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ITV/Radio Pre-independence Anniversary Lecture: Nigerians Must Take Control Of Electoral Process – Don

Published

4 years ago

September 3, 2022

Editor

As the 2023 elections draw nearer, the need for the Nigerian citizens to take control of the electoral process by fully participating in the forthcoming elections has been emphasised.

Professor Sonnie Adagbonyin, Acting Vice Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, Edo State, expressed the need in Benin on Friday at the occasion of Independent Television/Radio (ITV/Radio) Pre-independence Anniversary Public Lecture with the theme: Engendering Good Governance, Transparency and Accountability Through Citizens Ownership of the Electoral Process.

The Prof. of English who was the Guest Lecturer of the anniversary, noted that it is when the Nigerian citizens get hold of the electoral processes that the need to have a good leadership can be discussed, adding that considering the myriads of problems besetting the nation today, a good leadership for the country is more than a desirable.

While noting that the Nigeria voter needs to use the ballot wisely, the Prof. of English said, Nigeria and Nigerians have no choice other than to get it right in 2023.

A cross section of participants at the anniversary lecture.

He said: “Nigeria has no choice other than to get it right in 2023. The people must take charge; their votes must count so that Nigeria will be great again.

“Active participation is required from the voter, as voting oils the machinery of the democratic process.

“There is apathy in our election because some voters believe their votes will not count, but I want to assure you that with the introduction of new technologies, our votes will count.

“Nigerians must come out in 2023 to ensure that the right people are voted into leadership positions; people that will make a difference to their lives and to their country. Wrong people must not and should never be given leadership position,” he added.

While blaming leadership of the country for the woes that have befallen on her, Prof. Adagbonyin lamented: “the failure of our leaders accounts much of the troubles we are facing today. No doubt Nigeria is a troubled country, a country with immense possibility yet nothing to show for it.”

He called on the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, to “rise to its responsibility as we approach 2023. They should be the true electoral umpire they are expected to be; they must shun partisanship, either before, during or after the elections. INEC must remain unbiased. It officials must shun corrupt practices.”

Earlier, in his opening remarks, Chairman of the anniversary lecture, Chief Matthew Emiohe, said the introduction of the electronic transmission of votes has made the process credible in recent times, just as he called on the Federal Government to make the process more simplified by allowing commercial activities rather than restricting vehicular movement and total shutdown of commercial activities.

He called on Nigerians to reposition the country by voting competent and those who have interest of the nation.

On his part, keynote speaker, Rev Benson Akhigbe, said there’s need for Nigerians to vote the right candidates, hence everyone must participate in the 2023 elections at all levels, adding that no election, regardless of its level, is less important.

Cutting of the anniversary cake.

In his remarks, the Managing Director, ITV/Radio, Engr. Elvis Obaseki, said the gathering was not to talk of who Nigerians should vote for, but to chart a course, adding that it was the best time to talk about Nigeria and the forthcoming elections.

Pannel of discussants at the event all agreed that, at 62, Nigeria is not where it ought to be in the committee of nations, hence Nigerians must come out to vote good leaders in the 2023 elections.

Highlights of the pre-independence anniversary was the cutting of cake and giving of awards to deserving individuals and corporate organisations.

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

6 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

8 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.