NGOwnership & classification
Founded: 1984
Ownership
Vanguard is a Lagos daily published by Vanguard Media Limited, founded in 1984 by veteran journalist and publisher Sam Amuka-Pemu (a co-founder of The Punch) together with a small group of associates. The paper began as a weekly in June 1984 and went daily in July 1984; Amuka has remained its proprietor and guiding figure.
Funding
A privately owned commercial newspaper funded by advertising, sales and digital revenue, without state or party subsidy.
Affiliation & stance
A mainstream, high-circulation daily with a broadly centrist, non-partisan editorial line and no government or party ownership. As a privately held, commercially funded outlet free of party/state control, it is INDEPENDENT (CENTER tags are accurate).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 628
84/100
Factual
80/100
Objective
1007
Articles
1007
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
U.S. and Iran agree to cease attacks and return to talks
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In a game with 5 goals in 23 minutes, Switzerland knocks out Bosnia and wins 1st in the Cup; see best moments
Mexico's victory over South Korea has secured their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup.
2026 World Cup: Czech Republic lose to South Africa
WHO WARNS MASSIVE DANGER: After the earthquake, more danger is coming to Venezuela
Recent coverage
Ancelotti says never doubted ‘suffering’ Brazil would score
In the 2026 World Cup round of 32 match between Brazil and Japan, Brazil secured a dramatic 2-1 victory in the 95th minute thanks to a goal from substitute Gabriel Martinelli. The win advanced Brazil to the World Cup last 16, marking the latest instance of a last-minute winning goal in knockout stages since 1966. Despite Japan leading 1-0 at halftime due to some defensive errors by Brazil, the South American team dominated the second half with goals from Casemiro and Martinelli. Coach Carlo Ancelotti emphasized the team's resilience and patience, noting that he had confidence in their ability to overcome challenges. He also mentioned that Neymar, Brazil's top scorer, remained on the bench until the final moments, though he was not substituted due to the team's successful comeback.
African Union calls emergency meeting as US ends Somalia army funds
The African Union (AU) has called an emergency meeting regarding its military mission in Somalia, AUSSOM, following the United States' announcement to terminate funding to the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS). This funding supports AUSSOM, which provides around 12,000 troops to assist the Somali military in combating the Al-Shabaab insurgency. In a letter dated July 1, the U.S. stated it would stop funding UNSOS by the end of the year and block further UN logistical support to AUSSOM through the Security Council. The U.S. cited Somalia's failure to make progress against Al-Shabaab, take ownership of its security, or implement reforms. The AU and Somali government have not yet responded to requests for comment. Meanwhile, Somalia faces internal political instability due to recent constitutional changes that extended President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's term, leading to opposition and violence. Analysts warn that the lack of progress in security and ongoing political conflict could allow Al-Shabaab to regain ground.
An American gets the maximum amount of recovery time at Wimbledon.
The article discusses the scheduling of the first-round doubles match at Wimbledon involving American tennis player Serena Williams and her sister Venus Williams against the Argentine-Colombian pair Solana Sierra and Camila Osorio. The match was initially scheduled for Thursday and Friday but has been postponed due to Serena's injury during her singles match. Tournament organizer Andy Murray (likely a misstatement, as Andy Murray is a British player, and the correct name might be someone like Ashley Barker or another official) stated they are giving Serena as much time as possible to recover. They ruled out postponing the match to later dates unless necessary for safety or tournament flow. The match is expected to take place on a larger court to accommodate the large crowd attracted by Serena and Venus, who are major stars. Serena returned to professional tennis after four years, but she lost her first singles match and injured her knee. She did not attend a press conference afterward due to health reasons and expressed her commitment to participating in the doubles event. Serena and Venus have won six doubles titles together, including a title in 2016.
Ukraine reports two dead after night attacks by Russia, with the death toll in Kiev rising to 30.
