General news

• Wema Bank secures €50m EIB facility to support SMEs

  23-06-2026 08:47 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Henry Obetta Wema Bank has secured  a Euro 50 million (N78.5 billion) financing facility from the European Investment Bank’s development arm, EIB Global, to expand access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a strong focus on women- and youth-owned businesses.The agreement, signed in Lagos, marks the first transaction between EIB Global and Wema Bank. Under the arrangement, at least 50 per cent of the loans will be directed at youth-owned enterprises,
  
  Read more

• Osun 2026: Adeleke’s aides, Accord chieftains defect to APC

  23-06-2026 19:26 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Shina Abubakar, OsogboAs preparations intensify for the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, some aides of Governor Ademola Adeleke and chieftains of the Accord Party have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).Among those who joined the APC are the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Market Affairs, Mr. Moyoade Lukman, and the Senior Special Assistant in the Governor’s Office, Mr. Azeez Kazeem.Others include Accord Party House of Representatives aspirant for
  
  Read more

• WHO raises alarm over birth defects, calls for wider newborn screening

  23-06-2026 19:25 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Early diagnosis can save lives, prevent lifelong disability — TedrosBy Chioma ObinnaThe World Health Organisation, (WHO) on Tuesday raised concerns over the growing burden of birth defects globally, calling on countries to expand newborn screening programmes to improve early detection and access to treatment.WHO in its newly unveiled report highlighted newborn screening as a critical strategy to reduce child mortality and prevent lifelong disabilities caused by congenital conditions.Accor
  
  Read more

• Sowore: Nation’s strength lies in respecting dissenting voices — Igbo Elders

  23-06-2026 19:22 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Say political differences should not justify hostility or denial of rightsBy Chimaobi NwaiwuNNEWI — The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide has expressed concern over the arrest and detention of activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, stressing that the strength of any nation is measured by how it treats both supporters and critics of those in authority.The group also maintained that differences in political opinion should never become a basis for division, hostility, or the den
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Ex-Ondo lawmaker sues IGP, police over arrest hours before APC primaries

  23-06-2026 19:11 via vanguardngr.com
  
  ..Seeks N50m DamagesBy Dayo Johnson, AkureA former member of the Ondo State House of Assembly and All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, Hon. Ayodeji Arowele, has dragged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to court over his arrest a few hours before the party’s primary election on May 16, 2026.Arowele, a two-term lawmaker, is seeking N50 million in damages for what he described as the violation of his fundamenta
  
  Read more

• FG receives approval for 63 ambassadorial postings, six still pending

  23-06-2026 18:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Favour Ulebor, AbujaThe Federal Government has received approval from 63 countries to accept ambassadors appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while six other ambassadorial postings are still awaiting clearance from their host nations.In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the receipt of the agréements signifies the acceptance of the diplomats as Nigeria’s principal envoys in their respective countries of assignment.The ministry also disclosed that t
  
  Read more

• Sowore’s detention undermines fair trial, free speech — Gani Adams, Odumakin

  23-06-2026 18:55 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Dapo AkinrefonThe Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has condemned the decision of a Federal High Court in Abuja to remand African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, in Kuje Correctional Centre.The development comes as Sowore’s trial on charges of cyberstalking and criminal defamation continues.In a statement, Adams expressed deep concern over the court’s revocation of Sowore’s bail and the subsequent order for his detention, describing t
  
  Read more

• Sowore’s detention: Peter Obi warns against treating critics, journalists as threats

  23-06-2026 18:49 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has warned against treating critics, activists and journalists as threats to the state, following the remand of activist and politician Omoyele Sowore in Kuje Prison.Obi, in a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, expressed concern over the development, saying democratic institutions must not be used in ways that could undermine civic freedoms and public participation.The former Anambra State governor said h
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Ronaldo starts for Portugal against Ubzbekistan at World Cup

  23-06-2026 18:48 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Cristiano Ronaldo was named in Portugal’s starting line-up for their second World Cup group match against Uzbekistan on Tuesday, despite his insipid performance last time out.The 41-year-old captain was largely anonymous as Roberto Martinez’s side were held 1-1 by the Democratic Republic of Congo.His 25 touches were his fewest in a game at a major tournament for Portugal when playing the full match.His display ignited calls in some quarters for Martinez to drop the former Manchester
  
  Read more

• Police dismiss claim abducted Oyo pupils, teachers transferred to Kaduna

  23-06-2026 18:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adeola BadruOyo State Police Command has debunked a social media claim alleging that schoolchildren and teachers abducted from communities in Orire Local Government Area of the state were transported to Kaduna State by helicopter, describing the report as false and misleading.In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the Command had become aware of a video circulating on social media claiming that the abducted victims from Ahoro
  
