General news

• Stanbic IBTC, Abia State partner to deepen MSME growth

  15-07-2026 08:55 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Peter EgwuatuStanbic IBTC Bank has affirmed its commitment to accelerating the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria through strategic partnerships with state governments and institutions committed to creating enabling environments for businesses to thrive.The bank made this commitment during its Nigeria Business Summit Regional Tour held in Aba, in partnership with the Abia State Government, to deliver business enlightenment sessions, funding masterclasse
  
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• Lukman suspends ADC membership, alleges hostile treatment by El-Rufai

  16-07-2026 19:59 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ibrahim Hassan-WuyoA fresh rift has emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led opposition coalition after a prominent member, Salihu Mohammed Lukman, announced the suspension of his membership of the party and the coalition.Lukman, in a message addressed to the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, and copied to leaders of the opposition coalition, said his decision followed what he described as months of hostile treatment by former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nas
  
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• Infinix Officially Launches the HOT 70 Pro in Nigeria with Active Matrix Cube, IP68 Water Resistance and 5G

  16-07-2026 19:59 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Developed for young creators, students, trendsetters and digital natives, the HOT 70 Pro combines expressive design, immersive personalization, powerful AI capabilities and dependable performance in a smartphone built to help users stand out and stay connected.The launch follows the successful unveiling of award-winning music star Qing Madi as the face of the HOT 70 Pro, reinforcing Infinix’s continued commitment to building products and experiences that resonate with Nigeria’s vibr
  
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• What I said to Messi during confrontation – Bellingham

  16-07-2026 19:55 via vanguardngr.com
  
  England midfielder Jude Bellingham has played down his heated exchange with Lionel Messi during the first half of England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, saying the incident was simply a disagreement over a foul.The two players were seen confronting each other during the match, prompting speculation among fans about the nature of the exchange.However, Bellingham insisted there was no animosity between them and explained that the discussion was sparked by a foul awarded in Arge
  
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• Favour Agbro: Odogwu Asaaba, alleged rape suspect to be charged to court – Police

  16-07-2026 19:51 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Egufe YafugborhiASABA — DELTA State Police Command on Thursday said Ifeanyi Ogbonna, 40, Asaaba, Delta State-based content creator arrested over the alleged rape and death of 20-year-old Favour Agbro, would be prosecuted.The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, disclosed this on Thursday in an update as the sad incident continues to dominate discussions in Asaba and across Delta State.The PPRO stated that Ogbonna, popularly known as ‘Odogwu of Asaaba
  
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• Tinubu ends 30-year Abuja Tech Villa stalemate

  16-07-2026 19:47 via vanguardngr.com
  
  ….Unveils Abuja city walk experience centreBy Omeiza AjayiABUJA: President Bola Tinubu on Thursday brought an end to a 30-year stalemate over the Abuja Technology Village corridor, commending the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, for reviving the long-abandoned site through decisive land administration reforms.“For 20 years, the Abuja Technology Village corridor lay dormant. Today, through aggressive land administration reforms and the eradication of burea
  
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• Messi dedicates Argentina’s World Cup semi-final win over England to Maradona

  16-07-2026 19:47 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeLionel Messi paid an emotional tribute to the late Diego Maradona after inspiring Argentina to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England, saying the World Cup semi-final triumph was “a gift” for the football legend.The 39-year-old captain, who created both of Argentina’s goals in Wednesday’s thrilling victory, reflected on Maradona’s enduring legacy after guiding the defending champions into a second consecutive FIFA World Cup final, where t
  
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• BCDA leadership crisis: Quit 2027 race now, Atiku tells Tinubu

  16-07-2026 19:43 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Omeiza AjayiABUJA: Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has said the leadership crisis rocking the Border Communities Development Agency BCDA is proof of a government adrift, insisting that President Bola Tinubu should abandon his 2027 re-election ambition and instead focus on correctly steering the ship of state.In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu on Thursday, Atiku said the international embarrassme
  
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• Ex-transport minister Rotimi Amaechi’s mother dies at 89

  16-07-2026 19:40 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A former Minister of Transportation and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has lost his mother, Mary Amaechi, who died at the age of 89.The family announced her passing in a statement issued by the Rotimi Amaechi Media Office on Thursday, saying the matriarch died peacefully on Thursday.Describing the late Mary Amaechi as a devoted Christian and respected community leader, the family said she dedicated her life to promoting peace, unity and selfle
  
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• ‘You can never say never’, ex-Super Eagles skipper, Joseph Yobo hints at political ambitions

  16-07-2026 19:37 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Omeiza AjayiABUJA: Former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, has hinted of a possible foray into politics, even as he commended the Federal Capital Territory FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as a raised bar for purposeful governance in Abuja.The decorated ex-footballer made the revelations while observing the ongoing landmark project commissionings across the FCT.Responding to questions on whether his constant presence at high-profile governance events signalled an interest i
  
