William Lawson’s Crowns Two Naija Highlandah Winners in Truly Unconventional Twist

11/10/2023

L-R: Thomas Olumagin, Head Commercial Planning, Activation & Off Trade Nigeria, Bacardi Martini Nigeria; Opeodu Koleola, one of the winners, and Adrian Watermeyer, Commercial Director, Bacardi Martini Nigeria, at the Grand Finale event of the William Lawson’s Naija Highlandah campaign held in Lagos recently.

On a night filled with pomp and an abundant display of boldness, the Grand Finale event of the second edition of William Lawson’s Naija Highlandah campaign recorded a first-of-its-kind outcome with the crowning of not one, but two contestants as Opeodu Koleola and Ede Chinonso outwitted 13 other contestants to the title of true-born Naija Highlandahs.

The Grand Finale event of the Consumer engagement contest, which held at the Stalad Garden in Abule Egba, Lagos, on Saturday, September 30, 2023, was the culmination of an eight-week campaign that started on July 28, 2023, with the two winners each taking home the Star Prize of N2 million, plus a trip to Scotland, in the UK.

In the intervening period, the contest attracted nearly 6,000 participants taking part in over 400 activations that took place across 20 on-trade and 40 off-trade partner outlets around the city of Lagos. The activations entailed a series of fun games and NO-RULES challenges, with participants playing to earn and accumulating points towards qualifying for the Grand Finale event.

The top-15 highest scoring participants qualified for the Grand Finale and gathered at the Stalad Garden to battle it out for the Naija Highlandah title. Some of the games and challenges include Show-your-Highlandah-self Fashion Show, Balloon Pop Race, Flip the Cup; Find the White Ball, and the Piece-the-Naija Highland Puzzle.

In a thrilling battle of wits and display of unconventionality, Opeodu Koleola and Ede Chinonso outclassed the competition and emerged the last two men standing. However, it was impossible to separate the two men after three rounds of final challenges as they kept matching each other grit for grit and wit for wit in what turned out to be a true test of their Highlandah characteristics of boldness and resilience.

In a swift exhibition of its own ethos, William Lawson’s stepped up to resolve the impasse in a most unconventional way as Thomas Olumagin, Head, Commercial Planning, Activation & Off Trade at Bacardi-Martini Nigeria eventually declared the two men the winners of the Naija Highlandah title for this edition, while commending their resolute ‘Highlandah no dey carry last’ attribute.

With this development, William Lawson’s blazed a trail in brand activations as the first to crown two title winners of its consumer engagement contest.

Commenting on the dramatic finale, Thomas noted that “this is a showdown to remember, and the outcome is a true testament of William Lawson’s undeniable affinity with Nigerians. We are proud to witness the emergence of not one, but two worthy ambassadors of Nigerians’ inborn attribute of boldness, good-humoredness, and unconventional spirit -the three personality pillars of the William Lawson’s brand.”

One of the newly crowned Naija Highlandahs, Ede Victor Chinonso, described his victory as a true reflection of his natural bold spirit and self-confidence. “It was a tough one, but I am extremely delighted to be one of the last two men standing. It all seemed like a dream as the numbers of contestants were reducing and I was making it to the next stage. It’s so great that my naturally bold character saw me to the top.”

On his part, Opeodu Koleola expressed his gratitude to the brand, while acknowledging the resilient spirit that kept him in the challenge to the very end. “I flew in from Abuja for this finale, and I am in heaven that I am one of the winners. I was confident I would win because I no dey give up. I thank William Lawson’s for staying true to their promise.”

The well-attended occasion had in attendance the outgoing and first-ever Naija Highlandah winner, Awatt Akinwale, who conducted the handover ceremony to the new winners. Guests at the event were treated to musical performances by a live band and Small Doctor, one of Nigeria’s leading afro-pop exponents.

