News
Oba Of Benin Unveils Igue Festival Programme, Bans Funeral Rites

His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, has announced the suspension of funeral rites in Benin kingdom due to the 2022 Igue cultural festival billed to commence December 20, 2022 in the ancient city.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Royal Father’s Chief Press Secretary, Iguobaro Osaigbovo, and made available to newsmen in Benin on Monday.
According to the statement, the annual festival would be rounded off with a worship at Holy Aruosa Cathedral in Benin by the Oba on (Ekioba) Sunday January 1, 2023.
The statement added: “Celebrations of funeral rites are not permitted during the period of the annual Royal festivals” at 3p.m, except the church Thanksgiving, which is schedule to begin at 10a.m.
The programme also indicates that Otue Igueroba (Ekenaka) Wednesday December 21, 2022, while Igueoba (indoor) ceremony will hold on (Thursday) Agbado December 22, 2022.
On Friday (Eken day) December 24, 2022, is a free day, according to to the statement, while Saturday December 24, 2022 – Ekioba Day, is for Ugie-Emobo where Chiefs and palace functionaries are to expected to be in attendance.
The statement further said, Igue-Ivbioba which involves Benin Princes and Princes are to fix their own time for Igue festival on that same evening.
A breakdown of the annual Royal festival, said Ugie-Ewere ceremony that is heralded by “Ewere blessings to all homes”, is slated for Tuesday (Eken), December 27, 2022.
READ ALSO: Oba Of Benin Calls For Rituals To Avert Disaster
The Oba said on Wednesday (Ekioba) December 28, Thursday 29 (Ekenaka), and Friday (Agbado) December 30th as well as Saturday (Eken) December 31st 2022 are free days”.
“Engagement may be fixed for any free day, in which case, announcement will be made as appropriate”, according to the statement, “There will be sitting arrangement on the 27th December, 2022, for visitors”.
Oba Ewuare II therefore prayed God and his ancestors to grant everyone good health to participate in the forthcoming festival, Oba Ewuare.
News
Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru
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.
READ ALSO:Film Premiere: Edo In Talks With Embassies To Promote Safe Migration —Agazuma
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
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.
READ ALSO:Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Tells FG To Retaliate Against South African Companies 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
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.
READ ALSO:I’ve Been Blacklisted In Music Industry For 13 Years – Seun Kuti
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).
READ ALSO:My Beef With Wizkid Is For Life – Seun Kuti
“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.
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