News

Okpebholo To Give Interest-free Loan To Edo Traders

Published

1 year ago

December 19, 2024

Editor

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

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

4 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.