Other Bacardi Martini Nigeria executives at the Grand Finale event include Adrian Watermeyer, Commercial Director, Philip Edafiogho, Manager, Ontrade & Premium Portfolio; and Anie Ekwere, Customer Brand Manager.

William Lawson’s is a leading blended Scotch Whisky and one of the leading brands from the stable of Bacardi-Martini Nigeria. It trades under the brand proposition of ‘No Rules; Great Scotch’.

Nigerian Content Key to Meeting Renewed Hope Agenda – Petroleum Minister

Business Journal

11/10/2023

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has identified the effective implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act 2010 as one of the key levers for actualising the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking during his tour of NCDMB facilities and projects in Bayelsa State on Tuesday, the Minister revealed that the key mandates of the NCDMB, which are the promotion of in-country value addition in the oil and gas industry, incentivizing local manufacturing in the oil industry, development of human and material capacities and job creation are major pathways for meeting the key aspirations of the current administration.

He hailed the Executive Secretary and the management of the Board for a sterling performance, highlighting the creation of the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCI Fund) as one of the Board’s most impactful initiatives. He noted that lack of access to affordable finance is one of the biggest challenges facing emerging players in the oil and gas sector, hinting that the NCI Fund which is administered by the Bank of Industry (BOI) will assist qualified oil and gas companies to access the capital they need to grow, build capacities, and create jobs.

Commenting after he toured the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme (NOGaPS) at Emeyal 1, in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, the Minister described the park project as a game changer in the nation’s drive to catalyze in-country manufacturing in the oil and gas and linkage sectors and job creation. He promised that the Federal Government would support the NCDMB in every possible way to achieve its core mandates.

According to him, “Mr. President will do whatever he can to ensure that we achieve a lot more than had been achieved in the past from Nigerian Content. We are happy that Nigerian Content has made very strategic investments geared towards creating jobs. We need to redouble the achievements of the Board. We hope that NCDMB will help Nigerians to play a lot more prominent role in the oil and gas industry.”

Referencing the ongoing plans by some international oil companies to divest from onshore and shallow waters and move to deep and ultra-offshore operations, Senator Lokpobiri pointed out that indigenous companies have been able to step in and fill the openings courtesy of the systematic empowerment by the Board over the years. “Nigerian companies are doing very well today, courtesy of the capacity-building strategies that were institutionalised by the NCDMB in the past years,” he asserted.

Lokpobiri further extolled the Board for constructing and maintaining the iconic 17-storey Nigerian Content Tower and the 1000-capacity NCDMB Conference Hall. He indicated that the aesthetics and ambiance of the facilities surpassed most locations across the world and called for the sustenance of the culture.

He said: “I commend the Board for the maintenance culture it has on its facilities. I want to see the edifice having the same look down the line. The challenge of infrastructural development is the maintenance. I will give all the support I can, so we have the edifice maintained for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

The Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, gave the Minister a brief history of the Board, successive stages undergone, the strengths and accomplishments of the Board to date. On the NoGaPS project, the Executive Secretary mentioned that the Emeyal- 1 park would be commissioned in the first quarter of 2024. He attributed the slight delay in the execution schedule to the devastating flooding that hit several states in the second and third quarters of 2022.

Giving further updates on the project, Wabote announced that several manufacturing firms and other vendors had expressed interest in operating at the parks. He said the Board is currently screening the applicants to select serious firms for the Bayelsa and Cross River parks.

As part of the facility tour, the Minister and his entourage inspected the NCDMB Fire Station, Creche, the three-star NCDMB Conference Hotel under construction, the Nigeria Oil and Gas Park Scheme (NOGaPS) facility at Emeyal-1, the NCDMB gas power plant at Elebele, and the NCDMB Gas Hub at Polaku.

Dangote Cement Denies Running Sales Promo, to Prosecute Peddlers of Falsehood

Business Journal

10/10/2023

Management of Dangote Cement Plc has denied reports in some online platforms that it has embarked on sales promotion and has further adjusted its prices.
In a response to the misleading report, the Chief Branding and Communications Officer of the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, described the reports as mischievous, malicious and false.

