News

Heed NiMet’s Flood Early Warning, NOA Urges Nigerians

Published

8 months ago

August 29, 2025

Editor

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has urged Nigerians to pay close attention to flood early warnings issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, highlighting the increasing risk of flooding across the country.

Addressing the newsmen during a press conference to launch a nationwide enlightenment campaign held on Thursday in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, the DG, represented by Mr. Williams Dogo, NOA’s National Director of Legal Matters at the headquarters in Abuja, emphasised that poor drainage systems and careless dumping of waste are major causes of devastating floods recently witnessed in states such as Niger, Kogi, Rivers, Anambra, and Bayelsa.

He praised NiMet’s early warning advisories for their “90% accuracy” and stressed the need for Nigerians to heed these warnings diligently to reduce flood impacts.

The campaign, spanning all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and 774 local government areas, seeks to engage the public on government policies, flood mitigation, national security awareness, and more.

“We are committed to bringing the government’s programmes closer to the people through physical engagements, town halls, and media.

“Among the government initiatives spotlighted is the Presidential Flood Mitigation directive, which in 2024 allocated N3 billion per state for drainage clearance and relocation efforts to curb such disasters,” the DG’s representative said.

The DG, highlighted that the sensitisation campaign also focuses on raising awareness about government policies such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, social safety nets including Conditional Cash Transfer, and youth empowerment through initiatives like the National Youth Investment Fund and the Industrial Training Fund.

He therefore emphasised the need for Nigerians to understand and utilise these programmes for personal and national development.

On national security, Issa-Onilu explained that the campaign aims to boost security consciousness by informing communities about current defense strategies, including the deployment of over 15,000 new security personnel, drones, and armoured vehicles to address the country’s security challenges effectively.

Furthermore, the DG stressed the importance of youth and student re-orientation, focusing on discouraging extreme practices that conflict with Nigeria’s core values.

Accordingly, he also underlined the campaign’s effort to promote patriotism by educating citizens on national symbols such as the flag, anthem, naira, and passport.

“NOA’s increased digital presence—including the revamped website and the AI assistant ‘CLHEEAN’—alongside partnerships with numerous media outlets, will ensure that these vital messages reach a wide audience across Nigeria,” he revealed.

Mr. Williams Dogo urged Nigerians to actively participate in the campaigns and remain alert to government advisories for their safety and well-being.

Earlier, the Jigawa State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Ahmad Ibrahim, emphasised the urgent need for residents to heed flood early warnings issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, especially amid rising flood risks in the region.

He linked the recent flooding challenges to poor drainage and waste management, urging Jigawa communities to cooperate with government efforts to reduce flood impacts.

The director highlighted the government’s 2024 Presidential Flood Mitigation directive, which allocated N3 billion to each state for drainage clearance and relocation initiatives, underscoring its importance in Jigawa’s flood prevention strategy.

He also connected this development to ongoing nationwide campaigns aimed at raising public awareness on key government policies, national security, and disaster preparedness.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

2 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

2 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

4 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.