General news

• Why I didn’t substitute Ronaldo against DR Congo – Martinez

  18-06-2026 14:26 via vanguardngr.com
  Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez has stood firmly behind his decision to play Cristiano Ronaldo for the entirety of Wednesday’s 1-1 draw against DR Congo, despite growing backlash over the veteran forward’s performance.The Seleção struggled to find their rhythm in Houston, kicking off their 2026 World Cup campaign with a frustrating stalemate.
  Ronaldo’s quiet display quickly became a lightning rod for criticism, with a wave of fans and pundits arguing
  
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• Lagos records lowest building collapse rate in 20 years

  18-06-2026 20:32 via vanguardngr.com
  Lagos State recorded the lowest incidence of building collapse in the last two decades in 2025.The state government attributed the achievement to improved regulatory enforcement and stakeholder collaboration.The General Manager of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL), Mrs Olayinka Abdul,  disclosed this on Thursday during a sensitisation campaign with market leaders at the Alimosho Local Government Secretariat.Abdul was represented by the agency’s Director of Business
  
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• Shinkafi to Matawalle: Account for Zamfara gold reserve

  18-06-2026 20:24 via vanguardngr.com
  By Luminous JannamikeABUJA—A former National Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, and Zamfara North senatorial aspirant, Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has demanded a full account of the Zamfara State Gold Reserve Initiative launched under former Governor Bello Matawalle, seeking details of the quantity of gold acquired, where it is being held, and what was handed over to Governor Dauda Lawal in 2023.The demand has renewed scrutiny of the state-backed gold reserve unveiled
  
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• Police bust telecom fraud syndicate, arrest suspects over ₦7.7bn data scam

  18-06-2026 20:22 via vanguardngr.com
  By Kingsley OmonobiThe Nigeria Police Force, through the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), has made significant breakthroughs in the investigation of a major cybercrime case involving computer-related fraud, unauthorised access to computer systems and theft of telecommunications services.The Police Public Relations Officer of the NPF-NCCC, DSP Unwana Imah, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, noting that investigations revealed the involvement of both internal an
  
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• South Africa, Czech Republic keep hopes alive after 1-1 draw

  18-06-2026 20:21 via vanguardngr.com
  Teboho Mokoena’s penalty kept South Africa’s dream of reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time alive after a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in Atlanta on Thursday.Michal Sadilek’s early opener had the Czechs on course for just their second World Cup win as an independent nation.But Mokoena’s late spot-kick kept both teams in the hunt for the last 32, although they will almost certainly have to win their final Group A fixture to advance.Both sides move
  
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• Tinubu commissions Abuja airport bypass vows no community will pay price of Devt

  18-06-2026 20:12 via vanguardngr.com
  By Omeiza AjayiABUJA: President Bola Tinubu on Thursday commissioned a 7-kilometre access road bypassing the second runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, declaring that no Nigerian community should be made to bear the cost of national development without recompense.Represented at the ceremony by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the President said the project — which runs from Bill Clinton Drive to Tungan Madaki Settlement and includes a four-span bridge — w
  
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• Army Chief urges graduating recruits to crush terrorists, bandits, kidnappers

  18-06-2026 20:09 via vanguardngr.com
  By Kingsley OmonobiThe Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged graduating recruits under the Restore Hope Initiative to confront terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening Nigeria’s peace and security with courage, professionalism and discipline.The charge was delivered on Thursday at the graduation ceremony of the Restore Hope Programme for the 90 Regular Recruit Intake held at the Depot Nigerian Army Shooting Range in Zaria.I
  
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• Panic grips Ilorin over rumoured bandit attack

  18-06-2026 20:05 via vanguardngr.com
  By Demola AkinyemiILORIN — Panic swept across Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Thursday following rumours of an impending bandit attack, prompting hundreds of parents and guardians to rush to schools to pick up their children.The scare, which spread rapidly across the city, led to anxiety among residents, particularly around public and private schools, as unverified reports circulated that suspected bandits had invaded the ancient city.In response to the rumours, forest guards and othe
  
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• US forces lift blockade of Iran ports

  18-06-2026 19:52 via vanguardngr.com
  The US on Thursday lifted a blockade of Iranian ports imposed during the Middle East war after President Donald Trump signed a deal to end the conflict, as uncertainty surrounded planned talks in Switzerland aiming to take the accord further.The signing of the deal by Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian set in motion a 60-day period for talks on wider issues between the two foes, including the Iranian nuclear programme.But there was uncertainty over the next steps, and it remained unc
  
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• FG assures Christians of action on security, welfare concerns

  18-06-2026 19:52 via vanguardngr.com
  By Luminous JannamikeABUJA — The Federal Government has assured Christians that it is aware of their concerns over insecurity and other socio-economic challenges facing the country, pledging continued engagement to address issues relating to safety, welfare and economic opportunities.The assurance was given by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Abuja.The meeti
  
