General news

• Why I don’t like the World Cup hydration break – Netherland’s Van Dijk

  15-06-2026 16:40
  Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk has criticised the introduction of mandatory hydration breaks at this summer’s World Cup, suggesting the pauses disrupt the flow of the game and cater to television broadcasters.Speaking after the Netherlands’ 2-2 draw with Japan on Sunday—a match played inside the climate-controlled, air-conditioned AT&T Stadium—the 34-year-old defender was asked for his thoughts on enforcing the breaks even when stadium conditions are not overly
  
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• Hashim faults court-ordered deregistration of opposition parties

  16-06-2026 11:58
  The Co-Chairman of the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR) and former presidential candidate of the Accord Party, Gbenga Hashim, has described a Federal High Court order directing the deregistration of five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Accord Party, as a threat to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.In a statement issued on Tuesday, Hashim said the ruling reinforced concerns he had raised since 2024 about what he alleged was a coordinated effort to
  
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• Underfunded police responsible for rising insecurity in Nigeria — Ex-IGP Okiro

  16-06-2026 11:49
  By Juliet UmehFormer Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, has attributed the worsening insecurity across Nigeria to years of inadequate funding, poor manpower, and insufficient equipment for the Nigeria Police Force, warning that the country’s security challenges will persist unless the government prioritises the police.Speaking on the nation’s security situation during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, Okiro said the police, as the lead agency responsible for interna
  
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• Iran ‘most oppressed team in whole World Cup’ – coach

  16-06-2026 11:34
  Coach Amir Ghalenoei said Iran is the “most oppressed team in the World Cup” after his players were suddenly informed they must travel back to Mexico immediately after their opening game ended in Los Angeles late Monday.It is the latest logistical nightmare for an Iran squad that arrived at the tournament being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada under the shadow of a bitter diplomatic row between Tehran and Washington.The US — which was in military conflict with
  
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• Nigerian newspapers review: Atiku, Mark, Adeleke fume, vow to be on ballot

  16-06-2026 11:30
  In today’s Nigerian newspapers review programme, Today in the News, Vanguard leads with the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, the party’s national chairman, David Mark, and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke fuming over the court order to deregister ADC, Accord Party and two other political parties.Another headline features the former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), explaining why he dumped Gen. Sani Abacha’
  
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• Gunmen attack NIPSS, kill three security operatives in Plateau

  16-06-2026 11:22
  By Golok Nanmwa, JosSuspected gunmen on Monday night attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State, killing three security operatives in an attempt to breach the nation’s foremost policy institution.Sources said the attackers stormed the institute at about 11:40 p.m. and opened fire, triggering an exchange of gunfire with security personnel stationed at the facility.A staff member of the institute, who spoke on condition of anonymit
  
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• Iran says footballer’s US visa expires after World Cup opener

  16-06-2026 11:09
  An Iranian national football team player’s United States visa has expired, state media reported Tuesday, leaving his future at the World Cup shrouded in doubt with Tehran engulfed in a bitter diplomatic row with Washington.Winger Mehdi Torabi was only issued a single-entry visa instead of the multiple-entry visa given to other Iranian national team players to take part in the global spectacle, where Team Melli earned a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening match on Monday.“Foll
  
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• World Cup 2026: Meet the Cape Verde player called-up via LinkedIn

  16-06-2026 10:57
  By Ayobami OkerindeCape Verde produced one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday after holding former champions Spain to a goalless draw in their opening Group H match.Despite facing 23 shots and just having just 38 per cent of ball possession, the World Cup debutants stood firm to earn a valuable point and boost their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.At the heart of that resilient defensive display was defender Roberto Lopes, whose journey to the World Cup and the
  
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• JAMB releases 2026 UTME mop-up results

  16-06-2026 10:39
  The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) mop-up exercise.JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, announced the release in a statement on Tuesday, saying candidates who participated in the examination can check their results through the board’s approved result-checking channels.Benjamin said the board would immediately commence the ranking of candidates following the releas
  
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• Sultan declares Tuesday Islamic New Year; Sokoto announces public holiday

  16-06-2026 10:32
  The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Tuesday, June 16, as the first day of Muharram 1448 AH in Nigeria.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, marking the beginning of the new Islamic year.The declaration is contained in a statement issued on Monday in Sokoto by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious
  
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• Tunisia replace coach Lamouchi with Renard after World Cup thrashing

  16-06-2026 10:25
  Tunisia have responded to their 5-1 World Cup thrashing by Sweden by sacking coach Sabri Lamouchi and replacing him with Frenchman Herve Renard, the federation announced on national TV on Monday.Renard coached Saudi Arabia to a shock win against eventual winners Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and has since coached the France women’s team.“The president of the Tunisian Football Federation, Moez Nassari, announced that an official agreement had been reached with French coach
  
