News

Oba Of Benin Bemoans Spate Of Deforestation, Wants Govt’s Intervention

Published

4 years ago

September 28, 2022

Editor

The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, has bemoaned the spate of deforestation — logging of trees on a massive scale in Edo State, just he sued for tree planting (afforestation), aimed at restoring the natural habitat.

The traditional ruler took this position in his palace Wednesday when he received a traditional medicine expert, Mr. Clinton Odiagbe.

Oba Ewuare II, lamented that Benin Kingdom’s arboretum where trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants were cultivated for several reasons, had shrunk, adding that certain species of plants and trees meant for spiritual purpose and others that contain herbal nutrients are scarce.

While condemning act that are inimical to the environment including bush burning, Oba Ewuare II called on government at all levels in Nigeria to enforce relevant laws towards preserving forests from extinction.

According to him, “These days that they are cutting down trees in our forest vegetation, and so-on-and so forth are getting scarce. I want to appeal to everyone to join the exercise of tree planting, especially special trees.

“These special trees in the Kingdom are now scarce because they are cutting down the trees. Some of these trees are for spiritual purpose; but they are often taken for granted and sometimes neglected,” Oba Ewuare said.

The monarch also said, “We want to appeal to the state and the federal governments to help preserve essential trees, particularly those species that are used for herbal purposes like the stem bark…We believed in traditional medicine.”

Earlier in a remark, Mr. Clinton Odiagbe, highlighted areas the enterprise, has recorded breakthrough in the field of traditional medicine in Africa and thereafter, bestowed peace service award on the Royal father.

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.