General news

• World Cup 2026 already has second-most own goals in history

  21-06-2026 19:57 via vanguardngr.com
  Own goals are piling up at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with seven already recorded after just 10 days of action; putting the tournament on course to challenge an unwanted record.Only the 2018 World Cup in Russia saw more own goals, with 12 scored across the tournament. With this year’s edition expanded to 48 teams and 104 matches, that tally is well within reach.The United States have been the biggest beneficiaries so far, with Paraguay’s Damián Bobadilla and Australia’s C
  
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• South-East leaders exploring political solution for Nnamdi Kanu’s release – Umahi

  22-06-2026 03:33 via vanguardngr.com
  By Jeff Agbodo, ABAKALIKI
  Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has said leaders of the South-East are exploring political solutions that could help secure the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, while also sustaining peace in the region.Read Also: Bayelsa spends N26.1bn for salaries in April, MayUmahi also declared that Ebonyi State is not aligned with the Obedient Movement, insisting that the state and the South-East remain supportive of President Bola Tinubu.The minister spo
  
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• Bayelsa spends N26.1bn for salaries in April, May

  22-06-2026 03:23 via vanguardngr.com
  By Samuel Oyadongha & Emem IdioThe Bayelsa State government says it has spent a total of N26.1b for salaries related components for the months of April and May just as it has also received a gross Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) inflow of N76.1b for the Months of April and May.Read Also: 6 out of 7: How APC swept Ekiti gov, 5 bye-elections, lost Rivers to PDPThe Technical Adviser on Treasury and Accounts,  Timipre Seipolo, made the disclosure during the state’s Tra
  
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• Oyo school kidnap: Troops block escape routes as terrorists reduce demands

  22-06-2026 02:58 via vanguardngr.com
  By Dapo Akinrefon & Adeola Badru, IBADANThere are strong indications that the 39 abducted schoolchildren and seven teachers from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State may regain their freedom any time soon as security operatives intensify rescue efforts.Read Also: Conflicting accounts emerge over alleged release of Oyo kidnap victimsIn fact, troops have blocked all possible escape routes to the National Park where the victims are being held
  
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• Tinubu’s support is helping us to do more for our people — Gov Mbah 

  22-06-2026 02:43 via vanguardngr.com
  By Soni Daniel, Editor, Northern OperationsEnugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, has undertaken many transformative projects across the length and breadth of the state in just three years. After meeting with the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and members of the Presidential Media Team who were on tour of projects being undertaken by governors in the South-East geopolitical zone, Dr. Mbah spoke on the vision that inspires his projects and says President Tinubu”s Support has helped gover
  
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• The attack on Niamey Airport

  22-06-2026 02:13 via vanguardngr.com
  By GEORGE KIMMITTOn June 18, 2026, the airport in Niamey, the capital of Niger, once again became the target of a terrorist attack. Gunfire began around 6 a.m. and lasted for several hours. Considering that this is the second attack on the capital’s airport this year, which, fortunately, was successfully repelled by the Nigerien armed forces, the military does not rule out that Paris, as before, is behind this attack.In the past, Nigerien authorities, attempting to draw the atte
  
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• Cape Verde hold Uruguay to 2-2 draw to remain unbeaten in World Cup

  22-06-2026 02:09 via vanguardngr.com
  Cape Verde fought back to earn a 2-2 draw with Uruguay in World Cup Group H on Sunday as the African archipelago maintained their stunning unbeaten start at the global showpiece.The debutants took the lead in Miami against the two-time former winners when Kevin Pina rifled in their first-ever World Cup goal before Uruguay hit back on the stroke of half-time to lead through Maximiliano Araujo and Agustin Canobbio, but Cape Verdean Helio Varela netted just after the hour to ensure the spoils were
  
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• Anarchism in judicial robes, by Owei Lakemfa