At least two people were killed and eight injured in Russian air strikes on the Sumy region and Kryvyj Rih in Ukraine during the night of Thursday to Friday, according to Ukrainian authorities. This follows a large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv earlier in the week which killed at least 30 people and injured around 100 others. In response to the attacks, Ukraine conducted missile strikes on Belgorod in Russia, causing a fire at an energy facility and killing one woman, according to Russian media. The overnight strike on the city of Romny in the Sumy region hit a residential building, killing two women and injuring a man, reported regional administrator Oleh Hryhorov via Telegram. Another seven people were injured in a missile strike on Kryvyj Rih, according to military city administrator Oleksandr Vilkul. In Kyiv, teams discovered three more dead bodies during the night, bringing the total number of victims to 30, according to Reuters citing Ukrainian health authorities. Kyiv's military administrator Tymur Tkačenko stated that the attack injured 99 people. Moscow claimed the extensive attack was a response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, including those carried
Education crisis demands leadership, investment, not policy changes – Obi
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), argues that Nigeria's education crisis requires sustained investment, strong leadership, and improved infrastructure rather than merely changing policies. He highlights the failure of the current policy separating junior and senior secondary schools, citing poor performance in recent West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE). Obi criticizes the federal government for allocating less than 6% of the 2026 budget to education, well below UNESCO's recommended 15–20%. He points out that underfunding has prevented Nigeria from supporting students in international STEM competitions and contrasts this with the government's ability to fund foreign conferences. Obi references his tenure as Anambra State governor, during which significant investments in education led to improved outcomes, including large-scale laptop acquisitions recognized by HP Africa.
Fire breaks out at fuel terminal in Lagos
A fire broke out at the Bono Energy Terminal in Lagos, Nigeria, on Friday, prompting an emergency response from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS). The incident occurred along the Apapa-Oworonshoki Expressway, though the cause remains under investigation. Firefighters worked to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby facilities. No casualties or damage details have been reported yet. The location is known for its concentration of petroleum storage facilities, highlighting the importance of swift emergency action to mitigate risks to life, property, and the environment.
The Nigerian SME Growth Playbook: How Digital Tools Are Turning Ambition into Reality
The article discusses the role of digital tools in transforming the growth potential of Nigerian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It highlights the resilience and ambition of Nigeria's nearly 40 million SMEs, which contribute significantly to the economy by driving innovation and job creation. According to Mastercard's SME Confidence Index, 81% of Nigerian SMEs are optimistic about the next year, with 68% expecting revenue growth. The report emphasizes the importance of digital payments for future success, noting that all surveyed businesses consider them essential. However, the article identifies a 'acceptance gap' between consumers who are ready to pay digitally and merchants unable to receive such payments due to high costs. Mastercard is addressing this issue through 'hardware-lite' solutions like QR-on-Card, which enable 1.8 million Nigerian SMEs and gig workers to accept payments without additional hardware. The piece also mentions challenges in cross-border transactions, citing the World Bank's data on high transaction costs in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In the tropical Pacific, El Niño conditions have set in, researchers say.
The article reports that researchers from New Zealand’s Earth Sciences organization (ESNZ) have identified conditions consistent with the El Niño climate phenomenon in the tropical Pacific. They warn that impacts on New Zealand’s weather are likely to intensify over the coming months. The ESNZ joined other organizations in Australia, Japan, and the U.S. in confirming the development of El Niño, which is expected to reach strong intensity between July and September. The effects are projected to peak during the Southern Hemisphere summer, spanning late 2023 into early 2024. According to lead researcher Chris Brandolini, this El Niño event is at least comparable in strength to five of the strongest recorded El Niños in modern history. The article outlines regional rainfall expectations, noting potential below-average precipitation in some areas and above-normal levels in others. It also mentions possible temperature fluctuations and increased wind variability later in the year. Additionally, it notes two lower-probability risks: sudden stratospheric warming and the occurrence of a tropical cyclone outside the typical season, both historically linked to El Niño. Brandolini connects the
Media shouldn’t be a megaphone for terrorists – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu addressed Nigerian journalists during the inaugural Presidential Press Corps dinner, urging them to prioritize national interests over sensationalism and avoid amplifying voices of terrorists or criminal groups. He emphasized that while freedom of expression and press freedom are vital to democracy, they come with responsibilities, especially amid ongoing security challenges. Tinubu warned against irresponsible reporting that could undermine national unity and security, stressing the importance of factual, contextualized journalism in the digital age. He acknowledged media scrutiny but called for balanced reporting that supports democratic values and public understanding of government actions. Tinubu also highlighted the role of laws like the Cybercrimes Act in protecting citizens from misinformation without infringing on press freedoms.
