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Ex-NAICOM Boss, O.S. Thomas to CHAIR Business Journal Insurance & Pension Roundtable 2026

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Mr. Olorundare Sunday Thomas, former Commissioner for Insurance/CEO, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), will CHAIR the Business Journal Insurance & Pension Roundtable 2026 scheduled for Tuesday, November 24, 2026 at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Time is 10.00am prompt.

The theme of the Roundtable is: “Beyond Recapitalisation: The Challenge of Customer Service & Growth for Insurance and Pension Operators.”

Mr. Thomas Olorundare Sunday is the Managing Partner, DASUNOTH Limited, a management consultancy services firm.

He was the Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) until April 30, 2024. He also served between 2010 and April 2017 as the Director – General and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), a self- regulatory organisation where he among other initiatives piloted the establishment of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Database (NIID).

He had earlier worked at different times at the National Insurance Commission as Director-in-Charge of Research and Market Development, Technical and the Inspectorate Directorates (1992 to December 2009) where he piloted most of the policies of the Commission until when he retired from service in 2009.

Before his first engagement at the Commission, he had worked in the insurance industry for over 10 years.

Mr. Thomas is an Insurance Professional with a BSc (Hons)in Actuarial Science and an MBA, Finance, all from the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

A Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) and an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute of London (CIIL. He is also a Member of the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM) and many other professional bodies.

He was at various times involved in many of the Insurance Industry and the Financial Sector Committees and Governing Boards some of which include:

(a) Member, Committee on the Review of the 1997 Insurance Act

(b) Member, Education Committee of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria

(c) Chairman, National Planning Committee of the Annual Seminar on the Development of the Nigerian Financial Markets: 2002 – 2009

(d) Member, Governing Board of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) 2003 – 2004

(e) Chairman, West African Association of Insurance Supervisory Authorities (WAISA)

(f) Chairman, Organisation of African Insurance Supervisory Authorities (OAISA)

(g) He was at different times a Member of the following Boards:

  1. National Pension Commission (PenCom)
  2. Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB)
  3. Africa Reinsurance Corporation (AfricaRe)

He attended many courses and conferences both locally and internationally, some of which include those organised by the Lagos Business School (LBS), African Insurance Organisation (AIO), World Bank, International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS), UNCTAD and the Global Leadership Centre in Toronto, Canada.

He was also a resource person at the West Africa Insurance Institute (WAII), The Gambia.

Thomas is a believer and a lover of sports, especially the game of Tennis and Golf.

 

  • SPECIAL GUESTS OF HONOUR:
  • Olusegun Omosehin, Commissioner for Insurance/CEO, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM)
  • Omolola Oloworaran, Director-General, National Pension Commission (PenCom)

 

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

  • Tope Smart, Group Chairman, NEM Insurance Group

 

GUESTS OF HONOUR:

  • Jide Orimolade, President/Chairman of Council, CIIN
  • Anthonia Ifeanyi-Okoro, CEO, PenOp
  • Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, Chairman, NIA
  • Ekeoma Ezeibe, President/Chairman of Council, NCRIB

 

Distinguished Members of Panel:

  • Adedayo Arowojolu, Managing Director/CEO, Unitrust Insurance Company Limited
  • Ivor Takor, Pension Industry Activist/Expert
  • Felicia Bolajoko David, Managing Director/CEO, Alliance & General Insurance Plc

 

Reacting to the development, Prince Cookey, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Business Journal Media Group said:

“We are indeed delighted to have Mr. O.S. Thomas as Chairman for the Business Journal Insurance & Pension Roundtable 2026. A quintessential and legendary figure in the insurance industry in Nigeria, he traversed the market like a colossus, rising from the level of a professional in the operating environment to the position of a regulator. He remains a positive reference point for Nigerian insurers and left a solid mark as a regulator.”

Cookey said successful conclusion of the recapitalisation exercise in the insurance sector on Friday, July 31, 2026 has invigorated the sector, not only in terms of capital but also in terms of positive perception of the industry by the insuring public.

He said the same energy of expected new capital and optimism will also be evident after the ongoing recapitalisation process in the pension sector initiated by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) with a compliance deadline of June 2027 for Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs).

Beyond capitalisation, the two markets also need to address two critical and fundamental issues:

  • How will insurers and pension operators deploy their new capital for better customer service and growth?
  • How ready are insurers and pension operators for the market challenges of post-presidential election 2027?

The Business Journal Publisher added that the outcome of the presidential election on January 16, 2027 could have profound impact on insurance firms and pension operators in terms of policy framework and operating environment, far beyond the issue of capital.

The objective of the Business Journal Insurance & Pension Roundtable 2026 is to generate public awareness for the insurance and pension sectors and to draw a roadmap for the operators in terms of market visibility, customer service, sustainable growth and contribution to the national economy going forward.

BUA Foods Unveils Bakers Pride Flour, Empowering Bakers to Explore More Possibilities

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BUA Foods, one of Nigeria’s leading food manufacturing companies, has officially introduced Bakers Pride Flour at a trade launch event attended by trade partners, bakers, and other key industry stakeholders.

Launched under the brand promise, “Bake Smart. Bake Better,” Bakers Pride Flour is designed to serve the needs of everyday bakers with a value-driven proposition built around three pillars: Smart Choice, Dependable Baking, and More Possibilities.

The brand’s proposition centres on helping bakers make commercially sensible flour choices and providing a product suited to various baking applications, from gurasa, a popular flatbread in Northern Nigeria, to conventional bread loaves and other baked products. The flour’s versatility creates more possibilities for business growth, encouraging bakers to explore opportunities to serve their customers better.

At the product launch, the Managing Director of BUA Foods Plc, Engr. Ayodele Abioye, said Bakers Pride was borne out of the need to support growth and reflected the company’s commitment to standing with bakers as dependable partners in progress.

He added that the success of bakers has a positive ripple effect across the value chain.

Abioye said: “Today, we are not merely launching another product. We are opening a new chapter of opportunity—for greater consistency, stronger productivity, better value, and even greater pride in every product that leaves the oven. Bakers Pride Flour was designed based on an understanding of the realities of Nigerian bakers and carries a simple promise in every bag: reliable performance, consistent quality, and confidence in every bake.”

The event provided an opportunity for trade partners to learn about the brand, understand its value proposition, and engage with the company on the commercial opportunities associated with its introduction.

Speaking at the event, Adewunmi Desalu, General Manager, Brand and Corporate Communications, highlighted the thinking behind the brand, noting that Bakers Pride was developed with the realities of everyday baking in mind.

“Baking is both a skill and a business. Bakers need to consider the quality of their finished products alongside the commercial realities of running their businesses. Bakers Pride Flour is designed to offer a relevant choice for these everyday needs. Our ambition is to build a brand that bakers can confidently consider for bread making and other baking needs,” she said.

The launch reinforces the company’s commitment to understanding the evolving needs of bakers and providing relevant product choices that support informed business decisions.

Also speaking at the launch, Alim Liman, General Manager, Sales, emphasised the importance of the company’s trade partners in bringing the product to market and building sustainable growth.

