News

Family Gets Police Approval To Bury Rivers FIrst-class Graduate

Published

2 years ago

February 26, 2024

Editor

The family of Rebekah Sekidika, a first-class graduate of Benson Idahosa University in Edo State, who died during a procedure at a private hospital in Port Harcourt, said they have received police approval to bury her corpse.

The father of the 24-year-old girl and a staff member of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, Sampson Sekidika, while speaking to The PUNCH, alleged that his daughter died due to the negligence and incompetence of the medical workers who carried out the procedure on her at the Paragon Clinics and Image Diagnosis in Port Harcourt on February 2, 2024.

While lamenting that the deceased had already gained admission to begin a MSc Programme in the United Kingdom and was billed to travel a few days away before the unfortunate development that claimed her life and demanded justice.

The distraught father stated, “The complaint was that she had not seen her period for a while. So she needed to why. When she had the clinical visit, they subjected her to some test, including pregnancy tests, which came out all negative.

“But they told her to see a specialist to be sure. On the day of the appointment, they took her into the theatre and gave her an anaesthetic for a simple procedure that didn’t require surgery where she developed complications and died.

“She (Rebekah) was supposed to travel to the United Kingdom for her Masters and PhD programmes. Everything was set, flight booked, tuition paid, all arrangements made.”

Sekidika, however, told our correspondent at the weekend that an autopsy had been performed on their late daughter’s corpse, saying while they await the result, they have received approval from the police to bury her remains.

He stated, “Autopsy has been performed on Thursday, and samples sent to two independent medical centres for the toxicology test. Full reports will be made available in not more than a month’s time when all the results are available.

“I applied to the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal and Investigation Department for release of the corpse to us the family for burial. The police have granted me permission to bury.

“Burial has been slated for the 2nd of March, 2024, at the Vaults and Gardens Cemetery, Port Harcourt.”

Sekidika insisted that even after Rebekah’s body is interred, he will pursue the matter to ensure that those found culpable for her death are apprehended, punished, and other appropriate steps taken to get justice for her.

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

5 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.