News

PAP: Group Threatens To Shut Down N’Delta Over Alleged Marginalisation Of Edo, Delta

Published

4 years ago

October 25, 2022

Editor

Group known as Niger Delta Volunteers for Good Governance (NDVFGG) has threatened “a total lock down of economic activities” within the Niger Delta region over what the group regarded as marginalization of Edo and Delta states in the appointment of principal officers into the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).”

The group further condemned the planned winding up of the PAP by the Federal Government, saying it’s untimely, hence the government should rather restrategize with a view to accomplishing the spirit of the initiators of the programme considering the achievements reached so far.

A statement signed national president of the group, Comrade Ben Bowei a.k.a Lord Mayor 1 of Niger Delta, and coordinators from Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Ondo states, a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Benin, Tuesday, frowned at neglect of Edo and Delta states in the appointment of coordinator for the programme and other principal officers since its inception.

The group alleged that outside denials of the states in the appointment of principal officers, applicants from the two states for vocational trainings and scholarship have been several times rejected.

“The Niger Delta Volunteers for Good Governance (NDVFGG) has observed that there has been a deliberate neglect of qualified indigenes of Edo and Delta states in the area of appointment as coordinator and/or other principal staffs in the Presidential Amnesty Programme office from inception till date.

“It is our collective resolution that the above listed States have been totally neglected by the Federal Government in the scheme of things especially in the area of appointment in the PAP office since the disarmament in 2009.

“It is also a truism that the above states have also suffered similar fates in the area of reintegration and empowerment contrary to spirit and letters of the Presidential Amnesty Programme as constituted by His Excellency Late Former President Musa Yaradua in 2009.

“The marginalisation of these states has left a distasteful taste in the mouths of the ex-agitators and impacted communities because delegates who applied for vocational training in the program are often rejected and the same position applies to those who applied for scholarship to acquire Higher Education at the tertiary level.

“As a matter of fact, such persons are extorted and not given equal opportunities and a level playing field by the office representing the government.

“For this, the Niger Delta Volunteers for Good Governance is collaborating with sister organisations in setting out modalities to ensure there is equity, fairness, transparency and justice in the composition of the new board and distribution of positions to reflect effective and equal participation in the office; otherwise it will call for a total lock down of economic activities within the Niger Delta region which may also lead to breach of public peace to press home our demands,” the group added.

The group therefore called on the Federal Government, “to as a matter of urgency, consider the plights of these states in order to forestall break down of law and order and breach of the peace in line with true intents and letters of the PAP agreement.A stitch in time saves nine.”

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

5 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.