News

Obaseki Inaugurates LG Autonomy Implementation C’tte, Chaired By Edo Attorney General

Published

2 years ago

August 28, 2024

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has inaugurated a committee, chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Osaze Uzi, for the implementation of local government autonomy in the State.

The governor, while inaugurating the committee at the Government House, in Benin City, listed areas of priority for the local governments to include salaries of workers, payment of pensioners and gratuity, traditional council staff, and primary healthcare.

Obaseki noted that the Commissioner for Justice will be assisted by the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Monday Osaigbovo.

The governor noted, “As you are aware, the Supreme Court judgment ordering the separation and payment of funds due to local governments from the Federation Account to the local government account has implications. As a law-abiding State, we decided to implement this judgment.

“Consequence of implementing the judgement means that we have to work out the modalities on how the joint responsibilities which we used to take under JAAC will be carried out under this new dispensation. Hence, the need for the committee to work out the modality for implementation of the local government autonomy.”

Obaseki continued: “Because of the advances we have made in EdoBEST and the basic education system, how do we ensure and guarantee that the teachers do not suffer under this new arrangement of autonomy? First, teachers of basic education are continually employed, and their salaries guaranteed. The Primary Healthcare Agency Board set up by law demands that the state pays 40 percent of the salaries of healthcare workers and the local government pays 60 percent. It’s important that we agree on the modalities to enforce this.

“Also, the five percent due traditional leaders, we know the peculiarities, especially in Edo South. How will it be handled? The one percent trading fund for Local Government Service Commission we can see how that will be collected seamlessly. The traditional council staff under the pay of local government and how it will be dealt with.

“One of the areas to look at and work out a seamless arrangement is on the monthly payment of pension and also the arrears of pension obligations to retired workers from Local Governments service. We have been jointly financing the training of vigilante security personnel and also jointly financing the rollout of fiber optic connection connecting primary healthcare services to this fiber optic network. We need to look at this and how the health system will benefit.

“Time is of importance and your report should come in not later than the last day in September so that full implementation of the Committee will take place by the 1st of October 2024.”

On his part, the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Monday Osaigbovo on behalf of other members of the Committee pledged to deliver on the assigned role, noting, “Your arrangement has made it possible to pay salaries and pension and this is the modalities we want to adopt. The report of the committee will come at the stipulated time.”

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.