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Fuel Subsidy Removal: Obaseki Flags Off Free Bus Service [PHOTOS]

Published

3 years ago

September 11, 2023

Editor

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Monday, flagged off the free bus service for passengers on all routes operated by the state-owned Edo City Transport Limited (ECTS) as part of efforts to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government on the people of the State.

The free transport scheme is expected to cover intra-city and intercity routes including Auchi – Igarra – Ibillo–Ososo; Uzebba–Ikhin – Otuo, and Abudu-Ubiaja, Abudu-Urhonigbe and Ewohirin to Ewatto.

The intra-city routes are Ramat–Kingsquare; New Benin–Kingsquare; Kingsquare – Ekenwan Road; Kingsquare–Airport Road; Kingsquare–Sapele Road and Kingsquare – Adesuwa, Kingsquare–Ogida; New Benin – Upper Mission; Kingsquare–Ugbowo; Kingsquare–Agbor Road; Kingsquare–Upper Sokponba; New Benin – Ugbowo and New Benin–Aduwawa.

Speaking during a formal ceremony for the commencement of the free bus service in ECTS terminal in Benin City, Governor Obaseki, who was represented by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said his government remains committed to the wellbeing and support of the people and will sustain efforts to reduce the hardship inflicted on the people by the subsidy removal.

He stated, “We call on all Edo people to use this service effectively and ensure they use it regularly as it benefits all of us. His Excellency takes the welfare of Edo people seriously and this is just one of the many support programmes that this administration has put in place to reduce the challenge, sufferings and cost of living faced by Edo people as a result of the subsidy removal.

“This service has commenced since 6am today September 11th, 2023 but we are declaring the service open today to the glory of God and the service will last for two months in the first instance.”

Speaking on the free bus transportation scheme, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Edo State Transport Authority, Edugie Agbonlahor, said, “We are all aware that the Governor has directed Edo City Transport Service (ECTS) to offer free bus service to all commuters in Edo State travelling within Benin Metropolis and travelling from Benin City to the major cities across the three Senatorial District of the State.”

She further stated, “His Excellency’s thoughtful intervention is as a result of the removal of the fuel subsidy and its negative impact on Nigerians. As at today, transportation cost is over 50 per cent of an average worker’s income and this intervention is to release funds back to the people to enable them take care of other needs like feeding housing, especially the burden of resumption for a new term for pupils across the State.

“This free transportation will return money back to parents to enable them to take care of some other family needs. ECTS before now has been offering free rides to school children and now to all Edo people. It’s our hope that we all enjoy this free ride made possible by the governor.”

A Federal Civil Servant, Mr. Ojekwua Kingsley while commending the governor for the initiative, said the free bus scheme will seriously reduce the effect of the hardship brought about by the removal of oil subsidy by the federal government.

According to him, “We are looking forward to more palliatives from Mr. Governor and commend him for this great move to reduce the pain that citizens are facing.”

At the Ikpoba Hill Bus Terminal where passengers board ECTS bus to Edo North, Mr. Edohor David who is travelling to Auchi hailed the governor, noting, “This bus is going to Edo North, Auchi, Igarra, Ososo, Ibilo and all the passengers entered for free. We have started enjoying the palliative; all thanks to the governor.”

Related Topics:Free transport service Obaseki

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Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

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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.

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Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

3 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.

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N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

5 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.