News

Edo, LAPO Seal Deal To Empower, Support Small Businesses In 18 LGAs

Published

2 years ago

March 25, 2024

Edo State Government has entered into a partnership with LAPO Microfinance Bank to empower and support small businesses in the 18 local government councils of the state.

The Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., signed the agreement on behalf of the state government, on Monday, at the Government House, Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Ogie, while noting the future impact of the new deal, said micro finance schemes, all over the world, are the engine room of the economy.

He said, “I congratulate the board, Edojobs and LAPO Microfinance Bank and appeal to all beneficiaries to make use of the loan facilities that will be given as it’s not a grant and should be put into good use.

“Microfinance schemes all over the world are the engine room of the economy. These small companies you see around, the number of people they employ is a lot and the government doesn’t take note of them. Governor Godwin Obaseki does take note because he is an investment banker. The governor is doing a lot for Edo people.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the Advisory Board MSME Fund, Peter Obaseki, who commended the government for its sustained support for small businesses in the State.

He noted: “This is the mandate of Governor Godwin Obaseki for economic empowerment of small businesses. The difference is on the concessionary interest rate at 9 per cent to enable residents of the State to benefit.

“This is part of the social transfer scheme to empower residents in Edo State and it must not be an urban phenomenon. It must get to each of the 18 local government areas of the State. Enumeration and disbursement must go to each of the 18 local government areas.”

He further stated, “This scheme is not a grant but a loan. It is a concessionary loan and the test of the scheme is the ability to revolve not to be stuck. We will ensure that enumeration, disbursement and refund is completely monitored, ensuring that the funds come back to enable others benefits.”

Speaking on behalf of LAPO, the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Gloria Bassey, hailed the state government’s commitment to youth development, reassuring sustained partnership with the government.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

2 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

2 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

3 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.