News

ITV/Radio Pre-independence Lecture Series: Nigeria Must Look Beyond Oil, Utilise The Maritime Sector – NIMASA Ex- DG

Published

3 years ago

September 4, 2023

Editor

A former Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Temisan Omatseye, has urged Nigeria to look beyond crude oil by harnessing the rich marine resources and optimise the benefits the nation’s aquatic nature provide.

He added that the country’s maritime sector must be fully utilised with a view to diversifying the economic base of the country.

Omatseye, who gave the charge as a guest speaker at Independent Television and Radio (ITV/Radio), Benin, annual Independence Lecture (Nigeria @63) with the theme ‘Harnessing the Potentials in the Maritime Sector’, lamented that despite the huge opportunities its provide, Nigeria naritime sector is potentially untapped.

He, however, said Nigeria requires a safe, secure and enabling Maritime Domain to drive a strong, diversified, sustainable and competitive economy, adding that the passing of a National Maritime Transport Policy (NMTP) will drive this process.”

He said: “We must begin this campaign by assessing the pillars which constitute the framework upon which a maritime nation stands: Institutions, legislation and regulations, and policy.”

He continued: “Nigeria government must rise and work towards producing maritime human capital which match national and global demands. But we must also develop other maritime sectors at a much quicker pace such as shipbuilding and repairs, shipping and ports services, logistics and the provision of ancillary maritime products and services among others.

“Stakeholders must be engaged and their inputs solicited in the review of maritime institutions, legislation and regulations and policies. In this, government must lead by adopting a comprehensive national maritime policy that defines the long-term strategic direction for MARITIME NIGERIA,” he said.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Managing Director, ITV, Engr. Elvis Obaseki, said the topic was picked because of its aptness, adding that this is the only way the country can get out of the current economic quagmire.

Corroborating Omatseye’s submission, the ITV/Radio MD urged Nigeria government to look beyond oil and gas as the only source of the nation’s revenue generation.

Urging Edo people and Nigerians at large to tap opportunities the Edo Seaport offer, Engr. Obaseki said: “The Benin Port project has already come and it has come to stay. We should be thinking of ways of keying into such areas. Edo is practically shifting from being called ‘Civil Service State’.

He thank the founder of ITV/Radio, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom for establishing ITV platform for management and staff of the station to celebrate the independence of Nigeria.

The event also had pannel of discussion segment where discussants – Dr. Casley Omon-Irabor, a constitutional/human right lawyer and National President, Human Rights Defenders; Pius Alile, Founder, Pius Alile Coalition Initiative and Bishop Osadolor Ochei, Human Right Gospel Defender Advocate all argued that for Nigeria to get it right, right leaders must be in helms of affairs.

They emphasized the need for Nigeria to diversify her economy with a view to boosting the country’s revenue base.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

2 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

3 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

5 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.