News

NASS Renovation: Uncertainty Trails Buhari’s 2023 Budget Presentation

Published

4 years ago

September 16, 2022

Editor

President Muhammadu Buhari at the 2022 budget presentation before the joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday.

The Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has expressed uncertainty over the physical presence of President Muhammadu Buhari at the National Assembly complex for the presentation of the proposed N19.76 trillion 2023 budget to a joint session of both chambers next month due to ongoing renovation of the chambers of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Lawan made this known during the inspection of room 022 being put in shape as the temporary chamber for the Senate on resumption, Tuesday, next week, after its six weeks annual leave which started in July.

Lawan, while addressing journalists, said the National Assembly was expecting the President to present the 2023 budget hopefully in the first week of October, but the renovation work going on was creating the challenge of where to host the number one citizen.

Lawan said, “The Green Chamber of the House of Representatives normally used for such important events is also being renovated, calling for urgent action from the leadership of both chambers on resumption, on how to address the challenge. Although, it might not take place here. That will be one of the issues we would tackle once we resume.”

He disclosed that one of the urgent legislative assignments that would be carried out by the Senate on resumption next week would be the confirmation of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.

“First on our table is the request for confirmation of the acting CJN. The President has sent the request but it came a day before the Senate went on its annual summer recess. Therefore, this is going to be one of the first things we need to do to ensure that the acting capacity does not go beyond the prescribed three months.

“The Senate would have confirmed his appointment before proceeding on recess in July but request to that effect was gotten from Mr President a day preceding the long recess.”

He said further that issues of national security which had improved and consideration of the 2023 – 2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper, would also be accorded legislative priority on resumption.

Lawan added, “Also, our economy is challenged and it is our focus to make sure that our economy works for all Nigerians regardless of their socio-economic status when the budget is passed. We are optimistic that we will be able to pass a budget that will provide for better lives for Nigerians.”

The Senate president further promised that the 2023 budget would help Nigerians live better lives while the security of Nigerians would not be left behind.

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News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

54 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

1 hour 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.