General news

• US strikes Iran, vows to reimpose naval blockade

  14-07-2026 11:52 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The United States launched on Tuesday a fresh wave of strikes on Iran and President Donald Trump vowed to reimpose a naval blockade, prompting Tehran to respond with attacks on countries in the region.Trump said a deal with the Islamic republic was still possible even as fighting surged to a scale unseen since an April ceasefire, with Iran striking two ships in the strategic waterway and killing one crew member, according to the United Arab Emirates.UK maritime security agency UKMTO on Tuesday
  
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• NBC scraps annual digital TV access fee

  15-07-2026 12:24 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The National Broadcasting Commission says Nigerians will no longer pay annual Digital Access Fees under the renewed Digital Switch Over (DSO) project.NBC Director-General, Mr Charles Ebuebu, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja,Ebuebu said viewers only need to purchase an approved decoder and satellite dish which cost below N20,000 to enjoy free television permanently.“Previously, users paid an annual digital access fee of about N1
  
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• PFIPC: Atiku demands probe into N6.44bn failed World Cup qualification

  15-07-2026 12:23 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Omeiza Ajayi, AbujaPresidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has demanded an independent probe into a N6.44 billion budgetary allocation for a “Special Presidential Support Group for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers”, despite Nigeria having already been eliminated from the qualification process in November 2025, about one month before the 2026 budget was presented to and considered by the National Assembly.In a statement issued on Wednesday by
  
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• Legislative legacy not measured by number of motions, bills – Shehu Sani

  15-07-2026 12:20 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Legislative legacy is not measured by the number of motions, bills sponsored or oversight visits but by the courage displayed in addressing controversial and nationally important issues.Former senator representing Kaduna Central, Sen. Shehu Sani, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during the 2026 National Assembly Open Week, themed “Three Years of the 10th Assembly: Advancing Transparency, Inclusion and Reform.”Addressing the leadership of the National Assembly, Sani challenged the
  
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• Kenya denies Rastafarians the right to smoke weed

  15-07-2026 12:14 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A Kenyan court refused to grant Rastafarians the right to smoke weed on religious grounds in a ruling Wednesday.Rastafarians, who use marijuana as part of their religious meditation, have waited years for the High Court to decide whether they can use the herb under the constitutional right to freedom of religion.The court ruled that the community had failed to show why the country’s drug laws impinge on their religious freedoms. The judge said the petition was “dismissed in its enti
  
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• Iran hangs man convicted for participating in January protests

  15-07-2026 12:06 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Iran hanged a man on Wednesday, the judiciary announced, after finding him guilty of taking part in anti-government protests that rocked the country over the winter.“Mohammad Amini Dehaghani, a collaborator with the enemy, was hanged this morning after confirmation of the verdict by the supreme court,” the judiciary’s press agency reported.He was found guilty of “moharebeh” (war against God in Persian) and “corruption on earth”.The condemned had “
  
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• Belgian star Meunier signs for Premier League side Sunderland

  15-07-2026 11:57 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Veteran Belgian defender Thomas Meunier said he was “hugely excited” to “begin a new chapter” after he signed for Premier League side Sunderland on a free transfer on Wednesday.The 34-year-old — one of Belgium’s ‘golden generation’ whose last hurrah was a World Cup quarter-final exit to Spain — signed a two-year contract.The 83-times capped Meunier, who has played club football at the top level in his homeland, Germany, Turkey and France, ha
  
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• FG sets Dec 2028 for final analogue TV switch-off

  15-07-2026 11:54 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The federal government has fixed Dec. 2028 as the deadline for final transition from analogue to digital television broadcasting.The Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr Charles Ebuebu, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.Ebuebu said the Dec. 2028 deadline marks the final analogue switch-off.“We put a timeline for analogue switch-off. Before that time, a lot of things will be put in place. This is just phase one,&rdq
  
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• Senate working with Tinubu not constitutional surrender; won’t manufacture conflict – Akpabio

  15-07-2026 11:48 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said the National Assembly will continue to collaborate with President Bola Tinubu in advancing Nigeria’s national interest, stressing that the legislature has no constitutional obligation to create unnecessary confrontation with the executive.Speaking on Tuesday while declaring the 2026 National Assembly Open Week open in Abuja, Akpabio said the parliament exists to serve Nigerians and should remain open, transparent and accessible to the citizens it
  
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• Why we’re yet to upload a presidential candidate to INEC portal — APGA

  15-07-2026 11:41 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Gift ChapiOdekina, AbujaThe All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has explained why it is yet to upload the name of a presidential candidate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal for the 2027 general election, saying the decision follows the party’s endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term.The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, while speaking to Vanguard, said its National Executive Committee (NEC), after extensive c
  
