News
Empowerment Of Constituents Panacea To Ending Poverty – Oghuma

Member representing Etsako federal constituency at House of Representatives, Johnson Oghuma, has said that the only way to ensure an end to the circle of poverty among members of his constituency is to build capacity and provide empowerment for the people to be self-sufficient.
The two time lawmaker disclosed this in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, on the heels of an empowerment programme he embarked upon at the weekend.
The programme saw hundreds of his constituents being empowered with starter parks and other equipment.
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Items given at the programme
Oghuma, who is the Chairman, House committee on Environment, said his effort is to consolidate on his previous skill acquisition programmes, adding that the current training was designed to provide and equipped the participant with the needed skill in the areas of cassava and rice farming.
“As member of the National Assembly and a Christian, my interest is to always put smiles on the faces of my people irrespective of political divide because poverty knows no party. In fact, I received more phone calls from other party members who called to express appreciation.
“The basic idea of doing this often is the only sure way to give back to my people who voted massively for me. Providing empowerment packages and training will go a long way in addressing poverty among our people because in due time the beneficiaries will be self-sufficient to take care of their basic needs,” he said.
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One of the beneficiaries, Musa Ahmed, thanked the lawmaker for the items and promised that it will be put to better use and urged other lawmakers in the state to emulate the virtues of Oghuma whom he described as ‘Mr Performer’.
He added, “This is not the first time members of this constituency are receiving this kind of empowerment from him. We are so happy for this blessing from Hon Oghuma. For the first time we seeing true and selfless representation, we so happy for this.”
On his part, another beneficiaries, Mr Atairu Umoru praised the lawmaker for the programme and said the gesture was a rare opportunity to explore their opportunity in agriculture.
Borehole sinked by the Legislator for his constituents
“Oghuma’s gesture to our people was a clear indication of the fact he was elected to serve the very people who voted. We are happy with what he has done so far,” he said.
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Items given to beneficiaries at the empowerment programme include: 20 mini tractors, distribution of 400 mechanical/welding tools, distribution of School learning materials and the training of 150 women in poultry farming among others.
News
Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru
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.
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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
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.
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“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
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.
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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).
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“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.
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