Northern elders hail Tinubu’s security gains, urge unity
The Northern Elders Progressive Movement (NEPM) has praised President Bola Tinubu's administration for making progress in reducing insecurity and promoting national development in Nigeria. In a statement, the group highlighted the federal government's efforts to combat banditry, especially in the North-West, through sustained military operations that have disrupted criminal networks and restored community confidence. The NEPM acknowledged specific military campaigns like Operation Fansan Yamma and commended the Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, for his role in strengthening these operations. The group urged Nigerians to prioritize national unity over ethnic, religious, or political divisions and emphasized the importance of supporting security personnel and fostering patriotism for the country's stability and future.
Full list of Nigerian celebrities who have joined US army
This article reports on several Nigerian celebrities who have enlisted in the U.S. military, highlighting their transition from entertainment careers to military service. Grace Charis Bassey, formerly known as Belinda Effah, joined the U.S. Navy in 2025 and received U.S. citizenship. She expressed gratitude to her family and dedicated her achievement to her late father, a naval commander. Joseph Momodu, a Nollywood actor, completed U.S. Army basic training in April 2026 and cited his late father's military background as inspiration. Princess Chineke, a former beauty queen and actress, joined the U.S. Army after moving to the U.S., stating her commitment to serving her adopted country. Mayowa Dosu, another actress and producer, also made the switch to military service. The article emphasizes their motivations, including personal fulfillment, patriotism, and financial stability.
Barcelona sound out Harry Kane as Lewandowski nears MLS move
Barcelona are exploring potential transfers for attacking players ahead of the upcoming transfer window. According to reports, the Spanish club has contacted Harry Kane's representatives to assess his availability, though Kane is not actively seeking a move from Bayern Munich. Barcelona is also considering alternatives such as Junior Kroupi, Julián Álvarez, and potentially Dusan Vlahovic, who may become available on a free transfer if Ferran Torres leaves. Meanwhile, former Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is nearing a move to Major League Soccer, with reports indicating he is finalizing details to join Chicago Fire FC. Other European clubs, including Liverpool, are also monitoring potential signings.
Tinubu hails Nasarawa Polytechnic for excellence in technical education
President Bola Tinubu praised the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, for its achievements in technical education during the institution's 11th convocation ceremony. He highlighted the introduction of new programs such as renewable energy technology, artificial intelligence, and mechatronics engineering, along with the creation of a Skills Innovation Hub. Tinubu emphasized the importance of technical education for Nigeria's economic growth and announced plans for N50 billion in graduate entrepreneurship loans by 2026. He encouraged the polytechnic to leverage Nasarawa's mineral resources for research and innovation and urged the inclusion of civic education and national values in students' training. Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State reiterated the state government's commitment to technical education, citing initiatives like the Wing Commander Ibrahim Abdullahi Vocational and Technology Institute.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
Ex-Iran supreme leader’s body arrives Tehran’s religious complex for funeral
Switzerland returns famed Benin Bronzes to Nigeria
ASUU threatens indefinite strike over unpaid 2025 agreement at Plateau varsity
Obi to FG: Rebuild existing roads before new projects
‘For under your nose dem kill a whole brigadier general’: Falz tackles Tinubu in ‘Ole’
Trump defends Iran deal from critics he calls ‘fools’
‘Judicial rascality’ move to deregister ADC echoes June 12 annulment – Olajuyigbe
