News

Meet Rivers Administrator, Ex-Naval Chief

Published

1 year ago

March 18, 2025

Editor

President Bola Tinubu has named Admiral Ibokette Ibas, an administrator for Rivers State.

Ibas was appointed after Tinubu announced the suspension of the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu for six months.

Prior to his appointment, he was the 22nd Chief of the Naval Staff, a position he held until 2021.

Below are things to know about the new administrator:

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (CFR, psc+ GSS AM ndc MSc) was born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Nigeria.

He enlisted in the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 26 Regular Course on June 20, 1979, and was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant on January 1, 1983.

Ibas began his primary education at Nko Primary School and later completed it at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar, in 1971.

He proceeded to Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar, from 1972 to 1976, before attending the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja, between 1977 and 1979.

He furthered his education at the Nigerian Defence Academy and later obtained a master’s degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

He completed the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at INS Venduruthy, India, between 1983 and 1984, and underwent Primary Pilot Training at the 301 Primary Flying Training School, Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna, between 1986 and 1987.

In 1990, he attended the Junior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, and later participated in the Amphibious Warfare Course at the United States Marine Corps University, Quantico, Virginia, in 1992.

He also specialised in Underwater Warfare at NNS Quorra in 1994 and completed the Senior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, in 1997. Additionally, he attended the National Defence Course at the National Defence College, Islamabad, Pakistan, in 2005.

As a midshipman, he was posted on board NNS Ruwan Yaro, NNS Obuma, and NNS Aradu. After his commission, he served as a watchkeeping officer on NNS Ayam and NNS Ekpe.

Between 1993 and 1996, he was the executive officer of NNS Siri, NNS Ekun, and NNS Ambe. He also served as the commanding officer of the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School from 1997 to 1998 and later led the Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, from 1998 to 2000.

His staff appointments included serving as a directing staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, from 2000 to 2002, and later as deputy commandant in 2014.

He was the naval provost marshal between 2003 and 2004 and served as the principal staff officer to the Chief of Naval Staff from 2004 to 2005.

Between 2006 and 2009, he was the commander of the Naval Air Base, Ojo, and later the chief staff officer at the Naval Training Command, Lagos, from 2010 to 2011.

He held several other key positions, including chief of administration at the Naval Headquarters (2011–2012), Navy Secretary (2012–2013), and flag officer commanding Western Naval Command (2013–2014). In 2014, he was appointed chief of logistics and subsequently became the GMD/CEO of Nigerian Navy Holdings Limited.

On July 13, 2015, Ibas was appointed as the 22nd Chief of the Naval Staff, a position he held until 2021. Following his retirement from the Navy, he remained an influential figure in national security and maritime affairs.

On March 18, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibas as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state. His role involves overseeing governance and restoring order in the state amid political instability.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

4 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

4 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.