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.

Adron Group Chairman Pays Glowing Tribute to Ogun First Lady at 60

The Chairman/GCEO of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, KOF, has joined eminent Nigerians in celebrating the First Lady of Ogun State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, on the occasion of her 60th birthday, describing her as "an icon of courage, compassion and charisma whose life continues to inspire hope, uplift humanity and exemplify purposeful public service."

In a goodwill message jointly signed by Aare Emmanuelking and his wife, Olori Aderonke Emmanuelking, the Adron Homes boss paid glowing tribute to the First Lady's enduring legacy, noting that her six decades have been defined by commitment to humanity, exemplary leadership, and a remarkable ability to positively impact lives through humility, kindness, and compassion.

Argentina defeats England 2 - 1 to reach 2026 World Cup Finals

 Argentina have secured a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after defeating England 2-1 in a thrilling semifinal on Wednesday at Atlanta Stadium.

The reigning world champions produced another spectacular comeback to overcome the Three Lions, extending their impressive run in the tournament and moving one step closer to retaining the World Cup title.

Anthony Gordon put England ahead in the 55th minute, but Enzo Fernandez equalised 30 minutes later, and Lautaro Martinez headed in the winner in stoppage time from Lionel Messi’s cross.

The win sets up a mouthwatering final against Spain, who defeated France 2-0 in the other semifinal to book their place in Sunday's showpiece. England, meanwhile, will face France in the third-place playoff.

Lionel Scaloni's side will head into the final with confidence as they seek to defend the trophy they won in Qatar in 2022.

Heartbreaking video made by 20-year-old lady before taking her life following the alleged rape by content creator Odogwu Asaba

 

The full video that Favor Agbro, the 20-year-old lady who was allegedly r@ped by content creator Odogwu Asaba, made before she committed su!cide.

she recounted how she met the content creator and how he allegedly r@ped her inside a hotel. TV& Video

 

No immigrant should stay in UK forever, Kemi Badenoch tells Labour

 Leader of the UK Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has said immigrants who arrive in Britain on temporary work visas should not automatically be allowed to remain in the country permanently, urging the Labour government to retain its proposed 10-year qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain.

Badenoch made the remarks in a post shared on her X handle on Monday while releasing a letter addressed to the UK’s Home Secretary.

In the post, she criticised calls by some Labour lawmakers for the government to soften its planned immigration reforms.

“People who come to Britain on temporary work visas should not automatically be able to stay forever.

“This Labour government was right to make that harder. Now their MPs want them to u-turn.

Teenage girl, 15, k!ll five members of her family with the help of her 16-year-old boyfriend

 A teenager has been accused of k!lling five members of her family and injuring two more with the help of her 16-year-old boyfriend.

The couple, aged 15 and 16, who have not been named publicly because they have been arrested but not formally charged, allegedly went on the rampage across several locations in East St Louis, Illinois, on Sunday, July 12.

Authorities identified the victims as the girl's cousin, 24-year-old Devin May; her step-siblings, 21-year-old Quentin Thompson and 25-year-old Shania Thompson; her 74-year-old grandmother, Patricia May; and her 49-year-old aunt, Cherie May.