News
Political Candidates Endorsement Not Reflection Of Muslim Community In Edo- Islamic Cleric
The Chairman, Edo State Council for Islamic Affairs, (EDSCIA), Alhaji Abdulazeez Nosakhare Igbinidu, has said thst those who went about endorsing political candidates for the state’s governorship election did that at their own peril and did not reflect the stands of the Islamic Community.
He disclosed this in Benin while reacting to news in some quarters that the body has endorsed political candidates ahead of the September 19 governorship election in the state.
Alhaji Abdulazeez said the body is neutral and doesn’t dabble into politics though it doesn’t also forbid any Muslims from aligning with any political parties or candidates of his or her choice.
READ ALSO: Edo 2020: Traditional Ruler Commends Ize-Iyamu’s SIMPLE Agenda Manifesto.
“EDSCIA is not a political organisation. However, we are aware that some of our members belong to those organisations where they are striving to actualise their political aspirations.
“We are not against any of their legitimate actions to perfect their political interest through their various political parties and associations.
“That Edo State Council for Islamic Affairs headed by Alhaji Abdulazeez Nosakhare Igbinidu is the only body that has the power to speak on behalf of Muslim Community in Edo State and that this body did not authorize or direct any individual or group of Muslims purported to act on behalf of Edo State chapter for Islamic Affairs or any other name to endorse any politicians.
READ ALSO: I will Continue To Ensure Peace In Edo, Obaseki Assures Traditional Ruler
“That we condemn in its entirety the purported endorsement of a particular politician using the name of Edo State chapter for Islamic Affairs or any other name as they don’t have such right to speak on behalf of Edo Muslims”, he said.
Abdulazeez urged all Muslims faithful in the state to ignore all such endorsements and continue with their political activities as individuals or as independent group s.
Abdulazeez called on all politicians seeking for election under the various political parties to feel free to solicit for vote or campaign to whoever they wish, including the Muslims.
He pleaded to all muslims in the state not to contribute negatively to the already tensed political atmosphere by their actions, just as he promised that as a religious body, they will continue to pray for a peaceful and a successful election in the state.
He reiterated that EDSCIA would organize a prayer section in Benin Central Mosque for a peaceful election in due course and that they would also invite the various political parties and their aspirants/and or representative to be in attendance.
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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