News

Establish Tribunal For Environmental Terrorism, Economic Crime In N’Delta — ERA

Published

3 years ago

August 9, 2023

Editor

Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, ERA/FoEN, has called for the establishment of environmental tribunal to handle environmental terrorism and economic crimes in Niger Delta with a view to addressing the decades of social and environmental injustice caused to communities and natural environment in the region.

Programme Manager/Head, ERA’s Niger Delta Resource Centre, Bayelsa Office, Mr. Alagoa Morris, who made the appeal, yesterday, in Yenagoa, noted with concern that the Federal Government and oil companies were only interested in quantity of crude oil getting to export terminals and not quantity spilled and the devastated community environment.

He spoke against the backdrop of incessant oil spills in the region, oftentimes attributed to equipment failure (aged facilities), third party interference (activities of suspected vandals or oil thieves) as well as the burning of seized stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products by security operatives in Niger Delta.

His words: “Apart from oil spill incidents, ERA/FoEN has followed up and reported improper clean-up of oil spill impacted sites over the years. Often times, as documented spill impacted sites are set ablaze, resulting in further destruction of the ecosystem and livelihood of the people.

“Also, apart from deaths and serious injuries sustained at local refinery camps, it is common knowledge that environments where these activities are ongoing suffer so much land, water and air pollution.

“While the land and water (including swamps and creeks) would be largely polluted from raw crude oil and refined products, air pollution happens from the process of refining and destruction of camps by security operatives and private surveillance teams by burning, sending thick columns of dark smoke towering in the atmosphere before scattering far in the air and descending through dew. This is as bad, if not worse than gas flaring, with serious health and livelihood implications.

“There is no known conference or public gathering of stakeholders organised by the Federal Government or oil companies with a view to openly talk about the issues associated with oil bunkering and local refining of crude oil,” Vanguard quoted him.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

5 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

6 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

8 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.