News

IGP Launches Safe School Initiative In Bauchi

Published

12 months ago

May 9, 2025

Editor

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun on Thursday, launched the Safe School Initiative programme in Bauchi state.

Speaking during the launching ceremony in Bauchi, the IGP said that the initiative was important owing to the fact that Schools were not only spaces of knowledge, but nurturing ground for future leaders.

According to him, the educational Security Policy provides a detailed framework of proactive and prompt response mechanisms to counter any emerging security threat.

He added that it guaranteed the safety and security of schools, Students,Teachers, Non-Academic Staff and the host communities in order to ensure smooth implementation of teaching and learning in schools.

Represented by Abubakar Sadiq, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 12 Headquarters Bauchi, Abubakar Aliyu, the IGP said that the importance of schools to the development of the nation could not be over emphasized.

“Our gathering here today at this epoch event is a clear reminder of the responsibility that rests on our shoulders to provide a safe and conducive learning environment for our children.

“Protection of lives and properties is a core mandate of the Nigeria Police and we are working tirelessly in collaboration and active partnership with stakeholders.

“I have equally directed all Commissioners of Police in the states to also engage their various stakeholders to ensure that the safety of schools is guaranteed in line with the overall National Plan of financing safe schools Initiative across the federation.

“It is by working that we can achieve a safer, more secure and conducive environment for our children,” he said.

He called on all educational authorities and community leaders to work together with the police and other security agencies to ensure that the schools were fortified against any potential threat.

Speaking earlier, Hajiya Halima Iliya, the National Coordinator on financing Safe schools, said that strengthening security resilience and integration of host communities in the protection of education is one of the objectives of the National plan on financing safe schools.

She explained that the national plan has incorporated a mult-level approach to provide response security coverage to host communities, schools and other learning places adopting the ‘whole society approach’ in the protection of education.

She called on states that are yet to key into the Safe Schools Programme to do so in order to achieve measurable outcomes which would improve Nigeria’s rating in the Human Capital Index in the long run.

News

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.

News

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.

News

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.