News

We Must Reject A Fractured Nigeria – Onaiyekan

Published

3 years ago

August 4, 2023

Editor

The Emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has urged Nigerians to reject a fractured nation in which political parties and ethnic groups are locked in continuous conflict.

He made this call during the memorial service of the late Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Sunday Mbang, which was organized in Abuja by the Christian Association of Nigeria.

The event included special tributes and songs that were performed to honor Dr. Mbang, who served as the President of CAN from 1995 to 2003.

During his exhortation, Onaiyekan also emphasized the importance of unity and peace amidst the current ethnic and political tensions in the country.

“We cannot however simply resign ourselves to a broken nation where political parties are at each other’s throats and where ethnic groups are fighting unfinished ancient tribal battles,” he stated.

The respected religious leader emphasized the need for unity and common action to address the country’s challenges.

Drawing from the exemplary life of the late Prelate Mbang, Cardinal Onaiyekan highlighted the deceased’s dedication to God, his commitment to the Church, his love for the Word of God, his role as a peacemaker, and his efforts as a unifier.

“We thank God for the gift of our Prelate Mbang. He was a gift to the Church of God not only in Nigeria but worldwide. He was a gift to our nation, as a great Statesman,” Onaiyekan said.

The President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, remembered the late Prelate as a strong and fearless voice in Nigeria, who stood against injustice and led Christ’s people on the path of righteousness.

“The late Prelate was a very strong voice in Nigeria, and his voice was not only strong but loud and consistent, which rang out from the church,” Okoh said.

Furthermore, Okoh acknowledged Mbang’s contribution to the completion of CAN’s main auditorium and his unshakeable belief in the power of prayer.

“He was fearless, he was courageous, he was bold as he stood and spoke to power and the authorities in this our nation, even during the military era,” Okoh added.

The deceased’s son, Ini Mbang, painted a picture of his father as a God-fearing, fearless man, a strict and loving father, and a teacher.

He revealed plans by the family to build a museum and a library in Akwa Ibom State in order to immortalise the late Prelate.

As Nigeria grapples with intense political and ethnic tension, these religious leaders’ call for unity and peace, drawn from the life and works of the late Prelate Mbang, serves as a timely reminder of the nation’s urgent need for reconciliation and unity.

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

4 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

6 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.