News

Owo Memorial Park Demolition: Ondo Catholic Diocese Condemns Gov Aiyedatiwa’s Action

Published

10 months ago

June 25, 2025

Editor

The Ondo Catholic Diocese has condemned what it described as the “sudden and unannounced” demolition of the memorial park in Owo.

This was contained in an official statement signed by the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Jude Arogundade.

The memorial park, built by the late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State to honour and immortalise worshippers of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, who were killed three years ago, was demolished by the state government on the order of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

However, the church stated that the action by the Ondo State Government violated communal respect for human dignity and the memory of the victims.

The diocese expressed shock that the park, which was publicly commissioned by the state government and blessed by the church, could be demolished without prior consultation or notice.

“There is no doubt that the demolition is a violation of our common respect for the dignity of life and the memory we share of our 41 brothers and sisters who were unjustly killed,” the Catholic diocese stated.

It added that it had written to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa seeking an official explanation for the action, but, over 72 hours later, had received no response.

The church said the purpose of the requested audience was to seek clarity on the demolition, the government’s reasons, and whether any plans exist to establish another memorial.

“It was legitimately acquired and developed by the state government and designated as a memorial park. The faithful and the general public were shocked and deeply saddened that the state government, in collaboration with the Olowo, chose to demolish the site,” the church stated.

While urging calm and assuring the public of its commitment to dialogue, the Catholic diocese emphasised its preference for “due process, mutual respect, and constructive engagement” in resolving the matter peacefully.

Recall that the memorial park was built following the June 2022 church attack.

The incident left over 40 people dead and dozens injured, drawing national and international condemnation.

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.