  22-06-2026 02:08 via vanguardngr.com
  Justice  Peter Odo Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja was far less known until June 15, 2026 when an ill-considered judgement he delivered led to political eruption in the country.    It was capable of derailing the political process and, several persons and organisations including the judiciary, scrambled to douse the fires its was beginning to ignite. Not since the country’s return to the democratic path twenty six years ago, has a judgement at
  
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• Tinubu’s gratuity restoration raises decades-old payment questions — NLC 

  22-06-2026 02:06 via vanguardngr.com
  By Victor Ahiuma-YoungThe Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has welcomed the Federal Government’s move to restore gratuity payments for workers but says the decision has opened fresh questions about decades of non-payment to retired public servants.Read Also: 6 out of 7: How APC swept Ekiti gov, 5 bye-elections, lost Rivers to PDPNLC President, Joe Ajaero, said while the restoration of gratuity was commendable, the government must address the plight of thousands of retirees who were denied th
  
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• El Anatsui @ 80: Nsukka honours global art legend with landmark book

  22-06-2026 01:59 via vanguardngr.com
  By Prisca Sam-DuruThe University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), in collaboration with the University Senior Staff Club, has concluded arrangements to host the academic community, the media, cultural institutions, art enthusiasts, alumni, traditional rulers, public office holders, and the general public, for the celebration of a global visual art Legend, Professor El Anatsui with a landmark book.The formal unveiling of the historic book titled, “El Anatsui: The Man, the Myth, the Legend at 80 a
  
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• South-East development and the Igbo wealth paradox

  22-06-2026 01:55 via vanguardngr.com
  By CHUKA NNABUIFE The Igbo people are among Nigeria’s greatest wealth creators. They account for a remarkable number of the country’s entrepreneurs, industrialists and billionaires. Yet, paradoxically, the South-East — the homeland of the Igbo nation — remains one of the least endowed regions in terms of infrastructure, federal institutions and public investment.From roads and healthcare facilities to educational establishments and employment opportunities
  
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• “Grazing reserves” is land grabbing!

  22-06-2026 01:52 via vanguardngr.com
  The renewed push by the Federal Government to end open grazing and activate the so-called 470 gazetted grazing reserves is a deeply troubling return to a policy that has already generated fierce controversy, failed to win public confidence, and proved impossible to implement smoothly in the past. Nigerians were told for years that open grazing would be phased out through orderly transition, yet the idea has repeatedly resurfaced in different guises, each time provoking the same anxieties about
  
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• 6 out of 7: How APC swept Ekiti gov, 5 bye-elections, lost Rivers to PDP

  22-06-2026 01:52 via vanguardngr.com
  By Dayo JohnsonThe All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday, won the Ekiti State governorship election and five of the six bye-elections held in Ondo, Enugu, Nasarawa, Kano, Kebbi and Rivers states.This was as winner  of the governorship election in Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji ofa  APC promised to “work harder and smarter” to serve the people after his landslide victory.Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes to defeat Peoples Democratic Party’s, PDP’s Dr Wole
  
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• Cocoa prices to exceed $10,000 per tonne as firms shift investments to lab-grown alternatives

  22-06-2026 01:48 via vanguardngr.com
  By Cynthia AloThe Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa, COCEFAAA, has warned that global cocoa prices could rise above $10,000 per tonne again as multinational food companies channel investments into laboratory-grown cocoa instead of supporting smallholder farmers across Africa.The association said continued underinvestment in cocoa farmers, ageing plantations, climate change and the spread of the cacao swollen shoot virus are threatening supply and could trigger another pric
  
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• FRSC officers in overseas course sit for promotion exams remotely 

  22-06-2026 01:35 via vanguardngr.com
  By Theodore OparaOfficers of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, pursuing academic and professional programmes abroad were allowed to participate in the Corps’ 2026 promotion exercise remotely, in what the agency described as a major step towards digitising personnel management and eliminating barriers to career advancement.The Corps introduced real-time monitoring cameras and independent observers from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Federal
  
