News

No Problem If Power Shifts To South-East In 2023, Says Gowon

Published

6 years ago

January 18, 2020

Editor

A former Head of State , Gen Yakubu Gowon , who led the Nigerian side during the Nigerian Civil War ( 1969 – 1970 ) , has said he does not have any problem if power shifts to the Igbo come 2023.

He premised his views on the condition that as long as doing so would enhance peace.

Gowon spoke in a special interview he granted to the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Service in commemoration of the 50 th anniversary of the end of the war on Wednesday .

Our correspondent listened to excerpts of the interview in Abuja, on Friday.

While responding to a question on the agitation by south easterners that the Igbo should produce the nation’ s President in 2023 , he said , “ If doing so will bring peace, it should be done ; if the people so desire . ”

He added , “ There was a time the PDP started rotational presidency , if that was continued maybe the Igbo would have produced a President but that didn ’ t happen. If that can be done now , I don ’ t have a problem with it. Anybody can govern . There are many people in Nigeria , if God gives them and they will govern with the fear of God and love for Nigerians , we will make the desired progress . ”

Earlier , while responding to a question on whether he had regrets leading Nigeria into the civil war , he said he did not regret his action given the circumstance at the time, stressing that it was necessary to keep Nigeria one.

Gowon said , “I want to thank God that we ended the civil war on a peaceful note ; like I said back then , there was no victor, no vanquished. I thank God for the peace we ’ ve enjoyed over the last fifty years since the war ended .

“ The war wasn ’ t what someone wanted . It was fought by those who wanted Nigeria to remain one unlike those on the other side who wanted it to divide , that was what led to the war.

“ Because of that , I will not say I committed a crime by going to war , it was out of our love for the unity of Nigeria , especially after the killing of Nigerian leaders of northern extraction, of our prominent officers from Lieutenant Colonel to General . I was the only one left . Those who want to foment fresh trouble should not do so . ”

(PUNCH)
(Photo Credit: punchng.com)

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.