General news

• 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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• UK raises alarm as drug gangs lure young travellers with luxury holidays

  18-07-2026 18:14 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The UK Home Office has cautioned young people against accepting offers of free holidays or luxury travel packages from organised crime groups that recruit unsuspecting travellers to smuggle drugs into the country.The advisory, published on the Home Office website on July 17, 2026, was issued by Border Force ahead of the busy summer travel season following a significant increase in cannabis smuggling through UK airports.According to the Home Office, criminal networks are increasingly targeting s
  
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• Messi, Yamal come full circle in World Cup showdown

  18-07-2026 18:10 via vanguardngr.com
  
  When Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal line-up against each other in the World Cup final on Sunday it will mark the closing of an incredible full circle moment that has been two decades in the making.Read Also: Yamal is tremendous, facing him after baby photo is crazy – MessiIn 2007, a 20-year-old Messi and Yamal, born in July of that year, posed together in a photo organised by UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund), the global agency which provides humanitarian and development to chi
  
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• One dies as floods ravage Edo communities

  18-07-2026 18:05 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ozioruva AliuNo less than 20 houses in Igarra, headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area and several other homes in surrounding villages have been destroyed by a heavy downpour in the last few days.A motorcyclist, simply identified as Uche, while coming to Igarra from Somorika, was swept away by the flood water and his body was only recovered two days after.Graves of some people buried at homes, like one along Okpe Road near the Igarra Police Station, were destroyed by the flood which
  
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• Brazil high court rules Argentina’s president cannot visit Bolsonaro

  18-07-2026 17:55 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Brazil’s top court on Saturday denied a request by Argentine President Javier Milei to visit former Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro, who is under house arrest, a ruling obtained by AFP showed.Milei is expected to attend the convention of Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party on July 25 in Sao Paulo, at which Bolsonaro’s son Flavio, a senator, is expected to be named the conservative movement’s candidate for the upcoming October polls.Bolsonaro’s attorneys had asked that Milei
  
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• Nonprofit partnerships expand food, education and health support in Lagos communities

  18-07-2026 17:34 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Partnerships between private companies and nonprofit organisations are supporting food distribution, education, health awareness and environmental programmes in underserved communities across Lagos.The interventions come amid wider social challenges. The World Food Programme estimates that close to 35 million Nigerians face acute food insecurity, while UNICEF reports that about 10.5 million Nigerian children aged five to 14 are not in school.One company participating in these initiatives is cry
  
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• Gunmen kidnap three mourning siblings, seize mother’s corpse in Benue

  18-07-2026 17:13 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Peter DuruThree siblings travelling from Abuja to Benue State with the remains of their late mother have reportedly been abducted by suspected armed herdsmen along the Ogobia–Otukpo Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.The victims were said to have been kidnapped in the early hours of Saturday between Omutele and Ankpechi communities while transporting their mother’s body from Abuja to their hometown, Iklenyi in Okpokwu Local Government Area, LGA, for burial.A sourc
  
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• UNICAL dismisses 8 staff, demotes one Don over exam fraud, others

  18-07-2026 16:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABARThe University of Calabar has dismissed eight members of staff and sanctioned another with a two-year promotion delay, following disciplinary actions approved at the institution’s 174th Governing Council meeting.The offences Vanguard learned ranges from examination malpractice to fund diversion and vandalism.A memo signed by the University Registrar, Dr Mrs Icha Chukwuka, who doubles as Secretary to Council, disclosed that the sanctions followed a review of disci
  
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• N210b duplicate allocations: Atiku demands NASS’ probe of 2026 budget

  18-07-2026 16:37 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Omeiza AjayiPresidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has demanded that the National Assembly (NASS) immediately conduct a comprehensive forensic review of the 2026 Appropriation Act, following revelations of over ₦210 billion in overlapping and duplicated allocations in the budget.In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the revelation, coming alongside Nigeria’s poor showing on nearly
  
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• ‘4 years not enough for him to finish Abuja work’: Tinubu, Shettima praise Wike

  18-07-2026 16:36 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Omeiza Ajayi, ABUJAPresident Bola Tinubu has declared that 50 years after creation, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, is witnessing visible transformation, while his vice, Kashim Shettima, said the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, needs more than four years to finish his work.They spoke in Abuja on Friday at a dinner organised to celebrate the inauguration of 31 projects across the territory within a 28-day window.The event drew top government functionaries and private sector players.Repr
  
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• Infantino’s enlarged World Cup gamble pays off with punters