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• Video: Akpabio teases Oshiomhole over viral ‘private jet leg massage’ video

  16-07-2026 19:35 via vanguardngr.com
  
  ABUJA — Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Thursday lightened proceedings in the Senate by teasing Senator Adams Oshiomhole over a viral video that purportedly showed him aboard a private jet with a woman, saying lawmakers initially dismissed the footage as a possible artificial intelligence (AI)-generated fabrication.Akpabio made the remark during plenary while discussing petitions before the Senate, drawing laughter from fellow lawmakers.“I don’t want to go outside of what
  
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• Tinubu unveils $3bn social protection, human capital programmes

  16-07-2026 19:23 via vanguardngr.com
  
  — Says economic reforms must lift every Nigerian
  — As FG rolls out 5 World Bank-backed initiatives to tackle poverty, strengthen healthcare, education, etcBy Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Progress GodfreyABUJA — President Bola Tinubu on Thursday launched five social protection and human capital development programmes valued at about $3 billion, aimed at eradicating poverty and bringing dividends of democracy to all classes of Nigerian citizens.The President said the success of his
  
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• Mary Habila was like a daughter to me, says Umahi

  16-07-2026 19:21 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By John Alechenu, ABUJAMinister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has spoken publicly for the first time on the death of Miss Mary Habila, describing her as “like a daughter” to him.Habila, a nurse with the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, died on June 27, 2026, at a guest house within the minister’s residence in Umunaga, Uburu, Ebonyi State.Addressing journalists on Thursday, Umahi clarified that Habila was a nurse and not a physiotherapist as previously
  
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• Mary Habila not on physiotherapists’ register — NSP

  16-07-2026 19:19 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Luminous JannamikeThe Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) says the name ‘Mary Habila’ does not appear on the database of registered physiotherapists following verification through the appropriate regulatory channels.The clarification followed public interest in Habila’s professional status, with the Society maintaining that only official regulatory records can establish whether a person belongs to a regulated profession.The position was contained in a statement issued on
  
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• Police vow justice for POS lady raped, dumped in canal

  16-07-2026 19:12 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Florencemary NwabuezeLagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a suspect in connection with the alleged brutal rape and murder of a female Point of Sale (POS) operator, whose body was discovered in a canal in the Sangotedo-Ajah area of the state.According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, on Thursday, the grim discovery was made following a distress call that prompted an immediate response from law enforcement.
  “The command received info
  
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• Osun violence: Two killed, six injured as thugs attack APC members

  16-07-2026 19:07 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Shina Abubakar
  Two persons were reportedly killed following violent attack on members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, by some political thugs in Osogbo, Osun State capital.The attack took place at Owode-Igbonna area of the state capital late at night on Wednesday by thugs who used face masks to hide their identity.It was gathered that the victims were holding meetings when the attackers arrived at the venue in a white-coloured Toyota Hiace bus, dressed in black uniforms.A resident in
  
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• Breaking: Appeal Court strikes down portions of Electoral Act as unconstitutional

  16-07-2026 18:57 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ikechukwu NnochiriThe Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has struck down sections 77(5), (6) and (7), as well as 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, which regulate membership registers of political parties and the procedure for the nomination of candidates for the 2027 general elections.In a unanimous decision on Thursday, a three-member panel of the appellate court held that the sections were inconsistent with provisions of sections 221 and 222 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which gave po
  
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• Romero labels Gary Neville ‘stupid’ over criticism at World Cup

  16-07-2026 18:52 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeCristian Romero has fired back at former England defender Gary Neville after helping Argentina book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, saying he hopes he never becomes “that stupid” when he retires from football.The Tottenham centre-back was responding to Neville’s pre-match criticism of Argentina’s central defensive pairing of Romero and Lisandro Martinez, whom the former Manchester United full-back had described as “the best, worst
  
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• Mary Habila told boyfriend she had nosebleed night before death — Umahi

  16-07-2026 18:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …. Says Habila had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed medical condition at Turkish Hospital Abuja…Says she was not a physiotherapist but a nurse – Umahi….Mary Habila was like a daughter to me – UmahiBy John AlechenuABUJA — Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, on Thursday said Miss Mary Habila, the nurse who died at a guest house within his residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, spoke with her boyfriend on the night before her death and complained of a
  
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• FA backs Tuchel despite England’s World Cup heartbreak

  16-07-2026 18:43 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeEngland manager Thomas Tuchel has retained the full backing of the Football Association despite the Three Lions’ heartbreaking exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with FA chief executive Mark Bullingham insisting the German “gave it everything” during the campaign.England’s 60-year wait for a major men’s trophy continued on Wednesday after Argentina staged a dramatic late comeback to win 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, overturning An
  
