News

Delta: Lack Of Factories, Poor Power Supply Decried

Published

3 years ago

November 4, 2023

Editor

Former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Delta State, Mr Emmanuel Ogidi, has said that despite the oil and gas resources deposited in Isokoland of the state, no community in the locality can boast of power supply or factories.

Ogidi spoke at the official launch of the Isoko Outstanding Personalities/Awards ceremony held in the Oleh community on Saturday.

He observed that the Uzere community in Isoko North Local Government Area is the second community in Nigeria where oil was discovered, but attributed the noticeable lack of socioeconomic development in Isokoland to what he tagged “Pull Him Down” syndrome among the people.

“Isoko Nation is full of persons with PHD also known as “Pull Him Down” syndrome,” he said.

He advised the Isoko people to put a halt to the practice of pulling down their own, especially their leaders and mentors.

Rather, he enjoined them to embrace unity, unite in love as a people, and thereby move the Isoko nation forward.

He said, “I am not saying the leaders have done exceptionally well. The Isokos have no representatives at the federal and state levels, including at the Niger Delta Development Commission and the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission.”

While disclosing how some Isoko people truncated his political ambitions in 1991 when he made moves to vie for a political seat, he recalled how he consulted the late Otobo, who in turn directed that he meet with certain persons within Isoko land.

“Those he asked me to go and see, killed my dreams”, he lamented just as he urged the Isoko people to stop the practices of pulling down their own, especially their leaders and mentors and unite in love as a people and move Isoko nation forward.

Ogidi commended an activist in the area, Comrade Felida Osede Essi, Publisher of Isoko Mirror Newspapers, for promoting the ideals of the Isoko nation and particularly for writing the book.

“You have done well by reminding us of the great sons and daughters of what they’re doing and for encouraging us,” he stated.

Earlier in an address, Essi urged the people of Isoko ethnic nationalities to unite and speak with one voice for the interests and development of Isoko land.

She also appealed to the government at all levels as well as corporate bodies and well-to-do individuals to support Isoko youths in their creative endeavours to reduce unemployment and, by implication, reduce crime and immorality to their barest minimum.

The Special Adviser to Delta State Governor on Project Monitoring and Audit, Dr GoodNews Agbi, who also spoke at the event urged the people to encourage intellectual works, especially among the youths, saying this will go a long way in helping to attract development to the Isoko nation.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

1 hour 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

1 hour 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.