“Our distributors, wholesalers and retailers are critical partners in our success. Introducing a new product is only the first step; ensuring that it reaches the right markets, remains available to customers and earns a place in their businesses requires a shared commitment. We look forward to working closely with our partners to build distribution, strengthen market availability and create value across the trade,” he said.

Through its integrated approach to brand development and route-to-market execution, BUA Foods aims to establish Bakers Pride Flour as a relevant choice within its flour portfolio while strengthening engagement with bakers and trade partners.

The introduction of Bakers Pride Flour reflects the company’s continued focus on developing its product portfolio in response to market needs and building brands that create value for customers and consumers.

 

About BUA Foods Plc

BUA Foods Plc is a leading Nigerian food manufacturing and processing company listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited. The Company is engaged in the processing, manufacturing, and distribution of essential food products, including sugar, flour, pasta, rice, and edible oils.

Incorporated in 2021 following the consolidation of key businesses under BUA Group, BUA Foods operates multiple production facilities across Nigeria and serves millions of consumers across Nigeria and West Africa.

The Company is committed to advancing food security, delivering high-quality and affordable food products, and creating sustainable value for stakeholders through innovation, operational excellence, and responsible business practices.

Fidelity Bank Champions Digital Adoption, Sustainable Growth for Lagos SMEs

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L-R: Divisional Head, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs), Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Ugochi Osinigwe; Head of Audit, Surulere Division, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Ibrahim Olalere; and Regional Bank Head, Ikeja, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Jude Monye at the Fidelity Bank SME Quarterly Business Forum, held in Lagos recently.

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has called on Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) to embrace digital solutions, maintain sound financial management practices and adopt structured business models to enhance competitiveness and drive sustainable growth.

The call was made at the Fidelity Bank SME Quarterly Business Forum held recently in Lagos themed, “Build to Compete: Positioning Lagos Businesses for Sustainable Growth.”

The forum brought together entrepreneurs, business owners, industry experts, and representatives of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) to discuss practical strategies for strengthening SMEs through digital innovation, improved financial management, trade financing and regulatory compliance.

Speaking at the event, the Regional Bank Head, Ikeja, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Jude Monye, who represented the Executive Director, Lagos and South-West, Dr. Ken Opara, described Lagos as a dynamic business hub with immense growth opportunities despite prevailing economic and operational challenges.

According to him, while Lagos remains one of Africa’s most vibrant commercial centres, entrepreneurs must navigate rising operating costs, intense competition, shifting consumer preferences, infrastructure limitations and working capital constraints.

“Yes, there are challenges, but that is why we are here, to see how we can guide you, support you and make sure that you bring your dreams to fruition. Building a competitive business in this environment requires more than ambition. It requires reliable products, consistent service, proper records, disciplined cost management, efficient inventory control and a deep understanding of customers,” Monye said.

He further emphasised the role of technology in improving business performance and decision-making.

“Digital tools can support entrepreneur’s business process by providing them with clearer information on sales, inventory, expenses and profitability. A business owner who understands the true position of the business is better equipped to make the right decisions,” he stated.

Monye also underscored the importance of maintaining proper financial records and separating business finances from personal expenses, noting that these practices are critical to long-term sustainability and access to financing. He reaffirmed Fidelity Bank’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs with innovative banking solutions, capacity-building initiatives and access to capital.

In her remarks, the Divisional Head, SME Banking, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Ugochi Osinigwe, described SMEs as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and highlighted the forum’s role as a platform for knowledge sharing, networking and business development.

“At Fidelity Bank, we are committed to helping entrepreneurs build, scale and transform their businesses into profitable and sustainable enterprises. Innovation and digital transformation are important parts of that journey, particularly in an increasingly competitive business environment,” she said.

Osinigwe encouraged participants from sectors including trade and distribution, manufacturing, maritime and logistics, technology, hospitality, financial services and the creative industry to leverage the bank’s financing solutions, advisory services and strategic partnerships to strengthen their operations and unlock new growth opportunities.

Also speaking at the forum, the Head of Audit, Surulere Division, Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr. Ibrahim Olalere, stressed the importance of tax compliance and effective record-keeping in building sustainable businesses.

“Business owners must understand that tax compliance is an essential part of running a structured and sustainable enterprise. Maintaining accurate financial records and understanding their tax obligations will help SMEs operate more efficiently and avoid unnecessary compliance challenges,” he stated.

While commending Fidelity Bank for creating a platform that addresses the practical realities faced by entrepreneurs, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Emosh Foods, Mr. Oshiokpelua Osiga, also noted that sustainable business growth requires more than a great product.

“Growing a business requires more than having a good product. Entrepreneurs need access to the right information, financing and networks to scale sustainably. Forums like this provides valuable opportunities to learn, exchange experiences and identify solutions that can help businesses become more competitive”, he noted.

Now in its third edition, Fidelity Bank’s SME Quarterly Business Forum is rapidly evolving into a key part of the bank’s broader commitment to empowering entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools and resources needed to grow sustainable enterprises and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic development.

 

About Fidelity Bank

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international awards, including the 2025 Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Innovation Award for MSME support; Best Retail and SME Bank Award from Independent Newspapers; Best Bank for Export & Trade Finance and Most Innovative Bank of the Year at the 2025 BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; and Nigeria’s Best Private Bank at the 2025 Euromoney Awards.

The Bank also received the inaugural Most Improved Commercial Bank of the Year award by Nairametrics, the SME Bank of the Year award by NewsDirect, and the Straight-Through Processing (STP) Excellence Award by Citi Group, in addition to recognition by Global Brands Magazine for Excellence in Community Empowerment.

 

 

 

Insurance Meets Tech 5.0: Andela, Flutterwave Co-Founder, Iyin Aboyeji to Headline Event Nov 20

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Insurance Meets Tech (IMT) has confirmed Mr. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Co-Founder of Andela and Flutterwave, and Founding Partner of Future Africa, as Headline Speaker for its fifth edition.

IMT 5.0, themed “Building Insurance That Connects”, will hold on Friday, November 20, 2026 at the Balmoral Event Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Mr. Aboyeji will deliver a presentation titled “Capital, Code and the Race to Nigeria’s First Insurance Unicorn.”

He will examine how a better-capitalised industry, paired with scalable technology, can place insurance on the platforms Nigerians already use, and what it will take for a homegrown insurer to reach that milestone.

Organisers selected him for his vantage point as both founder and investor, having helped create two of the continent’s first technology unicorns, and through Future Africa he continues to back founders solving hard problems across Africa.

Speaking on the choice of Headline Speaker and topic, Odion Aleobua, Convener of Insurance Meets Tech, said: “Nigeria has already built billion-dollar companies in payments and in talent, while insurance is still waiting for its breakout moment. This is the kind of trailblazing conversation we seek to have at Insurance Meets Tech. Iyin has built two of those companies and now backs the next generation of founders, so he sees this question from both sides of the table. He is the right person to set the tone for this conversation at IMT 5.0.”

