News

Gov Diri Assures Corps Members Of Adequate Security, Charges Them On 2023 Elections

Published

3 years ago

January 27, 2023

Editor

Isaac Money, Yenagoa

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has assured youth corps members deployed to the state of adequate security, just as he commended the founders of the scheme.

The Governor gave the assurance on Friday at the opening/swearing – in ceremony of a total of 1,310 Batch A, Stream 1 corps members held at NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Boro Town, Bayelsa State.

Represented by Dr Daniel Igali, the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Diri also commended successive administrations for sustaining the Scheme.

Describing the scheme as the champion of national unity and integration, the governor expressed optimism that with the youth corps members, the labour of the heroes past shall not be in vain.

“You are the hope of our nation as you represent the most educated, exposed and enlightened segment of youths in Nigeria.

“Other youths, including tertiary, secondary students as well as primary school pupils are looking up to you to provide quality leadership and mentorship that will transform Nigeria. You cannot afford to fail Nigeria“, added Governor Diri.

He challenged them to copy their predecessors who meritoriously served the nation in Bayelsa State by effectively discharging their duties in various places of primary and secondary assignments.

Government, he added, remained highly committed to their security and welfare as well as continue to support the management of the scheme to achieve the objectives of the NYSC and advised against partisanship when used as election pfficials by INEC .

“Let me use this opportunity to enjoin those of you that will be participating as INEC Adhoc staff in the forth coming general elections to be non – partisan and avoid all actions and omissions that will be detrimental to the smooth conduct of free, fair and credible elections in the state. Abide by all the electoral regulations and be security conscious at all times.”

Mrs Okpalifo Obiageli, the State Coordinator of the NYSC thanked Governor Diri’s government and the people of Bayelsa State for the demonstration of love and support to corps members

“Your Excellency sir, I want to use this medium to, on behalf of the NYSC management and over 6000 corps members in the state, thank you for your support to the scheme. I have been reliably informed that the use of this Permanent Orientation Camp would not have been possible without your support

” I wish to specially mention your approval for fencing of the camp, construction of walk ways within camp and your directive for two additional hostels to be built on camp to address accommodation challenges. Indeed sir, you have greatly motivated the Service Corps and corps members to serve Bayelsa State”.

She advised the corps members take the orientation course serious because careful and deliberate programmes have been well designed to adequately prepare and equip them for optimum performance during and after the service year.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

3 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

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.

News

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.