News

Otedola Bridge Fire: Survivors Recount Harrowing Experiences

Published

1 year ago

March 18, 2025

Editor

It was supposed to be a typical Tuesday night commute for many, but it turned into a nightmare for those who witnessed the devastating fire on Otedola Bridge.

The inferno, which engulfed a tanker and several vehicles, left a trail of destruction and chaos in its wake.

The fire started when a gas tanker’s brakes failed and quickly spread to nearby businesses, including a mechanic workshop, a hospital, and several provision and clothing stores.

Our reporter who visited the scene of the incident counted 18 vehicles, including a Toyota Venza, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Murano, among others, and about 10 tricycles, all of which were destroyed in the blaze.

The Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, attributed the cause of the accident to poor truck maintenance, citing the failure of truck owners to properly inspect and maintain their vehicles.

Osiyemi disclosed that the truck had violated Lagos State law by ignoring a “no truck allowed” sign on the road, stressing that the Ministry of Transportation would enforce the policy to prevent similar accidents.

A mechanic at the workshop, Adekola Kosoko, recounted the harrowing experience saying, “The tanker was coming from Magodo Road. We heard the driver shouting ‘No break, no break’ and all of a sudden, we heard a deafening sound followed by fire.”

“One of our colleagues here died. He was driving out when it happened and in an attempt to drive back to the workshop, the fire caught up with him and burned him in the car,” Kosoko said, his voice shaking with emotion.

The hospital, De-Twist Dental Specialist, was also affected by the fire. A doctor at the hospital, still in shock, managed to utter, “It was a narrow escape for me.”

Another victim of the fire incident and journalist, Abiola Ismaeel, said his vehicle was among those destroyed.

“My vehicle (Peugeot 607) was among those consumed by the fire. I brought it here three days ago for my mechanic to fix and I am now confused. I do not know what to do,” Ismaeel said.

Despite the destruction, some properties were spared, including a Redeemed Christian Church of God, located just a few meters away from the bridge.

Although the security quarters and a power-generating set were consumed in the inferno, the church’s main building was unaffected except for one of the exit doors upstairs.

Oluwatoyin Akinola, a member of the church, described the experience as “beyond human reasoning.”

“I was called to bring the key to the church’s bus. So I was here that night and I saw the fire. I can’t explain how our church was spared by the fire. It’s just the hand of God. It’s beyond human reasoning, that’s all I can say,” Akinola stated raising her hands in thanksgiving to God.

As the survivors of the Otedola Bridge fire struggle to come to terms with their harrowing experience, they are also counting their blessings.

“I’m just grateful to be alive,” said one survivor. “It’s a second chance at life, and I’m not going to take it for granted.”

The Otedola Bridge fire may have left a scar on the city but it has also reminded us of the resilience and strength of the human spirit. chance at life.

(DAILY POST)

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.