News

Ogiamien: Abolish Ekiokpagha Treaty, Coalition Appeals To Oba Of Benin

Published

4 years ago

June 11, 2022

A group, Coalition of Benin Socioal-Cultural Groups, has appealed to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, Ogidigan to abolish a treaty known as Ekiokpagha, which according to the group a family known as Ogiamien is using to deceive members of the public and parading themselves as royal family.

The group argued that the Ogiamien was only recognised as a chieftaincy title under the Royal father of Benin Traditional Council as stated in the 1979 Gazette of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict, appealing to the Benin monarch to also abolish the Ogiamien chieftaincy title.

The Coalition, going down memory lane during a prese conference held in Benin on Saturday and titled ‘Sovereignity of the Benin Throne,’ said Ogiamien chieftaincy title came into existence in 1968, after one Mr. Edo wrote a letter to the then Oba of Benin, Oba Akenzua II, appealing to the Oba to be recognised as Ogiamien, which according to the group was acknowledged.

The press conference which was presided over by Imasuen Izoduwa on behalf of other members of the coalition said: “Ogiamien is a chieftaincy title as only recognised by the Benin Traditional Council.”

He added: “We have a letter that was addressed to Oba Akenzua II by Chief Edo who was the then Chief Ogiamien of Benin kingdom on the 9th of August 1939 begging to be recognised as a chief , like several chiefs in Benin kingdom.”

Further going memory lane, he added, “To further buttress the point that Ogiamien was never as much an important figure or stumbling block in Benin history, Oba Ewedo created the first known title outside the “Edion” called Niyasowa now abridged as Iyase, and that title was referring to the supremacy tussle between the Oba of Benin and the Edion of the kingdom of which Oliha is the head.

“So, from here, you can see that Ogiamien was never in any tussle with the Oba of Benin other than the treaty of the right to hereditary succession and not ownership of land.”

While declaring the Benin Throne as unsurmountable and sovereign, the group said the “Oba of Benin remains strong and a unifying bond for the Benins and all.”

“The Oba is the author and the preserver of the invaluable precepts and practices in the administration of his kingdom and people.”

Also speaking, Comarde Osaze Odigin, a former Public Relations Officer, Edo Civil Society Organisation (EDOCSO) said members of the coalition were determined to protect the sanity and identity of the Benin throne, adding that the briefing was just

Edigin, on behalf of other members of group vowed to resist any attempt by any institutions or individuals to distort the Benin history, just as he pledged his allegiance to Oba of Benin.

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

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.