News

Okpebholo Approves ’13th Month’ Salary For Workers, Automatic Employment For First Class Graduates

Published

1 year ago

November 29, 2024

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Friday approved the payment of the “13th month” salary for the state civil and public servants.

The Governor has also approved the policy of automatic employment for First Class graduates of Edo extraction from any university in Nigeria and abroad into the State civil service to boost the quality of manpower in the system.

This is contained in a statement signed by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, and made available to newsmen in Benin.

Itua, in the statement quoted the state Head of Service (HOS), Dr Anthony Okungbowa, as saying that the Graduate Development Programme (GDP) is to ensure that quality manpower is brought into the system for effective and efficient service delivery that will enhance growth and development.

Okungbowa noted in the statement: “Mr Governor is doing this to serve as motivation for workers as they are ready to put in their best now.

“Mr Governor has approved the Graduate Development Programme (GDP) that brings together First Class graduates and high-grade degrees into the service with a view to developing and ensuring quality manpower in the system.

“Mr Governor has approved it. He approved that the policy of bringing in First Class graduates into the Edo State Civil and Public Service be approved. He believes that the policy will help the State bring in top quality talents into the system.

“It is not just bringing them in but also retaining them because retaining them is one of the major challenges facing the programme.

“Mr. Governor is intentional about bringing them in and retaining these top level talents in the service. The Governor is using this medium to urge all First Class graduates from Edo extraction across all universities in Nigeria and abroad to come over as they will have automatic employments. We are looking at the younger graduates from 2020, but Mr. Governor may extend that.

“We are happy about this and appreciate the Governor because through this, the service will have quality talents in the system.

“For everyone in that programme, they are moved round various Ministries, Departments and Agencies and plans are also on to move them to the private sector to gather more experiences after which they bring will such experiences to bear, to improve the system, to contribute to the development of the State.

“Sustainability depends on you and me since the political will is there and I am happy because it is the direction of government. We are partnering with Edo Innovate to ensure improvement in the programme.”

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

4 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.