s daughter’s wedding

  28-06-2026 09:13 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the people of Plateau, irrespective of their political affiliations, religious persuasions, tribal identities or sectional backgrounds to unite.Shettima spoke during the wedding reception of Nanbam Mutfwang, daughter of Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau.He said the wedding, which brings together the North and the South, symbolizes that  what binds Nigerians together far outweighs whatever seeks to divide the nation.“We need to build bridges;
  
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• Round of 32 begins Sunday with South Africa taking on Canada

  28-06-2026 09:00 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The high-stakes knockout phase of the 2026 World Cup officially gets underway this Sunday, with tournament co-hosts Canada and South Africa set to clash in a win-or-go-home Round of 32 showdown at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
  Scheduled for 8 p.m. Nigeria time, the encounter serves as the solitary fixture on Day 18 of the tournament, leaving no room for error as the remaining contenders chase the global title.Interestingly, Jesse Marsch’s Canadian squad is the only one of the tou
  
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• World Cup 2026: Full list of top scorers ahead of Round of 32 fixtures

  28-06-2026 08:48 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Argentina captain Lionel Messi has emerged as the standalone top scorer at the ongoing FIFA World Cup as the tournament transitions into the high-stakes Round of 32.The 39-year-old maestro extended his spectacular form by netting a crucial goal in Argentina’s 3-1 victory over Jordan today, bringing his tournament tally to an impressive six goals.
  The Inter Miami forward found the back of the net against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan during a dominant group stage campaign.Messi’s clin
  
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• Warri Ward Delineation: Justice must come before politics — Mene, lawyer

  28-06-2026 08:48 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …’Why Tinubu should suspend exercise, probe process’By Kennedy MbeleDennis Abugewa Mene is a Warri-based legal practitioner, historian, human rights advocate, and President of the Itsekiri National Development Initiative, INDI.
  He has been actively involved in issues relating to governance, community development, and the protection of the historical and constitutional rights of communities in the Niger Delta. In this interview, Mene speaks on the controversy surrounding the w
  
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• 2026 World Cup: Full list of round of 32 fixtures confirmed

  28-06-2026 08:42 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Following the dramatic completion of the group stages at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the path to global glory has taken shape with the official confirmation of the Round of 32 fixtures.
  The final day of group stage action delivered immense drama. Colombia secured their place as Group K winners following a tense, goalless draw with European powerhouses Portugal.
  Joining them from the same group are DR Congo, who showed incredible resilience by coming from a goal down to defeat Uzbekistan and punch
  
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• My ex turned my life into a non-stop deliverance service

  28-06-2026 08:41 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Peju AkandeThe air inside the house always smelled of burnt onions and bleach, a sterile, sharp mixture he used to clean the floors every Saturday morning until the terrazzo gleamed like the surface of a fresh grave.
  We live in a culture that treats endurance as a spiritual currency, especially for women, telling us that a man’s volatility is just a landscape we must learn to navigate with prayers and softer tones.
  But there is a specific kind of emotional starvation that happens in mo
  
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• World Cup 2026: Full list of African countries qualified for Round of 32

  28-06-2026 08:38 via vanguardngr.com
  
  It is a historic campaign for African football at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, with nine out of ten countries successfully booking their spots in the tournament’s knockout stages.The continent’s impressive run saw almost its entire contingent advance, showcasing immense depth and resilience on the global stage.
  The lone casualty of the group stage was Tunisia, who bowed out of the competition after a disappointing campaign left them at the bottom of Group F with zero points.Algeria b
  
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• 2027: APC group targets 24m elderly votes for Tinubu’s re-election

  28-06-2026 08:38 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Dapo AkinrefonA political support group, Renewed Hope for the Elderly, has launched a nationwide mobilisation campaign aimed at securing about 24 million votes for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election by rallying elderly Nigerians behind his administration’s policies on senior citizens.
  Speaking at the inauguration of the movement in Abuja, the Director-General of Renewed Hope for the Elderly, Dr. Bode Olaonipekun, said the initiative was established to promote the dignity, welfar
  
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• Battle For Imo: Why APC won’t win 2027 polls – Okoroma

  28-06-2026 08:34 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Says insecurity, poor infrastructure driving businesses away from state….‘Education, LG system have collapsed’By Nnamdi OjiegoDespite Imo State government’s claims of improved security, massive road construction, and an ambitious plan to provide 24-hour electricity,
  the African Democratic Congress, ADC, says the state is still struggling to attract investment because of insecurity, poor infrastructure, and what it describes as the collapse of critical sectors.
  I
  
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• Messi scores again as Argentina head into World Cup last 32 on a high

  28-06-2026 08:31 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Lionel Messi came off the bench to score his sixth goal of the tournament as Argentina warmed up for their World Cup knockout match with Cape Verde by beating Jordan 3-1 on Saturday.The ageless Messi tops the scoring charts in North America as the tournament heads into the last 32.Cape Verde’s players will be wondering how they can stop Messi when the debutants ranked 67 face the champions on July 3 in Miami.With qualification already in the bag, Messi started on the bench but came on aft
  
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• STATE POLICE WARNING:Dangerous to leave commissioner’s appointment in gov’s hands —Ubani, SAN 

  28-06-2026 07:39 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Matilda IkediobiDr Monday Ubani is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. In this interview monitored on Arise TV, Ubani spoke on the challenges State Police structure might encounter and the possible solutions to ensure its effectiveness. Excerpts:You wrote on the police bill, describing the process as historic. However, you have some concerns about fidelity to the idea of federalism, about the roles proposed for both the Federal Police and the State Police. Can you take us through what you hav
  
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