News

Okpebholo Provides Financial Aid To Edo Market Fire Victims

Published

1 year ago

March 27, 2025

The Edo State Government has provided financial relief to traders affected by the January 2025 fire at Jattu Market in Etsako West Local Government Area.

The fire destroyed numerous shops and goods worth millions of naira, leaving many traders in distress.

Following the incident, the state governor, Monday Okpebholo, sympathised with the victims and reassured them of the government’s commitment to helping them recover.

To support the affected traders, the Edo State Emergency Management Agency collaborated with key agencies, including the local government council, to assess the damage and provide immediate relief.

After a thorough evaluation, EdoSEMA identified 14 traders who suffered significant losses and provided them with financial assistance to help them rebuild.

Speaking at the cash disbursement event on Thursday, EdoSEMA’s Executive Secretary, Jerry Idahosa, emphasized that the compensation was based on a careful assessment.

“We conducted an on-the-ground evaluation to determine the level of damage suffered by traders. After careful assessment, we identified 14 victims who lost their goods and means of livelihood.

“Following Governor Okpebholo’s directive, we are here to ensure that these traders receive financial support to help them start over,” he stated.

The Acting Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Council, Okwilagwe Valentine, praised the government’s swift response, describing it as a reflection of the governor’s concern for the people of Edo State.

“The governor’s quick intervention in the Jattu Market fire disaster is a testament to his dedication to the well-being of Edo people. This financial support will go a long way in helping the affected traders recover their losses and restart their businesses,” he noted.

One of the beneficiaries, Madam Esther, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I thought all hope was lost when I saw my shop burnt to the ground. But today, the government has shown that they truly care. With this financial support, I can begin again.”

Another trader, Abdulrahman, also appreciated the gesture, saying, “This money may not replace everything we lost, but it will certainly help us rebuild. I sincerely thank the Governor and EdoSEMA for coming to our aid.”

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.