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• PenCom moves to enroll transport workers into PPP

  22-06-2026 01:15 via vanguardngr.com
  By Victor Ahiuma-YoungThe National Pension Commission, PenCom, has commenced moves to bring millions of transport workers into Nigeria’s pension system through the Personal Pension Plan, PPP, in what could become one of the largest pension inclusion initiatives targeting the informal sector.The initiative emerged during a meeting between PenCom Director-General, Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, and the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Musiliu Akinsany
  
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• Middle-East war: Trump threatens Iran with fresh strikes amid ongoing peace talks in Switzerland

  22-06-2026 01:12 via vanguardngr.com
  By Nkiruka Nnorom with agency report UNITED States of America President, Donald Trump, yesterday threatened to restart war with Iran if it fails to stop its proxies in Lebanon from causing trouble.Read Also: Keir Starmer may announce exit as prime minister todayThe fresh threat came as Vice President JD Vance met Iranian officials for the first talks under an interim peace  deal, overshadowed by Teheran’s announcement it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz.The talks in th
  
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• FIWON seeks urgent expansion of pension, healthcare for informal workers 

  22-06-2026 01:07 via vanguardngr.com
  By Victor Ahiuma-YoungThe Federation of Informal Workers Organizations of Nigeria, FIWON, has called on the Federal Government to urgently expand pension and healthcare coverage to millions of informal workers across the country, describing the current level of social protection as grossly inadequate.Read Also: Tinubu’s gratuity restoration raises decades-old payment questions — NLC In a statement by its General Secretary, Gbenga Komolafe, FIWON lamented that the vast major
  
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• Community leaders mobilise against crime in Ndokwa

  22-06-2026 01:04 via vanguardngr.com
  By Victor Ahiuma-YoungGrowing incidents of vandalism and theft across communities in Ndokwa land, Delta State, have heightened security concerns, with the Ndokwa Neku Union, NNU, calling for greater vigilance and community participation in the fight against crime.The apex socio-cultural organisation of the Ndokwa people said the recent spate of criminal activities, particularly in Utagba-Ogbe, poses a threat to the development of the area and could undermine efforts to sustain peace and economic
  
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• Keir Starmer may announce exit as prime minister today

  22-06-2026 01:03 via vanguardngr.com
  By Nkiruka Nnorom with agency reportUNITED Kingdom’s Keir Starmer is expected to announce his resignation as prime minister today after overwhelming pressure from Labour MPs to make way for Andy Burnham to become Labour leader.Read Also: Ireland deports 42 South Africans, sets new visa requirementsStarmer’s departure will set the UK on course for a seventh prime minister in 10 years, just two years after he led Labour to a sweeping general election victory, winning a majority of 174
  
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• ICPC tasks customs officers on integrity, transparency in revenue collection

  21-06-2026 23:35 via vanguardngr.com
  The  Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability in their operations.This is contained in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, by the ICPC Spokesperson, Mr Okor Odey.Odey quoted the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) for Borno and Yobe States, Mr Linus Gubbi, as given the charge in Maiduguri, while speaking at  a sensitisation le
  
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• No pressure to pass to C.Ronaldo — Portugal winger Conceicao

  21-06-2026 23:24 via vanguardngr.com
  Portugal winger Francisco Conceicao insisted on Sunday his team-mates felt no pressure to pass to Cristiano Ronaldo following scrutiny of the veteran superstar’s role in their lacklustre World Cup opener.Critics have questioned whether the 41-year-old Ronaldo’s lack of mobility is having a negative effect on Portugal’s chances in the wake of a pedestrian 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo.But Conceicao on Sunday there was no was question of players feeling obliged
  
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• World Cup: Stuttering Belgium draw 0-0 with Iran

