News

Lagos DSVA Unveils Policy To Fight Workplace Harassment

Published

7 months ago

September 25, 2025

Editor

Lagos State, on Thursday, took a major step in tackling workplace harassment as the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency held a symposium on ‘The Impact of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence on Labour and Organisational Productivity in the Workplace.’

According to a statement by the Lagos DSVA on X on Thursday, he event drew over 130 professionals from banking, oil and gas, hospitality, FMCG, and trade union sectors.

In her welcome address, DSVA Executive Secretary, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, emphasised that SGBV “is not only a human rights violation but also a major economic challenge.”

She highlighted data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, noting that Nigeria loses an estimated $3 billion annually, about 1% of its economic output, due to gender-based violence.

Vivour-Adeniyi also shared findings from a recent DSVA survey of 549 professionals, revealing that “over 70% had experienced workplace harassment, 89.3% knew someone affected, and only 4.5% had never encountered such misconduct.”

She stressed, “These numbers show that SGBV is not a distant issue, it is happening in workplaces across Lagos State, affecting productivity, mental health, and economic growth.”

Speakers at the symposium called for urgent action. Representing AXA Mansard, Chief Marketing Officer Mrs. Adebola Surakat said, “We remain committed to advocacy and awareness on the dangers of workplace harassment. Organisations must do more to create safe, inclusive environments for all employees.”

Chairman of the Lagos State House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon Omolara Olumegbon, noted that “SGBV is both an economic and societal challenge,” adding that the House would “continue to strengthen legal frameworks to protect vulnerable workers and promote dignity in the workplace.”

Keynote speaker Founder of Women At Risk International Foundation, Dr. Kemi Ibru, underlined the toll of harassment on workplace productivity.

She said, “We must implement zero-tolerance policies, ensure survivor support systems, and make organisations accountable. Workplace harassment is not just a moral issue, it affects business and national growth.”

A panel of experts, including Comrade Oyinkan Olasanoye, Dr. Nkechinyere (Nikky) Duru, Dr. Iyadunni Atinuke Gbadebo, Mrs. Olubusola Abidakun, and Comrade Abiodun Aladetan, explored practical strategies for prevention and response, with discussions moderated by Ms. Anuli Aniebo.

The symposium also marked the launch of the ‘Lagos State Guidelines for Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace’, described by organisers as “a pioneering framework for safer and more inclusive organisations across the State.”

Dr. Gbonjubola Abiri, Consultant Psychiatrist and CEO of Redimed Consulting Services, concluded the event with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to “all partners and participants for advancing this crucial cause.”

“Sexual and gender-based violence concerns us all,” the organisers emphasised.

Sexual and gender-based violence, ranging from harassment, intimidation, and coercion to physical and sexual abuse, is a widespread issue across Nigeria.

Workplace harassment not only affects individuals’ mental and physical health but also reduces productivity, increases staff turnover, and undermines organisational growth.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

11 minutes 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

2 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.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Tells FG To Retaliate Against South African Companies In Nigeria

Published

20 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called on the Federal Government to retaliate against South African businesses operating in Nigeria following the recent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, Oshiomhole said the Federal Government should consider revoking the working license of South African owned companies such as MTN and DSTV.

He argued that Nigeria must respond firmly to what he described as persistent hostility against its citizens.

“I am not going to shed tears. If you hit me, I hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It is an economic struggle,” Oshiomhole said.

He argued that while some South Africans accuse Nigerians of taking their jobs, Nigerians should return home and take over employment opportunities created by major South African companies operating in the country, including MTN and DSTV.

“When we hit back, the President of South Africa will not only talk but will also go on his knees to recognise that Nigeria cannot be intimidated.

“We will not condone any life being lost. If a crime has been committed under the South African law they have the right to bring any such person to justice, but to kill our people as if we are helpless, we will not allow that,” Oshiomhole added.

DAILY POST reports that several Nigerians in South Africa have reportedly been attacked, and their businesses destroyed, in ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.