News

34 Years After, Obaseki Settles Benefits Of Ex-Edo Gov, Alli, Celebrates His Widow At 80 In Birmingham

Published

3 years ago

August 22, 2023

Editor

34 years after the demise of a former governor of Edo State, Professor Ambrose Alli, the current state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has settled his (Alli( benefits and gratuity.

Alli was the first Executive Governor of the former Bendel State (Now Edo and Delta states) between 1979 and 1983 under the then Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

Born September 22, 1929, the renowned Medical Professor died on September 22, 1989.

Obaseki made this disclosure on Tuesday, in Benin City on the occasion of the celebration of the award of the ‘Most Pension Friendly Governor in Nigeria,’ bestowed on him by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP).

Speaking on his commitment to the wellbeing of pensioners in the state by ensuring that their benefits are paid regularly, including outstanding pensions and gratuity, dating over 40 years, he revealed how the unpaid benefits of the former governor were settled last week by the state government.

According to Obaseki, “Last Saturday (August 19, 2023), the widow of former Governor of Edo State, late Prof. Ambrose Ali, turned 80 years in Birmingham, United Kingdom. He has made a lot of sacrifices for us as a State.

“We decided to celebrate with her and I asked one of the children what he thinks is an appropriate present for her mother. He said just do her the honour of paying my father’s benefits while in office. Then I said, you mean Prof. Ali benefits are not paid.’ He said yes. We went into the records, prepared the cheque and took it to her in England. This is to tell you where we are coming from. I’m glad we remembered him.”

The governor was represented by his wife, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, at the 80th birthday celebration of the late governor’s widow, Chief Mrs. Rosemary Alli-Walker.

The Edo State First Lady recognised the enduring impact of Alli’s tenure as governor, noting that the policies and programmes implemented during his leadership, notably in education, urban and rural development and healthcare have continued to shape Edo State’s progress.

She said the former governor and his wife occupy a special place in the hearts of Edo people, resonating with the attendees, who had gathered to honour Chief Mrs. Alli-Walker.

Mrs. Obaseki also lauded her enduring commitment to values such as hard work, diligence, and forthrightness, adding that these values, which she upheld during her tenure as First Lady, continue to inspire the state’s ongoing reforms across various sectors of the economy.

In her response to the felicitation, the celebrant expressed her gratitude to the First Lady for travelling all the way from Nigeria to join in her celebration.

This is as she pledged to support free surgeries for children with cleft lips, an initiative named ‘Operation Smile’.

Recall that Governor Godwin Obaseki had, in 2018, sought and obtained, a posthumous Presidential Pardon for late Governor Ambrose Alli; a request that was ratified by the Council of State in 2020.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

9 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

31 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.