He added that the Management has formally notified law enforcement agents to track down, name and shame the perpetrators of such devious and deceptive information.
He urged Dangote’s cement customers and other stakeholders to continue patronising the high-quality cement brand and be careful of scammers, who are bent on defrauding them of their funds.

#CustomerServiceWeek: Unity Bank Rolls out Rewards to Celebrate Frontline Staff, Customers

Business Journal

10/10/2023

To mark the 2023 Customer Service Week, Unity Bank Plc customers will win prizes while participating in engagement activities lined up for the week-long celebration.

From October 2 – 6, the Bank celebrated the exceptional teams in its over 200 branches nationwide rewarding outstanding staff members, while reflecting on the theme of this year’s event – Team Service.

To make the week memorable and exciting, all branches of the Bank will engage in several activities that reflect the importance of teams in delivering outstanding customer service in the Bank, while customers will receive cash rewards by taking part in online and offline special offers.

Commenting on this year’s Customer Service Week celebration, Unity Bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Tomi Somefun while congratulating frontline teams and our customers reenacted the “Bank’s Service Charter which provides the benchmarks, culture and values as well as performance standards for upholding service excellence and commitment to our customers.”

While describing the customers as the Bank’s lifeblood, Somefun said: “We celebrate our frontline teams for strongly and meaningfully reinforcing service excellence and on this score, our Bank does not take for granted your choice to Bank with us as we understand that choosing us is because of our shared values, commitment to excellence and exceptional service to you at all times.”

“As we look to the future, we pledge to remain customer-centric, embracing innovation to serve you better and therefore make your satisfaction our top priority,” Somefun added.

Also speaking on this year’s celebration, Chief Customer Service Officer, Unity Bank Plc, Titilayo Abraham said: “This year’s theme, “Team Service” which incidentally is one of the bank’s core values could not have come at a better time with all the challenges being experienced in the banking sector.

“As a result of this, we plan to have team-focused initiatives to laud and acknowledge the spirit of teamwork across the Bank. The intent is to endear our customers and cultivate a positive work environment among staff where every team’s contribution is not only recognised but deeply valued and applauded. In addition to our team-building sessions, we will have the team appreciation Wall of Fame, photo booths and themed backdrop banners at selected branches.”

She added that “a significant highlight of this year’s celebration is the recognition of outstanding teams” because of the Bank’s firm belief “that investing in the development of our teams is essential to our collective success. The recognition serves as a small token of the Bank’s gratitude, designed to acknowledge the invaluable contributions and camaraderie that exists among teams.”

The Bank has continued to prioritise the customer over the past few years through its increasing focus on digital strategy. For instance, over the past three years, it has maintained its commitment to customer service excellence by introducing innovative digital products such as the USSD banking *7799# in local languages, and mobile banking solution, UniFi which have boosted customers’ access to the Bank’s services, while facilitating convenience.

These electronic banking channels are constantly updated with new and exciting features to put the customers first and make their banking experiences top-notch in the industry.

CBN: eNaira Poses no Threat to Financial Stability

Business Journal

10/10/2023

The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to news items on some media platforms – traditional and social – suggesting that the country’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), the eNaira, is a threat to the nation’s financial stability.

After reviewing the reports, which appear to have been syndicated, there seems to be a lack of understanding of portions of the Foreword, and some articles, in the bank’s recently released Economics of Digital Currencies: A Book of Readings.

A recurring theme in the book is the interest of regulators, such as the CBN, in the role of cryptocurrencies as speculative investments, and the potential threat they harbour for financial stability. Pursuant to that, the articles in the book provide an in-depth understanding of CBDCs generally and the workings of the eNaira in particular, highlighting issues and challenges in implementation and adoption.

