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HOMEF’s School of Ecology Empowers Young Activists with Environmental Knowledge

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1 year ago

March 29, 2025

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The Executive Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, expressed his organization’s commitment to nurturing young activists through its School of Ecology.

The initiative aims to equip these activists with a deep understanding of the environmental challenges facing society today.

Speaking at the closing session of the March series of the School of Ecology, themed “Ecology Justice and Resilience,” which took place from March 24 to 28 in Benin, Bassey emphasized the importance of educating young people about environmental issues.

“The idea behind the School of Ecology is to cultivate a group of activists who possess real knowledge about the challenges confronting us and our environment.

“We are dedicating time to teach not only the issues but also the underlying reasons for these challenges,” he stated.

Bassey highlighted the significance of understanding the root causes of environmental crises, asserting that this knowledge empowers individuals to address the manifestations of these problems effectively.

“In this series, we focused on building resilience, enhancing community capacity, and fostering the strength needed to tackle these issues,” he added.

During the training, Bassey introduced the concept of ‘Eti-Uwem,’ an Ibio phrase meaning “good life,” which advocates for a harmonious relationship among individuals and with the environment.

“Eti-Uwem is a concept we have been sharing for some time, and we want to continue promoting it. When people embrace this idea, it positively influences their relationship with the environment,” he explained.

Babawale Obayanju, who taught the sub-topic “Uniting Our Common Struggle,” emphasized the necessity of collaboration in activism.

“We can’t live in isolation; no man is an island. In the face of oppression, working solo increases the risk of being overwhelmed. We must unite in our common struggle, as climate justice is intertwined with social justice,” he stated.

Cadmus Atake-Enade, who discussed “Radical Socio-Economic Transformation through Culture,” urged stakeholders to collaborate in promoting policies that empower cultural industries while protecting natural resources.

“By doing so, we ensure that economic transformation is not only radical but also deeply rooted in the values, identity, heritage, and ecological well-being of the communities it aims to uplift,” he said.

Participants expressed their gratitude for the training, which spanned five days.

Mbalisi Onyeka Festus, a Professor of Environmental Education at the University of Port Harcourt, remarked, “I have learned valuable insights that will contribute to environmental justice.”

Praise Omu, a lecturer in Environmental Management at Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State noted, “We were inspired to take informed actions and recognize that everything on earth, both living and non-living, has rights that deserve respect.”

Evelyn Eyo from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, thanked HOMEF for the enlightening training and pledged to share her newfound knowledge with others.

“The school has opened my mind to many misconceptions. I will return to my organization and conduct programme to educate the younger generation about the impacts of environmental pollution,” she promised.

The five-day training attracted participants from northern Nigeria and the South-South geopolitical zone, culminating in the issuance of certificates to all attendees.

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Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

1 hour 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

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

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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

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.