News

Ovia Killings: Okpebholo Visits Scene, Talks Tough, Pledges Justice, Establishment Of Police Post

Published

1 year ago

March 6, 2025

Editor

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to ensure that those responsible for the February 21 killings in seven communities of Ovia South West Local Government Area are brought to justice.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and security in the area.

Recall that thugs over 25 persons died and house burnt during the cocoa farmers and villagers clash.

A statement by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, said the governor made the pledge during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the affected communities.

According to the statement, Okpebholo further pledged to facilitate the establishment of a police outpost to prevent future attacks and enhance security.

He emphasized that peace and security remain his primary responsibility, stressing that no crime will go unpunished under his leadership.

“From the testimonies I have heard and the investigations conducted, these are criminals who invade your farms to steal the crops you have laboured for.

“As a government, we will go after them. I assure you that you will live here in peace. Our actions will prove that lasting peace is coming.

“No individual should be more powerful than an entire community—burning houses and killing people just to steal farm produce. Wherever they are hiding, we will hunt them down, bring them to justice, and ensure that peace prevails,” Okpebholo declared.

The governor urged the residents to remain calm and not take the law into their hands, assuring them of government intervention.

“I understand your pain, but I urge you to take heart. Do not fight anyone or resort to violence. Maintain the peace as you have been doing.

“I assure you that we will work here so you can feel the presence of the government and experience real development.

“We have already deployed soldiers to the area, and we now have three additional Operation Rescue patrol vehicles to support them.

“Once I return to Benin, I will liaise with the Commissioner of Police to expedite the establishment of a police outpost to ensure sustained security,” he stated.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

5 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

6 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

8 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.