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• Senegal-France clash: ‘Whoever wins, Africa beats Africa’ — Senegal speaker

  16-06-2026 10:02
  By Ayobami OkerindeThe speaker of Senegal’s parliament Ousmane Sonko has said that regardless of the outcome of Tuesday’s World Cup clash between Senegal and France, Africa would emerge the winner because of the large number of players of African origin in the French national team.Speaking in an interview with France 24 and RFI ahead of the opening group I match, Sonko said the encounter transcends football and highlights Africa’s contribution to global talent.“In any ca
  
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• Senators who didn’t endorse Natasha’s suspension found their names on report – Oshiomhole alleges

  16-06-2026 10:00
  By John Alechenu, AbujaSenator Adams Oshiomhole has alleged that the names of at least three senators were improperly included on the Senate Committee report that recommended the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.The Edo North senator made the claim yesterday during an interview on Africa Independent Television, AIT, while reacting to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele’s description of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as one of the “lowest moments
  
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• Iran begin fraught World Cup with 2-2 New Zealand draw

  16-06-2026 09:35
  Iran twice battled back for a 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday in their frenetic opening match of a World Cup campaign that has been utterly overshadowed by war, politics and protests.The Iranian team’s very presence at the Los Angeles Stadium had long felt uncertain, after months of military conflict between their nation and the United States.At last able to focus on the football, the Iran players twice found themselves trailing to the tournament’s lowest-ranked team, thanks to
  
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• Action Alliance kicks against deregistration of five political parties

  16-06-2026 09:23
  …warns of threat to 2027 electionsBy Joseph Erunke, AbujaThe Action Alliance, AA, has strongly opposed yesterday’s court judgment ordering the deregistration of five political parties, warning that the move could undermine Nigeria’s democratic process and destabilize preparations for the 2027 general elections.In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the National Chairman of the party, Barrister Kenneth Udeze, expressed concern over the timing of the ruling, arguing that po
  
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• Araujo strikes late to deny Saudi opening-day victory

  16-06-2026 09:19
  By Enitan AbdultawabMaxi Araujo scored a late equalizer to save Uruguay a point and deny Saudi Arabia another famous opening-game victory at the World Cup.Saudi Arabia, who famously shocked eventual champions Argentina in their opening match of the 2022 tournament in Qatar, looked on course for another major upset in the Group H encounter before a second-half fightback from Marcelo Bielsa’s side.The goal came four minutes before the halftime interval. Hassan al Tambakti’s powerful h
  
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• Prisoner Exchange: Obi commends Nigeria, Ethiopia, laments deaths of four Nigerians in custody

  16-06-2026 09:10
  Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has welcomed the completion of the prisoner exchange arrangement between Nigeria and Ethiopia, describing the development as a humanitarian step that upholds the dignity of Nigerian citizens abroad.In a statement on Monday, Obi commended the efforts of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), as well as Ethiopian authorities,
  
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• Digital postcode to transform commerce, security, cut delivery costs — Tijani

  16-06-2026 08:45
  By Progress GodfreyThe Federal Government has said Nigeria’s Digital Alphanumeric Postcode System, scheduled for launch this year, will transform commerce, strengthen security and significantly reduce delivery costs nationwide.Speaking at the National Digital Alphanumeric Postcode System workshop in Abuja, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, described the initiative as critical national infrastructure designed to address Nigeria’s long-stand
  
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• TCN expresses concern over rising cases of vandalism in Niger State

  16-06-2026 08:41
  By Obas Esiedesa, AbujaThe Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has raised concerns over increasing vandalism of power transmission infrastructure in parts of Niger State, warning that the trend poses serious economic, safety and electricity supply challenges.Speaking during a community engagement visit to Lambata in Gurara Local Government Area yesterday, the General Manager, Transmission, Abuja Region, Engr. Musa Shuaibu, said repeated attacks on transmission facilities had become a maj
  
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• Ogoni monarch denies links to criminal gangs, threatens legal action

  16-06-2026 08:40
  By Daniel AbiaPORT HARCOURT — The Chairman of the Khana Local Government Area Council of Traditional Rulers in Rivers State, King Suanu Timothy Baridam, has denied allegations linking him to criminal gangs operating in the area, describing the claims as false and defamatory.The monarch was responding to allegations reportedly made by some youth leaders who accused him of sponsoring criminal activities in Khana Local Government Area.In a statement issued on Monday by his media consultant,
  
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• Optiva Capital restates commitment to wealth creation, opportunity across Africa

