News

N-Power: Hope Rises As FG Set To Begin Payment Of 9 Months Backlogs To Beneficiaries

Published

3 years ago

October 16, 2023

The Federal Government says it is ready to commence payment of backlogs to N-Power beneficiaries who are on the programme.

This was made known by the N-power National Programme Manager, Dr. Akindele Egbuwalo during a meeting with some beneficaries of the scheme his office in Abuja.

He explained that the main purpose for the temporary suspension of the programme was to address all matters directly affecting beneficiaries with keen focus on the issues of delayed payments of stipends.

He added that, as a result of the temporary suspension of the programme for thorough restructuring and forensic audit, funds have been recovered from the existing payment service providers and plans have been put in place by the programme to commence disbursement of the 9 months outstanding stipends to beneficiaries from November, 2023. Payments will be carried out in installment, he noted.

While assuring all beneficiaries of complete transparency and accountability, Egbuwalo stated that in line with the new agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Npower programme will be continued as Renewed Hope Job Creation Programme (RHJCP) under the supervision of the Honourable Minister, Dr Betta Edu, which will be expanded to target 5 million beneficiaries in 5 years where 1 million youths will be absorbed each year under the graduate and non-graduate stream.

Responding, Sani Garba, a beneficiary from Yobe State who was present at the meeting noted that their concerns was mainly regarding the delayed 9 months stipends, adding that a national protest had initially been planned by different clusters of Npower beneficiaries due to inadequate information.

“Sir, as you have clearly explained the current situation of payment to us with outmost transparency, myself and other cluster of beneficiaries represented here are assuring you that we have clearly understood your position and taken your assurances, there is no need for any protest” Garba mentioned.

While encouraging all beneficiaries to keep calm as they patiently expect their payments, the cluster of beneficiaries expressed their joy over the assurances given to them for a better implementation of the programme which will ensure that no beneficiary is left behind in the renewed hope agenda of the Federal Government.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

5 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

6 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

8 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.