One of the media reports speaks of “concerns about Nigeria’s central bank digital currency, eNaira, indicating potential risks to financial stability despite its success in narrowing the country’s financial inclusion gap.” The nexus implied is unconvincing. In the ordinary course of things, the CBN does not join issues on news commentary; however, we are constrained to clarify the reports to ensure that misunderstandings are not fostered.

The eNaira structure continues to evolve and undergo modifications targeted at improving the user experience across all interfaces. We encourage Nigerians to embrace the technology for, amongst other things, greater financial inclusion.

Divestments of Oil Assets: NCDMB Warns Against Reduction in Compliance, Tax Revenue

Business Journal

10/10/2023

The ongoing and planned divestments of onshore assets by some international operating oil and gas companies (IOCs) and subsequent acquisition by Nigerian operating companies

must not be allowed to impact negatively on the level of compliance with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act and remittance of tax revenues to the Federal Government, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote has admonished.

Speaking during the breakfast meeting he had with members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) and editors of newspapers and directors of broadcast stations in Abuja, the Executive Secretary enthused that the planned sale of assets of Nigerian Agip Oil Company Ltd to Oando Plc and Seplat Plc’s planned acquisition of assets of Mobil Producing Unlimited (MPNU) would transform Oando and Seplat from midsized players into big-time oil and gas operating companies.

He corrected the impression that the international oil companies were exiting the country because of unfavourable conditions, hinting that the foreign firms were carrying out assets rationalization, whereby they leave the onshore and shallow waters and focus on deep offshore operations, where they retain a competitive advantage and contend with minimal human interferences.

He said the ongoing and other planned divestments are big accomplishments for Nigerian Content development, describing them as “bold statements that Nigerian indigenous operating companies have come of age and acquired the technical, managerial, and financial capabilities to play in the big league.”

He said: “We are proud that we have moved from near zero participation in the oil and gas sector to the point that our indigenous operators such as SEPLAT, AITEO, and others are now responsible for 15% of our oil production and 60% of our domestic gas supply.” With this planned acquisition, the share of local firms in crude oil production could reach 30 percent or more in a short while.”

The Local Content boss however warned that the ongoing transactions and future divestments from international companies to local producing firms could pose serious challenges to the country in terms of declining Nigerian content compliance and reduction in tax payments to the Government from the new owners and operators.

He based his position on the Board’s experience and records which showed that indigenous firms, especially the indigenous operating companies are serial violators of the Nigerian Content Act and other laws. According to him, “many indigenous companies feel entitled and assume they can get away with non-compliance. Some indigenous firms have also argued that they should be excluded from the implementation of the NOGICD Act since their primary investors are Nigerians.”

Comparing the attitude of the local firms to their international counterparts, the Executive Secretary stated that “in many instances, international operators try to comply with the Nigerian Content because it is in their DNA to obey laws or they have to show evidence of compliance to their home offices. The IOCs will do everything to comply with the provisions of the NOGICD Act. But the indigenous companies will do everything to circumvent the law.”

He emphasised that the provisions of the Nigerian Content cover all entities and all activities connected to the Nigerian oil and gas industry and no firm is exempted from compliance. He explained that the Nigerian economy would not develop without encouraging local content in key industries, catalyzing local production of goods and services retaining spend in the country, and conserving foreign exchange.”

On strategies that would compel the indigenous companies to comply, the Executive Secretary said the Board would continue to use existing regulations and guidelines as well as the provisions of the NOGICD Act to reign in non-compliant firms.

The Board is also partnering with relevant agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and industry stakeholders to ensure that the increasing footprints and stakes of indigenous production companies do not cause a reduction in Nigerian content compliance and remittance of taxes to the Government.

He charged the media to advocate for Nigerian Content compliance by all stakeholders of the industry and to challenge indigenous oil and gas operating companies to comply with the laws of the land, including the payment of accurate taxes on their operations.

