News

Leadership Crisis Rocks Edo Farmers Association

Published

3 years ago

January 31, 2023

The leadership crisis rocking the Edo State branch of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (ALFAN), came to the fore on Tuesday as a faction led by Comrade Julius Usiagu as chairman dissociated itself from one Alhaji Bako Dogwo who is also parading himself as the chairman of the association in the state.

Comrade Usiagu, who claimed to be the authentic chairman of ALFAN in Edo State said Dogwo has no legal right to speak for Edo farmers because he had been suspended and remained suspended, further describing Dogwo as an impostor.

Comrade Usiagu stance is coming after a media report had it that Dogwo, on behalf of ALFAN, endorsed the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu for President.

Comrade Usiagu, during a press conference in Benin also berated Dogwo for a statement credited to him (Dogwo) that Edo State Government has not done anything in agriculture, saying the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration has done greatly well for farmers.

“Bako has no locust standing to speak for farmers in Edo State. He is a suspended member of ALFAN in Edo State and his suspension is still pending. So, he cannot speak for ALFAN in Edo State.

Usiagu continued: “We are calling on Edolites to stop transaction with him, he is not chairman of ALFAN in Edo State.”

On Edo State Government not doing anything in agriculture, Usiagu said: “Bako also said Edo State Government is not doing anything in agriculture, that is a slite on governor Godwin Obaseki-led government. For the record, Edo government has so far supported 1, 376 small holders’ farmers with inputes (Rice, Maize, Cassava bundles, Soya Bean, Fertilisers and Agrochemical) under the Independent Farmers Initiative.”

Comrade Usiagu who alleged that Dogwo is also impersonating himself as His Royal Highness in Benin land, said: “I appeal to our Royal father, Ewuare II to call Dogwo to order. I don’t know where he got his title. He cannot be in Benin land and be regarded as HRH. The place where he stays, there is an Enogie, so how come, are we going to have two Enogies in a Dukedom in Benin land, no. Oba should call this man to order.”

But in a swift reaction, Alhaji Dogwo said he remains ALFAN chairman in Edo State, claiming that Usiagu has no relevant documents to back his claim as chairman up.

According to him, he is the chairman national body of the association recognised and dealing with in the state.

On alleged Tinubu’s endorsement, Dogwo said he or his team never endorsed any candidate, adding that APC candidates came to see him and his excos, and as required, the candidates were accommodated to speak and not endorsed.

Speaking on the alleged impersonation, HRH, Alhaji Dogwo said he is the His Royal Highness from Bassa, Kogi State.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

17 minutes 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

39 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

3 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.