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Bauchi Gov Pardons 153 Inmates, Empowers Them With N7.6m

Published

4 years ago

October 14, 2022

Editor

Our Correspondent, Bauchi

Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state, on Friday, pardoned 153 inmates with minor offences, serving various jail terms from correctional facilities across the state.

Speaking during the executive pardon ceremony, the governor said the action was carried out after due consultation with the state Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

According to him, each of the 153 inmates would be given the sum of N50,000, totalling N7.6 million as start-up capital to help them start up a small business in their various communities.

“We are providing each and every freed inmate the sum of N50,000 to start a small business with a view to making them self reliant.

“We believe that empowering the poor economically is one of the best ways to ensure peace, security and crime prevention.

“Similarly, the fines and penalties of the affected inmates have been fully settled to facilitate their immediate release from the various correctional services,” said the governor.

Mohammed further explained that the fines and penalties range from a minimum of N5,000 to a maximum of N30,000

He added that the total amount of the fines and penalties of the inmates was N1.2 million which he said, was paid from his personal pocket.

“That is why it is easy for any public spirited individual to pay because all their fines range from N5,000, N8,000, N10,000 and the highest being N30,000. This is very incredible.

“The men that I will be pardoning today, are of no use to their society if they are left languishing alongside hardened criminals.

“I will be pardoning them with the expectation that they would go back and be an asset to their communities and work to support their families, our beloved state and nation,” he said

He however, implored the pardoned inmates to henceforth, be law abiding citizens and engage in legitimate endeavours by taking advantage of the various empowerment windows provided by his administration so as to become self-reliant, useful to themselves and the larger society.

Earlier, the Chief Justice of Bauchi state, Rabi Umar, said executive pardon is the exclusive power of the governor.

She further explained that the gesture would go a long way in decongesting the correctional facilities in the state which she said, has always been her concern.

Also, Chairman, state Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Barr. Abubakar Mohammed who is also the state’s Attorney General, said that the executive pardon is a constitutional provision which is enshrined in the constitution of the country.

He added that the conduct of the exercise was carried out with due diligence and adhering strictly with the laid down rules and procedures governing pardon.

Sa’idu Giade, one of the pardoned inmates who spoke on behalf of all, appreciated the state governor for the ‘kind’ gesture and promised to turn a new and good leaf.

He assured that the money given to them would be effectively utilised for the purpose it was meant for.

Related Topics:#bala Muhammed Bauchi Gov

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Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

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19 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

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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.

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

Published

41 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

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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.

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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.