  21-06-2026 23:11 via vanguardngr.com
  Belgium were again held to a draw in World Cup Group G as their meeting with Iran finished goalless in Los Angeles on Sunday.The 2018 third-placed nation boast just two points from as many outings in North America and must win their final pool match against New Zealand next Friday to be sure of a spot in the last 32. A frustrating meeting for Belgium was compounded in the second half when defender Nathan Ngoy received a red card for a last-man foul.
  The post World Cup: Stuttering Belgium draw 0
  
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• Serena Williams to compete at Wimbledon singles as wildcard

  21-06-2026 23:06 via vanguardngr.com
  Tennis great Serena Williams, who retired in 2022, has been awarded a wildcard for the Wimbledon grass court championships starting in a week.Organisers released their initial list of wildcards on Sunday, with Williams, a seven-time champion at the All England Club, one of eight players awarded a place in the ladies singles event.A social media post by the official Wimbledon Championships said: “This is not a drill” with a picture of Williams standing on a grass court captioned &ldq
  
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• Timeless Messi eyes World Cup record as Argentina face Austria

  21-06-2026 22:46 via vanguardngr.com
  The Lionel Messi show rolls into Dallas with the Argentine maestro on the cusp of more footballing history when the World Cup holders face Austria on Monday.Messi, who turns 39 on Wednesday, scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria to pull level with Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record of 16 goals.The skipper broke down in tears after his first goal, and it later emerged that his father is recovering from an unspecified “health issue”.Inter Miami attacker Messi had n
  
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• Flood, windstorm destroy farmlands, shops in Ebonyi communities

  21-06-2026 22:36 via vanguardngr.com
  Torrential rainfall and the accompanying windstorm, on Saturday night, destroyed farmlands and people’s shops in Abakaliki and Akpoha Community in Afikpo North LGA of Ebonyi.The over four-hour rainfall caused severe flooding on the Abakaliki–Afikpo Expressway, submerging farmlands and destroying crops worth millions of naira.A cross-section of affected farmers told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakiliki on Sunday that the flood washed away yams, cassava, maize, rice, melons a
  
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• ‘Absurd’ to doubt Spain, says De la Fuente after Saudi Arabia rout

  21-06-2026 22:08 via vanguardngr.com
  Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said his side had silenced their doubters after Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal inspired a 4-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia on Sunday.One of the pre-tournament favourites, La Roja’s World Cup got off to a slow start as they were held 0-0 by tournament debutants Cape Verde.Barcelona superstar Yamal only appeared as a second-half substitute in that match as he is eased back to full fitness after a hamstring injury.In his first start for two months, the 18-year-old
  
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• Police arrest suspected cult members terrorising Osun

  21-06-2026 21:42 via vanguardngr.com
  Police in Osun have arrested some suspected members of secret cults terrorising the state.This is contained in a statement by the Police Spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Sunday.According to Ojelabi, a suspected notorious cultist known as “small”, who was terrorising Iloro community, Ilesa town, was apprehended on Wednesday, at about 6p.m.“He confessed to being a member of Eiye confraternity,” he said.Ojelabi said similarly, the Anti-Cultism Unit of the command, thro
  
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• Orji Kalu congratulates Oyebanji on re-election victory in Ekiti

  21-06-2026 21:40 via vanguardngr.com
  Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, has congratulated Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his victory in the state governorship election.In a statement issued on Sunday, Kalu described the outcome of the poll as a clear indication of the confidence, trust and overwhelming support Oyebanji enjoys among the people of Ekiti State.The former Senate Chief Whip said the governor’s victory reflected public appreciation of his le
  
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• Iranians walk out of talks venue after Trump threat

  21-06-2026 21:39 via vanguardngr.com
  Iran’s delegation on Sunday walked out of the Swiss venue where it held talks with the United States towards permanently ending the Middle East war, after Donald Trump threatened to strike the Islamic republic over its support for Hezbollah.The negotiations to end a war that sowed chaos across the region and rattled the global economy are meant to trigger a 60-day period to settle broader issues that have dogged US-Iranian relations for decades.But disagreement over key sticking points an
  
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