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Edo 2020: Contestants Sign Peace Accord As Abdulsalam Urges Them To Commit To The Spirit

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Edo State governor and People’s Democratic Party governorship candidate, Godwin Obaseki, his main challenger, Osagie Ize-iyamu of the All Progressives Congress, and other candidates on Tuesday pledged to embrace peace, irrespective of the outcome of the election.

The signing of the peace accord which was organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC) took place at the Oba Akenzua Cultural center in Benin City.

Addressing contestants, the chairman of the NPC, Abdulsalam Abubakar, urged all stakeholders to commit to the spirit of the accord.

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The former Head of State who urged the candidates to use the Edo election as a test for future election in the country, called on electorate to cast their votes in the September 19 governorship election, without fear of intimidation or coercion.

READ ALSO: Edo 2020: Abdulsalami Abubakar, Oba of Benin To Lead Peace Accord Signing

He explained that those who signed the peace accord have committed themselves to ensuring peace in the state and Nigeria at large before, during, and after the election.

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“The tension and anxiety associated with election necessitated the set up of the National Peace Committee who is to support peaceful election process and enthrone culture of peace.

“In 2014, the committee conveyed efforts to support peaceful election as well as ensuring peaceful transition.The intervention of the Committee contributed inmensely to the success of 2015 election. The NPC has since successfully intervened in the general election to ensure peaceful outcome to the 2019 general election.

“The governorship election in Edo State is only a few days away and we want peace during and after the election. We want to see Nigeria as a place where people come out peacefully and vote during election without deprivation and Edo State deserves this.

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READ ALSO: Edo 2020: APC, PDP In A Row Over N300m Allegedly Earmarked By Tinubu, Others For Vote Buying

“As you are aware, the election will not come without peaceful atmosphere, and most importantly disharmony among political parties hinders developmental efforts.

“As we go into the election, we have been given assurance by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that they will conduct free, fair and credible election. The rest is left for the voters to do what is right.

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“We therefore call on everyone to work towards peaceful election, to ensure peace reign during and after the election,” he said.

In his remarks, Godwin Obaseki appealed to the Committee to extend the accord to other actors who have influence in the political space so as to ensure that the exercise is complete.

READ ALSO: Edo Guber: PDP, APC Exchange Words Over Alleged Importation Of Armed Thugs

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Obaseki who restated his commitment to ensuring peaceful poll, added that he would lead by example.

“I am grateful to the Independent National Electoral Commission, Police and the Oba of Benin.

“Today, we agree that a unique type of history has been made in Edo State where all contestants sign the peace accord for a violence-free election. As the Chief Security Officer, I have no choice than to ensure peace reign”, he said.

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On his part, Osagie Ize-iyamu, promised to talk to his supporters to conduct themselves in a bid to achieving peaceful poll.

He said, “We are grateful to the peace Committee, INEC and the Police. We are also grateful to the Oba of Benin because what we are witnessing today was actually initiated few weeks ago.

READ ALSO: Edo Guber: Violence Will Escalate COVID-19, INEC Warns

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Earlier, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the assistance in ensuring peaceful poll in Edo.

The Oba of Benin who was represented by the Esogban of Benin, David Edebiri, appealed to Edo sons to shun violence, noting that when two people contest, only one emerges as winner.

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Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

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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.

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READ ALSO:Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Tells FG To Retaliate Against South African Companies 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.

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“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

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N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

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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.

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Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

READ ALSO:I’ve Been Blacklisted In Music Industry For 13 Years – Seun Kuti

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

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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.”

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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).

READ ALSO:My Beef With Wizkid Is For Life – Seun Kuti

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.”

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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.

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Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Tells FG To Retaliate Against South African Companies In Nigeria

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Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called on the Federal Government to retaliate against South African businesses operating in Nigeria following the recent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, Oshiomhole said the Federal Government should consider revoking the working license of South African owned companies such as MTN and DSTV.

He argued that Nigeria must respond firmly to what he described as persistent hostility against its citizens.

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READ ALSO:South Africa To Investigate ‘Mystery’ Of Planeload Of Palestinians

“I am not going to shed tears. If you hit me, I hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It is an economic struggle,” Oshiomhole said.

He argued that while some South Africans accuse Nigerians of taking their jobs, Nigerians should return home and take over employment opportunities created by major South African companies operating in the country, including MTN and DSTV.

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When we hit back, the President of South Africa will not only talk but will also go on his knees to recognise that Nigeria cannot be intimidated.

READ ALSO:South African Ambassador Found Dead Outside Paris Hotel

We will not condone any life being lost. If a crime has been committed under the South African law they have the right to bring any such person to justice, but to kill our people as if we are helpless, we will not allow that,” Oshiomhole added.

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DAILY POST reports that several Nigerians in South Africa have reportedly been attacked, and their businesses destroyed, in ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

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