News

Stop Disrupting Road projects, FG Warns Niger Delta Youths

Published

1 year ago

January 24, 2025

Editor

The Federal Government has warned youths in the Niger Delta region to refrain from disrupting ongoing road projects in the area.

The government criticised the entitlement mentality of some youths who believe the region’s oil production gives them the right to harass contractors and demand money.

It emphasised that such behaviour does not occur in other parts of the country.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Olufunsho Adebiyi, issued the warning while addressing journalists during an inspection tour of federal road projects in Rivers State on Friday.

Adebiyi noted that the budget allocation for the six geo-political zones is nearly equal, but said, “The challenge is that what N10 can achieve in the North-West might only achieve one per cent of the same in the South-South.

“Additionally, the traffic volume on roads varies. For instance, the traffic volume on this road requires significant diversion and traffic control measures to facilitate construction work.”

He appealed to residents of the Niger Delta to adopt a different mindset, saying, “This entitlement mentality that ‘it’s our oil money,’ which leads to placing demands on contractors, leaves insufficient funds for the actual project. This mindset is wrong. The nation operates a single treasury system. It’s like growing up in a village where everyone eats from the same pot.

“If you stop your contractor in the South-South from working, you leave resources for contractors in other zones. It’s necessary to change this mindset and encourage contractors to perform.”

Adebiyi also shared his experiences inspecting road projects in other regions, saying, “When I visit the North-East, North-West, or North-Central, do you know how they welcome me? They prepare rural denunu (a local drink) for me.”

He urged truck drivers using the East-West Road and local residents to stop damaging road pavements, citing poor maintenance practices such as spilling diesel, engine oil, and using pavements for drying food items.

On the Port Harcourt-Enugu Highway, Adebiyi stated that four contractors are handling the project to expedite its completion. He praised the completed sections, particularly on the Aba side, while calling on residents to maintain the roads. “In Port Harcourt, completed sections have become like dustbins, with waste piling up,” he lamented.

Adebiyi expressed satisfaction with the quality of work on the Bodo-Bonny Road but urged contractors to increase their pace, emphasising that the project must be completed by the end of the year.

“For your information, this project must be commissioned this year at all costs,” he declared.

“Anyone who stands in our way will be dealt with. Mr President is passionate about this project, and it must be delivered by December at the latest.”

He added, “We are not joking. This project and several others have come to stay.”

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

3 minutes 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

2 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.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Tells FG To Retaliate Against South African Companies In Nigeria

Published

19 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called on the Federal Government to retaliate against South African businesses operating in Nigeria following the recent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, Oshiomhole said the Federal Government should consider revoking the working license of South African owned companies such as MTN and DSTV.

He argued that Nigeria must respond firmly to what he described as persistent hostility against its citizens.

“I am not going to shed tears. If you hit me, I hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It is an economic struggle,” Oshiomhole said.

He argued that while some South Africans accuse Nigerians of taking their jobs, Nigerians should return home and take over employment opportunities created by major South African companies operating in the country, including MTN and DSTV.

“When we hit back, the President of South Africa will not only talk but will also go on his knees to recognise that Nigeria cannot be intimidated.

“We will not condone any life being lost. If a crime has been committed under the South African law they have the right to bring any such person to justice, but to kill our people as if we are helpless, we will not allow that,” Oshiomhole added.

DAILY POST reports that several Nigerians in South Africa have reportedly been attacked, and their businesses destroyed, in ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.