News

Bauchi Govt. Earmarks N100m For 2022 National Qur’anic Recitation

Published

4 years ago

March 12, 2022

Editor

Our Correspondent, Bauchi

The Bauchi State Government has approved N100 million to fast track hosting of the 36th edition of the 2022 National Qur’anic Recitation Competition in the state.

Gov. Bala Mohammed stated this at the inauguration of a 57-member Local Organising Committee for the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, on Saturday in Bauchi.

The national competition is scheduled to take place in Bauchi from March 18 to March 20, 2022.

Mohammed said that this was the third time Bauchi State would host the national competition since inception in 1986.

“I wish to say that the Ministry of Religious Affairs in conjunction with Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto and other government agencies have submitted a budget of N153 million for the competition.

“The state government is providing N100 million for this committee so that the rest would be solicited elsewhere,” he said.

He promised that the state government would provide the necessary support to the committee to enable it to conduct a hitch free competition.

According to him, the competition provides training ground for the Muslims, especially the younger ones, the correct reading, recitation, translation and memorisation of the Holy Qur’an.

“That is why both the traditional and modern Qur’anic schools as well as Islamic schools provide the avenue for the learning and socialisation through which delegates participating at the various categories of the Qur’anic competition are produced.

“Let me use this opportunity to disclaim rumour making the rounds that the state government would abolish these types of schools,” he said.

He, however, said that the government frowned at street begging, adding that the state Ministry of Education was geared towards making the schools functional and useful to all and sundry.

The governor highlighted the terms of reference of the committee to include: “to make a fair, realistic and detailed budget for the financial implication of the event and forward it to the government after its inauguration.

“To ensure successful hosting of the 36th edition of the competition in collaboration with the Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto.

“To liaise with individuals, corporate organisations and stakeholders within and outside the state, and solicit for their contributions to complement the funding of the programme.

“To ensure the provision of adequate security, healthcare and welfare services of the organisers, judges and participants, guests and the general public, among others.”

Responding, Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Abdullahi Marafa, lauded the gesture, and assured the readiness of the committee to discharge its assigned duties diligently.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

5 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

6 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

8 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.