News

‘Achaba’ Ban: Bauchi Govt To Procure 500 ‘Keke’, As Residents Lament Hike In T-Fare

Published

6 years ago

May 7, 2020

Following the ban of the activities of commercial motorcyclists otherwise known as ‘Achaba’ in Bauchi State as part of measures to contain the spread of coronavirus, the state governor, Bala Mohammed, said government has concluded plans to procure 500 tricycles (KEKE NAPEPS) for distribution to riders as alternative means of transportation.

Recall that the state government, after banning achaba recently, gave approval to KEKE NAPEPS operators to carry only two passengers in line with the social distancing policy.

Governor Bala, while addressing traditional, religious leaders, and other stakeholders at a stakeholders meeting on COVID-19 held Thursday at command guest house, Bauchi, said the tricycles to be purchased would be distributed to the achaba riders on loan at subsidised rate.

He said the decision was necessary in order to address their scarcity and ease movements of people who do not have vehicles.

He charged the citizens across the state to comply with the order on the partial lockdown imposed by the government and ban on all forms of gatherings so that they can stay safe and healthy.

Contributing, one of the participants at the meeting and an islamic preacher, Malam Yahaya Mai Tauhidi, lamented the hike in the fares charged by KEKE NAPEPS riders as a result of the ban of achaba, as he asked the Governor to do something to avoid it.

He also tasked the government on regular sanitation of the state and evacuation of refuse dumped in different areas of the state capital to avoid transmission of infectious diseases.

Another cleric, Dr Mansur Isa Yelwa, appealed to the Governor to be inspecting the isolation centres periodically to ensure that patients are properly fed and catered for to prevent them from protesting or escaping from the centres, mingling with other people.

(Photo: File)

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

3 hours 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

3 hours 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

5 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.