The conversation also lands at a pivotal moment, as recently concluded recapitalisation has left insurers with stronger balance sheets and the implementation of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) is reshaping sector governance.

Shareholders who committed fresh capital expect growth that justifies it, while Nigerians expect insurance to be as simple and accessible as the digital services they use daily.

Commenting on his participation, Mr. Aboyeji said:

“Insurers now have the capital, and the technology to reach customers at scale is already here. What remains is building products that live inside platforms people trust. That is how the first insurance unicorn gets built. I look forward to making that case at IMT 5.0 to executives, founders, regulators, investors and policymakers from the insurance and technology sectors.”

This year’s theme reflects the organisers’ conviction that the future belongs to institutions that build ecosystems connecting people with capital, creating trust and unlocking opportunity on a scale.

About Insurance Meets Tech

Insurance Meets Tech (IMT) is West Africa’s leading insurance and tech conference.

Across four editions, it has become the region’s foremost platform for executive dialogue where insurance and technology meet.

RMB Nigeria Wins AIHN M&A Deal of the Year for Advisory Role in $583m Axxela Acquisition

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L-R: Chidi Iwuchukwu, Executive Director and Head Investment Banking, Broader Africa, RMB Nigeria; Damilola Owasanoye – Transactor Corporate Finance Department, RMB Nigeria; David Ishola, Transactor, Debt Capital Markets, RMB Nigeria; Regina Asala, Head Custody Services RMB Nigeria and CEO RMBN Nominees Limited; Laju Atake, Head Debt Capital Markets, RMB Nigeria, at the Association of Investment Houses of Nigeria (AIHN) Awards, where RMB Nigeria won the award for M&A Deal of the Year 2025 for its Advisory Role in the US$583 Million Axxela Acquisition.

RMB Nigeria has been awarded M&A Deal of the Year 2025 by the Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria (AIHN), recognising its role as exclusive financial adviser to Helios Investment Partners on the US$583 million acquisition of Axxela Limited.

RMB Nigeria advised Helios on the landmark acquisition of Axxela, a leading energy infrastructure company in West Africa, by BlueCore Gas InfraCo Limited.

The transaction involved Helios Investment Partners’ divestment of its 75% equity interest in Axxela and Sojitz Corporation’s sale of its remaining 25% stake through the exercise of its tag-along rights, resulting in the transfer of full ownership to BlueCore.

As one of the significant private equity exits in Nigeria’s midstream energy sector in recent years, the transaction highlights the role of strategic capital and investor participation in supporting the development of critical energy infrastructure.

Commenting on the recognition, Bayo Ajayi, Chief Executive Officer of RMB Nigeria, said:

“Transactions of this scale demonstrate the value of sophisticated financial advice, deep market understanding and disciplined execution in bringing strategic opportunities to fruition. This recognition reflects our commitment to working alongside clients to navigate complex transactions and deliver solutions aligned with their long-term objectives.’’

“We remain focused on bringing together the expertise, perspective and execution capabilities required to support businesses and investors as they pursue strategic opportunities across Africa.”

Chidi Iwuchukwu, Executive Director and Head of Investment Banking, Broader Africa, RMB Nigeria, added:

“The Axxela transaction required a clear understanding of the deal dynamics, the interests of the parties involved and the strategic considerations underpinning the transaction. Our role as exclusive financial adviser was to bring the financial expertise and execution discipline required to support Helios Investment Partners through this important milestone.’’

“This recognition from AIHN underscores the depth of our investment banking capabilities and our continued focus on delivering value through complex, strategically significant transactions.”

RMB Nigeria continues to support corporate and institutional clients across Africa with financial advisory, funding and investment banking solutions. By combining deep market insight, sector expertise and execution capabilities with the reach of the broader RMB network, the bank supports clients in navigating complex transactions, deploying capital and pursuing strategic growth opportunities.

 

About RMB Nigeria

RMB Nigeria Limited, a member of the FirstRand Group, is a leading African Corporate and Investment Bank. RMB Nigeria provides clients with innovative, value-added solutions across advisory, funding, trading, corporate banking, and principal investing.

Almond Insurance Awards 2026: Ope Oredugba, NHIA for Special Recognition Nov 6

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The Annual Almond Insurance Industry Awards and Consumers’ Nite, the biggest social platform of the Nigerian insurance industry is set to hold on November 6, 2026 at the Stable Event Centre, Surulere, Lagos.

The sole purpose of the Awards since it was instituted in 2018 remains unchanged – recognising and rewarding the outstanding efforts of the men and women across the different arms of the insurance industry who work tirelessly to promote and sell insurance, often in challenging circumstances, as well as companies and institutions in the insurance eco-system that are leading the change in their operations and delivering value to Nigerians.

While insurance awareness and penetration are still low without doubt, players in the sector are putting in the work to make more Nigerians see and appreciate the value of insurance through Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Agricultural Insurance, Annuity and General Insurance products.

In line with the tradition of the Annual Awards to celebrate icons and industry leaders in their lifetime, Mr. Opeoluwa Emmanuel Oredugba will be honoured with the 2026 Insurance Life Achievers Award for his over four decades of impact in the insurance industry, while the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) will receive the Special Recognition Award for 2026.

The organisers in a press release signed by the CEO of Almond Productions Limited, Ms. Faith Ughwode said that Mr. Oredugba’s numerous contributions to the growth and development of the Nigerian and indeed the West African insurance space is incredibly vast and significant.

Chief of them is his introduction of Takaful or Islamic insurance in the sector in 2002, while the NHIA is being recognised this year for the significant reforms and interventions under its current leadership that has contributed to the expansion of health insurance coverage with over 20 million Nigerians reached within the last two years.

The leadership of the NHIA has demonstrated a strong commitment to expanding access to health insurance, improving the effectiveness of the healthcare financing system and ensuring that more Nigerians can now benefit from financial protection against health-care related costs.

The 2026 edition of the Awards tagged #Reemergence will parade top-rated performances from MC Asoro, Laugh Doctor, Sambadecomedian and a host of others. The music headliners this year include Reminisce A.K.A, Alaga Ibile and Marvellous Benjy.

The Awards host this year is Steve Onu, popularly known as Yaw Naija.

Also expected as Guest Presenters at the Awards are Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; MD/CEO, Bomarah Group, Hajia Bola Mus; President of ICAN, Queensley Sofuratu Seghosime; Prof. Jacinta Opara, Vice-Chancellor, Dominican University and a host of other dignitaries.

The shortlisted categories this year are.

(Voting Categories)

  • Insurance CEO of the Year
  • Insurance Woman of the Year (Insurer or Broker)
  • Life Insurance Company of the Year
  • General Insurance Company of the Year
  • Insurance Broker of the Year
  • Insurance Broking Company of the Year
  • Takaful Company of the Year
  • Micro Insurance Company of the Year
  • Most Valuable Insurance Customer of the Year

 

(Non-Voting Categories)

  • Insurance Life Achievers Award (Insurer or Broker)
  • Special Recognition AWARD 2026 (Within and Outside the Industry)

The unprecedented number of votes received this year is a growing testament to the Awards’ integrity and popularity amongst stakeholders.

