News

IWD: Okpebholo Approves N1bn Soft For Edo Market Women

Published

6 months ago

March 7, 2025

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has approved N1 billion in soft loans for market women in the state to help boost their businesses and improve their lives.

Declaring open an event to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), Okpebholo commended Edo women for their steadfastness, dedication, and commitment to moving the state forward.

The 2025 IWD celebration with the theme: “Accelerate Action”, emphasizes the urgent need to take decisive steps towards achieving gender equality, addressing the slow pace of progress, and empowering women and girls worldwide.

The event, which was organized by the Edo state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, had in attendance women from various segments of the nation’s economy.

The governor said: “Since I assumed office as governor of Edo State, this is the first event that has been very colourful. I have been coming to the Festival Hall in Government House but have never seen a colourful event like this.

“We can actually do nothing as men without the women, and that was why when a memo came before me on soft loan approval, I quickly approved N1 billion for our market women.

“The process is already ongoing, and we are talking to the relevant financial institutions for disbursement as the money is ready and it is credited only to Edo women.

“The women are truthful and straightforward. When they assure you of their backing, just relax and be assured that you will get their backing, especially during the election. Their words are firm”.

Responding, coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Edesili Anani Okpebholo, urged Edo women never to be silent, pushed back, shut down, or strangled as their voices must be heard because they matter.

She called on Edo women to add value and be committed in all they do in their careers, communities, and other life endeavours.

Anani commended Okpebholo for taking decisive steps in ensuring that no Edo woman is left behind in the quest for equal opportunities and justice.

“We are all gathered here to celebrate the achievements of women and renew the call for a transformative change. The celebration reminds us of the incredible progress made by women and the world.

“This year’s theme: ‘Accelerate action’ is not a mare slogan but a call for urgent inclusion, decisive change, and collaborative efforts.

“We must come together to end the barriers that still deny thousands of women their fundamental human rights, systemic inequality, violence against women and the girl child, economic disparity, which have held back women’s progress around the globe. It is our duty to dismantle these obstacles in our environment,” she urged.

News

DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

19 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

News

‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

Published

19 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

News

Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Published

19 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.