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FINCA Microfinance Bank said it has in 10 years of operation in Imo State, empowered economically active low-income individuals by providing access to innovative and responsible financial services. According to the organisation, since inception in December 2014, FINCA Microfinance Bank Limited (FINCA MFB), a fully Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) licensed microfinance bank and a  subsidiary of FINCA Impact  Finance (FIF), has committed itself to the  singular vision of empowering  Nigerians to control their financial future and overcome poverty. This was made known by the Chief  Executive Officer, (CEO) of FINCA Microfinance Bank,  Kingsley Ukoh while addressing newsmen in Owerri, Imo…

The Lagos State government disclosed that about 1,152,455 persons had enrolled in the state health insurance scheme. The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr Emmanuella Zamba, revealed this at a media briefing to mark Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, themed “Health: It’s on the (house) Government.” Zamba noted that this year’s theme underscores the vital role of government leadership in ensuring that healthcare is accessible, affordable, and equitable for all. “It also allows us to showcase the government’s immense contributions to healthcare using the ILERA EKO Way.” Zamba explained that Universal Health Coverage is not…

Benue State stakeholders at a refresher training and dialogue on intervention and preventive strategies on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) have called for action to eliminate SGBV in the state. The training, which was organized by Side by Side Movement for Gender Justice in collaboration with the Association Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (AASGBV), brought together duty bearers and civil society organizations, CSOs to enhance their capacity to respond to SGBV cases effectively. The participants identified challenges and gaps in existing policies, laws, and programmes aimed at preventing and responding to SGBV. They also developed and adopted terms of reference…

The National Assembly has recognized Ambassador Dr Halimat Tejuosho, founder of the Queen Adenike Tejuosho Foundation, with its prestigious Award of Excellence for her remarkable contributions to disability rights and advocacy in Nigeria. Presented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Disability Matters, Hon. Bashiru Dawodu, the award celebrates Dr. Tejuosho’s tireless efforts to empower persons with disabilities and promote their inclusion in all spheres of society. Widely admired as the “Mother of Persons with Disabilities,” her dedication to uplifting vulnerable communities has earned her a national spotlight. The award ceremony coincided with World Disability Day, an event held…

The Senate, on Thursday, labelled the privatisation of the power sector, implemented 11 years ago, as a “total failure,” citing the continued lack of reliable electricity supply across the country. The upper legislative body hinted at the possibility of proposing measures to repeal the privatisation policy. Senate’s condemnation of the alleged failure of the power sector privatisation policy came to the fore during the consideration of a report presented by its Standing Committee on Power on the investigated frequent national grid collapses and related issues. The chairman of the committee, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South), who presented the findings,…

President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier is set to visit Nigeria from December 10 to 12, 2024, to bolster ties between the two nations. The German Embassy in Nigeria announced the visit on Thursday, which underscores the strengthening of the relationship between Germany and Nigeria. This high-profile visit follows an earlier visit to Nigeria of the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in October 2023 and that of President Bola Tinubu to Germany in November 2023. President Steinmeier will be accompanied to Nigeria by a delegation of CEOs and senior executives from some of Germany’s leading companies in…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has built Cyber Crime Research Centre as part of measures to build capacities against internet fraud. Chairman of the Commission, Mr Ola Olukoyede stated this on Thursday during a town hall meeting, themed: “Uniting the Youths Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity, organised by the Ilorin zonal directorate of the EFCC to mark the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day in Ilorin, Kwara State. Olukoyede, who spoke through the Zonal Director, Harry Erin, said that the anti-graft agency had initiated so many measures to educate young people against cybercrime. Saying that there is a compelling need…

Fire has razed the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) warehouse in the Idu area of Abuja, destroying training tools worth billions of Naira.   The Minister of State for the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, confirmed the incident during an inspection at the warehouse, assuring that necessary measures would be taken to prevent future occurrence.   Sununu also directed the formation of a five-man committee to investigate the fire incident, adding that the tools were designated for training N-Power beneficiaries under the NSIPA.   In a statement by the Director of Information and Public…

To inspire passion among marketers and acknowledge excellence, brands, individuals, agencies, and journalists were honoured at the prestigious Nigerian Marketing Awards, themed “Ignite,” held on Wednesday in Lagos.   Dettol stood out as a double winner, clinching Campaign of the Year with their “Big Bang Blossom” campaign and taking home skin care of the Year award with Dettol Skin Care. Indomie Noodles was recognized for the Best CSR Campaign of the Year, while Chivita won for Best Use of Social Media.   Golberg Black was awarded Alcoholic Brand of the Year, while Brand of the Year went to Tiger Beer…

The federal government has launched the 2024 Hazard Risk Countrywide Analysis aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts across the country.   To this effect, Vice President Kashim Shettima called for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to address Nigeria’s vulnerabilities to disasters and climate change as well as building a safer and more resilient Nigeria.   Speaking during the launch event on Thursday in Abuja, VP Shettima, in a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and livelihoods from ecological and other risks.   He said, “This launch is a testament to our…