Ecobank Marks 14th Ecobank Day Across Nigeria, Empowering Students with Digital Skills for the Future

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Hope Fountain Foundation for the Deaf, Agege, Lagos.

Ecobank Nigeria has commemorated the 14th edition of Ecobank Day, its flagship Group-wide Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, across four regions of the country, reaffirming its commitment to empowering communities through education and digital inclusion.

The selected schools include: Hope Fountain Foundation for the Deaf, Agege, Lagos; Ibadan School for the Deaf, Ibadan; Special Secondary School for the Deaf, Odakpu, Onitsha, and Kaduna State Special Education School, Kaduna.

This year’s Ecobank Day was celebrated under the theme, “Digital Education,” with a focus on equipping persons with disabilities and young people with essential digital skills that can enhance their educational, personal, and career development in today’s technology-driven world.

The initiative underscores Ecobank’s commitment to extending its impact beyond banking by helping to equip Africa’s youth with the digital and artificial intelligence (AI) skills required to succeed in the future economy.

As part of the programme, Ecobank employees visited selected schools across the four regions, where they conducted digital literacy sessions and donated learning materials and educational resources to support students’ development and prepare them to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Speaking during the commemoration, the Managing Director/Regional Executive, Ecobank Nigeria, Bolaji Lawal said: “It is a pleasure to join you today as we commemorate the 14th edition of Ecobank Day, our Group-wide Corporate Social Responsibility initiative dedicated to creating meaningful impact across the communities we serve. “Ecobank Day reflects our commitment to being more than a bank. It demonstrates our dedication to empowering people and contributing to sustainable development across Africa.”

Bolaji noted that digital education has become increasingly important in bridging knowledge gaps and creating opportunities for young people, particularly those living with disabilities, enabling them to participate fully in today’s digital economy.

School proprietors and administrators who participated in the programme commended Ecobank for the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that will help broaden students’ access to digital knowledge and opportunities. They expressed appreciation to the Bank for investing in the future of young people and supporting inclusive education within their communities.

For 14 years, Ecobank Day has served as an annual platform for Ecobank employees across Africa to give back to society through impactful volunteer activities that address critical social challenges. The initiative continues to demonstrate the Bank’s dedication to fostering sustainable development and creating lasting positive change across the communities where it operates.

 

 

 

Leadway Named Insurance Company of the Year at 2026 BusinessDay BAFI Awards

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L–R: Chief Executive Officer, Creato Urban Limited, Odion Aleobua; Team Lead, Brand & Communications, Leadway PFA, Tomisin Adeleye; Publisher, BusinessDay Limited, Frank Aigbogun; and Brand Manager, Leadway Group, Niyi Abiola, at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, where Leadway Assurance clinched the Insurance Company of the Year Award.

Leadway Assurance, one of Nigeria’s leading insurance providers and a member of Leadway Group, a leading non-banking financial services and wellbeing conglomerate, has been named Insurance Company of the Year at the 14th BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, held at the Civic Centre, Lagos.

The recognition marks Leadway Assurance’s third consecutive win in the category, following its victories in 2024 and 2025, reinforcing its track record of sustained performance and standing in Nigeria’s insurance industry.

The achievement comes on the back of a strong 2025 financial year, during which Leadway Assurance’s insurance revenue grew by 30%, from ₦173.2 billion in 2024 to

₦225.3 billion, while total assets increased from ₦1.024 trillion to ₦1.155 trillion. Claims paid also rose by 17%, from ₦117 billion to ₦137 billion, underscoring the company’s role in helping Nigerian households and businesses manage financial losses.

Speaking on the award, Gboyega Lesi, Managing Director/CEO of Leadway Assurance, said: “Being named Insurance Company of the Year for the third consecutive year is a strong affirmation of the confidence our customers place in us. That confidence is built on consistency, accountability, and our ability to deliver when it matters most. The ₦137 billion in claims paid in 2025 reflects this responsibility in tangible terms and reinforces our commitment to helping individuals and businesses navigate uncertainty with greater financial security.

“Our responsibility, however, extends beyond insurance. Financial wellbeing requires an integrated approach to protection, wealth creation, security, wellbeing and legacy planning. Through Leadway ecosystem, we are strengthening the connections across these needs to deliver more comprehensive solutions for individuals, families and businesses. This award is both an endorsement of the work we have done and a responsibility to keep raising the bar for service, value and trust across the industry.

The leading insurer continues to evolve its product offerings in response to customers’ changing needs and emerging market opportunities. In August 2026, the company introduced the Leadway Lifetime Plan, a whole of life insurance solution designed to extend financial protection to policyholders’ wider families while providing access to financial value during their lifetime. In September, it unveiled the Arrival Pack, a specialised insurance solution for short term visitors to Nigeria and the businesses that serve them, ahead of the busy Detty December travel season.

 

Together, these offerings reflect Leadway Assurance’s commitment to product innovation and customer centric solutions, translating emerging needs into relevant insurance offerings that deliver value at different stages of life and across diverse customer segments.

Established in 2013, the BusinessDay Banking and other Financial Institution (BAFI) Awards celebrate outstanding performance across Nigeria’s banking and wider financial services industry, recognising the institutions and leaders shaping innovation, resilience, and growth.

Emergency: Rising Prices Worsen Nigeria’s Food Insecurity—Orodata

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Rising food prices and the high cost of nutritious diets are worsening food insecurity in Nigeria, according to two reports by Orodata Science.

The ​‌‌‌‍‌⁠‍⁠⁠‍​⁠‌​‍‍‍‍‌​reports, titled “Food Insecurity in Nigeria” and “The Price of Eating Well in Nigeria,” were released on Friday in Lagos to mark World Food Day 2026.

The reports combined official household survey data with visualisations to examine how food prices, limited incomes and regional disparities affect access to adequate and nutritious food.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics General Household Survey-Panel Wave 5 (2023/24), 37 per cent of Nigerian households experienced food shortages in the preceding 12 months.

The report showed that the North East recorded the highest rate, with 53 percent of households experiencing food shortages, compared with 25.7 percent in the North Central.

Urban households recorded a food-shortage rate of 37.4 percent, while rural households recorded 36.8 percent, indicating that the challenge affects both communities.

The survey also revealed that 65.8 percent of households could not afford healthy, nutritious or preferred foods in the 30 days preceding the survey.

It further showed that 63.8 percent of households ate only a few types of food because of financial constraints, while 62.4 percent worried about having insufficient food.

Orodata’s report on the cost of eating well examined how the affordability of nutritious foods influences household food choices and nutritional outcomes.

The organisation said the findings showed that many households faced food shortages and struggled to afford diverse and healthy diets.

The reports identified rising food prices as a major household shock, with NBS data showing that 71 per cent of households were affected by increases in the prices of major food items.

They also showed that the proportion of households worried about having insufficient food rose from 36.9 per cent in 2018/19 to 62.4 percent in 2023/24.

