News

Irregular Migration: UNHCR Campaigns Against Human Trafficking, Screens Short Film In Benin

Published

3 years ago

May 24, 2023

Panel of discussants

In an effort to mitigating the scourge of irregular migration and trafficking in persons in the society, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on February, the 2nd, 2023 premiered a short film in Abuja titled ‘Dangerous Hope.’

The short film produced in collaboration with various stakeholders including the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP), civil society groups and refugees was screened at KADA Cinema, Benin City, on May the 24, 2023 after it premiered in Abuja.

The short film is a tool geared towards creating awareness on the risks involved in human trafficking and also to galvanise stakeholders to take actions that would cumulatively enhance the protection for affected groups in the society.

A cross section of participants at the film screening.

‘Dangerous Hope’ is a story of loss, survival, and hope. It follows the lives of characters named Mukete and Roseline as as they escape from crisis-plagued southwestern Comeroon to Nigeria where they hope find safety and rebuild their lives, far away from home in settlement for refugees.

In his opening remarks, Ephraim Kabura, Head, Lagos Field Office, said the short film examines human trafficking in the context of forced displacement, adding that it also educates by increasing knowledge and awareness in human trafficking.

While thanking government, ministries, departments, agencies, etc, he called on stakeholders to galvanise support towards addressing the menace of human trafficking and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Participants carrying out a ‘Call to Action’

He added: “We are using this medium to call for the cumulative efforts of all
stakeholders to galvanize support towards addressing the menace of
human trafficking and contribute to achieving the Sustainable
Development Goals, aimed at significantly reducing all forms of
violence and related death rates everywhere, ending abuse,
exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and
torture of children, ensure equal access to justice for all at ending
abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and
torture of children and to promote peaceful and inclusive societies
for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and
build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.”

There was also section of panel of discussion wherein discussants stressed the need for more enlightenment on the dangers involved in irregular migration and trafficking in persons.

Panel of discussants include Barr. Nduka Nwanwenne, Zonal Commander, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP); Mr. Uba Waziri, Comptroller, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Edo State Command; ably represented; Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking (ETAHT), represented by Barrister Itohan.

Others include Rev. Fr. Fidelis Arhedo, Uromi Justice Development and Peace Caritas (Uromi JDPC); Alhaji (Barr.) Nurudeen Asunogie, Chairman of the Edo State Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs; Onomen Oriakhi, Caritas Nigeria; Okojie Brown, Founder, Great Esan Returnees Association (GERA).

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

5 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

5 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

7 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.