News

FG To Provide Transport Services To 1.7 Million Pregnant Women – Official

Published

2 years ago

November 1, 2024

Mr Nasir Yakubu, the Head, Claims Management, National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), says the federal government would provide free emergency transportation services to 1.7 million pregnant rural dwellers in the country.

Yakubu stated this in Bauchi on Friday during state’s stakeholders engagement for rural ambulance and transportation services implementation in the state.

According to him, this would be achieved and carried out under the World Bank assisted NEMSAS through the State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (SEMSAS) across the 15 selected impact project states by December, 2025, with Bauchi being one of them.

“President Bola Tinubu’s drive in accelerating Nigeria towards achieving universal health coverage through last mile access to quality health care is envisaged to be actualised through a sector wide approach programme.

“This programme is themed Nigeria health sector renewal investment initiatives championed by the Coordinating Minister of Health.

“Crucial to this strategy is a need to ensure access to appropriate, effective, efficient and timely emergency transport for rural dwellers who bear the brunt from observed limited access to health care through evidence-based emergency service programmes.

“One of the goals of this programme is to drive demand for, and improve access to timely, effective, and efficient Rural emergency services and maternal transportation for 1.7million pregnant rural dwellers in 15 Selected impact project states by December 2025,” he said.

He also said that the programme aimed to provide 24/7 medical emergency services to citizens who need it anywhere at no cost for the first 48 hours with a fleet of different categories of Ambulances.

Also speaking, the Bauchi state Commissioner for Health, Dr Sani Dambam, says that the Federal Government’s NEMSAS programme is a life saving initiative.

He commended President Bola Tinubu and Dr Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare for the programme, adding that it’s a life saving initiative that would be sustained by the state government.

Represented by Dr Suleiman Abubakar, Director, Medical Services, Ministry of Health, Dambam said that the federal government had successfully launched NEMSAS through the State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (SEMSAS) in Bauchi state.

“It is in that line that the officials from NEMSAS paid a visit to have a meeting on how to Kickstart the programme on a proper note.

“We sincerely appreciate the effort of Mr President and that of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare because this is by far one of the best interventions that is going to impact positively on our rural populace.

“We will be displaying injustice to the federal government if we refuse to say that this intervention is one of the best things that happened to the Nigeria population.

“This is because where most of our people are dying is during emergencies and this scheme is for good and it’s going to crash our maternal mortality and under 5 mortality.

“The government is coming to say that right from your room, there is somebody who is going to lift you, take you to a medical centre where you will spend 48 hours receiving treatment free of charge,” he said.

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

7 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.