News

Owo Killing: CAN, Islamic Leaders Sign Peace Pact

Published

4 years ago

June 15, 2022

Editor

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria and the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State have signed a pact to continue living in harmony amidst insecurity in the country.

The leaders of the two religions struck the deal on Wednesday when a delegation of the League of Imams and Alfas submitted a condolence letter over the attack of Christians in Owo, Ondo State to the CAN Chairman, Bishop Tunde Akin-Akinsanya.

Some unknown given had invaded a Catholic church in Owo, Ondo State and killed 40 worshippers.

Leading the Islamic leaders to the Abeokuta’s office of the CAN Chairman, the Secretary-General of the League of Imams and Alfas, Sheikh Tajudeen Adewunmi, described the Owo attack as unfortunate.

Adewunmi who was accompanied by Imam of Makun, Sagamu, Dr. Tajudeen Ashaye, and other religious leaders across the state, presented a letter of condolence addressed to the Christian body in the state, saying Muslims in the state were pained over the incident .

He, however, assured Christians in state of peaceful co-existence, saying there was no reason any Muslim will invade a church or attack any Christian in the name of religion .

He said “we decided to pay a condolence visit to you on behalf of all Muslims in the state over the Owo incidence.

“We are here to show our displeasure to the killings and to also assure you that Muslims are not Killers and will not attack Christians in the state.

“We have seen ourselves as a family and we will continue to relate as such. We have Christians and Muslims in our families. We have no reason to attack ourselves.

“On behalf of the entire Muslims in Ogun State, the league felt concerned, that is why we were asked to come down and show our condolence.

“We, the Muslims have come to register our condolence. And we are here to assure you that the Muslims in Ogun state are very peaceful, we are very friendly with Christians. We pray that such a thing will never happen again.”

Responding , the CAN chairman lauded the league for the gesture.

Akin-Akinsanya said the Christians do not mistake Muslims for the attackers of Owo church, who he described as “arch enemies”.

He said he found it difficult to believe that such a dastardly act could happen in South West, going by the level of mutual relationship that exists between the two religion adherents.

He said “It is not very easy for us here to fight. Those who did it are neither Muslims nor Christians. They are satanic.

“They are our enemies. They are not Muslims. Such things that are happening in the north cannot happen here because we are a family. You hardly see any family without the two religions, but, it is unfortunate that such a thing happened. The attack came from our arch enemies .

“I am so happy. Let say that, this is the first time this kind of thing will happen and I want to commend the leadership of the Islamic religion in Ogun state for this. I pray almighty God bless all of us .

“In my own family, I even have someone that is next to Chief Imam in Ijebu-land before he died, my elder brother, same father same mother and we were close.

“These attackers are neither Muslims nor Christians. They can not find a place where people are asked to kill others in the Quran or Bible, it means they are satanic.”

PUNCH

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

5 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

7 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.