AIICO Insurance to train NAIPE members on insurtech, IFRS, others

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

AIICO Insurance Plc, a prominent entity in Nigeria’s insurance industry, is set to hold its annual training for members of the Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE).

The annual training, which is the third in the series, serves as a forum to intimate NAIPE members on recent developments in the insurance and pension sectors as well as the financial sector.

The facilitators of the training which are drawn from the top management team of AIICO Insurance are experts with vast experience in the insurance and financial sectors of the economy.

The training will focus on InsurTech, IFRS 17, as well as Microinsurance.

The AIICO annual training for NAIPE members is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire AIICO team in the drive to deepen insurance penetration in the country.

Meanwhile, it will be recalled that AIICO Insurance recently bagged the “Insurance Company of the Decade” award at the 2023 Marketing Edge Brands & Advertising Excellence Awards.

Winning the title of “Insurance Company of the Decade” is a testament to the AIICO brand’s widespread recognition for excellence in the Nigerian marketplace and the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation, and customer-centricity over the past ten years.

AIICO Insurance Plc has consistently set new benchmarks in the insurance sector, demonstrating remarkable growth, resilience, and a steadfast dedication to its customers. This recognition reaffirms AIICO Insurance’s position as a leader in the industry, known for its superior products, innovative solutions, and unwavering focus on protecting and securing the future of its customers and clients.

Established in 1963, AIICO Insurance Plc has a 60-year record of providing high-quality service to its clients. As a leading composite insurer in Nigeria, AIICO offers life and general insurance, health insurance, and investment management services, helping individuals, families, and corporate customers create and protect wealth.

President Bola Tinubu’s daughter, Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo to receive Award in Berlin on Nov. 18

By Favour Nnabugwu 

 

 

 

The eldest daughter of Nigeria‘s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief (Mrs) Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo will be honoured in the German capital city on 18 November.

Chief (Mrs) Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, an astute business woman and indefatigable social entrepreneur, will receive an award for her tireless efforts to promote trade and investment in Nigeria at the 1st Hope Renewal Africa Awards in Berlin.

The event, christened ‘International Recognition for Outstanding Contributions to Agricultural Business Development in Nigeria’ and jointly organised by AGB Paulas, African Courier Media and German Agribusiness Alliance, aims to promote deeper trade relations between Germany and Nigeria.

L- Ambrose Okojie, CEO of ABG Paulus (left), and Chief (Mrs) Folasade Tinubu-Ojo in Abuja/Photo: ABG Paulus

 

Ambrose Okojie, CEO of AGB Paulas, a Germany-based international business facilitation company, said the awards will honour public and private actors who are playing an important role in repositioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for trade and investment, especially in agribusiness.

As the Iyaloja General of Lagos (Matron of Markets in Lagos), Dr (Mrs) Tinubu-Ojo promotes the interests of traders in Lagos State and is currently extending her influence across the country by being a chief advocate for improved ease of doing business in Nigeria,” Mr Okojie said.

“It’s gratifying to note that the Iyaloja is channelling her experience, knowledge and networks in support of her father’s administration,” Okojie added.

Passionate about putting gender equality at the heart of economic development, Chief (Mrs) Tinubu-Ojo, who is usually addressed as Iyaloja General of Nigeria, also partners with both local and international NGOs with track records of excellence in women inclusion.

Also explaining the rationale for the Awards, Femi Awoniyi, CEO of the African Courier Media, said all efforts must be made to support democratically elected governments in Africa so that they can meet the expectations of their citizens.

“Recent coups in Africa show that many governments are not delivering the dividends of democracy which provide the excuse for military intervention,” he added.

“It’s therefore important now more than ever to back democratically elected governments in their development efforts. We are therefore proud to partner AGB Paulas and German Agribusiness Alliance.”

“This Award is also a recognition of the Iyaloja’s dedicated work to women’s economic empowerment. We hope she will continue to inspire many young women in Nigeria to create a better future for generations to come”, Awoniyi commented.

