News

Wrestling, Novelty Match, Lecture Highlight Edwin Clark’s Funeral Plans

Published

1 year ago

May 4, 2025

Editor

The family of the Late Convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, have announced that the final internment of the late elder statesman will be held on the 13th of May, 2025.

The announcement was made on Sunday by the eldest son of the family, Mr Penaowei Clark, during a press briefing, where he stated that the programme of events will run from Wednesday the 7th of May, 2025, to Sunday, the 18th of May 2025.

Chief Edwin Clark died at his Abuja residence on the 17th of February, 2025 aged 97, after a brief illness.

Until his death, Chief Clark, who was one time Federal Commissioner for Information in 1975 was an advocate for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta regions, and also founded the Southern and Middle-Belt Forum

In his address, Mr Clark said the program of events was put together with the collective effort and partnership of the Delta State Government, the Federal Government, PANDEF, and community leaders “to honour and celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of my father, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.”

“Today we are gathered to announce the date and full programme of events for his (Chief Clark’s) funeral, which will run from Wednesday 7th May 2025 through Sunday 18th May 2025.

“On Wednesday, 7th May 2025, Memorial Lecture and Tributes at NAF Conference Centre and Suite Abuja at 11am. Thursday, 8th May 2025, Valedictory Session at Senate Chambers, National Assembly Complex in Abuja at 11am. Saturday, 10th May 2025, Wrestling Contest in Yenagoa. Service of Songs at St. James’s Anglican Church at Asokoro, Abuja at 5pm. Candlelight Memorial at 43 Haile Selassie Street, Asokoro, Abuja, 7pm-8pm,” he said.

On Sunday, 11th May 2024, a Service of Songs will be held at the Royal House of Grace International Church, Port Harcourt, at 4pm. On Monday, the 12th of May 2025, a Commendation Service will be held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, at 8am, while a Simultaneous Valedictory Court Session will be held at the High Court of Justice, Warri, Delta State, at 10am.

“Following this, my father will depart Abuja for Yenagoa and Warri with lying in state and commendation services at key locations, Ijaw House at Yenagoa, 1.30pm to 2.30pm; Warri lying in state from 6.30pm to 7pm at No. 5 Swamp Road, GRA. The body will then proceed to Kiagola Town, Delta State.

“Tuesday 13th May 2025, lying in state in Edwin Clark University in Kiagbodo, 10am to 10.30am. Commendation Service, 10.30am to 11am. Funeral Service, St Peter’s Anglican Church in Kiagola, 11am. Reception and internment, 1pm onward. All night vigil from 5pm,” he added.

Mr Clark also disclosed that there will be a novelty match between Team Clark (Izon, Urhobo and Itsekiri) and the Rest of Nigeria on Saturday 17th May, 2025, at the Mein Grammar School Field in Kiagbodo, and the programme will culminate in a Thanksgiving Service on the 18th of May.

He thanked friends and well-wishers of the family for their support since the passing of his father, whom he described as “a relentless advocate for justice, equity, and unity of Nigeria,” who had left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.

“We are humbled by the immense support, prayers, and tributes we have received since the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, and elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, CON, OFR, who peacefully passed away on the 17th of February 2025, dedicating his nearly century-long life to the service of Nigeria.

“His contributions as a visionary leader, founding father of PANDEF, a founding father of the Southern and Middle Belt Forum, (1:07) and a relentless advocate for justice, equity, and unity of Nigeria, have left an indelible mark on our nation’s history,” he said.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

51 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.