Orodata said the findings highlighted food insecurity as a nationwide challenge requiring coordinated action across agriculture, social protection, nutrition, market regulation and economic policy.

It called for policies to improve food availability and make healthy diets more affordable for low-income households.

The organisation also advocated increased investment in local food production, stable markets, nutrition-sensitive social programmes and targeted assistance for vulnerable communities.

The reports were produced by Orodata’s Food Security Team, comprising researchers, data analysts, designers and visual storytellers.

The team translated official statistics into charts, infographics and visual narratives for citizens, policymakers, media organisations and development partners.

Orodata said accessible evidence was essential to helping decision-makers understand the scale of food insecurity and develop effective responses.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Orodata Science is a data visualisation and storytelling organisation that uses public data to promote accountability, civic engagement and evidence-based decision-making.

The reports and accompanying visualisations are available on orodata.org and the organisation’s social media platforms.

Fidelity Bank Excels at 2026 BAFI Awards, Wins Two Awards

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L-R: Mobolaji Sunmoni, Team Lead, Upstream; Abimbola Ogunyemi, Team Lead, Downstream 1; Tomilola Onasanya, Team Lead, Downstream 2 (all of Fidelity Bank Plc); Frank Aigbogun, Publisher, BusinessDay Media Limited; Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc; Patrick Akinwuntan, former Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria; and Amanda Ezeani, Relationship Manager – Energy Division, Fidelity Bank Plc; at the 2026 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards which held in Lagos where Onyeali-Ikpe received the Award for Excellence in Banking Leadership and Fidelity Bank was named Best Bank in Oil and Gas Financing.

Fidelity Bank Plc has won two honours at the 2026 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions Awards.

The bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, received the Award for Excellence in Banking Leadership, while Fidelity Bank was named Best Bank in Oil and Gas Financing.

The awards were presented at the 14th BAFI Awards held recently at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to BusinessDay Media Limited, the leadership award recognises banking executives who have delivered institutional growth, strengthened shareholder value, promoted innovation and inclusion, and contributed to the development of Nigeria’s financial services sector.

Onyeali-Ikpe thanked the organisers and dedicated the award to Fidelity Bank’s customers, board, management and employees.

“I am deeply honoured to receive the Award for Excellence in Banking Leadership. I sincerely thank BusinessDay Media Limited for this recognition and dedicate it to our valued customers, whose trust and support have strengthened and inspired me throughout my career.

“The African philosophy of Ubuntu teaches us, ‘I am because we are.’ In that spirit, this honour also belongs to the board, management and staff of Fidelity Bank Plc, whose dedication and professionalism continue to drive our vision of a stronger, more innovative and customer-focused financial institution,” she said.

Onyeali-Ikpe has more than three decades of banking experience spanning retail, corporate and commercial banking, treasury and business development. Since becoming the Chief Executive Officer, she has led Fidelity Bank through sustained growth and an expansion of its international operations, including the acquisition of the former Union Bank UK, now FidBank UK Limited.

The Best Bank in Oil and Gas Financing award recognised Fidelity Bank’s support for projects across Nigeria’s energy value chain.

The bank financed the development of an onshore crude oil export terminal at the Otakikpo Marginal Field in Rivers State. It also supported the Pinnacle Oil and Gas Terminal in Lekki and part-financed a 23,000-cubic-metre liquefied petroleum gas carrier for Temile Development Company Limited.

Fidelity Bank also participated in the $3billion SNEPCo Contractor Finance Facility, which provides naira and dollar financing to indigenous contractors working on SNEPCo projects.

The projects are expected to strengthen local participation, petroleum product distribution, gas availability and critical energy infrastructure.

The two awards underscore Fidelity Bank’s growing profile in the financial services industry and its role in financing sectors critical to Nigeria’s economic development.

Fidelity Bank: Celebration of Beauty Industry Excellence

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Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe (middle), receiving a special recognition award for her leadership and Fidelity Bank’s contribution to Nigeria’s beauty enterprise ecosystem during a dinner commemorating the Beauty in the Motherland 2026 exhibition in Lagos recently. She is flanked by the event’s co-founders, Beatrice Obinna Eneh (left) and Linda Edozien (right).

Fidelity Bank Plc reaffirmed its support for the Nigerian beauty industry and women owned businesses at the commemorative dinner and awards ceremony of Beauty in the Motherland 2026.

The ceremony, held in Lagos, celebrated creativity, enterprise and impact across the beauty and lifestyle industry.

It formed part of the three-day Beauty in the Motherland 2026 programme, which attracted more than 3,000 attendees and over 300 exhibitors from the skincare, haircare, fragrance, cosmetics, wellness and related segments.

Hosted by Nancy Isime and Enioluwa Adeoluwa, the dinner brought together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, investors, creatives and other stakeholders. Guests were also treated to a performance by Nigerian music star, Yemi Alade.

A major moment at the ceremony was the presentation of a special recognition award to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe.

The organisers said the recognition acknowledged her leadership and the contribution of Fidelity Bank to the growth of Beauty in the Motherland and the broader beauty enterprise ecosystem in Nigeria.

In her remarks, Onyeali-Ikpe said the sponsorship of the programme for a third consecutive year reflected the confidence of Fidelity Bank in the potential of the beauty industry and the entrepreneurs shaping its future.

She described the African beauty industry as vibrant, innovative and increasingly global. She added that Fidelity Bank would continue to help entrepreneurs acquire relevant knowledge, access finance, reach new markets and build sustainable businesses.

The award further highlighted the expanding role of Fidelity Bank in supporting an industry powered significantly by women entrepreneurs and young business owners.

Beyond its sponsorship of the dinner and exhibition, the Bank provided participating businesses with account opening, payment and advisory services. It also served as the exclusive point of sale provider for the event, facilitating vendor collections and promoting wider adoption of digital payment solutions.

Products showcased by the Bank included Fidelity POS Instant Settlement, PayGate Plus and SME accounts. Its representatives also engaged exhibitors on financial management, business growth and access to suitable banking services.

Beauty in the Motherland 2026 featured exhibitions, product showcases, competitions, networking opportunities and business conversations. The programme gave entrepreneurs a platform to present their products, engage customers and explore relationships with distributors, partners and investors.

The organisers, Beatrice Obinna Eneh and Linda Edozien, said the initiative was established to celebrate and advance the human and natural resources supporting the African beauty industry. They said its long-term ambition was to strengthen industry structures, empower entrepreneurs and improve access to markets.

Fidelity Bank supports small businesses through initiatives such as the Fidelity SME Hub, Fidelity Quarterly Business Forum, SME masterclasses, HerFidelity and FundHer. These platforms provide financing, capacity development, business advisory, digital solutions and market access opportunities.

The success of the commemorative dinner and awards ceremony reinforced the importance of recognising the entrepreneurs, professionals and institutions driving growth across the beauty value chain.

Through its sustained partnership with Beauty in the Motherland, Fidelity Bank continues to position itself as a leading financial partner to the Nigerian beauty industry and women owned businesses.

