News
Oyo Unveils Task Force To Tackle Illegal Mining

The Oyo State Government on Monday launched a joint task force on illegal mining and the enforcement of Executive Order 001/2023.
The launch signalled a comprehensive crackdown on unauthorised mining activities and non-compliance with the regulatory frameworks.
The step, according to the government, would aid the fight against illegal mining and protect the host communities from attack.
The event was held at Babaaro in Igbeti, Olorunsogo Local Government Area and Iseyin City Hall, in the Iseyin Local Government Area.
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The Director-General of the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency, Abiodun Oni, said: “The state would no longer tolerate illegal mining activities.
“The task force has come to stay in this state. Anyone found engaging in illegal mining will be held accountable and prosecuted.”
The law will take its full course.”
He urged the residents to report suspicious activities to the appropriate quarters.
“If you see something, say something. We must all join hands together to curb this menace,” he said.
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Oni commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership and unwavering support in ensuring the security of the residents and the protection of the state’s natural resources.
The General Manager of OYSMIDA, Olufunke Omidiran, described the initiative as a strategic response to the growing threat of illegal mining.
She said the task force was well-equipped and tasked with promoting sustainable mining practices and environmental stewardship.
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The Special Adviser to the Governor on Migrant and Homeland Security, Segun Adegoke, said, “The task force includes all constitutionally recognised security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps. Oyo is tackling the problem head-on.”
To complement the efforts of the task force, the government has commenced strict enforcement of Executive Order 001/2023.
The order mandates mining stakeholders and host communities to comply with the signing of consent letters and community development agreements as stipulated by the Nigerian Mining Act.
News
Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru
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.
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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
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.
READ ALSO:Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Tells FG To Retaliate Against South African Companies 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
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.
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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).
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“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.
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