  18-07-2026 15:45 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The World Cup has engaged punters like never before with an 80% increase in betting volume compared to the 2022 edition, even taking into account the higher number of matches for a 48-team tournament, a betting expert told AFP.Although many football fans were sceptical about the increase in the number of teams from 32 to 48, it appears punters have welcomed it.“We’ve seen an 80% increase in the ticket volume,” Darren Small, senior vice president of Managed Trading Services at
  
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• Military rescues over 40 victims, arrests over 20 terrorists in one week — DHQ

  18-07-2026 15:09 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have rescued more than 40 kidnapped victims, arrested over 20 suspected terrorists, collaborators and other criminal elements during coordinated operations across the country between July 10 and July 16.The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Saturday in Abuja in a statement on military operations nationwide.Onoja said then that during the operations the troops also neutralised several terrorists and dismantled
  
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• Mshel Homes Hutu Exclusive N-Trillion Golf Resort Estate in Abuja, sets a new standard for luxury living in Nigeria.

  18-07-2026 14:49 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Mshel Homes Limited has formally commissioned its flagship Mshel Hutu Exclusive Golf Resort Estate in Abuja, unveiling world class recreational and lifestyle facilities the company says will set a new benchmark for integrated luxury community living in Nigeria.

  The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Mshel Homes, Arc. Barka Umaru Mshelia disclosed this at the commissioning ceremony, describing the estate as the product of a long held vision to combine quality housing w
  
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• Lebanon’s president departs for Washington to meet Trump

  18-07-2026 14:49 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Saturday left Beirut for Washington, where he is expected to meet Donald Trump, the Lebanese presidency said, after talks between Lebanon and Israel wrapped up in Italy.It will be the first trip to Washington by a Lebanese head of state since Michel Sleiman was received by Barack Obama in 2009.Aoun will hold discussions “with several American officials on the situation in Lebanon and ways to strengthen the ceasefire”, particularly in Lebanon’s
  
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• Buhari-era military rivalry denied troops air support, says Bwala

  18-07-2026 14:31 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Presidential aide Daniel Bwala has alleged that a rivalry between the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration resulted in troops being denied air support during some military operations.Bwala made the claim while speaking recently on The Link Up Podcast, a panel discussion hosted by EchoRoom and published on Friday.According to him, tensions between the Chief of Air Staff and the leadership of the Nigerian Army at the time affecte
  
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• US-Iran fighting escalates with infrastructure targeted

  18-07-2026 14:28 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Iran on Saturday struck infrastructure in the Gulf and threatened a “full-scale offensive” in retaliation for the seventh consecutive night of US strikes on the Islamic republic.A month after they agreed a preliminary deal aimed at ending their war, fighting has intensified, with Tehran accusing Washington of hitting an airport, railway station and bridges.Iran retaliated Saturday with strikes on an oil facility in Kuwait as well as a power and water plant, authorities in the Gulf s
  
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• My dream collaboration is with Rihanna – Davido

  18-07-2026 14:11 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido has named global icon Rihanna as his dream international collaborator.He made the remark during a live stream interview on Twitch with the host @Theboyfromojo.“Rihanna is my dream collab, but she’s not into music again. She makes billions from her makeup business now,” the singer said.Davido acknowledged his admiration for Rihana, noting that a collaboration between them would make “dope music”.The “I Know Who I Be” c
  
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• Photos: Burna Boy reunites with Shakira ahead of World Cup final halftime show

  18-07-2026 13:41 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy has reunited with Colombian music sensation Shakira ahead of their performance at the inaugural FIFA World Cup final halftime show.On Friday, Burna Boy shared a video on his X account showing the pair exchanging hugs, smiles and laughter during rehearsals for Sunday’s historic event at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States.The Grammy-winning singer accompanied the post with the caption: “Sunday Prep! @shakira See you at the @FIFAWorldCup Final! D
  
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• RCCG cleric calls for overhaul of Nigeria’s democracy, cost-cutting measures

  18-07-2026 13:07 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Olayinka LatonaA top cleric of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has called for a fundamental reassessment of Nigeria’s democratic system, arguing that the current model is “unsustainable” and was imposed without proper adaptation to local realities.Assistant General Overseer of RCCG for Continent 3, which covers South West Nigeria, the Middle East, and other regions, Pastor Johnson Funso Odesola, made the remarks during the church’s annual 21-day Destiny En
  
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• Yamal is tremendous, facing him after baby photo is crazy – Messi

  18-07-2026 13:02 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Argentina captain Lionel Messi has described it as “just crazy” that he will face Spain’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final, years after an iconic photograph showed him cradling the future star as a baby.Speaking at the Fan Fanantics event on Friday ahead of the final, Messi reflected on the widely shared image, saying it was extraordinary how fate had brought them together on football’s biggest stage.“That picture with Lamine
  
