NPC ends manual birth registration, warns against fake certificates as Nigeria goes digital

 The National Population Commission (NPC) has announced the discontinuation of manual registration of births and deaths across Nigeria, warning that certificates issued outside its new electronic platform will no longer be recognised.

The Commission said the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (E-CRVS) digital platform, which became operational on July 1, 2026, would now serve as the only approved channel for birth and death registrations nationwide.

The Federal Commissioner representing Abia State in the NPC, Rev. Emma Trumps Eke, disclosed this on Monday in Umuahia during a briefing to mark the 2026 World Population Day and the nationwide rollout of the digital platform.

Eke said the transition to a fully digital system would enable real-time registration, improve national planning, strengthen identity management and reduce fraud associated with manual documentation.

Man Unalives his wife and six children before taking own life in Michigan

A man fatally shot his wife and their six children, then himself, before they all were found in their burning Michigan home last week, investigators said Monday, July 27, 2026.

Kristopher and Amanda Karolkiewicz and their six children, aged 5 to 15, died on Friday, July 24, in their home in Grand Haven Township, on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. 

Authorities were summoned for a fire and then discovered the bodies.

The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department said in a release Monday that autopsies determined all the family members d!ed of gunshot wounds, and that Kristopher Karolkiewicz took his own life.

RSS Makes History as Graduating Class of 2026 Marks Valedictory Service in First-of-Its-Kind University-Style Ceremony

Remo Secondary School (RSS) has made history with the graduation of its 2026 class in what is being described as a groundbreaking academic ceremony, as the prestigious public secondary school celebrated its graduating students in a university-themed graduation style.

The historic valedictory service, which brought together students, parents, teachers, school administrators, old students and distinguished guests, was marked by pomp, pageantry and an atmosphere of academic excellence, as graduating students appeared in full academic graduation gowns, caps and other traditional graduation regalia.

Petition with over 82,000 signatures seeking replay of Spain vs Argentina World Cup final gathers momentum

 Thousands of outraged supporters from Argentina are demanding a replay of the FIFA World Cup Final, citing what they perceive as a “corrupt” officiating performance.

Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time during the tournament on Sunday. Ferran Torres’ goal was pivotal for the dominant Spanish team, which consistently pressured the Argentine goal throughout the match.

The defending champions were unable to record a single shot on target during regulation time and were reduced to ten players after Enzo Fernández received a red card in the 93rd minute. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was kept under constant pressure before ultimately conceding to Torres’ shot in the 106th minute.

The defeat was met with strong emotions, leading to unsavory incidents at the final whistle. Leandro Paredes was observed kicking and punching as he pushed Eric Garcia to the ground and engaged with Gavi, while Nahuel Molina seemingly instigated the altercation.

Please don’t let me d!e - Veteran actress Ngozi Nwosu, seeks financial support for treatment of an undisclosed ailment

 Veteran Nollywood actress Ngozi Nwosu has cried out to the public for urgent financial assistance, seeking N30 million to undergo life-saving surgeries. 

In a heartbreaking video shared from her hospital bed, the screen icon disclosed that she has been hospitalized for three weeks while battling an intense, undisclosed ailment. "Please don't let me die," Nwosu pleaded, describing her current pain as completely unbearable. According to her, the medical condition has escalated beyond her control and requires three urgent surgical procedures. 

UK releases list of banned restricted items for travellers in 2026

 The United Kingdom has released an updated list of prohibited and restricted items for travellers entering the country in 2026, warning that customs officials will seize banned goods at the border. 

The revised guidance, issued under the UK’s border and customs regulations, details items that are completely prohibited as well as those that require special permits or licenses before importation. 

Authorities said the restrictions are aimed at protecting public safety, public health, the environment and wildlife. 

Senegal’s President Bassirou Faye elected ECOWAS chairman.

 Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been elected Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Faye was elected on Sunday during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Lungi, Sierra Leone. He succeeds Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, who previously chaired the regional bloc.

In another milestone for Senegal, Birame Diop, the country's former Minister of the Armed Forces, was elected President of the ECOWAS Commission for the 2026–2030 term. The appointment marks the first time since ECOWAS was established in 1975 that a Senegalese national has been elected to lead the Commission.

US vice president JD Vance and his wife Usha have welcomed their fourth child.

JD Vance, 41, said the baby boy, Alec Neel Vance, was born on Sunday, July 19, at Walter Reed National Military ⁠Medical Center, in Bethesda, Maryland. 

He announced the birth on social media with a statement signed by him and his wife. 

"We are excited to announce that our baby boy, Alec Neel Vance, was born this morning. Usha and the baby are happy and healthy, and our kids are overjoyed to meet their little brother," the statement said. 

Wema Bank Wins Euromoney's Nigeria's Best Digital Bank for Consumers 2026 Award …. Recognition Affirms Bank's Leadership in Digital Innovation and Customer-Centric Banking

Wema Bank, Nigeria's oldest indigenous bank and pioneer of Africa's first fully digital bank, ALAT, has been named Nigeria's Best Digital Bank for Consumers 2026 by Euromoney, one of the world's most respected authorities on financial services and banking excellence.

The prestigious recognition affirms the Bank's sustained leadership in digital innovation, customer experience and financial inclusion, reinforcing its position as one of Nigeria's leading technology-driven financial institutions.

Presented annually, the Euromoney Awards for Excellence celebrate banks that are redefining financial services through innovation, measurable impact and outstanding customer value. In selecting Wema Bank for the award, Euromoney recognised the Bank's successful digital transformation journey, its continuous innovation through ALAT, Africa's first fully digital bank, and its unwavering commitment to delivering simpler, smarter and more accessible banking experiences for customers.

This type of intolerance is totally unacceptable, President Tinubu; South Africa Xenophobia

 President Tinubu has again condemned the Xenophobic attacks in South Africa, saying the country should be reminded that the freedom it currently enjoys is the result of the sacrifices and liberation efforts of African countries, including Nigeria. 

Many African nationals have been forced out of South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, and anti-immigrant protests.

While speaking on Sunday in Freetown, Sierra Leone, during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, the President, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, informed the African leaders that the Nigerian government had “already evacuated over 1490 of its citizens from harm’s way in seven batches and is prepared to engage further on this matter”.

Spain Beats Argentina To Win The 2026 FIFA World Cup

 Spain are world champions once again after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in a dramatic 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, July 19.

Substitute Ferran Torres emerged as Spain's hero after scoring the decisive goal in the second half of extra time to hand La Roja their second FIFA World Cup title and deny Argentina back-to-back championships.

The match had ended 0-0 after 90 minutes before Torres finally broke the deadlock in the 106th minute to hand La Roja their second World Cup title.

Spain dominated large spells of the contest, creating numerous chances throughout the match, but were repeatedly denied by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who produced a series of outstanding saves to keep his side in the game. But it wasn’t enough to secure them the victory.