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• ‎Gunmen abduct four students, principal, NECO officer during exam in Kogi

  15-07-2026 11:16 via vanguardngr.com
  
  ‎…One Student Rescued – Police‎By Boluwaji Obahopo, Lokoja‎Gunmen on Tuesday attacked Government Secondary School, Odo-Ekina, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting four students, the school principal and a National Examinations Council (NECO) ad hoc staff member.‎The attack occurred at about 5:25 p.m. while the students were writing their NECO examination. according to the Kogi State Police Command.‎Vanguard gathered that a combined team of po
  
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• Capacity building, critical to Africa’s energy future

  15-07-2026 10:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Stephen BoluContrary to the new normal where technology leads business reformations, growth conversations in Africa’s business landscape, particularly in Nigeria energy sector, often begin with capital.Investment, infrastructure, and asset acquisition are frequently treated as the clearest indicators of progress. While important, they do not tell the full story of what is required to build a stronger, more resilient energy sector. As Africa continues to confront the realities of energy
  
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• Iran Guards say Hormuz to remain closed till US ends ‘acts of aggression’ – State TV

  15-07-2026 10:51 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Wednesday the Hormuz strait would remain closed until the United States ends its “acts of aggression” while warning that other regional oil export routes could also become targets.Fighting between the United States and Iran, which began late February, has hampered energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route for oil and gas shipments from the Gulf.The Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said they carried out attacks on US military
  
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• Air Peace faces flight disruptions as ground handling equipment damages aircraft

  15-07-2026 10:41 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …‘Operator collapsed before equipment crashed into aircraft.’By Dickson OmobolaNigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, has disclosed that one of its Airbus A320 aircraft sustained damage on the ground at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1, MMA1, Lagos.The incident occurred after a Nigerian Aviation Handling Company, NAHCO, baggage conveyor belt vehicle crashed into the aircraft’s engine shortly after the completion of Flight P47427 from Kano and the safe disemb
  
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• Mac Allister calls on Argentina to channel Maradona spirit in England World Cup clash

  15-07-2026 10:24 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Argentina’s Alexis Mac Allister has urged his team to take inspiration from Diego Maradona as they seek to get the better of England in their World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.The heavyweight showdown in Atlanta marks the renewal of a rivalry that peaked at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.The late Maradona scored both of Argentina’s goals in the quarter-final — the infamous “Hand of God” opener and then a dazzling solo effort that is one of the greatest goals ever sco
  
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• Nigerian Catholic priest dies after being told to leave US over expiring visa

  15-07-2026 09:56 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Benjamin Madu who had been preparing to leave the United States after his religious worker visa expired has died in Massachusetts, church officials have confirmed.Madu, a priest of the Diocese of Abakaliki in Ebonyi State, died on Thursday after serving for several years as a hospital chaplain and parish priest in Massachusetts.In announcing his death, Father Jim Achadinha, pastor of the Catholic communities of Gloucester and Rockport, described it as a “d
  
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• Gunmen kill vigilante in fresh Plateau attack

  15-07-2026 09:53 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Golok Nanmwa, JOSA vigilante member has been killed in a fresh attack on Wereng-Rim community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.The victim, identified as Mangai Musa, 43, was reportedly shot dead by unknown gunmen on Tuesday night.A resident of the community, Tok Abel, told Vanguard that the gunmen stormed the area at about 10 p.m. and opened fire, killing the vigilante member before fleeing.He said the attack threw the community into panic as residents scampered for safety.The
  
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• ‘They controlled the game better than us’ — Mbappe on why France lost to Spain

  15-07-2026 09:48 via vanguardngr.com
  
  France captain Kylian Mbappe appeared to question Didier Deschamps’ tactical approach after Les Bleus were beaten 2-0 by Spain in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday.The defeat ended France’s hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final as Spain outclassed the tournament favourites to book their place in Sunday’s showpiece.Speaking after the match, Mbappe suggested France got their pressing strategy wrong against Spain’s dominant midfield, whic
  
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• World Cup 2026 Young Player award favourites ranked as Cubarsi leads race

  15-07-2026 09:39 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Spain defender Pau Cubarsí has emerged as the leading contender for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Young Player of the Tournament award after a series of commanding displays helped La Roja reach the final.The 19-year-old Barcelona centre-back has been one of the standout performers in North America, anchoring Spain’s defence with a string of composed performances that have strengthened his case to succeed Argentina’s Enzo Fernández, who won the award at the 2022 World Cup in
  