He stated that the Board organised the breakfast meeting to update the media stakeholders about the Board’s programmes, build their competencies, enhance their professional effectiveness, and update them on the latest trends in their industry.

He described the media as a reliable stakeholder and promised the Board’s continuous support toward an enduring symbiotic relationship.

Petroleum Minister, NCDMB Boss, Simbi Wabote, Inspect Facilities at Gas Hub

Business Journal

10/10/2023

L-R: Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, inspecting civil work construction at the NCDMB Gas Hub at Polaku, Bayelsa State during the Minister’s tour of NCDMB facilities and projects in Bayelsa State on Tuesday.

Several gas-related industries are being developed at the Gas Hub.

Heirs Insurance Group Unveils Digital Insurance Experience Centre

Business Journal

10/10/2023

L-R: Ifesinachi Okpagu, Chief Marketing Officer, Heirs Insurance Group; Tosin Bayo-Yusuf, Executive Director, Heirs Life Assurance; Wole Fayemi, MD/CEO, Heirs General Insurance; Aniema Ekong, Sales, Heirs Insurance Group; Tony O. Elumelu, Chairman, Heirs Holdings; Niyi Onifade, MD/CEO, Heirs Life Assurance and Dupe Olusola, MD/CEO, Transcorp Hotels Plc, at the launch of Heirs Insurance Experience Centre, the first digital insurance experience centre in Nigeria at Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja.

Heirs Insurance Group, Nigeria’s fastest-growing insurer, has announced the launch of Nigeria’s first-ever digital insurance space – the Heirs Insurance Experience Centre.

Located on the ground floor of the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the experience centre provides a comprehensive one-stop shop for all insurance products and services offered by the Group.

The Heirs Insurance Experience Centre is a digital space, featuring a full-display interactive screen, enabling users to easily view an array of insurance policies to determine the best policy, purchase insurance plans seamlessly and file a claim or chat with the Prince chatbot for faster issue resolution.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman, Heirs Holdings, underlined the commitment of the Heirs Insurance Group to transform the lives of Nigerians and drive financial inclusion.

He said: “We are redefining the insurance experience, as we believe our customers deserve simple, seamless, and reliable access to financial security anytime, anywhere. The Heirs Insurance Experience Centre showcases our digital channels and tools, which are transforming the insurance experience, another clear demonstration of our promise of service excellence, accessibility, and innovation.”

Heirs Insurance Group is the insurance subsidiary of Heirs Holdings, the leading pan-African investment company, with investments across 24 countries and four continents, founded and led by Tony Elumelu. With a rapidly expanding retail footprint and an omnichannel digital presence, Heirs General and Heirs Life serves both corporate and individual customers across Nigeria.

Heirs Insurance Group is championing financial inclusion and leading the digital insurance play in Nigeria, demonstrating its mission to democratise access to insurance. As part of its unique proposition, the Group rolled out digital and mobile channels to simplify access to insurance and make insurance accessible to everyone.

Sovereign Trust Insurance Celebrates Customer Service Week in Style

Business Journal

09/10/2023

The Managing Director/CEO, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Olaotan Soyinka, being flanked by members of the Management Team and Staff of the underwriting company, during this year’s edition of the Customer Service Week which held between October 2-6, 2023.

The Firm used the week-long event to thank and appreciate its numerous customers, home and abroad and urged them to continue to patronise Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc for all their general insurance needs in the years ahead.

Business Leaders, Experts Meet to Discuss Economic Reforms Oct 12

Business Journal

09/10/2023

Business leaders from various sectors will meet in Lagos to examine the economic reform agenda of the government in an attempt to find strategic responses for businesses and other organisations.

The event organised and hosted by the Business Club Ikeja (BCI) is a roundtable themed “Economic Reform Agenda: Implication for Businesses and Strategic Response for Survival” will hold on Thursday 12th October starting at 2pm at the BCI Club 30 Hakeem Balogun Street, Alausa, Ikeja.

