News

Obaseki Orders ECTS To Provide Free Rides For Edo Residents

Published

3 years ago

February 16, 2023

Editor

As part of measures to alleviate the sufferings of Edo residents in the light of the scarcity of the new naira notes and its attendant challenges, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has directed the Edo City Transport Service (ECTS) to provide free bus rides to commuters with effect from Thursday 16th February 2023, as a means of cushioning the effect of the cash crunch experienced by the residence of the State.

The directive stated that the free bus ride will be applicable for all routes and will remain in place through Monday, February 20, 2023, at which point more information will be released.

In a similar development, the Governor met with Point of Sales Services (POS) operators, expressing displeasure over the herculean processes and high fees residents of the State often pay to access their funds through the POS.

He revealed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has provided cash for POS operators who would be placed at strategic withdrawal points, such as markets and other locations across the State. These POS operators will be monitored by the CBN and other security agencies to ensure compliance.

It would be recalled that the Edo State Government recently held a meeting with the CBN representatives in attendance, and briefed residents on the various efforts the State Government has made in collaboration with the CBN to ease the current challenges faced by residents in the face of the current cash crunch.

The Edo State Government has also warned against extortion from POS operators and has introduced dedicated call lines where residents can lodge their complaints in the event of outrageous charges from any POS operators in the State. All these measures are in addition to the various efforts by the Godwin Obaseki administration to improve the lives and standard of living of residents in the State.

The Governor has urged citizens to maintain peace and follow the law while promising that order will soon return.

He also empathizes with their plight and noted that his administration will continue to place the welfare of Edo residents as a top priority even in the face of daunting challenges.

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

6 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.