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• FG’s revenue deductions putting pressure on aviation sector, United Nigeria Chairman

  18-06-2026 19:42 via vanguardngr.com
  By Dickson OmobolaChairman and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Thursday, urged Federal Government to stop deducting from the revenue of aviation agencies, saying the practice places undue pressure on the sector.Okonkwo disclosed that, due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz arising from the Iran conflict, the airline lost about N10 billion in some months as a result of increased operational costs driven by the rise in the price of aviation
  
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• Messi family confirms Lionel’s father is battling health issue

  18-06-2026 19:40 via vanguardngr.com
  The family of Lionel Messi confirmed on Thursday that the Argentina star’s father, Jorge Messi, is currently experiencing a health issue.
  In a statement sent to ESPN, they sought to clarify his status and calm growing speculation.
  “He is currently under medical supervision, recovering, and progressing favorably within his current condition,” the family said.The update comes amid a wave of unverified reports regarding Jorge’s medical status, which the family directly addr
  
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• WELA seeks accountability for Safe Schools Initiative amid rising school abductions

  18-06-2026 19:37 via vanguardngr.com
  Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA) has expressed concern over the continued abduction of schoolchildren and attacks on educational institutions across Nigeria, calling on the Federal Government to account for the implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative launched more than a decade ago.In a statement signed by its Chairperson, Funmi Falana (SAN), the organisation said recent incidents of school abductions have once again highlighted the vulnerability of schools and the growing fears amo
  
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• World Cup: Neymar to miss Brazil game against Haiti

  18-06-2026 19:29 via vanguardngr.com
  Neymar will not travel with the Brazil squad for Friday’s second World Cup group game against Haiti as he continues his recovery from a calf injury.The 34-year-old has only returned to training with the national team this week and missed the five-time World Cup winners’ opening 1-1 draw with Morocco in Group C.Coach Carlo Ancelotti said last week he was hopeful Neymar would be ready to play some part in the game against Haiti in Philadelphia.Neymar was diagnosed in late May with an
  
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• We won’t participate – Oyo APC rejects December LG election

  18-06-2026 19:29 via vanguardngr.com
  …alleges bid to install Makinde’s loyalistsBy Adeola BadruThe Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that it will not participate in the proposed local government election scheduled for December, 2026, describing the exercise as illegal, ill-conceived and designed to serve the political interests of Governor Seyi Makinde.The party accused the governor of attempting to install loyalists in local government councils ahead of the end of his tenure, insis
  
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• Afenifere warns rising insecurity threatens Nigeria’s democracy

  18-06-2026 19:24 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adeola BadruThe pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has warned that worsening insecurity across the country is undermining Nigeria’s democratic gains, urging federal and state governments to adopt a more coordinated and decisive response to banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, the group said the growing wave of insecurity cast a shadow over the country’s celebration of 27 years
  
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• APC chieftain, 8,000 supporters defect to PDP over alleged marginalisation of Egbaland

  18-06-2026 19:20 via vanguardngr.com
  By James OgunnaikeABEOKUTA — A former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman of the Egba Agenda Forum, High Chief Mustapha Abdulhakeem Owolabi, has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing what he described as the continued political marginalisation of Egbaland in Ogun State.Owolabi announced his defection alongside more than 8,000 supporters from Ogun Central and other parts of the state during the 2026 Egba Agenda Convention held in Abeokuta on Thurs
  
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• Bye Election: Ondo South cannot lower the bar — Aiyedatiwa drums support for Faduyile

  18-06-2026 19:10 via vanguardngr.com
  By Dayo Johnson AkureOndo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has drummed up support for the All Progressives Congress candidate in Saturday’s Ondo South senatorial bye-election, Prof. Dayo Faduyile, describing him as the most qualified to represent the district in the Senate.The bye-election was called to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of former senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations by President Bola Tinubu.Speaking at the APC
  
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• INEC begins distribution of sensitive materials for Nasarawa North by-election

  18-06-2026 19:08 via vanguardngr.com
  The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday commenced the distribution of sensitive election materials for the June 20 Nasarawa North Senatorial District bye-election.Mallam Mohammed Abubakar-Sadiq, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Nasarawa State, disclosed this while addressing newsmen at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Lafia during the distribution exercise.Abubakar-Sadiq described the sensitive materials as critical to the conduct of the election, noting tha
  
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• Five things to know about blockbuster GTA games

  18-06-2026 19:04 via vanguardngr.com
  Pre-orders for “Grand Theft Auto VI,” one of the most anticipated entertainment releases in years, will open on June 25, developer Rockstar Games said Thursday, the latest milestone in the rollout of a title widely expected to be the biggest game of the decade.The announcement, which came alongside the reveal of the game’s official cover art, follows years of feverish anticipation and speculation among fans.GTA VI is set to launch November 19 after two delays, capping a wait o
  