Speakers slated to speak at the roundtable include Dr. Rotimi Oladele, a seasoned scholar and Executive Secretary at the Institute of Entrepreneurs, Dr. Adesola Falaiye, a corporate law expert, and accredited mediator, she is also the Managing Director and CEO of Afkar Printing and Publishing Company and Mrs. Nkeiruka Nnamdi, a human resources expert and Director, Human Capital Management, PKF Professional Services.

Discussions will be moderated by the Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies, Anthony Kila a renowned political-economist, professor of strategy and development.

In a statement issued by the Honorary President of the Business Club Ikeja, Chief Tajudeen Akande to confirm the event, it was gathered that “this economic roundtable is part of efforts by BCI to help business leaders get together, develop relationships to share opportunities and find solutions to issues affecting all.”

Members enjoy monthly programs where they build productive relationships and share experience and skills. Membership of Business Club, lkeja is open to companies in the lkeja business district and its environs.

Past presidents the BCI include celebrated corporate leaders like Dr. Christopher Kolade and Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa and Dr. Dele Makanjuola.

The current honorary president, Chief Tajudeen Akande, is a renowned accountant and finance expert is the managing partner at the PKF Financial Services.

Embracing Insurance Ecosystems: Key to Thriving in Today’s Evolving Market

Business Journal

09/10/2023

By Emeka Akwiwu

Executive Director

Continental Reinsurance Plc

At the recent 5th Sharm Rendezvous in Egypt, Mr. Emeka Akwiwu, Executive Director – Technical Operations, Continental Reinsurance Plc shed light on the significance of the Insurance Ecosystem and its role in adapting to today’s changing market dynamics.

In a world where collaboration is king, the Insurance Ecosystem is emerging as a game-changer. This innovative concept involves a network of players, both within and outside the insurance industry, working together to craft ground-breaking solutions for both retail and institutional customers. The goal? A seamless, user-friendly experience that transcends traditional boundaries.

For insurers looking to stay relevant and meet the ever-evolving demands of their customers, developing ecosystem strategies is the name of the game.

Notable success stories include South Africa’s Discovery, which partnered with a variety of entities to create solutions in mobility, health, education, and real estate. Meanwhile, Sanlam’s investment in a digital ecosystem has allowed them to offer a broad spectrum of financial services beyond the confines of traditional insurance.

In this rapidly changing landscape, digital transformation is not just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. Insurers must adapt by developing digital platforms and services to effectively participate in these ecosystems.

With ecosystems projected to encompass 30% of the global economy by 2025, the opportunity for insurers is nothing short of substantial.

Africa’s insurance companies have a golden opportunity to diversify their product offerings across various ecosystem spheres, including mobility, health, social, education, and recreation.

However, they must confront challenges related to capability, culture, technology, and resources to optimise their participation in this exciting shift.

In conclusion, the key to thriving in today’s insurance landscape lies in embracing the Insurance Ecosystem and conquering challenges through digital transformation.

Collaboration and innovation within these ecosystems will not only position insurers as valuable contributors but also offer customers a more integrated and seamless experience.

The future of insurance is indeed evolving, and those who adapt are poised to thrive.

Continental Re GMD, Lawrence Nazare, Presents Critical Insights on Africa’s Climate Risk Challenges

Business Journal

09/10/2023

At the CIIN Forum in September 2023, Lawrence Nazare, Group Managing Director of Continental Re, highlighted Africa’s natural disaster insurance gap and the need for climate risk financing reform.

Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe demonstrated that only 7% of $2 billion in economic losses were insured, exposing a significant gap.

Africa faces increasing climate disasters, particularly floods and droughts, and Nazare made urgent recommendations for climate resilience, including stress-testing exposure, portfolio rebalancing, risk mitigation, regulatory collaboration, and innovative risk products.

He called for climate justice, as Africa bears disproportionate impacts despite low greenhouse gas emissions. The forum stressed the importance of action and collaboration to address Africa’s insurance gap in the face of rising climate risks.

