News

Obaseki Launches Policy To Tackle Social Vices, Protect Vulnerable Persons

Published

4 years ago

April 8, 2022

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, Thursday, unveiled the Edo State Social Protection Policy to check social vices and protect vulnerable persons in the state.

Obaseki launched the policy at a town-hall meeting tagged, ‘Welfare Enhancement and Sustainable Development in Edo State,’ held at the Government House, Benin City.

Stakeholders at the town-hall meeting were drawn from the judiciary, Civil Society Organisations, security agencies, government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as religious, traditional, and political leaders, among others.

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, Maria Edeko, said the town-hall meeting was to deliberate on policies, programmes, and initiatives embarked upon by his administration to engender social development in Edo State.

She said, “As government, we understand the enormous task of protecting the lives and property of our people, and we count on the active support of all stakeholders to deliver on our mandate.

“Edo State is blessed. Our people continue to champion innovation and push the boundaries of what is possible in terms of human welfare, both in Nigeria and across the globe, but we are not oblivious of contrasting stories of drug abuse, child labour, begging, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, human trafficking, and other challenges faced by vulnerable persons in society. The increased incidence of cybercrime and the near-total breakdown of our value system are also worrisome and unnerving.

“The remedies we are deploying to deal with the problems of social dislocations are multi-pronged, including efforts to improve education at all levels; embark on a multilateral approach for skills development focused on leveraging Information Communication Technology (ICT); strengthen rehabilitation services; improve access to quality and affordable healthcare, and build formidable food systems.”

“This policy is built on five major pillars to include Social Assistance, Social Care, Social Insurance, Labour Market Intervention, and Traditional Family and Community Support,” she added.

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

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.