News

Edo: Gender Issues Ministry, UN Movement Advocate End To Female Genital Mutilation

Published

3 years ago

February 10, 2023

Editor

In an effort to eradicate gender-based violence and female genital mutilation, Edo State’s Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, on Thursday launched an advocacy and awareness campaign in partnership with Edo State chapter of United Nations Women Solidarity Movement for Gender Equality (#HeForShe).

The awareness programme which held in Igoubazuwa, Ovia South West Local Government Area of the state, was part of activities to mark this year’s International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, which held February 6, every year.

The theme for year’s celebration is “Partnership with Men and Boys to Transform Social and Gender Norms to End Female Genital Mutilation”.

Speaking at the advocacy and sensitisation programme, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, Mrs. Ifueko Alufohai, said the programme is a ministry initiative that calls on stakeholders including religious and traditional leaders, health workers, law enforcement officers and others to partner with men and boys so as to foster their engagement to “accelerate the elimination of this harmful practice and uplift the voices of women and girls. “

The Permanent Secretary who was represented by Mrs. Joy Irenonsen Ihensekhien, Director, Gender Issues of the ministry, added: “To promote the elimination of female genital mutilation, coordinated and systematic efforts are needed, and we must engage whole communities and focus on human rights, gender equality, sexual education and attention to the needs of women and girls who suffer from its consequences.”

On his part, Comrade Ehis Agugu, Focal Person, United Nations Women Solidarity Movement for Gender Equality #HeForShe, Edo State chapter warned that if female genital mutilation is not eliminated, the practice will kill the female gender.

“If we do not eliminate this practice, this practice could eliminate our women and girls. Therefore, we, the HeForShe Champions call on men and boys worldwide to join us in speaking out and stepping forward to end female genital mutilation, for the benefit of all,” he added.

Resource person at the event, Hdiza Okunrobo of the Faculty of Law, University of Benin, enlightened the people present at the event what the law says about female genital mutilation and the punishment for offenders.

According to her, “it is not rape alone or beating the woman that is regarded as violence. Anything that causes pain to the woman is regarded as violence.”

Odionwere, market women, religious leaders present at the event were thereafter urged to go to their respective areas and enlighten their people on Gender-based violence and dangers associated with female genital mutilation.

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

5 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.