News

Ondo Assembly Steps Down 2024 Supplementary Budget Bill

Published

2 years ago

October 10, 2024

Editor

The Ondo State House of Assembly has halted the second reading of the 2024 Supplementary Budget Bill, which was presented by the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowumi Isaac, due to her failure to honour the House’s invitation.

It was reported that the Assembly had earlier sent a formal invitation to the commissioner, but she allegedly did not respond.

During Thursday’s plenary session, lawmakers rejected the Speaker, Mr Olamide Oladiji’s call to proceed with the second reading, citing the commissioner’s absence. The Speaker remarked, “It would be a disservice to the people of the state to continue with the reading of the Supplementary Bill when the commissioner has not explained the grey areas of the bill and provided information on the performance of the existing 2024 Appropriation Law.”

The Speaker then instructed the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr Benjamin Jaiyeola, to read a letter received from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, written on behalf of the commissioner, in response to the Assembly’s invitation.

The letter explained that the commissioner would appear before the House once she returned from a state function.
One of the lawmakers, Mr Chris Ogunlami from Okitipupa Constituency 2, criticised the commissioner’s failure to respond personally, describing it as disrespectful to both the House and the people of Ondo State. He insisted that the Assembly could not proceed with the second reading of the supplementary bill without clarification on the performance of the 2024 Appropriation Law and answers to the grey areas in the new bill.

Another legislator, Mr Olayemi Fayemi from Ilaje Constituency 2, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We cannot proceed with the second reading of the Supplementary Bill without clarification on some technical aspects. The commissioner for finance must explain why the supplementary budget is necessary.”

After further contributions from lawmakers, the Speaker announced, “The second reading of the supplementary bill is stepped down.”

He instructed the Clerk to send another letter to the commissioner, requiring her appearance before the House on Thursday, 17th October 2024, while noting that the Assembly could issue a bench warrant should she fail to appear.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

1 hour 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.