News

New Varsity Set To Kick In Okun As Yahaya Bello Inaugurates Committee

Published

3 years ago

June 8, 2023

Editor

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has inaugurated a 17-man committee to kick off a proposed state University in Okun, Kogi West Senatorial District of the state.

The proposed state university, which will be the third state-owned university, according to Bello, is a move informed by fairness, equity and egalitarianism to the people of Okunland.

The governor charged the committee to ensure speedy action in order for the university to commence academic activities immediately.

Dismissing the allegation that establishing University in Okun land is political, the governor lamented that despite having over 600 professors, the Okun land was yet to get a university.

Bello, while inaugurating the 17-man implementation Committee comprised of Professors from Kogi State, on Wednesday, at the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge, in Abuja, also said that the university will provide an opportunity for thousands of Kogi state children who have been unable to secure admission in already existing universities.

He said: “It is equitable. It is fair. It is just that our brothers in Okun land enjoy what others are enjoying, hence the conceivement of establishing another university situated in Okun land. I am aware that we have thousands of our children at home who cannot be absorbed by these universities that are already existing and there’s no space for them in other universities across the country.

“Here are people that are endowed with knowledge. I want to believe over 600 professors are existing in Okun land yet you can boast of one university. This administration has brought the university you so much longed for. Some people thought it was a political statement. Let me say the naysayers. By the special grace of God when God promised we fulfill it. Whether it is political or not, nobody will be able to erase it from my record that under my leadership, I established a university in Okun land.”

He, however, said that it is his dream that before he leaves office in January 2024, he would matriculate the first set of students in the university.

“I congratulate the people of Okun land and the people of Kogi State for a dream come true. Let me assure you that by the grace of God, I will matriculate the first set of students in this University, I urge you to make my dream come true,” he added.

Bello, therefore, gave the Committee members not less than six weeks to deliver on the roadmap for its quick takeoff, which are: “Determination of type of university to be established, whether specialized or the conventional type of university; Determination of a suitable name of the university; preparation of academic brief, university law, university master plan; Determination of a suitable location of the university;

“Determination of a takeoff campus to allow for immediate commencement of academic activities; Determination of realistic funding sources for the university, and any other activities that will be required for the immediate takeoff of the university.”

Responding, the Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Professor Olu Obafemi, thanked the Governor for giving them the opportunity to serve in the committee.

Furthermore, he assured the Governor of the commitment of the committee to ensure that he matriculates the first set of students before he leaves office in January 2024.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

1 hour 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

2 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

4 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.