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

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.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: CBN Sells Forex To BDCs At N1,251/$1
“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.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Ranks 109 In World Hungry Nations – Peter Obi Laments
“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
Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.
Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.
He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.
READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack
Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.
“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”
He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.
He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.
Watch the video here
News
Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.
The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.
READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached
Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.
He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.
Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.
“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.
“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
News
Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.
READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central
According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.
“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”
Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.
READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration
He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.
“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.
The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.
Metro5 days agoMy Husband Abandoned Me On Our Wedding Night To Attend Political Meeting, I Want Our Marriage Dissolved
Headline4 days agoWoman Passes Out After Receiving 100 Strokes Of Cane
Headline4 days agoJUST IN: White House Locked Down Briefly As Gunman Opens Fire At Security Checkpoint
Politics5 days agoWarri Ijaw Hail INEC Delineation Report, Call For Additional Electoral Wards, Others
Politics3 days agoTwo Masked Men Gun Down Politician In His Rivers State Hotel
News5 days agoAlleged Terrorism: Court Rejects Defendant’s Bid To Travel Abroad
Metro5 days agoMy Wife Stop Cooking My Food, Beats Me Black And Blue All the Time, Man Tells Court
News3 days agoMore Pain For Nigerians As Cooking Gas Price Increases Nationwide
Politics5 days agoWhat I’ll Do As President Of Nigeria — Amaechi
Politics3 days ago‘Tinubu’s Borrowing In 24 Months Surpasses 55 Years’ Debt Record’
















