News

BREAKING: Immigration Probes Auto Crash, Declares Three-day Mourning For Four Officers

Published

2 years ago

November 13, 2023

Editor

The acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs Caroline Adepoju, on Monday, ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of Sunday’s auto accident that killed at least four personnel of the service.

This is as seven injured personnel are undergoing treatment at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano and burial arrangements are underway for the departed persons.

Briefing journalists at the Service Headquarters in Abuja, the NIS Public Relations Officer, Dr Dotun Aridegbe, said the CGI also declared three days of mourning even as flags will fly at half mast in all commands nationwide.

He explained, “The acting Comptroller General of Immigration, Caroline Adepoju, is deeply grieved by this loss and is personally extending her condolences and support to the families of the deceased. The Service stands firmly with those left behind by their breadwinners during this distressing period.

“An immediate investigation has been ordered by the Acting CG to ascertain the remote cause of the accident.

“We are committed to understanding the circumstances that led to this tragic event and will take appropriate measures to prevent such incidents in the future.”

The PUNCH reported that a Nissan 18-seater bus with plate number ‘Immigration HQ, 1001S’ conveying mostly members of the service’s musical band from Kano to Abuja lost control after suffering a tyre burst.

The crew had accompanied the acting Comptroller-General of Immigration to Kano State for the Presidential Commissioning and Passing Out Parade of the 48th Superintendent Basic Course 2023 at the Immigration Training School in Kano on Saturday.

The accident, which happened along the Kano-Zaria Expressway on Sunday morning, left at least four persons dead, Dr Aridegbe confirmed on Monday.

Those who lost their lives included the driver, two brothers who suffered fatal head injuries and an officer in the Public Relations Unit, whom a senior source simply identified as Francis.

Giving details of the incident, the Service Spokesperson narrated, “Yesterday, a group of eleven of our personnel were returning to Abuja from an official assignment in Kano in an 18-seater official bus.

“Tragically, they were involved in a ghastly accident a few kilometres from Kano. As a result, four of our personnel lost their lives. This has been a deeply distressing and sorrowful moment for all of us within the Nigeria Immigration Service.

“Seven of our colleagues who sustained various degrees of injuries are currently receiving treatment at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano. Our thoughts and prayers are with them for a swift and complete recovery.”

Aridegbe noted, “This is a time of deep reflection for the entire Nigeria Immigration Service family.”

Therefore, “The Acting CGI has directed all Commands and Formation Heads to fly our flag at half-mast for the next seven days.

“We will observe a three-day mourning period in honor and memory of our fallen colleagues,” he added.

The Service also said it had informed the families of the deceased, saying, “Arrangements for the burials of our departed colleagues are being organised with utmost care and respect.”

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

23 minutes 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

45 minutes 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

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.