News

BOWFT 2023: Betsy Obaseki Football Tournament ‘ll Boost Campaign To End Gender-based Violence

Published

3 years ago

October 15, 2023

Editor

The Chairman, Communication Sub-Committee for the 3rd Edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT), Crusoe Osagie, has said this year’s edition of the women football tournament will give a boost to the State Government’s campaign to end gender-based violence.

In a statement, Osagie said preparations are in top gear for the tournament, noting that the 2023 edition of the tournament will highlight efforts to end gender-based violence in the State.

According to him, as part of the build up to the commencement of the tournament, there will be inspection of the match venues on Monday, October 16, 2023.

He added that the tournament which will commence on October 23, 2022 will have 13 participating teams with 11 teams coming from the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) while the best two female football teams from Edo State will join the competition.

He noted, “A seminar will be held as a sideline event for the tournament on October 31st, 2023. Invited first ladies from the 36 States of the federation will attend the event. The seminar will highlight efforts made by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led State Government in the past seven to end gender-based violence.”

He continued: “The tournament which has been accredited by football governing body, FIFA, will serve as an avenue to groom the girl-child and give them support to thrive in their endeavours. The Obaseki-led administration has made commendable efforts in grooming the girl-child with the strategic implementation of policy reforms in education, job creation and the sports sectors.

“We can attest to this with the performance of our female team in the just-concluded pre-season women football tournament, Shereos where they emerged as champions of the tournament.”

Osagie added, “We are using this year’s tournament to boost awareness on the need to end gender based-violence. The games for the tournament will be held in different locations in Edo State. The opening and closing matches will be held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, while the group stages and semi-final matches will be held at the University of Benin Sports Complex and the Western Boys College mini stadium.”

He said, “The participating teams will hold their training sessions during the tournament at the Edo State College of Nursing and Health Sciences mini stadium and University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).”

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.