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ICPC, NOA Educate Edo Citizens On Monitoring Constituency Projects

Published

6 years ago

March 20, 2020

Editor

In order for the dividends of democracy to get to the people, especially in the various communities, the Independent Corruption Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Edo State, have educated the citizens to always monitor any constituency projects sited by Federal Government in their communities.

The duo,while giving this enlightenment in a town hall meeting tittled: ‘My Constituency , My Projects’, Benin city, said the money earmarked to execute these projects are not coming from the lawmakers but the Federal Government hence the need for people or citizens to monitor projects going in their communities.

According to the Commissioner of ICPC Edo, Delta States, Olatunji Yusuf, the Town Hall meeting was organized to teach the citizens on how to guide, protect and monitor all governments constituency projects.

Yusuf added that the Town Hall meeting will also be taken to other local government areas in the state to let the citizens know how to monitor, protect and report on all government projects in their different localities.

He stressed that ICPC is doing this in order to reduce the gravity of corruption that is going on in government and called on all stakeholders to curb the menace, adding that corruption is more endemic than corno virus disease.

“Constituency projects are health, education or infrastructural projects recommended by legislators at federal level , including Senate and House of Representatives, Or state Houses of Assembly; or projects identified by government agencies, and organized as beneficial to the people for government to carry out in their various constituencies for the benefit of the people they represent.

“It is vital that, these projects are funded by public money raised from taxes paid by citizens, and from other sources of government revenues, “ he added.

In his speech, the Director-General, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Dr. Garba Abari, said, their partnership is to change the idea so that, citizens will begin to see the constituency projects as their own and to continue to make needed efforts that help to popularise democratic model government in Nigeria.

“As the promoters of the model ,constituency projects help to give tangible meaning to their representation at the National Assembly in Abuja.”

“It also gives the representatives of the people. The required opportunity to identify infrastructure accountable their domains for quick government intervention.

“When communities take ownership of these projects, there will be genuine interest to preserve and protect them. It ensure contractors are to maximize profits to execute the projects to the highest standards needed.

“Community ownership will ensure legislators and other officials of government are alerted when there is poor execution of these contracts , and how they will be hold accountable,” he stressed.

In his remarks, Comrade Roland Osakwe, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Edo State Council, commended the initiative, but appealed to the organisers to always carry the media along to enable them achieved the reality of the event.

Comrade Osakwe lamented that, over the years, politicians have misused and misappropriated the money meant to give vital constituency projects to the people.

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Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

4 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.

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Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

4 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.

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N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

6 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.