News

COVID-19: Group Commends Bauchi Gov’s Reversal On Salary Deductions To Fight Virus

Published

6 years ago

April 15, 2020

Editor

From Our Correspondent, Bauchi

Arewa Online Publishers’ Association (AOPA), Bauchi State chapter, has commended Gov. Bala Mohammed over his decision to reverse the planned deductions of workers’ salary to fight COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen in Bauchi on Wednesday by Malam Mohammad Haruna, Bauchi State Coordinator of the association.

The state government, on April 8, had said workers in the state had agreed to contribute part of their salaries to support the fight against Coronavirus in the state.

It said Permanent Secretaries and their equivalents will contribute 10 per cent of their salaries for the months of April, May and June 2020.

Directors on Grade Levels 16 to 17 both in the state and local governments will contribute five per cent of their salaries for the period of aforementioned months and workers on Grade Levels 1 to 15 in the state and local governments will contribute one per cent from their salaries for the same months.

However, the state governor on Tuesday, directed the State Accountant-General and other stakeholders in the payment of salaries to with immediate effect, stop deduction of some percentage from salaries of workers as contributions to the fight against coronavirus as earlier mentioned.

He said that the order became necessary after receiving a series of complaints by some categories of workers.

While appreciating Mohammad for listening to the yearnings of workers in the state, AOPA in the statement, said, the governor has demonstrated stewardship in ceding with Bauchi workers by ‘avoiding the mistakes of the past’.

Malam Mohammad Haruna, Bauchi State Coordinator of Arewa Online Publishers’ Association (AOPA)

“We have always argued that Gov. Bala Mohammed is not a passive governor, he listens to voices of wisdom and has zero tolerance for indolence and mediocrity and that is what he has demonstrated once again.”

“The reversal of the planned deductions has rejuvenated the hope and confidence the people of Bauchi State have on your administration and its visionary strides that cede with the masses”.

“This decision has reiterated how sensitive and responsive your administration could be on the plight of the masses.

“You have demonstrated to the labour union in the state that even where it fails to do its statutory responsibility, you are not going to be hoodwinked into doing what will earn you the wrath of the masses”, the statement read in part.

The association further expressed shock on how
Bauchi state had not received any palliative from the Federal Government as regard COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

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.