News

Okpebholo To Give Interest-free Loan To Edo Traders

Published

8 months ago

December 19, 2024

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has revealed plans to give out interest-free loans to traders across the three Senatorial Districts to help boost their businesses.

Okpebholo disclosed this at Government House while addressing members of the Edo State Association of Commodity Market Women and Men (ESACM).

In a statement signed by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Okpebholo was said to have emphasized his administration’s commitment to enhancing the livelihood of Edo citizens and ensuring sustainable economic growth through empowerment of traders, businessmen, and women who play major roles in the economic development of the State.

He noted that the free-loan initiative was aimed at providing much-needed financial support to Edo traders, ensuring that they have the resources to expand their businesses without the burden of daunting interest rates.

“Early in January 2025, we shall begin to provide interest-free loans to Edo traders. Our traders are the backbone of our economy, and we must support them with the needed capital to help boost their businesses and improve the State’s economy.

“The interest-free loans that we are starting next year in January will help empower our traders, enhance growth, development, stability, and improve the livelihoods of the people,” Okpebholo stated.

The Governor also outlined plans by his administration to revolutionize the agricultural sector through mechanized farming.

He said: “In the same January 2025, we are going to start massive mechanized farming in Edo State. We are poised to ensure that food is available to all, even in these challenging times.

“Agriculture is vital to our State’s economy. Investing in mechanized farming will boost food production, create jobs, and ensure food security for our people.”

Responding, President of the Association, Mrs. Josephine Ebhaguejeze expressed gratitude for the Governor’s initiative, noting that it will be a game-changer for traders and farmers in the State and pledged the Association’s support and loyalty to the administration.

She said the Association will continue to work with the Government of Senator Monday Okpebholo in driving economic reforms in the State.

“With this initiative, Edo State is on track to becoming a model for economic revitalization in Nigeria, paving the way for a prosperous future for all its residents. As the new programmes take shape, the State looks forward to reaping the benefits of enhanced productivity and financial independence for its traders and farmers alike.”

The mechanized farming initiative is expected to attract investments and partnerships with agricultural companies, as it would further enhance the State’s capacity for large-scale farming and repositioning the economy.

News

DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

4 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

News

‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

Published

4 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

News

Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Published

5 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.