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IWD: Gov Okpebholo announces N1bn soft loans for market women

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The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, said his administration has approved the sum of N1 billion as soft loans to market women in the state.

Okpebholo disclosed this in Benin City at an event commemorating the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration.

Ekwutosblog reports that the governor opined that the approved N1 billion soft loan for market women would help boost their businesses, improve their lives, and enhance the state’s economy.

He said the loans were in appreciation of their steadfastness, dedication, and commitment to moving the state forward.

“Since I assumed office as Governor of Edo State, this is the first event that has been very colorful. I have been coming to the Festival Hall in Government House but have never seen a colorful event like this.

“We can actually do nothing as men without the women, and that was why when a memo came before me on soft loan approval, I quickly approved N1 billion for our market women.

 

“The process is already ongoing, and we are talking to the relevant financial institution for disbursement, as the money is ready and is credited only to Edo women.

“The women are truthful and straightforward. When they assure you of their backing, just relax and be assured that you will get their backing, especially during the election. Their words are firm,” he said.

Earlier, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Edesili Anani Okpebholo, urged Edo women never to be silent, pushed back, shut down, or strangled, emphasizing that their voices must be heard because they matter.

Anani, however, urged the women to add value and be committed in all they do in their careers, communities, and other life endeavors.

She commended Governor Okpebholo for taking decisive steps to ensure that no Edo woman is left behind in the quest for equal opportunities and justice.

“We are all gathered here to celebrate the achievements of women and renew the call for transformative change. The celebration reminds us of the incredible progress made by women and the world.

“This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, is not a mere slogan but a call for urgent inclusion, decisive change, and collaborative efforts.

“We must come together to end the barriers that still deny thousands of women their fundamental human rights—systemic inequality, violence against women and the girl child, and economic disparity—which have held back women’s progress around the globe. It is our duty to dismantle these obstacles in our environment,” she added.

She posited that IWD is an annual celebration of the achievements of women across the globe, as well as an avenue to strategize on ending barriers to women’s advancement.

The 2025 IWD celebration, with the theme “Accelerate Action”, emphasizes the urgent need to take decisive steps towards achieving gender equality, addressing the slow pace of progress, and empowering women and girls worldwide.

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Wike at 58: “You’re a Shinning Star in my Cabinet, Tinubu hails Wike.

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President Bola Tinubu congratulates Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on his birthday, December 13.

President Tinubu celebrates with the Minister and former governor of Rivers State, giving thanks to God Almighty for enriching him with a life defined by purpose, service, and courage.

The President describes Chief Wike as an audacious top performer who defies obstacles and delivers results.

President Tinubu acknowledges the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory through infrastructure expansion, highlighting the Minister’s recent intervention that broke the 14-year logjam in the construction of the Apo-Karshi road.

The President commends Chief Wike for his resilience, can-do attitude, and commitment to excellence in all assignments.

President Tinubu thanks the Minister for his consistent efforts in delivering results and wishes him a happy birthday and strength to further his good work in the FCT.

“Nyesom Wike has been one of the shining stars in the cabinet, an exceptional performer, developing infrastructure in the Federal capital as never seen before and proving that his moniker as ‘Mr Project’ is not limited to his home state of Rivers.

“I commend him for being one of the champions of our Renewed Hope Agenda, even though he belongs to another party and wish him well as he marks another year in his life journey”.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
December 13, 2025

 

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Lady cries out after her brother was knocked down by keke on his way to early morning test at UniAbuja, faces possible leg amputation

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A visibly distressed lady has cried out over a tragic accident involving her younger brother, a student of the University of Abuja.

According to her account, the incident occurred in the early hours of the morning when students were struggling to get to school for a test allegedly scheduled around 5 a.m.

She explained that while her brother and a coursemate were trying to cross the road in front of the University of Abuja, a commercial tricycle (keke), reportedly driving against traffic, knocked them down.

As of the time she shared the video, her brother was said to be unconscious and already being prepared for surgery. Doctors, she stated, described his condition as critical, adding that there was a possibility his leg might have to be amputated.

The lady further claimed that although the tricycle rider was arrested, there were moves to release him, and that the school authorities had not reached out or offered any form of support since the incident.

She also revealed that the hospital initially rejected her brother due to the seriousness of his condition before eventually admitting him, while medical bills continued to pile up beyond what she could afford.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSLsOa4DNRv/?igsh=MWI5cjlsNnV0cW1hbA==

📹: TT/Teemhar1234

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DSS Officers Seek VIP Escort Roles Amid Police Withdrawal, Stir Debate Over Security Reforms in Nigeria

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In the wake of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to withdraw police officers from providing personal security and escort duties for very important persons across Nigeria, some officers of the Department of State Services are reportedly lobbying influential Nigerians for redeployment as personal security details.

The move comes after the Nigeria Police Force pulled back thousands of officers from VIP protection duties to strengthen frontline policing and respond to escalating insecurity across the country. The withdrawal, championed by the presidency as part of broader security reforms, aims to free up police manpower for community protection and crime prevention.

According to multiple reports, some DSS operatives have approached high-profile individuals, offering their services as security escorts in the emerging vacuum created by the police exit. These approaches have raised eyebrows among security analysts and VIPs alike, as the DSS traditionally focuses on intelligence and national security rather than routine personal protection.

A handful of elite Nigerians told journalists that officers had visited their offices to request intervention with state directors for deployment as personal protectors, describing the assignments as desirable postings.

While the statutory mandate of the DSS does include the protection of certain national assets and persons, any deployment of officers for individual VIP security is subject to established operational protocols, sources stressed.

The shift has also triggered a surge in demand for private security services nationwide. Security companies report that requests for travel escorts and protective details have spiked since the police withdrawal, with many VIPs and travelers seeking alternative arrangements.

Lawmakers and public figures have weighed in on the reforms. Some members of the House of Representatives argue that Nigerian citizens should not be denied access to extra security if they desire it, suggesting a broader debate over security privileges and equity.

President Tinubu has defended the policy, reiterating that the withdrawal of police from VIP protection is intended to reallocate scarce resources toward combating kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism. He has insisted there will be no reversal of the order, urging full compliance by security agencies.

As the debate continues, experts say the success of the reform will depend on how effectively security gaps are filled, whether by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, private security firms, or other authorized entities, and how well public safety is balanced with the security needs of public figures.

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