News
Fire Destroys Election Materials At INEC Office In Delta
A fire has destroyed key election materials at the Ika North East Local Government Area office of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Owa-Oyibu, Delta State.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, was reportedly caused by a power surge following the restoration of public electricity.
This was confirmed in a statement issued by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, on Tuesday.
According to a preliminary report from the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Etekamba Umoren, the fire gutted the stores section of the office, which housed petrol generators and other items.
READ ALSO: 26 Injured In Georgia’s Anti-govt Protest
Materials destroyed in the blaze included 706 ballot boxes, 50 election bags, 322 apron vests, three electric generators, 140 stamps, and 50 ballot box seals. Various other supplies, such as envelopes, posters, forms, and booklets, were also lost.
Olumekun said, “The Commission held its regular meeting today, Tuesday, 3rd December 2024. Among other issues, the meeting noted a preliminary report from the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Delta State, Etekamba Udo Umoren, on a fire incident at our Ika North East Local Government Area office in Owa-Oyibu town.
“The report indicates that the incident occurred in the afternoon of Monday, 2nd December 2024, as a result of a sudden power surge following the restoration of the public power supply.
“The stores section, where petrol generators and other items were kept, was completely razed. Items destroyed in the inferno include 706 ballot boxes, 50 election bags, 322 apron vests, three electric power generators, 140 stamps, 50 ballot box seals, and assorted items such as envelopes, posters, forms, and booklets.”
READ ALSO: Police Train 52 Detectives On Modern Investigation Techniques
The national commissioner confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were recorded during the incident.
INEC also stated that security agencies and emergency services had been informed to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire.
The Commission commended the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service for their prompt response.
“Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities. The incident has been reported to the security agencies and emergency services for a thorough investigation.
“The Commission appreciates the cooperation of the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service for their response,” the statement added.
Ika North East LGA is one of 25 INEC offices in Delta State, serving 14 Registration Areas, 238 Polling Units, and 131,747 registered voters.
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.
READ ALSO:Film Premiere: Edo In Talks With Embassies To Promote Safe Migration —Agazuma
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.
READ ALSO:Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Tells FG To Retaliate Against South African Companies 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
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.
READ ALSO:I’ve Been Blacklisted In Music Industry For 13 Years – Seun Kuti
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).
READ ALSO:My Beef With Wizkid Is For Life – Seun Kuti
“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.
-
Politics4 days ago2027: Tinubu’s Re-election May Put An End To Nigeria — Baba Ahmed Warns
-
Politics5 days agoBREAKING: 2027: Former Adamawa APC Guber Candidate, Aishatu Binani Defects To NDC
-
Business4 days agoJUST IN: Nigerian Filling Stations Reduce Fuel Price After Hike
-
Entertainment5 days agoActress Eniola Badmus Gets New Federal Appointment
-
News2 days agoBREAKING: Wike Picks Alabo George For Rivers Governorship
-
News4 days ago2027: Pastor Adeboye Speaks On Nigeria’s Next President
-
Politics4 days agoNDC Speaks On Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Joining Party
-
News3 days agoOPINION: Why South Africans Murder Nigerians In Cold Blood
-
Politics5 days ago2027: Pondi, Otuaro, Other Delta South Stakeholders, Endorse Senator Joel-Onowakpo For Second Term
-
Politics2 days agoJUST IN: Why I left ADC For NDC With Kwankwaso – Peter Obi Opens Up
