News

Gbajabiamila Reveals Those Behind Naira, Fuel Scarcity

Published

3 years ago

February 15, 2023

Editor

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, has ascribed the current fuel and naira scarcity to the activities of saboteurs.

He said this in Lagos on Tuesday, during the launching of the second phase of a transport initiative called “Gbaja ride.”

The initiative was designed to empower his Surulere constituents.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 35 low-fare buses that would ply different routes in Surulere and environs were inaugurated.

Gbajabiamila noted that the incessant fuel and naira scarcity of naira notes were carefully orchestrated by some elements to slow down the successes of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking on the “Gbaja ride,” he disclosed that the first edition started in June 2018 with 30 new buses,160 motorcycles and 25 tricycles.

He said the second phase had been better structured to offer better bus services to the people of Surulere at very low fares.

Gbajabiamila said the new 35 buses would be run in partnership with members of Lagos State Park and Garages Administrators.

He, however, said the buses would offer free rides to teachers, students and residents who are above 70 years.

He explained that the initiative was one of his many interventions geared towards improving the lot of the people of the constituency.

He also said the House of Representatives was working hard to rescue citizens from the current hardships towards bringing relief as soon as possible.

“As your representative and speaker, I have a good understanding of the current hardships and discomfort being faced by many Nigerians, without exception to my constituents.

“The lower legislative chamber under my leadership has been on the side of the people, working tirelessly to rescue them from these difficulties.

“I am glad that the judiciary has also confirmed our position on the implementation of the policy of naira redesign.”

The speaker also alleged that some elements had created a crisis around the policy just to stop the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, from winning the presidential election.

He said, “Nobody can convince me that it is not a plot to stop Asiwaju from becoming the president of this country.

“But I am glad that our God is a wonderful being, as the plot these people sat together to hatch he has intervened.

“I have followed the campaign team to the East, North and everywhere with Asiwaju and I doff my hat for Nigerians.”

Earlier, the Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Mr Sulaiman Yusuf, commended Gbajabiamila for the initiative.

He said the scheme was another proof that the Speaker was committed to the wellbeing of the people of his constituency .

“This is another proof that the speaker cares. He has done so much for the people of Surulere and we are so proud of him,” he said.

NAN

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

4 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

4 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

6 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.