General news

• States risk losing investors over weak data protection — NDPC

  19-08-2026 17:39 via punchng.com
  
  Weak data protection systems in Nigerian states could deter investors, warns NDPC. Learn how strong data protection builds trust and attracts foreign invesRead More: https://punchng.com/states-risk-losing-investors-over-weak-data-protection-ndpc/
  
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• Bayelsa grants 20 years electricity distribution licence to BYEDC

  19-08-2026 18:03 via vanguardngr.com
  By Emem Idio, YenagoaThe Bayelsa State Electricity Regulatory Agency (BYERA) has issued a 20-year electricity distribution licence to the Bayelsa Electricity Distribution Company Limited (BYEDC), marking a major step in the state’s effort to establish a locally regulated electricity market.The licence, numbered BYERA/EDL/001, was formally presented on in Yenagoa by the Director-General of BYERA, Dr Rosalyn Dressman, to the Managing Director of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc (P
  
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• Diri urges issue-based campaigns ahead of 2027

  19-08-2026 17:57 via vanguardngr.com
  ….Flags off Tinubu’s second-term bid in South-South, congratulates AdelekeBy Samuel Oyadongha, YenagoaYENAGOA — Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has urged politicians and their supporters to ensure that campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections are issue-based, respectful and devoid of personal attacks.Diri gave the charge on Wednesday in Yenagoa during the flag-off of the South-South zone of the PBAT Door to Door Movement, a political group mobilising support for the
  
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• UNICEF demands release of schoolchildren abducted in Borno

  19-08-2026 17:55 via punchng.com
  
  UNICEF urges Borno and Federal Governments to intensify efforts for the release of 78 schoolchildren abducted in Borno State communities.Read More: https://punchng.com/unicef-demands-release-of-schoolchildren-abducted-in-borno/
  
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• Police arrest railway vandal, recover slippers in Bauchi

  19-08-2026 17:55 via punchng.com
  
  Bauchi Police Command arrests Abubakar Sanusi for railway vandalism, recovering stolen railway slippers. Investigation ongoing to apprehend other syndicateRead More: https://punchng.com/police-arrest-railway-vandal-recover-slippers-in-bauchi/
  
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• Defence minister meets ex-servicemen, promises to address demands

  19-08-2026 17:55 via punchng.com
  
  Nigeria’s Defence Minister assures protesting military veterans that the Federal Government will address their demands for pension adjustments and welfareRead More: https://punchng.com/defence-minister-meets-ex-servicemen-promises-to-address-demands/
  
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• BREAKING: Tinubu redirects EFCC-recovered funds, unclaimed dividends to student loan scheme

  19-08-2026 17:55 via punchng.com
  
  President Tinubu has directed EFCC-recovered funds and unclaimed dividends be channeled to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to sustain the studenRead More: https://punchng.com/breaking-tinubu-redirects-efcc-recovered-funds-unclaimed-dividends-to-student-loan-scheme/
  
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• Tinubu presides over first FEC meeting since June

  19-08-2026 17:53 via vanguardngr.com
  President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday presided over a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the State House, Abuja, his first council meeting since June 29, 2026.The meeting commenced with the national anthem shortly after the President arrived at the Council Chamber at about 2:30 p.m.In attendance were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Didi Walson-Jack; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff
  
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• Wizkid marks third anniversary of mother’s passing

  19-08-2026 17:52 via vanguardngr.com
  By Emmanuel OkogbaNigerian Afrobeats star Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has marked the third anniversary of the death of his mother, Mrs Jane Dolapo Balogun.The singer remembered his late mother on X, writing ‘3’ accompanied by a dove emoji, reflecting on her absence three years after her death.Mrs Balogun died in August 2023. Her death was confirmed by Wizkid’s longtime manager, Sunday Aare, who said she passed away in the early hours of Friday, August 18, 2023.
  