NCC Chief, Umar Danbatta, to Chair Business Journal 15th Anniversary Lecture Oct 27

Business Journal

08/10/2023

Professor Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will Chair the Business Journal 15^th Anniversary Lecture/Awards scheduled for Friday, October 27, 2023 at Radisson Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos under the theme: ‘Nigeria: The Economic Outlook Today & Tomorrow.’

Commenting, Prince Cookey, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Business Journal Media Group, said:

“We owe immense debt of gratitude to Professor Umar Danbatta for graciously accepting to Chair our anniversary lecture despite his very tight schedule. We equally appreciate previous EVC/CEOs of NCC for supporting the growth of Business Journal since inception in 2008. We are indeed challenged by the gesture and we solemnly promise to keep the flag of Business Journal flying higher in the Nigerian media space. Our 15 years in the media industry in Nigeria as a value-adding and going concern is a testimony to the Grace of God, vision, professionalism, enterprise, doggedness and perseverance in the face of daunting challenges in the operating environment. We equally extend our profound gratitude to numerous individuals and corporate bodies (public and private) that have been our business backbone since 2008. As we look forward to the anniversary lecture, we remain committed to our vision to rank as the leading media group in Nigeria and Africa despite our lean resources today.”

The anniversary lecture, which has ‘Nigeria: The Economic Outlook Today & Tomorrow’ as theme, has renowned economist and financial expert, Dr. Biodun Adedipe as the keynote speaker.

The Special Guests of Honour include: Mr. O.S. Thomas, Commissioner for Insurance/CEO, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM); Mrs. Aisha Dahir-Umar, Director-General, National Pension Commission (PenCom) and Mr. Lamido Yuguda, Director-General, Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC).

Mr. Tope Smart, Group Managing Director/CEO, NEM Insurance Plc and Past President of AIO is the Guest of Honour while the Guest Speakers include: Professor Anthony Kila, Director, CIAPS Lagos; Dr. Bode Oguntoke, Group Head of Audit, FBN Holdings Plc; Mr. Jide Orimolade, Managing Director/CEO, Stanbic IBTC Insurance Limited and Mrs. Thaibat Adeniran, Managing Director/CEO, Hilal Takaful Nigeria Limited.

Cookey added that other distinguished personalities for the lecture would be unveiled in due course.

The Business Journal 15^th Anniversary Lecture is scheduled for Friday, October 27, 2023 at Radisson Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos at 10.00am.

NAICOM: Tinubu to Headline National Insurance Confab Oct 22

Business Journal

08/10/2023

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be the Special Guest of Honour at the 2023 National Insurance Conference scheduled for October 22-24, 2023 at Abuja Continental Hotel (former Sheraton), Abuja under the theme: Redefining Safety: Insurance Solutions for Public Buildings and Buildings under Construction.

According to the programme, Mr. Olawale Edun, the Hon. Minister of Finance will serve as Chief Host while Mr. O. S. Thomas, Commissioner for Insurance/CEO, NAICOM is the Host.

Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman, Heirs Holdings & UBA Group will deliver the theme paper as presenter while His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwa-Olu, Executive Governor of Lagos State would be the Guest Speaker.

Almond Awards: Continental Re, NEM, Anchor in Contention as Voting Ends Oct 20

Business Journal

08/10/2023

The 2023 Almond Insurance Industry Awards Panel of Judges headed by Ms Prisca Soares has officially released the names of Nominees in the various categories.

The very thorough nomination process which lasted for one month had top management staff of insurance and broking firms, corporate and individual clients nominating companies, and individuals based on the criteria provided.

Although some of the nominations were disallowed due to non-compliance with the criteria, over 300 people combined with companies participated in the process.