 

West Africa’s Private Sector Leaders Pledge Support for WAllS in Sierra Leone

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President Julius Maada Bio and Tony O. Elumelu, Co-Chair the second meeting of the WAIIS Private Sector Advisory Board in Lagos, with the support of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the region’s leading investors and financial institutions move from advocacy to capital mobilisation ahead of the 17–18 November, 2026 Summit in Sierra Leone.

West Africa’s foremost business leaders and financial institutions have reaffirmed their commitment to converting the region’s vast economic potential into bankable investments, competitive industries and jobs, following the second meeting of the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) Private Sector Advisory Board in Lagos.

Co-chaired by His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and Tony O. Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, the meeting convened the Board’s members — representing the region’s largest industrial conglomerates, energy and mining companies, and development finance and banking institutions. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu attended in person, underscoring the host state’s support for the initiative.

The Advisory Board is mandated to place the private sector at the centre of regional integration: identifying investable projects, mobilising African and international capital, and advising governments on the policy actions required to unlock transactions. The meeting focused on the four anchor sectors of the Summit: energy trade and industrialisation; strategic minerals; agribusiness; and digital transformation.

Ahead of the Lagos meeting, President Bio also met in New York with His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal and current Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, to brief him on WAIIS preparations and reaffirm the Summit’s alignment with ECOWAS priorities on regional integration, investment and private‑sector mobilisation.

A Single Market of 400 Million People 

President Bio outlined WAIIS as a platform to consolidate a regional market of more than 400 million people and to mobilise businesses from West Africa and across the world to deepen trade, investment and economic co-operation.

“West Africa is very serious about ECOWAS, and ECOWAS has been around for 50 years. But in those 50 years we have not done enough to integrate and build a consolidated market,” President Bio said. “We must bring together a common market that serves the more than 400 million people we have. That is why I am mobilising the private sector in West Africa and around the world to come together and get serious about a free market in West Africa.”

In emphasising the need for execution, President Bio called on the Private Sector Advisory Board to “transform ideas into partnerships, partnerships into investments, and investments into lasting prosperity for our continent.”

With the Summit less than two months away, the President called on the Board to move from advocacy to active mobilisation- “engaging prospective investors directly, matching them with viable projects, and identifying the financing gaps, policy decisions and other interventions required to move transactions forward.”

Mr. Tony Elumelu, Co-Chair and host, said the initiative reflected the President’s determination to make his leadership of ECOWAS count.

“When he became Chairman of the ECOWAS Heads of State, His Excellency decided to make a significant and impactful difference, and he decided to mobilise the private sector,” Mr. Elumelu said. “He approached us, one by one. He wants his tenure to be impactful and he wants all of us to come together. He has brought his team to Lagos for the sole purpose of letting us plan how, through our various businesses and enterprises, we can work together to transform West Africa. That is what we are committed to.”

Speaking on behalf of the African private sector, he added: “We are happy that our political leaders are beginning to bring all of us together so that we can be much more impactful. Today is about the talk that leads to action. This is consistent with our aspirations to create jobs for our young people. No one in this sub-region needs to be poor. We have all it takes to be prosperous, and we hope this marks the beginning of that prosperity for all.”

Board members endorsed the approach and committed to mobilising capital alongside the region’s leading financial institutions — including the Africa Finance Corporation, Afreximbank, Africa50, and the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) — each represented on the Board.

“We received 170 project submissions and have selected 26 real projects worth more than $10 billion from over ten countries. By Freetown on 17–18 November, we expect that portfolio to reach $15 billion or more. This is not a one-off. We will keep tracking whether the investment flows arrive and what makes them happen,” said Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Special Envoy for the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026 and Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF).

The Private Sector Responds 

“For the first time, the global megatrends of energy security, food security, minerals, and demographics all meet in Africa, and integration is how we unlock that market. Plans succeed only when they outlast leaders. We are committed to sustaining this initiative well beyond the summit,” says Samaila Zubairu, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Oliver Alawuba, Managing Director and Group CEO of United Bank for Africa (UBA) underscored that “Dangote Refinery’s success shows what domestic capital can do: Nigerian and regional banks financed it. With UBA in nine West African countries outside Nigeria, we stand ready to mobilise the resources needed for bankable projects.”

Representing Aliko Dangote, who had earlier taken President Bio on a conducted tour of his Petroleum Refinery, at Ibeju – Lekki, Lagos, Dr. Mahmud Hassan, Group Chief Economist – Dangote Group stressed that “power is the binding constraint on West Africa’s industrialisation. Through the Power ECOWAS Initiative, the ECOWAS Business Council will build a regional power corridor financed by domestic capital, so that where one country’s value chain stops, the next country’s begins.”

Africa’s greatest opportunity lies in transforming our resources into industries, infrastructure and lasting economic value. WAIIS embodies a vision I firmly believe in mobilizing capital, strengthening regional integration and translating Africa’s potential into bankable investments. I commend His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, for championing this initiative and thank him for personally engaging with private-sector leaders in Nigeria. His leadership demonstrates the commitment required to turn ambition into meaningful economic progress.” said Adewale Tinubu, CON, Group Chief Executive, Oando PLC.

“West Africa must move beyond potential and emerge as a leading global economic hub. Through WAIIS, the private sector is converting that potential into investment and impact, driven by innovation, industrialisation, and shared prosperity,” said Apostle Folorunso Alakija, Executive Vice Chair, FA Oil Limited.

“This is not about speeches; it is about developing projects. Afreximbank sets aside up to $5 million per transaction for project preparation. Working with partner lenders and local banks, we aim to grow the pool of bankable projects across the region,” Kudakwashe Matereke, Director- Regional Operations, Anglophone Africa, Afreximbank.

Governments Must Match Private Ambition 

Board members stressed that private sector ambition must be matched by decisive government action. “Governments must provide the policy certainty, regulatory efficiency and security required to give investors the confidence to commit capital for the lon- term, emphasised Mr. Elumelu.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu thanked President Bio and Mr. Elumelu for driving the initiative and underscored the importance of industrialisation and free movement of goods and services in building a truly integrated West African market.

“When we create that single platform where we can integrate and work together, then investors can come in. At the end of the day, it is business to business. As political leaders, our role is to create that environment and give the assurances that we are ready, and we are ready for business.”

The meeting reaffirmed a shared conviction: West Africa has the scale, resources, talent and entrepreneurial capacity to become one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions and the Summit in November must deliver transactions, not declarations.

About the Summit 

The inaugural West Africa Integration and Investment Summit will take place on 17–18 November 2026 at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi, Sierra Leone, bringing together heads of state, investors and business leaders to advance investment across energy, strategic minerals, agribusiness and digital transformation.