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• FG launches ₦200bn Capital drive for proposed cooperative bank

  18-06-2026 19:00 via vanguardngr.com
  By Gabriel EwepuABUJA — The Federal Government on Thursday launched a ₦200 billion share capital mobilisation campaign for the proposed Cooperative Bank of Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform and Revamp Programme (RH-CRRP), aimed at strengthening cooperative-driven economic growth across the country.The initiative was unveiled by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security and Supervising Minister of Cooperative Affairs, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, during the Nort
  
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• FG expands support for indigenous airlines, international routes

  18-06-2026 18:51 via vanguardngr.com
  The Federal Government says it is expanding support for indigenous airlines through improved access to aircraft financing and international routes to boost the competitiveness of Nigerian carriers.The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), said this on Thursday in Lagos at the unveiling of two newly acquired Next Generation (NG) Boeing 737-800 aircraft by United Nigeria Airlines (UNA).Keyamo said the acquisition reflected the positive impact of reforms introduce
  
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• FG unveils national policy for regional development

  18-06-2026 18:47 via vanguardngr.com
  —Document will guide operations of regional commissions, strengthen development planning across six geopolitical zones — MomohBy Johnbosco AgbakwuruABUJA—THE Federal Government on Thursday unveiled a National Regional Development Policy aimed at providing a strategic framework for the operations of Nigeria’s regional development commissions, ending months of policy uncertainty following their establishment.Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, disclosed
  
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• DELSUTH consultants begin indefinite strike over chairman’s dismissal

  18-06-2026 18:39 via vanguardngr.com
  By Chioma ObinnaDelta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara, was on Thursday thrown into disruption as medical consultants under the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) commenced an indefinite strike over the dismissal of their chairman and alleged government insensitivity to their demands.The industrial action has led to a total shutdown of clinical services, residency training, and academic activities, leaving patients stranded and medical training sus
  
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• World Cup 2026: Youngest players on scoresheet in Round 1

  18-06-2026 18:29 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeThe opening round of matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered goals, surprises and several breakout performances from the next generation of football superstars.While established stars such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane grabbed headlines, a number of young players also announced themselves on the global stage with crucial goals for their countries.Here are the youngest confirmed goalscorers from Round 1 of the World Cup group stage.1. Ibrahim Mbaye (Sene
  
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• NEC okays N83.2bn flood intervention, moves to strengthen regional development framework

  18-06-2026 18:27 via vanguardngr.com
  —Says additional funding possible after assessment of flood threats nationwideBy Johnbosco AgbakwuruABUJA— IN what appears to be a proactive measure, the National Economic Council, NEC, on Thursday approved the release of over N83.2 billion for flood preparedness and climate disaster mitigation across the country.The ₦83.2 billion was half the N166.4 billion intervention proposal, presented by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.But the government promised that additi
  
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• ADC Youths petition NJC, demand justice Lifu’s removal

  18-06-2026 18:25 via vanguardngr.com
  By Luminous JannamikeABUJA — The National Youth Wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Thursday petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC), calling for the removal of Justice Peter Odo Lifu from all matters involving the party and seeking his dismissal from the bench over alleged misconduct.The petition follows a Federal High Court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC and four other political parties, a ruling the yout
  
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• Yiaga Africa, IPC raise alarm over vote buying, journalist safety in Ekiti poll

  18-06-2026 18:23 via vanguardngr.com
  By Rotimi OjomoyelaAdo-Ekiti — Civil society organisations have raised concerns over vote buying, journalists’ safety, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) ahead of Saturday’s Ekiti State governorship election.Yiaga Africa has identified vote buying as one of the major threats to the credibility of the poll, urging security agencies and anti-corruption bodies to take proactive steps to curb the practice.Speaking during a pre-election briefing in Ado-Ekiti, the
  
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• US Supreme Court backs gun ownership by marijuana users

  18-06-2026 18:19 via vanguardngr.com
  The US Supreme Court ruled unanimously Thursday that a habitual user of marijuana cannot be barred from owning a gun.The 9-0 ruling is a victory for supporters of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, which says Americans have the right to keep and bear arms.The case before the court involved Ali Hemani, a Texas man who was indicted for being unlawfully in possession of a Glock pistol after admitting that he used marijuana about every other day.An appeals court ruled that barring Hemani,
  
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• What Cucurella, Silva, Konate add to Mourinho’s project at Real Madrid

  18-06-2026 18:11 via vanguardngr.com
  Since hiring Jose Mourinho as coach in early June, Real Madrid have moved quickly to reinforce ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.Los Blancos signed Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate to reshape their squad after going two straight seasons without winning a major trophy.AFP Sport looks at what the new additions can add and what might be next for the record 15-time European champions this summer.Cucurella’s intensityReal Madrid signed Chelsea left-back Cucurella for around 55 mi
  
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