At the end of the rigorous fine-tuning exercise by the Judges, the following companies and individuals have emerged as nominees in the categories:

LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF THE YEAR

Mutual Benefits Life Assurance Ltd

Coronation Life Insurance Company Ltd

AIICO Insurance Plc

Sanlam Life Insurance Nigeria Ltd

African Alliance Insurance Plc

Capital Express Assurance Co. Ltd

Old Mutual Nig. Life Insurance Company Ltd

Custodian Life Assurance Limited

Zenith Prudential Life Insurance Co Ltd

LASACO Assurance Plc

GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF THE YEAR

NEM Insurance Plc

Coronation General Insurance Plc

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc

Custodian & Allied Insurance Plc

Anchor Insurance Company Limited

Leadway Assurance Co. Ltd

Cornerstone Insurance Plc

MICRO/TAKAFUL INSURANCE COMPANY OF THE YEAR

Goxi Microinsurance Limited

Noor Takaful Insurance Limited

Hilal Takaful Nigeria Limited

Salam Takaful Insurance Company Ltd

INSURANCE CEO OF THE YEAR

Mr. Kunle Ahmed – (CEO) AXA Mansard Insurance Plc

Mr. Tope Smart (MD/CEO) NEM Insurance Plc

Mr. Tunde Hassan Odukale (MD/CEO) Leadway Assurance Co. Ltd

Mr. Augustine Osegha Ebose (MD/CEO) Anchor Insurance Company Limited

INSURANCE BROKING COMPANY OF THE YEAR

BOFF & Co. Ins. Brokers Ltd.

Y.O.A Insurance Brokers Ltd

Scib Nigeria & Co Ltd

Golan Heights Ins. Brokers Ltd.

HOGG Robinson Nigeria Ltd

FSL Insurance Brokers Ltd

ATIAT Insurance Brokers Ltd

INSURANCE BROKER OF THE YEAR

Mr. Oreoluwa Ebuoluwa Olarinmoye – (CEO BOFF & Co. Ins. Brokers Ltd)

Mr. Shola Tinubu. – (CEO Scib Nigeria & Co Ltd)

Mrs. Enitan Solarin – (CEO Y.O.A Insurance Brokers Ltd)

REINSURANCE CEO OF THE YEAR

Fola Daniel – (CEO – FBS Reinsurance Ltd)

Lawrence Nazare – (CEO – Continental Reinsurance Plc)

Speaking at a Press Conference in Lagos, the Chairman of the Awards Panel of Judges Ms. Soares, said that Winners in the various categories will be based on the decision of voters forms 60% of the judging process while collated Data from NAICOM will balance it up.

To this end, she implored nominees to encourage their clients and the general public to visit the Awards Website: (www.almondinsuranceindustryawards.com) to cast their votes.

Although voting is FREE, companies as well as individual clients can vote just once in each of the categories.

The voting process will be closed on the 20^th of October to allow for final processing by the Awards Panel of Judges before the Awards Nite on the 3^rd of November at the Queens Park Events Center where WINNERS will be announced.

The Annual Almond Insurance Industry Awards and Consumers’ Nite was instituted to reward the “Can Do Spirit”, of the men and women in the various arms of the insurance industry who strive daily to sell insurance products and services in Nigeria despite the myriad of challenges in the business environment and the low acceptability of insurance in Nigeria.

The Awards which started in 2018 has grown to become the biggest night for insurance practitioners, policy makers, entertainers and the general public to have fun in a relaxed atmosphere.

The epoch-making event will feature top rated Nigerian Comedians like Brain-jotter, Mr. Paul, AB Jokes, Akpan Okon, Cartoon Boy, MC Monica and a host of others. Music headliners this year are HarrySong, Skales, Terry G and a host of other new acts and Dancers.

DJ KENTALKY will be on the wheels of steel and show hosts is Godwin Aruwayo (Firstvoice)

VOTE NOW because Voting ends on the 20^th of October

#Almond Insurance Industry Awards

#Insurance Biggest Nite

#Rewarding Excellence

#insurance Meets Pop Culture

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