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• FG tightens rules, warns appointees against foreign trips without SGF’s approval

  19-08-2026 17:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Omeiza AjayiABUJA: The Federal Government has tightened regulations guiding official foreign travels by government appointees, warning that none of its appointees will be allowed to embark on official trips abroad without prior approval from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation OSGF.The warning was contained in a circular dated August 13, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Senator George Akume, and addressed to the Chief of S
  
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• Women’s group condemns impeachment of Bayelsa council chair

  19-08-2026 17:41 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Henry UmoruABUJA — The Women for 35% Initiative of the AJU Morgan Elumelu Foundation has condemned the impeachment of the Chairman of Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Hon. Alice Tangi Allen, by the state House of Assembly.The foundation described the development as troubling, particularly because Allen was the only female among the eight elected local government chairmen in the state.In a statement on Wednesday, Founder of the AJU Morgan Elumelu Foundation and Convener o
  
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• VIDEO: Stop holding suspects beyond 24 hours, says FCT CP

  19-08-2026 17:39 via punchng.com
  
  FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, warns officers against holding suspects beyond 24 hours without a court warrant, emphasizing due process and legaRead More: https://punchng.com/video-stop-holding-suspects-beyond-24-hours-says-fct-cp/
  
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• INEC fixes September 19 for Bauchi assembly bye-elections

  19-08-2026 17:39 via punchng.com
  
  INEC has scheduled September 19, 2026, for bye-elections in Sakwa and Disina constituencies, Bauchi State. Get details on the timetable and security arrangRead More: https://punchng.com/inec-fixes-september-19-for-bauchi-assembly-bye-elections/
  
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• Ekiti approves ₦3bn for new High Court complex

  19-08-2026 17:39 via punchng.com
  
  Ekiti State Government approves ₦3 billion for a new High Court Office Complex in Ado Ekiti, enhancing judicial services and accommodating new judges.Read More: https://punchng.com/ekiti-approves-%e2%82%a63bn-for-new-high-court-complex/
  
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• Arsenal agree to sign Aston Villa defender Konsa

  19-08-2026 17:34 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Arsenal have agreed to sign England defender Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa in a deal worth at least £50 million ($68 million), according to reports on Wednesday.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has been chasing a centre-back since the end of last season and appears set to land Konsa after returning with an improved offer.The Premier League champions reportedly had a bid for Konsa rejected earlier in the transfer window and briefly switched their attention to Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansa
  
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• UNICEF urges journalists to protect children’s dignity, privacy

  19-08-2026 17:33 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Egufe Yafugborhi & Peter DuruPORT HARCOURT — The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has urged Nigerian journalists to protect the dignity, privacy and safety of children in news reports, warning that careless reporting could expose vulnerable children to stigma, discrimination and further trauma.The charge was given at a three-day UNICEF Zonal Workshop on Ethical Reporting of Children, ongoing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in partnership with the Broadcasting Corporati
  
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• Police, media twins that cannot be separated — IGP Disu

  19-08-2026 17:33 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu has called for stronger collaboration between the police and the media, describing both institutions as inseparable partners in promoting security and keeping Nigerians informed.Disu spoke on Wednesday at the 40th anniversary book launch and reunion of Vanguard Newspapers, held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.The event featured the launch of The Vanguard Chronology: 40 Years of Nigeria’s Leading Tabloid, which documents major events,
  
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• US inmate spared execution eight times dies at 101

  19-08-2026 17:28 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Francis Clifford Smith, who spent more than seven decades behind bars after being convicted of murder and was spared execution eight times, has died at the age of 101.Smith, who was believed to be the longest-serving prisoner in the United States, died in June at a care facility in Connecticut, where he had spent the final years of his life under supervised parole.He was 25 when he was convicted in 1950 of the first-degree murder of Grover Hart, a night watchman at a Connecticut yacht club. Smi
  
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• Nigeria on the Path of Economic Renewal — Chief F.E. Ojugbana Hails Tinubu Reforms, Dangote’s Industrial Revolution

  19-08-2026 17:26 via vanguardngr.com
  
  From his Lagos home, elder statesman and respected business leader, Chief F.E. Ojugbana, reflects on Nigeria’s economic direction with the perspective of a man who has witnessed several chapters of the nation’s political and economic history.For Chief Ojugbana, the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, though accompanied by significant adjustment pains, are beginning to lay foundations for a more productive, investment-driven and self-reliant Nigeri
  
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• Gold mine collapse kills at least 100 people in C/Africa

  19-08-2026 17:23 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A landslide at an illegal gold mine has killed at least 100 people in the Central African Republic on the border with Cameroon, local sources told AFP on Wednesday.Search operations are still under way after the accident at the Zamboye mining site, about 50 kilometres (31 miles) from the town of Baboua, on Tuesday afternoon.Several local sources said that around 100 people had died and many others were injured in the latest of many such accidents in the mineral-rich nation.“At this stage
  
