News

How UNICEF Improves Health, Economic Status Of Women In Bauchi

Published

2 years ago

March 7, 2024

Editor

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Bauchi Field Office on Thursday, revealed how it has effectively engaged women in order to improve their health and economic status in Bauchi state.

A Health Officer of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, Mr Oluseyi Olosunde made this known in Gombe on Thursday during a media dialogue on investing in women to promote community health systems in commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD).

To achieve this feat, Olosunde explained that the UN organisation had engaged nothing less than 6,460 community volunteers on active Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) case findings, Health Education and Referral to reduce morbidity and mortality rates amongst pregnant women and babies in Bauchi state.

He said that the community volunteers named ‘Mama2Mama women support groups’ intend to promote, improve knowledge and attitudes on reproductive, maternal and child health as well as the economic standards of women across the state.

“The mama2mama volunteers also access trade training during meetings to step down to the women for economic empowerment.

“The composition of the mama2mama group was based on an existing community structure in each ward of the state.

“Each ward has two to three groups to pass the desired knowledge to households in the wards.

“During monthly meetings, each volunteer summit reports using the data tool on referrals and case findings.

“The case finding for the volunteers in this context is to identify new antenatal defaulters and track under-One children for immunization.

“For health education, the mama2mama groups engage community members on household practice,” he said.

According to him the volunteers were spearheaded by health workers in the communities to broaden their knowledge, coach and monitor their activities.

He added that the groups work with operational guidelines to meet up with the expected adjectives.

In her contribution,a member of the Mama2Mama volunteer from Bauchi state, Mrs Furera Aliyu, said that barriers and rejections on uptake of services are forwarded to be further addressed by the community, religious leaders and ward Development Committee to resolve issues around rejections.

She said that the action was a clear indication of volunteerism, commitment and passion to reduce the burden of Maternal and child mortality.

Aliyu said the passion for saving and advocating for the promotion of good health and economic independence amongst rural dwellers removed all forms of fear despite insecurity challenges.

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.