News

Edo Approves Payment Of Funds To 10 Contractors

Published

1 year ago

March 20, 2025

Editor

The Edo State Executive Council has approved the payment of funds to 10 contractors engaged by the immediate past administration for continuing work and ensuring timely execution of projects across the state.

In addition, the Council approved the termination of 10 road contracts, which, according to the Council, will be reviewed to ensure uniform standards, avoid overlaps, and appropriately re-scope them for speedy completion.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Paul Ohonbamu, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

He said, “The government has agreed to pay 10 contractors from the previous administration who are still working in the state, to the extent of the work they have done, to ensure there are no delays in the execution of projects.

“This is to defray the cost of the work already done and any other payments accrued. The government is not terminating them as punishment. Rather, the volume of work completed will be assessed, and payments made accordingly. This shows clearly that the governor is fair-minded, follows due process, and is committed to rewarding performance.”

Ohonbamu further stated that the Executive Council also ratified major contracts and approved the renovation of some public schools, as well as the reconstruction of roads in Ovia North-East, Esan North-East, and Oredo Local Government Areas.

He explained that the Council ratified major contracts earlier awarded by the State Tenders Board and the Chairman-in-Council—being the Governor—prior to the inauguration of the current Executive Council.

The Commissioner confirmed that since the contracts had passed through the State Procurement Law and received Tenders Board certification, the Council found it necessary to formally ratify them.

“Approval was also given for the purchase of vehicles for the Edo State Oil and Gas Development Commission. These include four Hilux vans and four Prado Jeeps,” he added.

Ohonbamu reiterated that the termination of the 10 road contracts was to ensure uniformity of standards, eliminate overlaps, and re-scope the projects appropriately for timely completion.

“The Council also considered it prudent, in line with the governor’s disposition, to assess the affected contracts to determine the extent of work done by the contractors for the purpose of making payments as deserved,” he noted.

The State Executive Council further approved the renovation of dilapidated public schools across the state in line with the government’s drive to provide a better learning environment.

It is worth recalling that the state government inherited public schools in deplorable conditions and has therefore taken steps to provide a conducive atmosphere for learning.

“There was also Executive Council approval for the variation of some ongoing contracts in line with prevailing conditions to ensure that projects executed meet required standards and that no contractor causes delays or wastes government resources.

“In just four months, the governor has laid a solid foundation for sustainable infrastructure and human capital development for the people of Edo State,” Ohonbamu concluded.

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.