News

Army Advocates Developmental Journalism To Tackle Insecurity

Published

1 year ago

January 11, 2025

Editor

The Commander of the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Katsina State, Brigadier-General Babatunde Omopariola, on Friday called for the prioritization of developmental journalism as a strategy for addressing insecurity in the country.

Omopariola made the remarks during a luncheon with members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Katsina State Council, led by its Chairman, Tukur Den-Ali. The event was held at the Command’s Officers’ Mess in Katsina.

The event aimed to commemorate the upcoming 2025 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, while also creating a conducive environment for journalists to engage with the military.

“The luncheon was organized specifically to provide a relaxed atmosphere for networking and active engagement between the media and the Nigerian Armed Forces,” Omopariola said. “The media plays an ever-increasing role in shaping public opinion, influencing military operations, and galvanizing public support as we progress into the information age.”

He emphasized that embedding journalists in the planning and conduct of military operations would help mitigate negative reports about security agencies and foster a more positive relationship between the military and the media.

Omopariola also urged media practitioners to be patriotic in their reporting, avoiding content that could harm national interests and security. He reflected on the special significance of the season for both individuals and the military as a whole.

“Moments like this remind troops of the importance of loyalty, obedience, and sacrifice,” he said, adding that it also provides an opportunity for the military to reflect and readjust efforts to live up to the confidence placed in them by Nigerians.

The 17 Brigade Commander paid tribute to colleagues who had made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation, assuring that the Brigade would continue to prioritize the welfare and comfort of their families.

In his response, Tukur Den-Ali expressed gratitude to the Brigade Commander and officers for the warm reception extended to the journalists. He assured the Commander that journalists in Katsina would continue to partner with the military and other security agencies in the state, promoting inter-agency cooperation and providing media support when needed.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

2 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

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.