News

Akwa Ibom Govt To Commence Payment Of N80, 000 New Minimum Wage, Arrears

Published

1 year ago

January 20, 2025

Editor

Akwa Ibom State Government is set to commence implementation of the new N80,000 minimum wage for verified workers in its employ beginning from the January 2025 salaries, with arrears effective from November 2024.

The State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, announced while speaking at the 2025 Thanksgiving Service of the State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.

The governor commended the Akwa Ibom NUJ for cooperating with his administration as partners in the pursuit of his administration’s ARISE Agenda, by maintaining professionalism and patriotism in their reportage.

He admonished those in the character of demarketing the state to desist from to enhance greater collaboration towards the development of the state.

He particularly lauded the dignifying leadership provided by the current State Council Chairman of the Union in the State, Comrade Amos Etuk, and assured that the state government would fulfil its promise of completing the Union Secretariat during his tenure as chairman.

Etuk also announced the donation of an SUV as an official vehicle to the chairman and a saloon car each to the eleven members of the State Working Committee of the Union.

“About the issues of my workers, we knew certainly that we would pay workers N80,000 as we promised, but we only said that we should do verification. I have heard that the report has been submitted and will be presented to me tomorrow by the Head of Service.

“Once that report is presented, for those that were verified, we will pay from 1st November, this January. It does not need any letter from anybody. Don’t let anybody deceive you that they are the ones to persuade me to do you. If you haven’t been verified into the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service, I will not pay you, irrespective of threats of strike action. For those that have been verified, this January, I’ll pay you from 1st November. That has been our commitment and I don’t go back on the things I say”, the governor stated.

Recalling his administration’s efforts towards clearing the N97 billion backlog of gratuities and other arrears of entitlements of workers in the state, as well as other expression of goodwill towards Civil Servants in the State, Governor Eno reassured of his commitment to prioritize the welfare of the Akwa Ibom workforce, in keeping with his pact to reciprocate their support towards his emergence as governor.

In his words, “Akwa Ibom workers, we are on course. We have a pact with you because you supported us. We will work with you and ensure that your welfare is paramount and continues to be paramount because we know that you’re our backbone. Don’t let anyone mislead you

“I am yet to see a State Government in Nigeria that treats the workers the way I have done, i stand to be challenged”, Governor Eno asserted, describing it as misleading and pursuit of unnecessary self-aggrandisement, the incessant threats of industrial action by labour leaders in the State.

Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Council of the NUJ, Comrade Amos Etuk, in his thanksgiving speech at the event, expressed the gratitude of members, and leadership of the Union under his watch to God for the special grace to maintain the fourth estate of the realm, amid mounting challenges, also thanking Governor Umo for making the work for Journalists through his media-friendly disposition.

Comrade Amos Etuk said the hosting of the 2025 Thanksgiving Service in Ikot Ekpene Udo was the Union’s way of honouring the governor, and assured that Journalists in the state will continue to ensure a collaborative working relationship with the Umo Eno-led administration in the State and promote the aspirations of the ARISE Agenda.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

1 hour 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

2 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

4 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.