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• FAAN moves to replace physical ID check with V-pass biometric verification

  16-07-2026 18:33 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Nnasom DavidThe Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced plans to introduce a biometric identity verification system, known as V-Pass, to speed up passenger processing and enhance security at domestic airports nationwide.FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, disclosed this in a statement, saying the technology was developed in partnership with Verxid Technologies Limited.According to Agbebire, the system will enable passengers to v
  
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• World Cup 2026 winners to receive historic first championship rings

  16-07-2026 18:27 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The winners of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will receive championship rings for the first time in the tournament’s history, introducing one of America’s most iconic sporting traditions to global football.FIFA announced that the champions of Sunday’s final between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium will not only lift the coveted World Cup trophy and receive gold medals but will also be presented with specially designed championship rings.The rings mark the first time
  
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• 2027: INEC to audit its systems against repeat of 2023 ‘technical glitches’

  16-07-2026 18:25 via vanguardngr.com
  
  .Worries over disinformation, criminal use of AI, vows foolproof securityBy Omeiza AjayiABUJA – The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC on Thursday said it is set to conduct a comprehensive audit of its systems ahead of the 2027 general election in order to forestall a repeat of the technical glitches that trailed the 2023 presidential election.This was as it raised concerns over disinformation and the criminal deployment of Artificial Intelligence AI in the electoral process.T
  
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• Adebayo mourns former Aso Rock chaplain, William Okoye

  16-07-2026 18:21 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Henry Umoru, ABUJAThe Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2027 general elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has mourned the death of the Founder and General Overseer of All Christians Fellowship Mission, Rev. Dr. William Uzochukwu Okoye.Adebayo described the late cleric as a devoted servant of God who stood firmly as a voice for truth, peace, justice and national reconciliation.In a statement personally signed on Thursday, the SDP candidate said Okoye dedicated h
  
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• ADC Crisis: Be mindful of comments on Amaechi, Eze warns Okonkwo

  16-07-2026 18:19 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Daniel Abia, PORT HARCOURTA chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has cautioned the party’s spokesman for its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Barrister Kenneth Okonkwo, against making comments capable of undermining former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.Eze described Okonkwo’s recent remarks suggesting that Atiku had no alternative but to accept Amaechi as his running mate as “
  
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• Flood ravages Calabar communities, destroys property worth over N50m

  16-07-2026 18:10 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABARResidents of Arab and Atimbo communities in Calabar Municipality Local Government Area of Cross River State are counting their losses after torrential rainfall triggered flooding that destroyed property estimated at over N50 million.The flood, which followed hours of heavy downpour, submerged more than 100 houses, forcing residents to evacuate their homes and make frantic efforts to rescue their families and belongings.Items destroyed by the floodwaters included furnit
  
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• Alaafin visits Ilaro, reaffirms centuries-old Oyo-Yewa ties

  16-07-2026 18:10 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By James OgunnaikeThe ancient town of Ilaro, headquarters of Yewaland in Ogun State, was alive on Friday as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Akanni Owoade, paid a historic courtesy visit to the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, in a colourful ceremony that celebrated the shared ancestry and enduring cultural ties between the ancient kingdoms of Oyo and Yewa.The royal visit attracted members of the Yewa Council of Obas, traditional rulers,
  
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• US announces changes to visa for Nigerians, other visitors starting September 2026

  16-07-2026 18:07 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a new rule that would impose fixed time limits on visas for Nigerian and other international students, exchange visitors and foreign journalists, marking another step in President Donald Trump’s broader immigration crackdown.According to a government notice published on July 16, the rule would replace the current system that allows holders of F visas for students, J visas for cultural exchange participants and I visas for foreign
  
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• CBN directs BDCs to sell unutilized FX to NFEM

  16-07-2026 18:06 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Elizabeth AdegbesanThe Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has directed Bureau De Changes, BDCs, to sell unutilized foreign exchange, FX, balances to the Nigerian Foreign Exchange, NFEM, market within twenty-four (24) hours of the expiry of the utilisation period.The apex bank disclosed this in its regulatory guidance on purchase of FX by BDCs through authorized dealer banks in NFEM.CBN said: “BDCs are not permitted to retain in their positions any foreign exchange purchased from the NFEM th
  
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• Ebonyi demolishes illegal structures, orders drainage clearance in Abakaliki

  16-07-2026 18:04 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Jeff Agbodo, ABAKALIKIThe Ebonyi State Ministry of Capital City Development and Urban Planning has demolished unapproved structures erected along major roads and streets in Abakaliki metropolis.The exercise was part of the ministry’s ongoing building control and environmental sanitation enforcement aimed at promoting orderly urban development and maintaining a clean environment in the state capital.The demolition was carried out during a joint inspection led by the Commissioner for Cap
  
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