News

Amnesty Boss, Otuaro, Pledges Inclusive Programme For Niger Delta Communities

Published

11 months ago

May 26, 2025

Editor

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has affirmed his commitment to collaborating with all Niger Delta stakeholders to deepen the implementation of the programme’s objectives across the region.

Otuaro made the remarks during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Coalition of Ndokwa Project to the PAP headquarters in Abuja. He emphasised that part of his reforms includes revitalising the programme and broadening stakeholder participation.

This was contained in a statement issued by Mr Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, and sent to our correspondent on Monday.

Otuaro acknowledged the Ndokwa people as a vital part of the Niger Delta and highlighted their inclusion in the programme’s scholarship scheme, vocational training initiatives, and employment opportunities within PAP.

He explained that his policy of inclusivity underpins plans to expand the scholarship scheme, with an empowerment programme for women in the region set to be launched soon.

The PAP Administrator noted that these initiatives align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks sustainable peace, stability, and socio-economic development in the Niger Delta.

He assured the Ndokwa delegation that their community would not be overlooked, expressing his pleasure at their visit.

Addressing the delegation, Otuaro said, “Upon assuming office, I initiated reforms aimed at transforming the programme and ensuring broader stakeholder engagement.

“In the year since my appointment, our efforts have been comprehensive and inclusive.

“Within my mandate, I have implemented initiatives quietly but effectively. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has entrusted me with this mission, and all our educational and vocational training efforts form part of his Renewed Hope Agenda for the Niger Delta.

“We have a significant number of Ndokwa youths benefiting from our onshore and offshore scholarships, and several Ndokwa individuals are employed within the programme.

“I recognise that this programme belongs to everyone, and fairness is paramount. It is a pleasure to welcome you, distinguished red cap chiefs from Delta North. I am honoured to host you and assure you that I will not disappoint.”

Earlier, High Chief Dennis Okoh, leader of the Coalition of Ndokwa Project, praised Otuaro for the significant progress achieved under his leadership.

He urged the PAP Administrator to integrate more Ndokwa people into the scholarship and vocational training schemes, noting the area’s substantial oil and gas resources.

The delegation expressed confidence in Otuaro’s leadership and encouraged him to continue his efforts to engage more Niger Delta stakeholders in realising the programme’s goals.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

25 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

47 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.