News

Soludo, Priest Trade Words Over Prophecies

Published

4 years ago

June 7, 2022

Editor

The Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has reacted to a prophecy by the Spiritual Director of Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Reverend Father Emmanuel Obimma, that Fulani terrorists would attack him (Soludo).

Obimma, popularly known as Ebube Muonso, had in his prophecy, said he saw herdsmen with tribal marks invading Anambra Government House while the governor was running out in a pool of blood.

The priest, who was addressing his congregation in a viral video, said there was the need to pray for the state and Soludo, as he also said the governor should pray for himself.

The cleric also said the governor, who was sworn in on March 17, generally, was performing below expectations; especially in security and waste management.

Ebube Muonso, had criticised Soludo over the poor management of waste in the state, adding that the governor was yet to show Ndi Anambra that they did not make a mistake voting for him at the last governorship poll.

The cleric also reminded the governor of his promise to make Anambra look like Dubai and America; and that he must not fail the people of the state.

He also noted a number of issues that needed attention, including gunmen and insecurity issues as well as other prophetic declarations.

But Soludo in his response, said although the priest had the monopoly power of the pulpit, such a monopoly demanded a responsibility on the part of the cleric to exercise caution and maturity on how he uses such power.

Soludo in a six-point write up which went viral online, said, “I don’t believe these political or phantom ‘prophecies’ are designed to play to the gallery.

“That’s not my upbringing and faith as a Catholic. You have my contact and assuming that anything was ‘revealed’ to you as a threat to my life, do you really believe that the best way to communicate it is on your pulpit?

“As an orthodox Catholic, I was brought up not to join issues with any man of God. I have been in the public arena for two decades and I appreciate comments and criticisms from the citizens, including the men of God.

“I welcome your comments, advice and even criticisms as such help us to do better because we are certainly not perfect.

“I am writing to you, in the exercise of my duty (as a member of your Laity),to also advise you – but not publicly on the pulpit as you chose to do.

“In your prophecy, you are certainly entitled to claim that you ‘saw’ anything, and to call for prayers. I need all the prayers in the world and I believe that thousands of people of goodwill are praying for us and for Anambra.”

The governor said the man of God, through his adverse comments, failed to acknowledge the huge efforts being made to confront the challenges in the state by his government.

According to him, when no governorship candidate could campaign freely in the entire Anambra South Senatorial District before last year’s election because the zone was totally taken over by unknown gunmen, no one heard Ebube Muonso’s voice.

The governor added, “I was almost a victim. No one heard your voice. In my inaugural address I devoted paragraphs to address the issue. And Ndi Anambra from all over the world are calling in solidarity and offering support.

“I wish God will also ‘reveal’ to you the identity of the criminals so that we take them out. I know that you are a man of God and I deeply respect all of God’s anointed, but making incendiary and wild claims about security under the cover of the pulpit should be moderated.

“Father, I expect you to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. We admire you and the thousands of your followers deserve leadership and direction.”

PUNCH.

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.