News
U-17 Chess Tournament: Edo Future In Chess Bright — Sports Commission Boss Expresses Optimism
The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has expressed optimism that with the excellent performance of participants at the just concluded Under-17 Male and Female Chess Tournament in Benin, he has no doubt that the future is bright for Chess development in the state.
Enabulele spoke weekend at the final day of the tournament where over 50 young Edolites participated.
In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele, while celebrating the winners of the Under-17 Male and Female Chess Tournament, expressed joy at the impressive performances of the players.
READ ALSO: Enabulele Lauds Okpehbolo For Creating Enabling Environment For Football To Thrive
“This tournament was designed to promote talent discovery across the state, and I am very pleased with the performance of Kelechi Chukwudi, who scored 6.5 points, and Leonard Gabriel, who clinched 6 points, to emerge first and second in the male category of the Edo South U-17 Chess Tournament,” Enabulele said.
“In the female category, I commend Oyakhilome Christabel and Shadrach for scoring 4.5 points each to emerge as the best players,” he added.
Third place went to Onowaka Henry with 5.5 points in the male category, while Oyakhilome Victoria also secured 4.5 points in the female category.
Other notable performers included Akinrogunde Divine, Ehiobolo Godliness, and Ogbegere Osaghatae (5.5 points each), as well as Edobor Osamuyimen, Ogbegere Afiangbosa, and Okundaye Efosa (5 points each).
In the female category, Oyakhilome Esther, Oriakpon Ofure, Dominion Osaghae, and Success Shadrack scored 4 points each.
Enabulele emphasized that “the number one mandate of Governor Monday Okpebholo in sports development is to discover raw talents from the grassroots, and this tournament is a practical demonstration of that commitment.”
READ ALSO: Edo Commits To Sports Development, Grassroots Talent Discovery – Enabulele
He further revealed that the top two male and female players will be selected for the National Youth Games camping exercise, creating a pathway for them to represent Edo State at the upcoming games in Asaba, Delta State.
Assistant Director (Technical) and Head Coach of Chess in the state, Mrs. Rosemary Amadasun, applauded both winners and participants for their commitment and determination, noting that the purpose of the tournament had been achieved.
To encourage participation and reward excellence, the overall winners in the male and female categories received ₦25,000 each, with ₦15,000 for second place, ₦10,000 for third, ₦5,000 for fourth, plus consolation prizes for other participants.
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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