News

JUST IN: World Oldest Monarch, Ohworode Of Olomu Passes On

Published

3 years ago

March 17, 2023

Editor

The Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, HRM, DR, (OVIE) R. L. Ogbon, Ogoni-Oghoro 1, Royal Canon, OON, Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers Urhobo Nation has joined his ancestors aged106 years.

The World oldest monarch journey to the great beyond was announced yesterday during a meeting of the traditional council at the Ohworode palace in Ogoni Olomu.
Making the announcement, Olorogun Macaulay Ovbagbedia, Otota of Olomu Kingdom said, “We can confirm today that our Ohworode has gone back to God.

He lived a great life, he served the Government well and his people.

“We are mourning and celebrating, reason is because he was old but it’s painful though.” He said.

On his part, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje SAN, Akpile of Olomu Kingdom said due to the happening, there shall be 21 days of mourning in the kingdom, no celebration of burial and marriage.

He added that Chiefs should not adorn themselves in the traditional red cap and should add black armband to any dressing during the time.

That burial plans shall be announced shortly.

The departed Ohworode of Olomu had celebrated his birthday on 20th January with a thanksgiving after a bout of health challenges over a period of two months.

The monarch was the only Anglican Communion ordained Royal Canon in the world. He also bagged a Honorary doctorate degree from the Delta State University Abraka for his contribution to education.

Ajuwe as he was commonly addressed till his departure could drive himself and read without glasses with complete sets of teeth. He also doubles as the oldest man (Okpako Orere) of Ogoni Olomu Community.

Born on 20th January 1917, the departed monarch was baptized into the Anglican Communion in 1936. He was a retired Inspector of Education under the then Bendel State ministry of education.
The translated Ohworode was installed as the 12th Ohworode in 1988 when he was 70 years old.

His reign witnessed tremendous peace, progress and development. The burial announcement shall be made public after a mourning period.

Last public moment of late Ohworode

The departed Ohworode last public event was his 106 birthday celebration tagged ‘longevity king’ where he sang songs of praises to God and stated that a man only dies when God approves it.

The posture that day was clearly that of someone who was preparing for the last journey as his message was more of a farewell.

According to him, “God I thank you for your grace, please open your ears to give me long life so I can do that which pleases you all the time.

“Many people came here today for various reasons because I have been away, but I am here today to thank God. Fear God and do his will. In whatever you do, call on God daily.

“Do your best to follow God’s directive in your life. Have clean hands, avoid stealing, avoid embezzlement of public and individual funds.

“Avoid sexual relationship with other people’s wives and your relatives. Learn to love, forgive and be free of hatred, avoid jealousy and be contented, avoid alcohol and drugs abuse.” the monarch added.

The Ohworode had 12 children but was survived by 11 following the demise of the eldest child to Late Elizabeth Ogbon-Day, Nigeria first woman Ambassador.

The departure of the Ohworode will be missed due to his penchant for excellence and due process and strict adherence to the Urhobo culture.

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

2 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

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.