News

‘I’m Journalism Ambassador,’ Says Shaibu As He Commissions Edo NUJ Correspondents Chapel’s Secretariat

Published

2 years ago

December 19, 2023

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has described himself as an ambassador of the journalism profession, saying if not for journalists he would have been dead and forgotten.

He, therefore, vowed to “do everything and anything for the growth of journalism and journalists anywhere I am.”

Shaibu, who made these assertions at the commissioning of the secretariat of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State council, reiterated his commitment to the growth of the journalism profession anywhere, anytime.

Dignitries who attended the commissioning ceremony include: Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor represented by Dr. Uzoya Okuogbosun; Senator Matthew Urhoghide represented by Mr. Paul Nobore; Comrade Festus Alenkhe, Chairman, NUJ, Edo State council; Mr. Femi Johnson, Zonal Director, Nigerian Television Authority among others.

“I want to identify with you and to say that I am your member; I am a member, and I will always do everything and anything for the growth of journalism and journalists anywhere I am.

“I am your ambassador anywhere I am. This not because of politics, but because of what you have done to save my life in the cause of doing your work.

“I wouldn’t have been deputy governor today if I am not alive. A journalist that could investigate and write a report, saved my life in the hands of the the military.

“So, you can see why anytime you invite me, even if it is difficult, I must show up. Because, that is the only way I can appreciate you and show that whatever you are doing, you should keep it up,” he said.

Shaibu who is aspiring to be the next governor of the state on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), boasted that he had made several sacrifices to make sure things work in Edo, just as he expressed his determination to make sure Edo becomes first.

Shaibu said: “I am determined to make sure that good governance is seen, felt and touched.

“I am also determined to make sure that in all things, Edo must be first, and I am determined to strengthening institutions.

“I came into politics because I felt that we should have an egalitarian society. I came into politics to make institutions stronger, because that is the only way we can have that society of our dream.

“Institution does not know the rich, strong, and the poor, it takes care of all strata of life. That is what I am standing for, that is my calling to joining politics.

“That is why I have sacrificed a lot of things to make sure the institution works.

“I even sacrificed my personal entitlement to make sure this institution works, and in the coming weeks I will give a stewardship of what I have done as deputy governor from 2016 to date.”

His his brief speech, the Chairman, Edo NUJ, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, while reiterating the council’s support to the chapel, declared that Edo NUJ remains an indivisible body.

Earlier, in her welcome address, Chairperson, Correspondents Chapel of the NUJ, Mrs Nefishetu Yakubu, said the decision to move to the new secretariat was fuelled by the need for a more spacious and serene environment, especially for “our members who are duly accredited journalists working in national newspapers with head offices outside Edo State.”

While noting that the new secretariat is not an alternative to the Edo NUJ Press Centre, which is home to all journalists, Mrs. Yakubu said the new secretariat “merely symbolises our commitment to providing a comfortable and productive workspace for our members.”

“It’s a testament to our unwavering dedication to the principles of journalism and the pursuit of excellence,” she added.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

1 hour 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

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.