  16-06-2026 08:36
  By Babajide KomolafeChairman of Optiva Capital Partners, Franklin Nechi, has said the company remains committed to helping Africans build wealth, create opportunities and secure lasting legacies through global access, smart investments and purpose-driven growth.Speaking during an interactive session with  the media, Nechi said the firm’s vision extends beyond investment immigration to include healthcare, women empowerment, wealth retention and support for Africa’s growing
  
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• Revenue from VAT, CIT falls 6% to N3.79trn in Q1’26

  16-06-2026 08:31
  By Elizabeth AdegbesanRevenue generated from Value Added Tax, VAT,  and Company Income Tax, CIT,  fell year-on-year (YoY) by 6.2 percent to N3.79 trillion  in the first quarter of 2026 (Q1’26) from N4.04 trillion in Q1’25.The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS,  disclosed this in its report on VAT and CIT for Q1’26 , which showed that the decline in revenue was driven by a 3.08 percent YoY fall in CIT during the  period. According to the NBS,
  
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• Court-ordered deregistration of ADC politically motivated — Bolaji Abdullahi

  16-06-2026 08:28
  The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has described the Federal High Court judgment directing the deregistration of the party as a politically motivated move aimed at undermining the opposition and damaging public confidence in the judiciary.Abdullahi made the assertion on Monday during an interview with ARISE NEWS while reacting to a ruling by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordering the Independent National Electoral
  
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• CBN orders fintechs, banks to localise payment data, caps market dominance

  16-06-2026 08:27
  •Mandates beneficial ownership disclosure•Sets 25% threshold, 15% cross-market cap•Compliance deadline set for Dec. 31, 2026By Babajide KomolafeThe Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has directed banks, fintechs and other operators in the payments ecosystem to store all payment transaction data generated in Nigeria within the country, while also introducing measures to curb excessive market dominance in the industry.The apex bank disclosed this in a circular dated June 15, 2026, title
  
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• FCMB Group’s profit rises 81% to N202bn 

  16-06-2026 08:23
  FCMB Group Plc has recorded an 81 per cent increase in its Profit Before Tax, PBT, which hit N202.1 billion in 2025 full financial year from N111.9 billion recorded in 2024.The company disclosed this in its audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025 released yesterday alongside its unaudited results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.The company also recorded 142 per cent increase in profit after tax which increased to N177.3 billion, leading to improvement in R
  
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• FirstBank hits N1bn daily disbursement on FirstAdvance

  16-06-2026 08:20
  FirstBank Nigeria yesterday announced that FirstAdvance, its flagship salary backed digital loan product, has hit a milestone of N1 billion daily disbursement. The bank, in a statement, said that the feat underscores its commitment to delivering innovative, accessible, technology-driven financial service solutions to its customers.“FirstAdvance is a convenient loan offering for salary earners, that enables FirstBank customers to access short-term credit in less than one minute w
  
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• Nigeria must lead, not consume digital revolution — Galaxy Backbone 

  16-06-2026 08:16
  By Progress GodfreyGalaxy Backbone Limited (GBB), Nigeria’s information technology and shared services provider, has said that the country must take a leading role in shaping emerging technologies rather than consuming global innovations.The Managing Director of GBB, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, said this yesterday at a press conference in Abuja to kick off the company’s 20th anniversary celebrations, highlighting Nigeria’s readiness to lead Africa’s digital transfor
  
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• Kidnapped Kwara monarch dies in captivity after N18m ransom payment

  16-06-2026 08:15
  The traditional ruler of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Salman Aweda, who was kidnapped from his palace by terrorists on April 17, 2026, has been confirmed dead after payment of N18 million ransom, out of the N21 million demanded.
  It was also gathered that the community had bought two brand new motocycles and provided 100 litres of petrol demanded by the kidnappers, yet he was not released.
  It was learned that when community people sought to speak with
  
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• Nigerian student Kamdi Okeke, graduates Summa Cum Laude, wins $442,044 UPenn scholarship

  16-06-2026 08:08
  By Emma NnadozieKamdi Okeke, a 21-year-old Nigerian student, graduated summa cum laude from Drexel University on June 11, 2026, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering with a 3.95 GPA.His academic performance placed him among the top graduates in his programme and earned him first-class honours with the highest distinction.In addition to his academic record, Okeke achieved a score of 521 on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and built a strong profile through communit
  
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• Why I’ve not resumed as ambassador to Mexico — Reno Omokri

  16-06-2026 08:07
  Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has explained why he has yet to assume duties in his country of posting, attributing the delay to ongoing activities related to the World Cup being jointly hosted by Mexico and the United States.Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Omokri dismissed claims that the Mexican government had rejected him, describing such reports as opposition-driven narratives with no basis in reality.According to the former pr
  
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