The WAIIS Private Sector Advisory Board 

  • Tony O. Elumelu, Chairman, Heirs Holdings
  • Aliko Dangote, Group President/Chief Executive, Dangote Group
  • Apostle Folorunso Alakija, Executive Vice Chair, FA Limited
  • Samuel Dossou-Aworet, Founding Chairman, Petrolin Group
  • George Elombi, President & Chairman of the Board of Directors, Afreximbank
  • Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman/CEO, BUA Group
  • Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive, Oando PLC
  • Samaila Zubairu, ONL, President & Chief Executive Officer, Africa Finance Corporation
  • Alain Ebobissé, Chief Executive Officer, Africa50
  • Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, Governor, Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO)
  • Paulo Gomes, Founder and Chairman, Orango Investment Corporation
  • Benedict Okey Oramah, Chairman, Africa Trading Minerals (ATMIN)
  • Habib Yérim Sow, Group Chairman & CEO, Teyliom Group 

ABOUT WAIIS 

WAIIS is an action-oriented regional investment platform convened under President Bio’s leadership to move priority opportunities from policy and pipeline into capital, contracts and implementation.

It brings governments, investors, buyers, project sponsors and technical partners together across four pillars, supported by a dedicated secretariat tasked with tracking commitments from Deal Rooms and advancing projects year-round until 2030. 

 

Chika Okeke-Agulu’s Freedom Bird Explores Art, Memory, Migration, Nigeria’s Political History Through a Contemporary Lens at YSMA

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The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), Pan-Atlantic University, and SMO Contemporary Art are set to present Chika Okeke-Agulu: Freedom Bird, a major survey of the Nigerian artist and scholar’s practice spanning more than three decades, from November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027.

Curated by Iheanyi Onwuegbucha, with Sandra Mbanefo-Obiago as Associate Curator, the retrospective solo exhibition will bring together paintings, drawings and sculptures alongside selected poems, diary entries, photographs and archival materials that illuminate the intellectual, political and personal contexts behind the artist’s work.

The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to encounter Chika Okeke-Agulu first and foremost as an artist, whose more than three decades of studio practice have evolved alongside his influential work as a scholar, critic and curator of African art.

His artistic practice emerged during the turbulence of military rule in the 1980s and 1990s, engaging questions of repression, civic life, democratic struggle and the position of artists and intellectuals in a changing Nigeria.

His subsequent migration to the United States introduced further questions of exile, memory, displacement and belonging into his artistic vocabulary.

Since the early 1990s, Okeke-Agulu’s artistic practice has been presented in solo, collaborative and group exhibitions across Nigeria, the United States, Europe, Africa and Asia, including exhibitions at the National Museum in Lagos, Goethe-Institut Lagos, Whitechapel Art Gallery in London, the first Johannesburg Biennale and the Newark Museum, among others.

The title, Freedom Bird, is drawn from a recurring motif in Okeke-Agulu’s visual and poetic vocabulary and speaks to freedom as an aspiration continually negotiated through political struggle, personal memory and artistic expression.

Across works produced from the late 1980s to the present, the exhibition traces an evolving artistic language through which the artist reflects on Nigeria’s post-colonial experience, from military dictatorship and democratic aspiration to civic fracture, migration and the continuing movement of Nigerians in search of new futures.

For YSMA, the decision to host Freedom Bird is deeply connected to the museum’s identity as an educational museum– an institution committed not merely to displaying artworks, but to creating opportunities for audiences to encounter art through research, context, critical inquiry and dialogue.

The exhibition brings together artistic practice and scholarship in an especially powerful way: Okeke-Agulu has spent decades simultaneously making art and producing some of the most influential scholarship on Nigerian and African modern and contemporary art.

An artist, art historian, critic, curator, published poet and educator, Okeke-Agulu is currently the Robert Schirmer Professor of Art and Archaeology and African American Studies at Princeton University and Director of its Africa World Initiative.

He has taught extensively on modern and contemporary African art and historiography, curated major exhibitions internationally, and authored or co-authored influential studies of artists including El Anatsui, Yusuf Grillo and Obiora Udechukwu. He was elected a Fellow of the British Academy in 2022 and served as Slade Professor of Fine Art at the University of Oxford in 2023.

It is this intersection of studio practice and scholarship that makes the exhibition particularly significant. Freedom Bird provides an opportunity for students, researchers, artists, educators and the wider public to engage with the work of a major Nigerian artist while also exploring the ideas, histories and intellectual questions that have shaped his practice within a museum setting.

Dr. Jess Castellote, Director of the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, described the exhibition as a natural extension of the museum’s educational mission in his words:

“YSMA was conceived as a museum where art is not simply seen, but studied, questioned and understood. Freedom Bird embodies that philosophy in an exceptional way because Chika Okeke-Agulu’s artistic practice and intellectual work are inseparable from some of the most important conversations about Nigerian and African art today. Bringing this exhibition to YSMA gives us the opportunity to place the artist, his work and the historical questions that shaped them in conversation with our students, researchers and the wider public. It is precisely the kind of exhibition that demonstrates what an educational museum can contribute to the cultural life of Nigeria.”

The exhibition also represents a meaningful reunion of curator and institution. Dr. Onwuegbucha, who is currently Assistant Professor of African and Caribbean Modern and Contemporary Art at the University of Cambridge, was previously guest curator of YSMA’s inaugural exhibitions in 2019.

His academic and curatorial practice has focused extensively on African modern and contemporary art, including the Nsukka School – the subject of his doctoral research at Princeton University. He has also curated and co-curated exhibitions in Nigeria, Europe and the United States, including Samuel Fosso: Affirmative Acts at the Princeton University Art Museum.

For Onwuegbucha, the exhibition represents the convergence of a sustained scholarly inquiry and a longstanding engagement with Okeke-Agulu’s artistic world.

He said:

“Freedom Bird grew out of a sustained engagement with Chika Okeke-Agulu’s work and the historical and intellectual questions surrounding the generation of artists shaped by the Nsukka School and Nigeria’s turbulent postcolonial history. For an artist who has played no small role in producing exhibition and scholarship on other artists of the Nsukka school, while excluding himself, the exhibition allows us to encounter Okeke-Agulu not only through the lens of his celebrated scholarship, but through his art because he is first an artist before becoming a scholar  Presenting this exhibition at YSMA is particularly important to me not only because of the museum’s commitment to connecting art with research, education and public discourse but because it is a homecoming for the artist .”

The exhibition is co-presented by SMO Contemporary Art with longstanding experience in curating and presenting modern and contemporary African art to diverse local and international audiences, always with a focus on democratising access to art.

Besides helping to build important institutional collections, SMO conserved and curated over eighty large scale modernist art works at the recently refurbished National Theatre between 2021-2024, and created an archive of important historic objects dating back to FESTAC ’77.

Reflecting on the power of art to foster nation building and change the way Africans view their history, their identity and their future, SMO has been at the cutting edge of curating art for social change. Sandra Mbanefo-Obiago, Founder and Creative Director of SMO Contemporary Art, said:

“We consider Freedom Bird a pivotal exhibition to challenge us to think more deeply about our individual and collective responsibility towards building a more equitable world, touching on issues such as nation building, freedom and social justice. Chika Okeke-Agulu’s fourty year journey as artist and social critic is especially timely when we grapple with questions about leadership, followership and civic responsiblitiy, against the backdrop of a rich body of incredibly important historic artworks which document our political history. Freedom Bird is probably one of the most important contemporary art showcases held in a museum in Nigeria for many years.”