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• Full list: Unai Simon joins World Cup’s greatest goalkeepers for clean sheets

  15-07-2026 09:32 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon has written his name into FIFA World Cup history after moving into joint third on the tournament’s all-time clean-sheet rankings.The 29-year-old kept his eighth World Cup clean sheet as Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, booking their place in Sunday’s final.Simon has now recorded eight clean sheets in just 11 World Cup appearances, joining an elite group of legendary goalkeepers that includes Jan Jongbloed, Leão, S
  
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• Sultan declares July 16 as first day of Safar 1448AH after moon sighting review

  15-07-2026 09:30 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Musa Ubandawaki, SokotoThe Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Thursday, July 16, 2026, as the first day of Safar 1448AH following the non-sighting of the new crescent moon across Nigeria.The announcement was contained in a statement issued at the Sultan’s Palace in Sokoto by Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs.Accordi
  
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• 2027: Afenifere, Adebayo, Bakita Bello, Arabambi, Ogunsuyi, others react to APC Muslim-Muslim ticket

  15-07-2026 09:22 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Dayo Johnson, Olasunkanmi Akoni, Rotimi Ojomoyela, Shina Abubarka, James Ogunnnaike & Deola BadruStakeholders have expressed divergent views over the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s decision to retain its Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election, with some arguing that competence should take precedence over religion, while others called for greater inclusiveness and a stronger focus on governance.The renewed debate follows growing speculation that Preside
  
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• US expands sanctions targeting Iran oil, cryptocurrency sectors

  15-07-2026 08:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The United States on Tuesday expanded its sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sector, taking further aim at the network of petroleum shipping magnate Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the Treasury Department said.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the department had also frozen $130 million held in digital wallets linked to Iran’s central bank, hitting a sector that has seen increased activity since the start of the war.The move came after US forces carried out a fourth straight day of stri
  
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• 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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• Nigeria, Benin Customs strengthen border security with geospatial tech

  15-07-2026 08:52 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Godwin OritseThe Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and its counterpart in the Republic of Benin have strengthened their partnership on the deployment of geospatial technology to enhance economic security, improve border surveillance, and facilitate legitimate trade along their shared border corridor.The collaboration was highlighted during a meeting held at the ECOWAS Conference Hall, Seme-Krake Joint Border Post.Speaking at the event, the Customs Area Controller of the Seme Area Command, C
  
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• Tuchel unfazed by history ahead of England v Argentina World Cup semi

  15-07-2026 08:51 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Thomas Tuchel said he did not feel burdened by the weight of history as he bids to lead England to a first World Cup final in 60 years by beating Argentina on Wednesday.The Three Lions have been led at the 2026 tournament by Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, who have each scored six goals.Remarkably, it will be the first time Lionel Messi has faced England at the grand old age of 39 despite the historical significance of the fixture.Former Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich boss Tuchel
  
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• Nigeria, three African nations deepen alliance to boost cocoa value addition

  15-07-2026 08:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Progress GodfreyThe Federal Government, cocoa-producing states and three other African countries have agreed to deepen cooperation to boost cocoa processing, improve farmers’ earnings and retain more value from the global chocolate industry within Africa.Speaking at the Cocoa Value Addition Summit in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, announced that Nigeria would implement a Cocoa Value Addition Accord involving the F
  
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• NiMet forecasts 3-day cloudiness, thunderstorms from Wednesday nationwide

  15-07-2026 08:37 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudy and thundery weather activities from Wednesday to Friday across the country.
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  ‎NiMet’s weather outlook released in Abuja envisaged patches of clouds over the northern region on Wednesday, with prospects of morning thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over parts of Taraba and Kebbi States during the morning hours.
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  ‎NiMet predicted isolated thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Taraba,
  
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• POWER FAILURE: Nigeria loses 3,100 GWh to gas flaring

  15-07-2026 08:34 via vanguardngr.com
  
  •NUPRC, NOSDRA disagree on volumeBy Ediri EjohThere are indications that the Federal Government’s ambition to transform Nigeria into a gas-driven economy by 2030 is facing significant challenges, as the country lost an estimated 3,100 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity generation potential to persistent gas flaring by oil companies in May 2026.This came as figures released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) differed from those of the National Oil S
  
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• Dogara seeks stronger civil society partnership to deepen NASS oversight

  15-07-2026 08:30 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Gift Chapi Odekina, AbujaFormer Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has called for stronger collaboration between the National Assembly and civil society organisations (CSOs), saying effective legislative oversight is key to ensuring that government decisions translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians.Speaking at the National Assembly Open Week in Abuja on Tuesday, Dogara said that despite 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, many Nigerians were yet to fee
  
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