News

Oshiomhole Opposes Bill To Create Drug Rehabilitation Institute, Gives Reason

Published

2 years ago

October 16, 2024

Editor

A bill seeking to establish an institute for drug awareness and rehabilitation has passed second reading at the senate, but not without some opposition.

The bill passed second reading after Hanga Rufa’i, senator representing Kano central and its sponsor, lead a debate on the general principles of the legislation.

While leading the debate, Rufa’i said drug abuse has enabled crime in the country.

“The objective of this bill is to raise awareness of drug abuse, drug trafficking and the rehabilitation of drug users,” he said.

But Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo north, said instead of creating a new institution to achieve the objectives of the bill, the existing ones like the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) should be strengthened.

“I have serious concerns, there is no disputing the fact that drug abuse has become a national challenge,” the former Edo governor said.

“As we speak we have NDLEA which not only prosecutes traffickers, takes care of the garmount of drug abuse. I think what we have to do is look at the existing law of NDLEA to see how we can strengthen It.

“But with this idea of setting up agencies for everything, we will soon have laws against cough.

“We are spending so much on overhead. I’m not convinced that we need another body to compete with NDLEA.”

Hussaini Uba, senator representing Jigawa north-west, also supported Oshiomhole’s position.

“Yesterday we were told that everyday new drugs are imported into Nigeria. I was shaken to my marrow when I was told that dry human fecal matter is turned to things to get high,” Uba said.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

6 minutes 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

28 minutes 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

3 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.