News

NLC Warns Okpebholo Against Conflict With Union

Published

1 year ago

December 5, 2024

Editor

The Nigeria Labour Congress has cautioned the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, against engaging in conflicts with the union.

This warning followed an attack on the NLC’s office in Edo State.

In a statement released on Thursday and signed by its Head of Public Affairs, Benson Upah, the NLC expressed concern over the “illegal break-in and entry” into its Edo State Council offices by police personnel from the Edo State Police Command.

The incident reportedly occurred in Benin City while the Chairperson of the Edo State Council of the NLC was attending the annual NLC Harmattan School in Abuja.

The NLC noted that neither the police nor any other entity had provided an explanation for the break-in. However, the union cited speculations that the police might have acted on the orders of the newly inaugurated Governor, Monday Okpebholo.

Upah emphasised that, regardless of whether the police acted independently or under the Governor’s directive, the NLC demands an unconditional apology and corrective action.

He further stated that trade unions are protected by law and must not be interfered with by the state or any other entity.

“Acts of intimidation of trade unions or their leaders are unacceptable as they constitute not only a violation of trade union and human rights but also a threat to our hard-won democracy,” he said.

The NLC advised Governor Okpebholo to avoid labour matters and focus on other priorities.

“As a brand-new Governor, he should have his priorities. We would hate to think that authorising the harassment of trade union leaders is one of them,” the statement added.

The union also urged the police to uphold their integrity and refrain from being used for unlawful activities.

“Leave the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress alone! It is too soon to start a fight with us,” the NLC warned.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

2 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

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.