Among other dignitaries who will received International Recognition for Outstanding Contributions to Agricultural Business Development in Nigeria on 18 November are HRH Anslem Eidenojie II (The Ojuromi Of Uromi Kingdom), and top officials of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, consisting of Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe (Permanent Secretary), Engr A. M. Adebiyi (Director, Agribusiness and Market Development), Engr Frank Satumari Kudla (Director, Rural Development), and Engr Dr Taye Samaila Tehinse (Deputy Director, Rural Development).

Other awardees who have distinguished themselves in the development of agribusiness in Germany are Mr Frank Nordmann, General Manager, Grimme Germany, and Co-Chairman, German Agribusiness Alliance, Dr Karl-Heinz Knoop, Managing Director, Riela Germany, and Dr Franz -Georg von Busse, General Representative, Poettinger Austria.

The award ceremony will cap week-long activities, including visits to German companies by the visiting Nigerian delegation.

The delegates will also attend Agritechnica, one of the most prestigious international trade fairs in agriculture, from 12 to 18 November in Hanover. The event is also an excellent opportunity for networking, exploring the latest advancements in agriculture, and fostering collaboration between Nigerian companies and their international counterparts.

“We are convinced that collaborative partnership is the best way to deepen German-Nigerian business relations,” Okojie said.

WAII, IFAGE enter partnership for Masters in Actuarial Sciences

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

The West African Insurance Institute (WAII) an inter-state school based in Gambia, have entered into a partnership with the Inter-African Institute for Training in Insurance and Business Management, IFAGE a private Senegalese school.

The collaboration will see the launch of Africa’s first bilingual (English and French) Master’s degree in Actuarial Sciences in January 2024.

This public-private partnership will allow African students to continue their training in Dakar and sit for the international examinations of the Society of Actuaries (USA) and the Institute and Faculties of Actuaries (UK).

The official agreement between the two institutions is scheduled to be signed on 25 September 2023 at the Novotel Hotel in Dakar, Senegal.

Created in 1978, WAII brings together five English-speaking countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS): Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Gambia, as well as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

FANAF organises seminar on Marine in Cote D’Ivoire October 2

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

The Federation of African National Insurance Companies (FANAF) is organizing a training seminar on “Marine Transport Insurance: Mastering the mechanisms of underwriting, compensation and recourse for the optimal development of this class of business in your portfolios”.

The session will be held from 2 to 4 October 2023 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The event will be hosted by Claire Hamonic, CEO of Ascoma International (Paris), Christian Fassinou, Deputy Director and Partner of the Compagnie des Experts Maritimes group (Abidjan) and Anasse Ernest Assamoi, current Insurance Ombudsman of Côte d’Ivoire.

Seven reasons why government need to insure her assets

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

 

There are seven major reason why government need to insure her assets. The reason ate as follow:

1. Risk Transfer: By insuring government assets, the government can transfer the risk of potential damages or losses to an insurance provider. This helps protect public funds and resources by reducing the financial burden that would otherwise fall on the government in the event of accidents, natural disasters, or other unforeseen incidents.

2. Fiscal Stability: Insuring assets can contribute to fiscal stability for the government. In the event of a disaster or significant loss, insurance coverage can provide financial support for the repair, replacement, or compensation of damaged assets. This can prevent unexpected financial strains and disruptions to public services.

3. Budget Planning: Insurance premiums can be factored into the government’s annual budget planning process. This allows for predictable and manageable expenditure allocation for asset protection. By including insurance costs in the budget, the government can ensure that it is prepared for potential losses and can effectively allocate resources for risk management.

4. Enhanced Recovery and Rebuilding: Insurance coverage facilitates faster recovery and rebuilding processes for damaged or destroyed assets. The government can access financial resources from insurance claims to expedite repairs, replacements, or reconstruction efforts, enabling the restoration of public services and infrastructure in a timely manner.

