News

Kanu’s Release Tops Agenda As Obasanjo Meets Ohanaeze Leaders

Published

2 years ago

January 7, 2024

Editor

Talks about the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu; insecurity in the South-East region, amongst others, topped the agenda of the meeting held between former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and some leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

The Secretary-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Chief Okey Emuchay, had, on Friday, disclosed that Obasanjo was in a closed-door meeting with the President of the group, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, in his Owerri, Imo State home.

Emuchay, in a statement made available on Saturday, noted that Obasanjo discussed issues of ‘mutual interest’ with the Ohanaeze chieftains at the meeting which lasted several hours.

He also described the meeting as ‘very symbolic and crucial’, adding that the deliberations were fruitful.

He further noted that the outcome of the meeting would soon manifest and would be appreciated by Igbo people worldwide.

The statement titled, “Issues of mutual interest were discussed”, read in part, “Our president-general informed Chief Obasanjo that Nigeria should erect monuments in his (Obasanjo’s) name for the sacrifices he has made.

“He recalled Obasanjo’s role in ending the civil war with the slogan ‘no victor, no vanquished’.

“Iwuanyanwu lauded Obasanjo’s patriotic and diplomatic initiatives as president that resulted in the country’s debt cancellation and his administration’s rejuvenation of the economy.

“He assured the former president that the Igbo people would bestow a befitting honour on him at an appropriate time for his love for the region.

“Remember that when Chief Obasanjo was president, he appointed several Igbo sons and daughters into high positions in his cabinet. A sense of belonging was provided to the Igbo nation during that time.”

Meanwhile, a source, who was present at the meeting with the former President, revealed to our correspondent that Kanu’s release and issues of insecurity plaguing the region were ‘thoroughly’ discussed.

“After deliberations on some matters of mutual interests, the leaders of Ohanaeze in their wisdom brought up Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s matter. He is our son. We will not deny him. Obasanjo and Ohanaeze discussed the matter thoroughly and assurances were given. That is all I can say right now but I am sure that the leadership of Ohanaeze will make more details known in due time,” the source, a member of the executive of Ohanaeze, said.

It was also learnt that Obasanjo was accompanied on the visit by the Asiwaju of Owo Kingdom, Otunba Oyewole Fasawe.

Also at the meeting were some Igbo leaders and Ohanaeze chieftains, including Emuchay; former Minister for Aviation, Ambassador Kema Chikwe, Bishop Sunday Onuoha of Methodist Church Nigeria; Former National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (South-East), Chief Fidelis Ozichukwu; former Abia State Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Tony Ukasanya.

Iwuanyanwu has persistently called for an end to the alleged marginalisation of the region and Kanu’s unconditional release from detention.

On Tuesday, June 29, 2021, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, announced in a press conference in Abuja that Kanu had been arrested and extradited to Nigeria from Kenya, after being intercepted in the East African country on Sunday, June 26, 2021, by Interpol.

He added that Kanu was brought back to Nigeria to face trial for charges bordering on treasonable felony instituted against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja, in response to years of separatist agitation for an independent Republic of Biafra through IPOB.

He had since then been going to court from the custody of the Department of State Services.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

3 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

6 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.