News

Host Community Threatens To Sack National Library Over Unpaid Rent

Published

3 years ago

July 18, 2023

Editor

There is a strong indication that the National Library of Nigeria, Abia State branch might cease to exist, following the inability of the Abia State government to pay the rent of the building housing the Library.

Speaking to Journalists in Umuahia on the development, Mr. Enang Efoli who leads the National Library of Nigeria, Abia State branch, disclosed that the National Library in the state has been served a quit notice by the host community, Ohokobe, Umuahia North LGA.

Efoli, who told Journalists that the state government rented the Ohokobe town hall, Umuahia for a take-off in the year 2010 with the assurance of paying the N1.5 million annual rent, alleged that the previous administrations in the state released only a total of six million naira to the Library since 2010.

He cautioned that the National Library may be relocated from Abia State if nothing was done.

Efoli also appealed to Governor Alex Otti and other well-meaning Abians to immediately intervene on the matter as a failure may lead to total closure and relocation of the National Library from Abia.

He also expressed displeasure that the Library is presently located in a hall near a market square, with churches around it, making the place non-conducive for reading and studying, saying that a library should be in a quiet place.

“The Ohokobe community had once threatened to lock up the office because of our inability to pay the rent but after much persuasion, they rested the move. It was during this period that the government managed to release N6 million for the accumulated rent and it was the first and the last time.

“Presently, they have given us a Court injunction to vacate the place, that they want to renovate their hall

“I will not be happy to see Abia lose the National Library”, Enang Efoli cried out.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

56 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

1 hour 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.