News

‘He Laid Solid Foundation For PAP’ – Otuaro Mourns Pioneer Administrator, Gen. Abbe

Published

1 year ago

December 23, 2024

Editor

The Administrator of Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has expressed profound sorrow over the demise of Maj-Gen Godwin Abbe.

Abbe passed away after a brief illness in Abuja on Saturday at the age of 75.

In a statement made available to newsmen by his Special Assistant, Igoniko Oduma, Otuaro described the passage of Abbe as a shock, and great loss to the nation, the military institution and indeed Edo State.

He noted that Abbe was a courageous, brave, hard working military officer who served Nigeria meritoriously with a deep sense of patriotism.

Otuaro said the former military governor of Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, and Minister of Defence and Interior, laid a solid foundation for the PAP as its pioneer chairman from 2009 to 2010.

The PAP boss pointed out that Abbe’s incredible legacies at the programme had remained indelible till today.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the military establishment, the Abbe’s family, community and the government and good people of his state, Edo.

Otuaro said, “I received with deep sorrow and shock the news of the passing of Maj-Gen Godwin Abbe after a brief illness in Abuja on Saturday.

“His departure is a huge loss to the nation, the military institution, and Edo State. He was a brave, courageous and committed military officer who distinguished himself meritoriously in service to his fatherland.

“As the first chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (2009-2010), Maj-Gen Godwin Abbe laid a solid foundation upon which the programme has made tremendous progress since its inception.

“I commiserate with the military institution, his family, community, the government and good people of Edo State on the sad incident.

“I pray to God for the eternal repose of his soul and to grant his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear this loss.”

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

15 minutes 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

37 minutes 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

3 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.