News

Nigeria Derailed When It Adopted Presidential System Of Government – Benin Chief

Published

4 years ago

September 2, 2022

Editor

A famous nationalist and Elder Statesman, Chief David Edebiri (Esogban of Benin) on Friday said Nigeria missed its way to development and Progress when it adopted the American Presidential System of government, but not wholesomely.

Edebiri made the revelations in Benin on the occasion of his 93rd birthday celebration and the unveiling of his three books titled: ‘Tripod of Life: Essence of Benin Tradition and Culture’; ‘The life and Times of Iyase N’Ohenmwen’ and ‘Immortalizing our Heros Past: Nigerian Nationalists in Focus’.

The Benin Chief who said his mentor, Chief Anthony Enahoro, when he was alive invited him many times to ask “is this the Nigeria we fought for,” maintained that those who fought for Nigerian independence did not fight for Nigeria for what they will gain from the system, but rather for the love of the country.

“My mentor, Late Chief Anthony Enahoro would invite me to his house and will ask, “is this what we fought for ?” This is part of the questions he will ask before we start any discussion. This is not the concept of the nationalist who fought for the independence of this country, we derailed long ago.

“When we suddenly throw away the parliamentary system of government and embraced the American presidential system, but it was embraced haphazardly, because what we are doing today is neither American system, British system, nor Russian system.

“Some of us have been agitating for a return of the parliamentary system of government. If you want to adopt a country’s system of government, you adopted it wholesomely and not haphazardly.

“Today, our judiciary is British and we are operating an American system. What we have is people going into politics for what they are to gain, that is not how it used to be. We fought for this country so that we can be free not because we want to be senators.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Prof C. E Ugolo said the launching of the three books makes it eleven titles from the nonagenarian, concluding that he is still strong at 93 years.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this special event put together to mark the 93 birthday of a distinguished Nigerian, an elder statesman, great politician, successful businessman, cultural activist and prolific writer Chief Dr. David Edebiri.

“Today he is launching three of his latest books in the Benin Historical Series, making it eleven titles in all. Even at his 93rd Birthday, his creativity is still very fresh, fruitful and bustling. He has even outclassed some of us who are in the academic world

“However, due to the prevailing insecurity situation in the country, he has shifted from the traditional method of book Launch and thus adopted a model of individual launching from the comfort of their homes. Today’s ceremony is special in many ways that is, marking his birthday, with his primary constituency the press, having lunch with them, giving them the opportunity to interact with him on current political issues, and presenting his latest book titles.” He said

The books were presented by Prof Benson Osadolor, a former Vice Chancellor of the Ambrose Ali University Ekpoma and Prof Eddy Erahagbe,former Dean Faculty of Arts, University of Benin.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

3 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

3 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

5 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.