News
Obaseki Swears In SAs, SSAs In Owan West, East, Urges Paradigm Shift In nation’s Politics

…says governance should be about devt, improving peoples’ lives
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has inaugurated 44 Special Assistants (SAs) and 10 Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) in Owan West and Owan East Local Government Areas of the State.
The governor, while swearing in the new aides at the Edo State College of Education in Afuze, called for a paradigm shift in politics in the country to a new era centred on genuine service, development and bettering the lives of the people.
Obaseki said, “I am here to tell you that I care about you and it will not be business as usual. I will take care of you.
“Politics must change, politics is about the people and politicians must care for their people. Enough is enough. We cannot say we are in politics and are poorer for it. Politics must help us to get out of poverty.”
READ ALSO: Obaseki Charges Youths On Innovation, Harps On Digital Solutions
He continued: “If I can come here to inaugurate you that means I don’t want you to leave here. You cannot be in Benin or Auchi and be working here. If I get a report that you are not in your base, you will get a letter from me replacing you. You are not absentee SAs or SSAs. If you know that you will not be in the community, let me know now so that I can get those ready to work for us in the party.
“It’s not just another employment but we are here to deliberately make sure that in every ward we have one SA and in some cases, one SSA. They are to take care of and be my eyes and ears in every ward. No week must pass without me getting a report through the SSA of what has happened in your ward.”
The governor further noted, “I want to know if the teachers we are paying are working. I want to know the state of our primary health care centres in each ward, and also that of security in each ward before I hear from other sources. I want to know how people are living in your ward and community. Are they able to eat? Can they go to the farm? If not, why and what can we do about them?”
READ ALSO: Obaseki, Edo CJ Partner To Reduce Number Of Awaiting Trial Inmates
On his part, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, commended the people of Owan West and East local government areas for their continuous support, which led to victory in the last local government elections in the State.
He said, “We are here in Afuze for the inauguration of Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Assistants (SAs) to the Governor in both Owan West and Owan East local government areas. We acknowledge what you have done for the party and the role you have played in the last election that resulted in the massive win at the polls.”
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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