News

Obaseki Reassures Residents Of Over 22 Communities In Ovia South West Of Adequate Security

Published

2 years ago

May 3, 2024

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reassured residents of over 22 communities in Inikorogha, Ovia South West Local Government Area (LGA) of adequate security to engender peace and progress.

The governor gave the reassurance while addressing members of the communities, at the Government House, Benin City, when they staged a peaceful protest over plans to withdraw the security agencies maintaining peace in the area.

“I have been informed about your peculiar case. When I heard that the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja has instructed that the security be withdrawn from your communities, I mandated that a letter should be written to the Inspector General of Police.

“First, I am the Chief Security Officer of this State. Constitutionally, I have the responsibility to secure you and I will therefore communicate with the Inspector General. They cannot remove security men from your community without first letting me know. I heard that it is the resolution of the House of Representatives. The House of Representatives do not govern Edo State.

“If anybody representing us in the House of Representatives goes to misrepresent us, that must be corrected. I will make sure it is done. In the meantime, keep your peace and I will make sure security men return to your communities so that you can keep away those bandits.

“We know what they are trying to achieve. They are not happy that we have stopped the illegal logging in your community which they are making money from. So they have gone to Abuja to try to bribe them to withdraw security so that they can come into your communities and continue to cause deforestation. As long as I am your governor, I will not allow it. Please just be peaceful and wait for further communication from me.”

The Chairman of the Elders Council of the communities, Philip Polo, thanked the governor for the improved security in Inikorogha community, noting that the essence of the peaceful protest was to inform the governor of the planned withdrawal of special forces from their community by some elements that are not happy with the peace in Inikorogha.

He said, “Our main protest is about security and safety in our community and the riverine area as a whole. For the past seventeen years, Inikorogha has been under siege by criminals and kidnappers. They killed as if they created human beings. Everybody was scared, people ran away from their homes. We had sleepless nights.”

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

4 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

4 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.