  Read more

• 10 countries with no army, navy or air force

  23-06-2026 18:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  While most countries maintain armed forces, a handful of sovereign states have chosen to operate without a standing military.
  Instead, they rely on police services, coast guards, volunteer units, or defense agreements with larger allies for their security.1. Costa Rica
  Costa Rica abolished its military in 1948 following a civil war and enshrined the decision in its constitution. Internal security is handled by national police and specialized public forces, while the country emphasizes diplomacy
  
  Read more

• Counter Terrorism: OPHK hosts UK Dep Chief of Defence Staff

  23-06-2026 18:41 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ndahi Marama, MaiduguriThe Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) yesterday hosted the United Kingdom Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Military Strategy and Operations), Lieutenant General Charlie Collins, and his delegation during a strategic visit to Maiduguri, Borno State.The visit underscores the enduring defence partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, as well as the shared commitment of both nations to strengthening regional security, countering
  
  Read more

• Lagos shuts Oshodi Market over attack on sanitation officers

  23-06-2026 18:32 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Lagos State Government has shut down the Oshodi Resettlement Market following an attack on officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) during an enforcement operation.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement posted on his official X handle.According to Wahab, traders at the market allegedly obstructed officers who were carrying out their lawful duties.He said t
  
  Read more

• Gov Oyebanji receives certificate of return from INEC

  23-06-2026 18:32 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Rotimi Ojomoyela Ado-Ekiti—The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just concluded governorship election and the re-elected Governor in Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), pledging to deepen good governance and accelerate sustainable development across the State.The National Commissioner in charge of Oyo, Ekiti and Osun States, Sam Olumekun, presented the certificate to G
  
  Read more

• TANTITA’s drones protecting Nigeria, not targeting ethnicities – Stakeholders

  23-06-2026 18:18 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Egufe Yafugborhi & Ochuko AkuophaASABA – The Niger Delta Concerned Stakeholders for Accountable Security and Progress have clarified that TANTITA Security Services’ surveillance drones are meant to boost the fight against oil theft and asset vandalism, and not to instigate ethnic tension.The Stakeholders, in a statement signed by Enisuo Oruomoni, made the clarification in response to claims by some individuals and groups that the drones would be deployed to aid ethnic battles
  
  Read more

• SEC bans marketing, promotion of Dangote Refinery’s IPO

  23-06-2026 17:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Obas Esiedesa, AbujaThe Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has banned the marketing and promotion of a purported initial public offering (IPO) by Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals FZE, warning that no application for such an offer has been filed with or approved by the regulator.In a public notice made available to Vanguard on Tuesday, the Commission said it had become aware of advertisements, flyers, digital banners and targeted electronic mails circulating on social med
  
  Read more

• Why small business owners are taking advantage of Ethereum in 2026

  23-06-2026 17:54 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Ethereum in 2026 has evolved into more than just a cryptocurrency network. It has become a foundational layer for decentralised finance (DeFi), smart contracts and digital commerce, which makes it attractive to SMEs. With the growing need for crypto and blockchain systems, small businesses are finding practical, revenue-generating use cases for Ethereum. The expansion of Ethereum is a key driver behind its uptake among entrepreneurs. According to the Ethereum Market Report 2026 by Research
  
  Read more

• Bokkos attack: IG deploys AIG, tactical teams to Plateau

  23-06-2026 17:52 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Orders on-the-spot assessment, sends additional manpower to prevent fresh attacksBy Golok Nanmwa, JosThe Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has deployed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 4 Headquarters, Makurdi, AIG Dankombo Morris, to Plateau State following the recent attack on the Kawel community in the Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area.The deployment forms part of efforts to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the secur
  
  Read more

• China displaces US for world’s fastest supercomputer crown

  23-06-2026 17:31 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A Chinese machine has seized the title of world’s most powerful supercomputer, ending nearly a decade of US dominance and underscoring Beijing’s drive to build advanced computing power with homegrown technology.The system, called LineShine, topped the closely watched TOP500 ranking unveiled Monday at the major computing ISC conference in Hamburg, Germany.It is the first time since 2017 that a Chinese supercomputer has led the list, which has been published twice a year since 1993 an
  
  Read more

• Ekiti 2026: Oyebanji receives INEC certificate of return, pledges greater prosperity

  23-06-2026 17:27 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti on Tuesday received certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following his victory during last Saturday’s governorship election in the state.Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) who represented INEC Chairman Prof. Joseph Amupitan, presented the certificate to Oyebanji at the commission’s state headquarters in Ado-Ekiti.The REC congratulated the governor-elect on his re-election and
  
  Read more

• Investigation into ammunition parcel delivered to FirstBank MD has begun — CP Tijani

