News

Tension Heightens In Akure As Monarchs Clash Over Closure Of Markets, Shops

Published

4 years ago

August 22, 2022

Editor

Tension is currently brewing in Akure, the Ondo State capital following the power tussle between the Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo and the Iralepo of Isinkan, Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola, over the order and counter order on the closure of markets within the metropolis.

With the traditional Aheregbe festival starting on Monday where markets and shops will be shut down on the order of the Deji of Akure, his Isinkan counterpart warned that the order is not binding on his community which has a blurred boundary with Akure.

The Deji of Akure had over the weekend ordered that all marketplaces and shops in Akure and its neighboring settlements be closed on Monday, August 22, in observance of the town’s yearly ancient traditional celebration, known as “Aheregbe”.

Few hours after the Deji’s statement, Oba Ajimokunola countered the order saying that markets and shops will remain open in Isinkan and urged those willing to trade to come to Isinkan for their transactions.

Angered by the move of the Isinkan monarch, Oba Aladetoyinbo in another statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Michael Adeyeye, insisted that the order will be extended to Isinkan as he claimed that the community is under his domain.

“The attention of the Palace of the Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom has been drawn to a press statement and rumour flying around that shops, stalls and market within Isinkan area are exempted from the closure in observance of Aheregbe festival.

“Without mincing words, the closure became necessary as part of the age-long tradition in observance of the annual Aheregbe Festival and this will be observed in Isinkan and all parts of Akure,” he said.

Meanwhile, the development had led to apprehension among residents of Akure and Isinkan as they called on the State government to urgently wade into the matter before it snowballed into physical attacks between youths of the two communities who will be out to enforce the monarchs’ orders.

The Deji of Akure and the Aralepo of Isinkan, alongside some traditional heads in Akure South and Akure North Local Governments, had for a while been having a running battle with the Akure monarch over his alleged interference in domains outside his purview.

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.