News

Bayelsa: Monarch Writes Police Over Activities Of Oil Thieves, Alleged Threat To Life

Published

4 years ago

July 12, 2022

Editor

The Amadaowei of Adagbabiri Community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, HRH Alaowei Okee, has petitioned the state Commissioner of Police, Ben Okolo, over the unlawful activities of suspected crude oil thieves in his domain, alleging that his refusal to agree with the shady activities has led to threats to his life.

The Paramount ruler, who also denied abandoning his throne and community due to the alleged threats from sponsors of the illegal oil thieves, said he was duly elected by his people and gazetted by the State Government of which he receives their total support not to allow such nefarious and dangerous activities in his domain.

HRH Alaowei Okee, while speaking with newsmen in Yenagoa, said the suspected members of the illegal oil theft syndicate approached him to allow them set up an illegal oil bunkering site in the area and offered to pay him some amount monthly but he refused.

He alleged, “They approached me about two months ago in my palace and sought my cooperation with them to use my community as a base for their illegal bunkering activities, and even offered to pay me N200, 000 per truck of oil offloaded from the community’s waterfront but I refused to oblige their request”.

He explained that he refused their offer because apart from the financial benefits offered him, the community would suffer serious environmental degradation and pollution; attract hoodlums with resultant cult clashes and unnecessary gun-running activities that would bring about other security breaches as it is in communities where such illegal activity takes place.

“To my chagrin, I discovered that the illegal oil activities were conceived despite my objections. At this junction, I would want to correct other reports going on this matter. I first put a call through to the Deputy Governor and when he was unreachable I quickly reported to the State Commissioner of Police, Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps and the Nigerian Navy.”

” I never for once got through to the state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo where he promised to relieve the appointees of their appointments if they are found culpable in the illegal trade” as reported in the media.”

Okee said since he raised the alarm, he has received multiple calls from the accused political appointee and unknown callers threatening to snuff life out of him,”.

”They have rained insults and other threats on me and I, therefore, want all concerned authorities to wade into this matter to bring the perpetrators to book as a switch in time saves nine”.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

3 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

3 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

6 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.