  23-06-2026 17:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Evelyn UsmanThe Lagos State Police Command has commenced investigation into a suspicious parcel containing live ammunition delivered to the Managing Director of FirstBank, Oluwasegun Alebiosu.Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, CP Fatai Tijani, who disclosed this during a press briefing Tuesday at the Command headquarters, said detectives had commenced investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the delivery.The incident, according to the police boss, was reported
  
  Read more

• Again, court adjourns rapper Odumodublvck’s assault trial

  23-06-2026 17:15 via vanguardngr.com
  
  An Abuja court on Tuesday adjourned the trial of rapper Tochukwu Ojogwu, popularly known as “Odumodublvck”, in a case of assault and battery until Oct 13 and Oct 14 for hearing.At the resumed hearing, the claimant’s counsel, Uchenna Ojembe, announced appearance and said the matter was for hearing.Ojembe informed Justice Adeyemi Ajayi that the claimant Ogbogiri Okey Levi, aka “Kraziecent”, the sole witness, was in court and he was ready to proceed.The defence counse
  
  Read more

• Barcelona sign Egypt teenager Abdelkarim

  23-06-2026 17:06 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Barcelona officially announced on Tuesday the permanent signing of teenage Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim, after exercising their option to buy.On loan from Al Ahly, his formative club, Abdelkarim arrived at Barca in the last January transfer window, playing the final stretch of the season with the club’s Juvenil A side (under-16 to under-18 category).He scored six goals in 11 matches, a level of performance that finally convinced the club to trigger the purchase option, with a contrac
  
  Read more

• AIRPORT CAB ROW: FAAN weighs extension amid shutdown threat

  23-06-2026 17:05 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Dickson OmobolaFederal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has disclosed plans to extend the July 1, 2026, deadline requiring airport cab operators to stop using vehicles manufactured before 2012, saying a final extension of the compliance deadline to October 2026 is being considered.Recall that no fewer than 200 cab operators, under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Private Cab Operators, NUPCO, yesterday, threatened to ground operations at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, and the Nnam
  
  Read more

• 2026 Hajj: NAHCON concludes return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims

  23-06-2026 16:59 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it has officially concluded the return airlift of over 38,000 Nigerian pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise.A statement by NAHCON’s Spokesperson, Hajia Fatimah Usara, said that the final flight conveying pilgrims from Zamfara was expected to arrive in Nigeria on Tuesday.Usara said that the completion of the return leg marked the end of the 2026 Hajj operations.She said that it marked the end of a major n
  
  Read more

• Niger hands in formal request to quit ICC

  23-06-2026 16:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Junta-ruled Niger has officially submitted its request to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Hague-based tribunal said on Tuesday, nine months after announcing the move alongside allies Mali and Burkina Faso.The three Sahelian countries are all ruled by hardline military governments that came to power in coups between 2020 and 2023 and have turned their backs on the West.They jointly announced their withdrawal from the ICC in September last year, calling the court an &ldq
  
  Read more

• My administration laying foundation for new Nigeria that works for all – Tinubu

  23-06-2026 16:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  President Bola Tinubu says his administration is laying the foundation for a new Nigeria that works for the common prosperity of all citizens.Tinubu made the remarks on Tuesday while inaugurating the construction of the two service carriageways of the Southern Parkway from Arterial Road S20 (Oladipo Diya Way) to Ring Road II, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.The president, represented by the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, noted that his adminis
  
  Read more

• Police bust syndicate moving military camouflage, hard drugs out of Lagos

  23-06-2026 16:28 via vanguardngr.com
  
  * Arrest  4 suspects, additional 34 foreign nationalsBy Evelyn UsmanFresh concerns over the ease with which criminal elements may be accessing military gear have emerged following the discovery of 47 bags containing military camouflage uniforms and caps  inside a truck being moved out of Lagos.Four suspected members of a syndicate allegedly involved in the illegal movement and distribution of military accoutrements across the country were arrested.The suspects were apprehended in the
  
  Read more

• Iran says won’t allow UN inspectors at bombed nuclear sites

  23-06-2026 16:25 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Iran said Tuesday that the UN’s nuclear watchdog will not be able to inspect key nuclear sites bombed by the US and Israel last year, as the first round of talks to end the Middle East war wrapped up in Switzerland.Tehran and Washington have signed a memorandum of understanding to end a war that sowed chaos across the Middle East and rattled the global economy, embarking on a 60-day period to settle broader issues including Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions relief.Diplomacy on
  
  Read more

• Leave Sowore, go after bandits, terrorists, Timi Frank counsels  SSS

  23-06-2026 16:21 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Omeiza AjayiABUJA: Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, Comrade Timi Frank, has urged the State Security Services SSS to redirect its energy away from the arrest and detention of activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore and focus instead on confronting the bandits and terrorists wreaking havoc across the country.Frank, who serves as Ambassador of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua to East Africa and the Middle East, issu
  
  Read more

Follow @GeneralNews_NGR on Twitter!