News

Edo CP Warns Against Violent Protest, Gives Number Of Deaths

Published

3 years ago

February 16, 2023

Editor

Following the violent protests that took place in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on 15th February 2023, in which some lives were lost, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Mohammed Dankwara, has warned against further acts of violence that may lead to further loss of lives and property in the state.

The warning was contained in a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State Command, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, and made available to newsmen in Benin on Thursday.

The CP who admitted in the statement that the protest was sparked by the Central Bank Naira redesign policy, said it was “hijacked by armed hoodlums,” and in the process two persons were killed.

“The protest was sparked by the Central Bank Naira redesign policy, which resulted in a large number of youths taking to the streets to demand new Naira notes and the collection of old notes by the banks.

“Unfortunately, the protest, which was hijacked by armed hoodlums, turned violent when the armed hoodlums attempted to attack and gain access into the Benin branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria but Security personnel on duty responded promptly to the hoodlums, and in the process, two of them were hit by stray bullets and were confirmed dead on arrival to the hospital.

“The armed hoodlums who capitalized on the protests attacked, looted, and destroyed several banks and private properties in the state capital.

“Banks such as UBA, First Bank, Access Bank, Unity Bank, Keystone Bank, Eco Bank, FCMB, Polaris and Zenith Bank were affected, and properties such as ATM machines, windows, generator batteries, and vehicles were vandalized and looted.”

The CP, while noting that some of the armed hoodlums have been arrested and would be charged to court immediately in accordance with the law, expressed his deepest sympathies to the commercial Banks whose property was destroyed during the protests.

He assured the good people of the state that the Police Command and all the security services are doing everything possible to bring the perpetrators of these violent acts to justice.

The CP, therefore, enjoined parents and guardians to caution their wards and children against engaging in acts of violence, as the law will not spare anyone who violates the peace of the state.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

4 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

4 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

6 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.