News

South Africa’s Ambassador Visits Okphebholo, Discusses Collaboration

Published

1 year ago

February 11, 2025

Editor

The Republic of South Africa has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Edo State Government in the area of infrastructural development.

This is contained in a statement signed by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo.

According to the statement, the collaborative agreement was reached when South African Ambassador, Dr. Bobby Moroe, accompanied by other top diplomats, paid a visit to the governor in his office.

The statement quoted Moroe as saying the infrastructural potentials of Edo State attracted his country to collaborate with the state.

He said: “My team is happy to be in Benin City, Edo State, and we appreciate your administration for the warm reception. We are here to collaborate with your administration.

“We are here to revive the collaboration we established about three years ago. We have visited various agencies in your government to seek partnership and collaboration between Edo State and Gauteng Province in South Africa. Gauteng is the economic hub of South Africa.

“Gauteng is like Lagos in Nigeria in terms of population and economy. We have chosen Edo State because of the great potential it possesses. The infrastructural development potentials attracted us to Edo State.

“We have an insatiable appetite to work with the Edo State Government. We waited until the election was over, and now we are here to collaborate. We are making fresh commitments as we collaborate with you.

“We are focusing on deliverables as we meet with various Permanent Secretaries across various ministries. We have a number of projects to be focused on.”

Receiving the guests, Okphebholo acknowledged the fact that the former Apartheid enclave and Nigeria have many things in common, especially Edo State.

“Edo State and South Africa have a lot in common as everything affects South Africa, we see it as a common interest to us.

“South Africa and Nigeria have many things in common, especially Edo State. Edo State joined South Africa to fight for the end of Apartheid.

“In business, collaboration is possible because if we do things in common. Our doors are open, and we are ready to collaborate with you and ensure the collaboration yields positive results that will develop the State. We are set for investments, development, and growth,” Governor Okpebholo said.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

52 minutes 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

1 hour 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

3 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.