News

FG Unveils New Counter-terrorism Strategy

Published

9 months ago

August 12, 2025

Editor

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to strengthen interagency coordination and deepen community engagement as key pillars of the revised National Counter-Terrorism Strategy 2025.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at the final validation exercise for the draft strategy, National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka, said the updated framework was designed to improve collaboration among security agencies and foster public participation in preventing and responding to terrorism.

“The review of the National Counter-Terrorism Strategy represents a reaffirmation of our whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to counter-terrorism. It emphasises prevention alongside response, strengthens interagency coordination, and embeds resilience, inclusivity, and community engagement at the core of our security architecture,” Laka said.

He explained that the review process, which began in February 2025, went through multiple stages of consultation, including workshops, committee reviews, and stakeholder engagements involving ministries, departments and agencies, civil society groups, academia, and international partners.

According to Laka, the validation workshop was intended to ensure that the strategy was “clear, realistic, and implementable” while reflecting national priorities and meeting international standards.

“We are here to confirm that every section of the strategy addresses the evolving threats we face and that it is a document we can all take ownership of,” he added.

Laka thanked all stakeholders for their dedication and collaborative input, noting that the strategy would proceed to editing and publication after validation.

Speaking, the Director Policy and Strategy NCTC, Commodore Ahmad Madawaki, said the strategy is anchored on two main pillars, the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches.

“The whole-of-government ensures that our counterterrorism efforts are coordinated, comprehensive, and effective.

“The whole-of-society, on the other hand, engages communities, civil society organisations, and the private sector in building trust, promoting social cohesion, and countering extremist narratives, ” he said.

Madawaki noted that the review incorporates good practices, gender inclusivity, and human rights, with input from UN Women and other stakeholders, to ensure the strategy is “inclusive, threat-responsive, and aligned with international best practices.”

He stressed that all ministries, departments, and agencies must understand their roles in implementing the strategy once it is launched, adding that grassroots involvement is critical.

“We recognise the importance of grassroots involvement, and the Centre will ensure that state and local governments are actively engaged in the review process, especially in the final phases,” he said.

Madawaki also called for continued international support, saying, “Terrorism is a global phenomenon that requires international cooperation and support. The impact of the work that you do here today will resonate beyond the walls of this room.”

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

1 hour 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

2 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

4 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.