5. Liability Protection: Insurance coverage can protect the government against potential legal liabilities arising from accidents or property damage caused by government-owned assets. Liability insurance can help cover the costs associated with legal claims, settlements, or judgments, reducing the financial impact on the government’s budget.

6. Investment Protection: Insuring assets encourages investment in public infrastructure and properties. Investors may be more willing to finance or participate in projects if they are confident that the assets are adequately insured. This can attract private sector participation, stimulate economic growth, and support the development of public infrastructure.

7. Public Confidence: When citizens see that the government has taken measures to protect its assets through insurance, it can enhance public confidence in the government’s ability to manage resources responsibly. This can foster trust and collaboration between the government and its constituents.

It is important for the government to assess its assets comprehensively and determine which ones should be insured based on their value, criticality, and potential risks. Working with insurance professionals and risk management experts can help the government make informed decisions regarding asset insurance and ensure that the coverage aligns with its specific needs and requirements.

Emir of Kano persuades Nigerians to embrace insurance

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

 

National Insurance Commission, Naicom led by the nation’s Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Sunday Olorundare Thomas took sentisotation on insurance to Kano State

It was at the instance of the Commission’s visit to Emir ‘s palace in Kano that the Emir of Kano, Alh. Aminu Ado Bayero has urged Nigerians to embrace insurance as a way of relieving loss, especially in businesses and property loss.

Emir Ado Bayero also urged the Commission to ensure insurance obligations are adequately met by insurers and commended the leadership of the Commission for the giant strides and efforts in developing the Nigerian insurance market.

He also reiterated that insurance is no doubt an important aspect of human life as extensive research has shown that insurance is not conflicting with religious belief, especially with the coming of Takaful insurance.

He thanked the Commission for the visit and promised to support insurance deepening in the country and further assured he would consider the invitation to the National Insurance Conference and will personally attend the conference.

The Commissioner thanked the royal father for the warm reception and his acceptance to personally attend the National Insurance Conference scheduled for October 22 – 24, 2023, in Abuja.

The Commission thereafter named the Emir Aminu Ado Bayero as Royal Ambassador for Insurance in the country and commended his style of leadership since his takeover of the throne.

Insurance, pension play key drivers role to economic growth 

By Favour Nnabugwu 
For the nation’s economy to grow and develop very well, insurance and pension have a key drivers to the role according to  the Finance expert and Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer  APT Securities and Funds Limited, Mallam Kasim Garba Kurfi,
Kurfi, who stated this while delivering the theme paper on the  “Role of Insurance and Pension Sectors In Building Sustainable Economic Growth Under The New Government,” at the 8th Annual National Conference of the Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE) in Lagos said insurance and pension sectors today stand as  engines for sustainable economic growth and forces to reckon  with in every economy .
Kurfi therefore called on the present administration in the country  to put in place enabling policies and laws that support the survival of the sectors for them to continue to contribute the national growth.
Kurfi, while highlighting the contributions of the two sectors to the national economy said, “There is over N2.5 trillion assets managed by the insurance institution in Nigeria as of 31st December 2022.
“While there is over N16.6 trillion assets managed by the Pension Fund Administration as at 31st December 2022, the combination of the two institutions has a total asset of over N19 trillion. The role played by the two institutions in sustaining our economic growth left no one in doubt that they are instruments for most of the economic development
“Over N726 billion in premiums paid in the year 2022 according to the National Insurance Commission, while the industry also paid over N318.1 billion in claims to its customers within the same period. This is a remarkable achievement in comparison with 3.5% growth of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”
He said insurance institutions give security to the future of the common people and aid economic growth upon happenings or allowance of specific event or disaster.
“Insurance represent promise of the future compensation in case of specific losses or in exchange for periodic payment called premium.
“Managing risk is very important for companies dealing with money or equivalent. The insurance industry promotes National development through wealth creation or protection. It primarily hedges against risk or contingent or uncertain loss.”
On pension, he said, “The contribution of pension funds that run over N16 trillion is pronounced in all phases of life. Many sectors of the economy benefit from excess funds that look for alternative ways to invest such as FGN SUKUK, GREEN BOND, and Infrastructures Bond, among many others.”
Kurfi said Pension ensures that every worker receives his/her retirement benefit as at when due. Ensure workers save in order to cater for future liability and old age. Provide long-term finance for the real sector. Stimulate the development of the capital market.
While condemning those agencies and institutions clamouring to exit Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), Kurfi enjoined the government at all levels to discourage such moves for the interest of the Pensioners and the nation’s economy.
He said the contribution of insurance and pension sectors towards economic development is imminent and can be seen especially in driving the nation’s financial inclusion project.
Naicom visits Nasarawa State Gov to promote compulsory insurance