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• US prisoner who survived eight execution dates dies at 101

  19-08-2026 17:22 via punchng.com
  
  Francis Clifford Smith, a US prisoner who survived eight execution dates and spent over 70 years behind bars, has died at 101. Learn more about his case.Read More: https://punchng.com/us-prisoner-who-survived-eight-execution-dates-dies-at-101/
  
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• Police arrest 40 suspects over robbery, kidnapping in Abuja

  19-08-2026 17:22 via punchng.com
  
  FCT Police Command arrests 40 suspects for traffic robbery, armed robbery, and kidnapping in Abuja. Learn more about the crackdown on Abuja crime.Read More: https://punchng.com/police-arrest-40-suspects-over-robbery-kidnapping-in-abuja/
  
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• Playing at Real Madrid ‘not for everyone’ – Bernardo Silva

  19-08-2026 17:22 via punchng.com
  
  Bernardo Silva joins Real Madrid, stating playing for the 15-time European champions ‘is not for everyone.’ Discover his pride in joining the club.Read More: https://punchng.com/playing-at-real-madrid-not-for-everyone-bernardo-silva/
  
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• Oyo declares Thursday work-free for 2026 Isese day

  19-08-2026 17:22 via punchng.com
  
  Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde declares Thursday, August 20, a work-free day for 2026 Isese Day, celebrating Yoruba cultural heritage and traditional reliRead More: https://punchng.com/oyo-declares-thursday-work-free-for-2026-isese-day/
  
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• 2027: Nigerians’ll speak with one voice for Makinde — APM

  19-08-2026 17:22 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Luminous JannamikeABUJA – The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has declared its readiness to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the presidency in 2027, unveiling plans for an inclusive, people-driven campaign to propel its candidate, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, to victory.As campaigns officially begin, the party said it had already built nationwide networks, forged alliances with opposition parties and assembled a campaign structu
  
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• Defence Minister reaffirms FG commitment to veterans’ welfare

  19-08-2026 17:20 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Kingsley OmonobiABUJA — The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the welfare, remuneration and pension concerns of military veterans.Musa gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by representatives of military veterans to the Ministry of Defence, Ship House, Abuja, on Wednesday.The minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, acknowled
  
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• Jonathan arrives Uganda for Cavendish University graduation

  19-08-2026 17:18 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Our CorrespondentFormer President Goodluck Jonathan has arrived in Kampala, Uganda, ahead of the 15th graduation ceremony of Cavendish University Uganda, CUU, scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2026.Jonathan disclosed his arrival in a statement posted on his official X handle on Wednesday, saying he was warmly received by representatives of the Ugandan government, university authorities and officials of the Nigerian High Commission.He said the Vice Chancellor of Cavendish University Uganda,
  
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• Adeleke unveils N500m fund, scholarships for Osun pre-election violence victims

  19-08-2026 17:05 via punchng.com
  
  Governor Adeleke establishes a N500m endowment fund and scholarships for victims of Osun pre-election violence, ensuring support across party lines.Read More: https://punchng.com/adeleke-unveils-n500m-fund-scholarships-for-osun-pre-election-violence-victims/
  
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• Zamfara Chamber expels Deputy President over alleged irregularities

  19-08-2026 17:05 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Idris Salisu, GusauGUSAU — The Executive Council of the Zamfara State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, ZACCIMA, alongside leaders of more than 30 traders’ associations in the state, has removed its Deputy President I, Chika Galadima, from office over alleged irregularities.Galadima’s removal was unanimously approved at a stakeholders’ meeting of the chamber held at Falala Hotel, Gusau, on Wednesday.According to members of the Executive Council, Ga
  
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• Updated: Gov’t saved ₦15.8trn from subsidy removal — Oyedele

  19-08-2026 17:00 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Says wage bill exceeded subsidy savings
  …Insists reforms reduced borrowing burden, not created cash windfall
  …Abu Dhabi loan to diversify funding sources, says DMO DGBy Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau ChiefABUJA — The Federal Government yesterday said Nigeria recorded estimated savings of ₦15.8 trillion from the removal of fuel subsidy and liberalisation of the foreign exchange market between June 2023 and December 2025, but stressed that the reforms did not leave the
  
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