🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Ekiti State government and First Bank disburse ₦50 million in grants to 300 entrepreneurs
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Ekiti State government, in partnership with First Bank, has disbursed ₦50 million in grants to 300 innovators and entrepreneurs. Beneficiaries received between ₦150,000 and ₦1 million through the Innovation Enterprises Support Fund, designed to help scale their businesses. First Bank's Chief Executive Officer, Mr Olusegun Alebiosu, stated that the initiative aligns with the bank's commitment to financial inclusion, SME development, and youth empowerment. He added that the collaboration provides mentorship and market access, focusing on strengthening the innovation ecosystem, creating jobs, and supporting youth, women, and underserved communities. Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, described the partnership as a testament to public and private sector collaboration for sustainable development. The Governor emphasized that the initiative includes capacity building, mentorship, and a capability framework to ensure long-term success for beneficiaries. Mr Seun Fakuade, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, explained the program as a four-phase initiative involving application, selection, boot camp training, iteration, and disbursement, aiming to transform Ekiti into a digital hub. A beneficiary, Mrs Ronke Aderonmu, praised the efforts of First Bank and the state government.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Manchester United secured a 1-0 victory over Chelsea, with Matheus Cunha scoring the decisive goal. This win creates a 10-point gap between third-placed Manchester United and sixth-placed Chelsea, with only 15 points remaining in the season. The top five Premier League teams will qualify for next season's Champions League. For Chelsea, this marks a fourth consecutive league defeat, severely impacting their chances of European elite football and increasing pressure on manager Liam Rosenior. Chelsea struggled to convert chances despite a makeshift United defense. Michael Carrick, Manchester United's manager, fielded a defense with three full-backs and 19-year-old Ayden Heaven, who held firm. Bruno Fernandes provided his 18th Premier League assist of the season for Cunha's goal. Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, returning from suspension, came close to scoring, as did Liam Delap and Moises Caicedo. However, Chelsea ultimately failed to prevent another defeat, leading to fan discontent at full-time.
Dr. Ibrahim Galadima, former chairman of the Nigerian Football Association NFA and traditional title holder of Galadiman Fagge, passed away on Saturday evening at a hospital in Kano at the age of 78. His younger brother, Alhaji Abba Galadima, confirmed the death, stating that funeral prayers will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Kano. Galadima, born on February 15, 1948, was a prominent figure in Nigerian football administration and community leadership. He served as Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation from 2002 to 2006, making significant contributions to the sport's development, organization, and international representation. He also chaired the Kano State Sports Commission and was a founding father of Kano Pillars FC. Kano Pillars FC, through its Media and Communications Directorate, extended condolences to his family, friends, the government and people of Kano State, and the entire Nigerian football community. The club's General Manager, Ahmed Musa, and Chairman, Alhaji Ali Muhammad Umar, offered their deepest sympathies.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA has announced the adoption of the Option A4 voting system for its primaries ahead of the 2027 elections. This move aims to curb "mercenary politics" and promote transparency within the party. Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, stated at the South-East Zonal Stakeholders’ Meeting that the system would eliminate rigging, reduce vote-buying, and foster openness. He warned party leaders and members that the forthcoming primaries would not be "business as usual," emphasizing the goal to cut wastefulness and ensure the party's credibility. Under Option A4, aspirants' support will be visible through physical alignment, discouraging deceptive practices associated with secret ballots. Governor Soludo also prohibited aspirants from pursuing multiple political offices simultaneously, stating that such actions undermine governance and party discipline. He further declared that aspirants are forbidden from visiting state executive members at home for inducement, requiring all engagements to occur at designated party offices. National Chairman of APGA, Sly Ezeokenwa, reinforced the reform agenda, unveiling a code of conduct. He mentioned that the party's modernization, in line with Nigeria’s Electoral Act, includes digital registration, direct primaries, Option A4 adoption, and the abolition of bundled nomination forms. Aspirants must now obtain an Expression of Interest form and pass screening before purchasing the nomination form. Party offi
The Ogun State Police Command arrested 43-year-old Idowu Ashafa in Igbesa, Ogun State, for allegedly possessing a human head and two human palms. The arrest occurred on April 17, 2026, during a routine patrol by operatives from the Igbesa Division, supervised by Area Commander ACP Folashade Tanaruno. According to DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command's spokesperson, the suspect was intercepted by a patrol led by Divisional Police Officer CSP Solotan K. Owolabi. Preliminary investigation suggests Ashafa exhumed the remains from a grave in Ido Itekun Village, Igbesa, for ritual purposes. The implement used in the act was recovered, and the scene was documented. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The police command reiterated its commitment to combating crime and urged residents to report suspicious activities.