CAPTION:

L- Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Excellency Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule and the National Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Sunday Olorundare Thomas during the visit of Naicom.

By Favour Nnabugwu

As part of the National Insurance Commission’s drive to sensitise stakeholders on the benefits of compulsory insurances (Public Buildings and Buildings Under Construction, 3rd Party Motor Insurances amongst others), the Commissioner for insurance, Mr Sunday Olorundare Thomas and a delegation from NAICOM paid a courtesy visit on the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State His Excellency Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule to intimate him and members of his executive council about the benefits of insurances.

The Commissioner for Insurance also used the opportunity to formally invite the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State to the National Insurance Conference scheduled to hold from 22-24 October, 2023.

The Executive Governor in his remarks gave a personal testimony while he was still in the private sector of how the sugar refinery where he worked as the Managing Director was razed by fire but thanks to insurance, a newer and better one was built from the claims paid by insurance company.

Several reasons why Life insurance is important

By Favour Nnabugwu

Life Insurance can be defined as a contract between an insurance policy holder and an insurance company, where the insurer promises to pay a sum of money in exchange for a premium, upon the death of an insured person or after a set period.

And there several reasons why it is important for one to have a life policy

Financial Protection: Life insurance provides a financial safety net for your loved ones in the event of your death. It helps replace your income and ensures that your family can maintain their standard of living, pay off debts, cover daily expenses, and achieve their long-term financial goals.

Debt Repayment: Life insurance can help cover any outstanding debts you may have, such as mortgages, loans, or credit card debt. Without life insurance, your loved ones may become financially burdened or risk losing assets to settle these debts.

Education and Future Planning: Life insurance can provide funds for your children’s education expenses, ensuring that they have the means to pursue their dreams and aspirations, even if you’re no longer there to support them financially.

Funeral and Final Expenses: Life insurance can cover the high costs associated with funerals, burials, and other final expenses. It provides immediate funds to cover these expenses, relieving the financial burden on your family during an already difficult time.

Business Continuity: If you’re a business owner, life insurance can help ensure the continuity of your business in the event of your death. It can provide funds for business expenses, covering debts, paying salaries, or facilitating a smooth transition of ownership.

Estate Planning and Inheritance: Life insurance can be an effective tool for estate planning, allowing you to leave behind an inheritance for your loved ones. The proceeds from a life insurance policy can be used to provide an equal distribution of assets and minimize estate taxes.

Peace of Mind: Having life insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones will be financially supported and protected, even if you’re no longer there. It alleviates worries about their financial well-being and ensures they can maintain their quality of life.

Health and Age Considerations: Obtaining life insurance at a younger, healthier age is generally more affordable. By securing life insurance early on, you can take advantage of lower premiums and potentially lock in coverage even if your health deteriorates later in life.

It’s important to assess your individual financial situation and consider factors such as your income, dependents, debts, and long-term goals when determining the type and amount of life insurance coverage you need.

Consulting with a financial advisor or insurance professional can help you make informed decisions to ensure your loved ones are protected financially.