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• Full List: US places 23 countries on highest ‘Do Not Travel’ alert

  18-07-2026 12:47 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The United States Department of State has updated its global travel guidance, placing 23 countries under its highest travel warning, Level 4, advising American citizens not to visit the listed destinations under any circumstances.In the revised advisory published on Thursday and seen on Saturday via the department’s TravelGov X account, the US government explained that a Level 4 designation applies to countries where security conditions pose serious risks or where its ability to provide a
  
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• Trump asks FIFA to award another World Cup to US, says leave out Canada, Mexico

  18-07-2026 12:25 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ayobami OkerindeUS President Donald Trump has called on FIFA to bring the men’s World Cup back to the United States, saying the next edition hosted by the country should not be shared with Canada and Mexico.Trump made the remarks on Friday during a FIFA World Cup reception at Trump Tower in New York ahead of Sunday’s final between Spain and Argentina, where he addressed FIFA President Gianni Infantino and praised the tournament.“You should choose the United States of Americ
  
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• Tems becomes first African female artist to clinch Diamond single in US

  18-07-2026 12:14 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has become the first African female artist to earn a Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Diamond-certified single in the United States.She attained the milestone for the song “Wait For U”, her acclaimed collaboration with American rapper Future featuring Canadian rapper Drake, after the song surpassed 10 million certified units in the US.Global music monitoring platform Chart Data revealed on
  
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• Age shouldn’t decide who governs Bayelsa; competence should — Mienye

  18-07-2026 12:09 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Emem Idio, YenagoaA governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Bayelsa State, Dr Domor Mienye, has urged voters to prioritise competence, preparation and the capacity to deliver results over age or years spent in politics when choosing the state’s next governor.Speaking during a media interview, Mienye said leadership should be judged by a candidate’s track record, decision-making ability and capacity to solve problems, rather than the
  
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• Police Commend PCRC’s Safe Schools Initiative, back 10,000-volunteer security plan

  18-07-2026 11:56 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Kingsley OmonobiThe Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has commended the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) for launching its Safe Schools Initiative and unveiling plans to mobilise 10,000 volunteers to support the protection of schools across the country.The Force also pledged its full support for the initiative and other programmes of the PCRC aimed at strengthening community policing and enhancing public safety.The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Okokon Iniedu, who represented
  
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• Gombe State University installs 24-hour CCTV surveillance to boost campus security

  18-07-2026 11:53 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ben Ngwakwe, GombeGombe State University (GSU) has deployed a state-of-the-art Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance system across its main campus as part of efforts to strengthen security and protect lives and property.The university said the solar-powered, campus-wide surveillance network provides 24-hour monitoring of pedestrian, vehicular and bicycle movements across the institution. The system is linked to the University’s Central Security Control Room and supported by an
  
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• Gombe police officers urged to uphold professionalism, human rights

  18-07-2026 11:45 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ben Ngwakwe, GombeThe Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 12, Bauchi, AIG Vungmoh S.M. Kwaimoh, has charged officers and men of the Gombe State Police Command to uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity, professionalism and respect for human rights in the discharge of their duties.Kwaimoh gave the charge during his familiarisation and operational tour of the Gombe State Police Command, where he stressed the importance of ethical policing, adherence to t
  
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• Iran attack sparks two fires in Kuwait, firefighters injured

  18-07-2026 11:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Kuwait’s fire service said Iranian attacks on Saturday sparked fires at two locations in the country, with several firemen injured, after an attack was reported at a power and water plant.The fire service said on X that it was dealing with “two fires that erupted in two different locations” following the latest Iranian attacks, adding that this “resulted in injuries among firemen and a worker”, who were taken to receive care.AFP
  The post Iran attack sparks two fire
  
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• PFIPC: No legal or factual basis to demand Gbajabiamila’s resignation — Jiti Ogunye

  18-07-2026 11:22 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Efe OnodjaeLegal practitioner, Mr. Jiti Ogunye, has argued that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, should not resign over allegations linked to the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), insisting that such a move would undermine rather than advance justice.Speaking on Journalists’ Hangout on TVC while commenting on allegations made by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew against the Chief of Staff, Ogunye said there was no legal or factu
  
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• FPIC: No legal or factual basis to demand Gbajabiamila’s resignation — Jiti Ogunye

  18-07-2026 11:22 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Efe OnodjaeLegal practitioner, Mr. Jiti Ogunye, has argued that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, should not resign over allegations linked to the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), insisting that such a move would undermine rather than advance justice.Speaking on Journalists’ Hangout on TVC while commenting on allegations made by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew against the Chief of Staff, Ogunye said there was no legal or factu
  
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