Nigeria News (Standard)
US-Based Calpe Labs Launches ₦600bn Scheme for Grassroots Businesses in Imo State
Programme targets 50 micro-businesses under Imo government’s One Kindred One Business Initiative, with plans to reach 1,000 enterprises
Programme targets 50 micro-businesses under Imo government’s One Kindred One Business Initiative, with plans to reach 1,000 enterprises
A United States-based venture firm, Calpe Labs, has rolled out a ₦600 billion enterprise development scheme aimed at boosting grassroots entrepreneurship in Imo State. The announcement was made on Thursday in Owerri by the Managing Director of Calpe Labs, Mr Mambu Sherman, who said the initiative will support 50 micro-businesses in its initial phase.
Sherman explained that the selected beneficiaries emerged through the Imo State Government’s One Kindred One Business Initiative (OKOBI), a programme focused on leveraging family and community-owned businesses to fight unemployment and drive local economic development. According to him, the targeted businesses operate across sectors such as agribusiness and agro-processing, micro-manufacturing, artisanal trades, skilled services, and commerce.
He noted that the initiative was born out of commitments made during the Imo Economic Summit held in December 2025. The summit sought to encourage inclusive economic growth within the state. Sherman further stated that while the first batch will benefit directly from capital injection and technical support, the broader goal is to empower over 1,000 small businesses across Imo.
“The partners are projecting a total economic impact of ₦600 billion and expect that up to 20,000 new jobs will be created as at full implementation,” Sherman said during a press briefing. He added that continuous collaboration with local stakeholders is expected to help address key challenges facing small-scale entrepreneurs in Imo State.
The scheme is expected to significantly enhance access to capital for rural businesses and strengthen community-driven economic activities. According to Calpe Labs, further expansion phases are planned following assessment of initial outcomes. The Imo State Government has reiterated its support for programmes that foster job creation and sustainable development.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti PDP Candidate Oluyede Alleges Voting Delays, Accuses Police of Intimidation in Governorship Poll
Opposition raises alarm over conduct of security agents as ballot process drags in several polling units across Ekiti State
Opposition raises alarm over conduct of security agents as ballot process drags in several polling units across Ekiti State
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Olusegun Oluyede, on Saturday raised concerns over delayed voting and alleged intimidation by police officers as the 2026 governorship election got underway. The complaints were made as voters queued at various polling units across the state amid reports of slow accreditation and logistical challenges.
According to Oluyede, who spoke after casting his vote, the process was marred by late arrival of electoral materials in several wards, with many voters forced to wait for hours before polls opened. He further alleged that police personnel deployed to monitor the exercise were intimidating opposition supporters in some areas, a situation he described as an attempt to undermine the credibility of the election.
The delayed start to voting has heightened tensions among party agents and voters in Ekiti, a South-West state with a history of fiercely contested polls. The PDP and other opposition parties have expressed fears that such irregularities could disenfranchise eligible voters and affect the integrity of the outcome.
Oluyede called on security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address these issues urgently. “We want a free and fair process. The actions of some police officers are not encouraging confidence among our supporters,” he said.
As at press time, INEC officials had not issued an official response to the allegations. However, observers say how these concerns are managed will influence public trust in the final results. The Ekiti governorship contest is widely seen as a bellwether for party strength ahead of national elections scheduled for 2027.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos EFCC Witness Testifies Accused Boasted No Agency Could Arrest Him in Alleged $41,000 Romance Scam
Court hears details of suspect’s claims as EFCC pursues prosecution over alleged international online fraud involving foreign victim
Court hears details of suspect’s claims as EFCC pursues prosecution over alleged international online fraud involving foreign victim
A witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) told a Lagos court on Saturday that the accused person in an alleged $41,000 romance scam had boasted no agency could arrest or prosecute him. The testimony was delivered during a session at the Federal High Court, Lagos, as part of ongoing efforts by the EFCC to tackle cybercrime and related offences within the state.
According to court proceedings, the EFCC’s witness described how the accused, whose name was not disclosed in open session, allegedly defrauded a foreign national through an elaborate romance scam valued at $41,000 (over ₦61 million at current exchange rates). The witness recounted that during investigations, the suspect claimed he was untouchable by Nigerian law enforcement agencies.
The case highlights growing concerns among stakeholders about the proliferation of online scams targeting individuals abroad, with Nigeria’s anti-graft agency intensifying efforts to secure convictions and recover illicit proceeds. The EFCC has repeatedly warned Nigerians about engaging in internet fraud schemes and urged citizens to report suspicious activities.
During cross-examination, the defence challenged aspects of the evidence presented. The presiding judge adjourned further hearing to a later date for continuation of trial. The EFCC maintains that it will pursue all legal avenues to ensure justice is served in cases of cybercrime.
If convicted, the accused faces significant jail time under Nigeria’s anti-fraud laws. The case underscores ongoing government efforts to restore Nigeria’s image internationally and deter would-be offenders from engaging in cyber-enabled crimes.
Nigeria News (Standard)
US Moves to Withdraw HIV/AIDS Funding from South Africa Over Policy Dispute
Decision follows unresolved disagreements between US government and South African authorities on HIV/AIDS programme management
Decision follows unresolved disagreements between US government and South African authorities on HIV/AIDS programme management
The United States government has announced plans to gradually end its financial support for HIV/AIDS interventions in South Africa, citing ongoing policy disputes with the country’s authorities. The development, which was made public on Saturday, signals a significant shift in the long-standing partnership between Washington and Pretoria in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
According to details released, the US intends to phase out funding for key health programmes following disagreements over how these initiatives should be managed and implemented. The move is expected to affect resources channelled towards prevention, treatment, and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa, a country with one of the world’s highest rates of infection.
This decision comes at a time when millions depend on externally funded interventions for access to life-saving antiretroviral drugs and community outreach services. Analysts say the planned withdrawal could have far-reaching consequences for public health outcomes if alternative sources of funding are not secured by South African authorities.
While the US government has cited policy differences as its reason for pulling back support, there was no immediate statement from the South African government regarding possible steps to address the funding gap or resolve outstanding issues. Health sector stakeholders warn that vulnerable populations may face increased risk if interventions are scaled down without sufficient transition planning.
It remains unclear what timeline the US will follow in winding down its involvement. However, attention now turns to how both governments will navigate the diplomatic fallout and whether South Africa can mobilise domestic or alternative international resources to sustain critical HIV/AIDS programmes moving forward.
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