Freedom Bird is being supported by a number of sponsors, including TEMPLARS, a leading African law firm.

The exhibition will be on view at the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, Pan-Atlantic University, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, from November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027 and is supported by a specially curated public programme of conversations about Nigeria’s political and cultural history, and the role of the artist as witness and participant in public life.

 

About Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art

Described as “the apex of a collector’s aspiration to preserve his art” and voted Museum Opening of the Year by Apollo Magazine in 2020, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) at Pan-Atlantic University is Nigeria’s leading art institution, committed to service and impact through the preservation and showcase of the rich artistic heritage of Nigeria.

With an extensive collection of artworks spanning centuries, YSMA offers a diverse range of exhibitions, educational programs, and activities designed to create immersive experiences for visitors and to enrich the cultural landscape of the nation.

 

 

World Bank, IFAD to Empower 300m Small-Holder Farmers by 2030

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The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Bank signed a new Co-Financing Framework Agreement to expand joint investment in rural transformation and food systems. Signed during the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Bangkok, the agreement will strengthen collaboration between the two institutions.

It aims to build resilience and promote entrepreneurship and job creation in rural areas, at a time when the largest generation of young people in history is reaching working age amid slowing growth and increasing economic uncertainty.

“Together, the World Bank and IFAD bring the scale, reach and expertise to transform rural economies and agrifood systems,” said Alvaro Lario, President of IFAD. “This agreement will enable us to turn our shared ambition into greater investment, more jobs, stronger resilience and improved food security for millions of people.

The agreement builds on the two institutions’ partnership across multiple initiatives, including AgriConnect, which aims to help transform agriculture for 300 million smallholder farmers by 2030, and Water Forward, which seeks to improve water security for 1 billion people by 2030.

“The next generation needs opportunity, and agriculture can be a powerful source of jobs, growth, and food security. That is what AgriConnect is designed to deliver,” said Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group. “By bringing together the World Bank Group’s financing and global reach with IFAD’s deep expertise in rural communities and food systems, we can help smallholder farmers become more productive, connect them to markets, attract private investment, and create jobs where millions of young people live.”

The World Bank Group remains IFAD’s largest multilateral development bank partner, with collaboration spanning co-financing, policy engagement and global initiatives. IFAD’s co-financing with the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) more than doubled from approximately US$646 million in 2021 to US$1.56 billion in 2025.

The new agreement will help identify and systematically develop—throughout the investment cycle—new joint operations that will build on current collaborations, such as a national US$70.5 million investment in Lesotho.

This programme has already created nearly 1,500 jobs and provided nutrition education to 217,000 people. More than 106,000 people have adopted climate-smart agricultural practices, while agro-weather services have reached over 900,000 people.

This agreement will also advance the priorities of IFAD’s 14th replenishment cycle (2028 – 2030) by accelerating investments that build resilience, expand economic opportunities, and transform rural livelihoods.

The new framework modernizes the arrangements for co-financing country-level investments among the two development finance institutions. It also facilitates the use of common arrangements for technical support, procurement, financial management, disbursement, and environmental and social oversight.

The agreement builds on the historic cooperation between IFAD and the World Bank, dating back to 1978. The renewed framework preserves each institution’s independent policies, financing decisions and accountability requirements. The agreement will initially remain in force for five years and will automatically renew for a further five-year period.

AgriConnect is a World Bank Group initiative implemented in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Google and Bayer.

 

 

  

 

 

AIICO, HACEY Advance Maternal Health Outreach to 1,000 Participants

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AIICO Insurance Plc in partnership with HACEY Health Initiative, has reached 1,000 participants through a two-day maternal health outreach at General Hospital, Ikorodu, Lagos State, providing essential health education, screening services and maternal care supplies to support pregnant women, nursing mothers and infants.

Held in September 2026, the intervention integrated maternal health activities into the hospital’s existing antenatal and immunisation clinics, bringing preventive care and practical support closer to women already accessing healthcare services.

The outreach combined blood pressure, blood sugar and malaria screening with health education, medical referrals and the distribution of 650 maternal care kits. Participants identified with high-risk results, including elevated blood pressure, elevated blood sugar or positive malaria results, were referred promptly to an on-site medical doctor for further attention.

The intervention also focused on strengthening women’s knowledge of pregnancy danger signs, malaria prevention, birth preparedness and the importance of seeking medical attention promptly. By combining screening with education and referral, the project encouraged early identification of potential health concerns and appropriate follow-up care.

The 650 maternal care kits distributed during the exercise contained essential supplies, including chlorhexidine gel, sterile gloves, gauze, surgical blades, cord ties, sanitary pads, antiseptic, diapers, wipes and mackintosh. Healthcare workers provided guidance on the appropriate use of the items to support hygienic delivery, nursing and newborn care practices.

Commenting on the initiative, Mrs. Abimbola Shobanjo, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Manager at AIICO Insurance Plc, said:

“Our approach to corporate responsibility is centred on initiatives that address real needs and make a practical difference in people’s lives. Maternal health is particularly important because the wellbeing of mothers has implications for their babies, families and communities. Through this outreach, we supported 1,000 participants with health education and screening, facilitated timely medical referrals for those with high-risk results, and provided 650 maternal care kits to promote safer delivery and newborn care practices.

“We believe that impact goes beyond providing resources. It also involves helping people recognise potential health risks, understand when to seek medical attention and make more informed decisions about their wellbeing. Working with HACEY and the healthcare professionals at General Hospital, Ikorodu, enabled us to deliver these interventions within an existing healthcare setting and reach women at a point when the support could be useful.”

The impact of the outreach was reflected in the experiences shared by participants. Balogun Olajumoke, a trader, said the health education session reminded her of the importance of taking proper care of herself and her baby throughout pregnancy. Another participant, Idiat Adebola, a caterer, highlighted the importance of malaria screening, noting that the condition may not always present obvious symptoms before becoming serious.

Healthcare professionals also reinforced the importance of mothers prioritising their own health alongside the care of their babies. The outreach encouraged regular antenatal monitoring and greater awareness of health conditions that may require prompt medical attention.

The partnership with HACEY reflects AIICO’s approach to corporate social responsibility through targeted interventions that respond to community needs and support improved access to essential health information and services. By bringing health education, screening, referral and maternal supplies together, the project demonstrated how coordinated community-focused initiatives can complement existing healthcare services.

AIICO Insurance Plc will continue to support initiatives that promote community wellbeing and deliver practical social impact, in line with its broader commitment to creating value for individuals, families and communities.

 

About AIICO Insurance Plc

AIICO Insurance Plc is a leading composite insurer in Nigeria, with a 63-year record of accomplishment in delivering quality service to its clients.

Founded in 1963, AIICO provides life and general insurance, health insurance, and investment management services to create and protect wealth for individuals, families and corporate customers.

 

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