Access Holdings name Bolaji Agbede as new CEO

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

Access Holdings Plc has announced the appointment of Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer.
This development is coming after the tragic death of the former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe.

A statement made by the company’s Board of Directors and dated February 12, 2024, stated that the appointment was subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Further to its announcement dated February 11, 2024, the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) has today announced the appointment of Ms Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company following the unfortunate demise of its former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Herbert Wigwe, on February 9, 2024.

“The appointment is subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria,” the statement read in part.

Agbede, who joined Access Bank in 2003 as an Assistant General, has nearly three decades of professional experience cutting across banking and business consultancy services.

She served in different roles at the bank including, Head, Group Human Resources between 2010 and 2022 before she was appointed the company’s founding Executive Director, Business Support in 2022, a role she held until her new appointment

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos and a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Cranfield University UK in 2002.

She is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Management UK and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.

Africa Re organises a tribute, ‘The Colossus’ for former MD, Bakary Tamara in Lagos

By Favour Nnabugwu
Africa Reinsurance Corporation, Africa Re, has organized a tribute for the late former Managing Director of the organisation, Mr Bakary Tamara, titled, ‘The Colossus’
for Kamara in Lagos yesterday.
It will be recalled that Kamara died on January 12, 2024, at the age of 75.
Kamara joined Africa Re in 1984 as secretary general, before rising to become the chief executive officer of the pan-African reinsurance group in 1993
He retired in June 2011 but remained vice chairman of Africa Re until his death.
The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Re, Mr. Corneille Karekezi, who spoke at event described Kamara as a giant who left behind strong institutions.
He said, “When giants leave this world, they leave behind giants; they leave behind strong institutions; they leave behind strong families; they leave behind good culture.
Africa Re is not a normal institution; it is a very complex institution because we are not in one country. We have all the cultures of the African continent in one institution.”
He retired in June 2011 but remained vice chairman of Africa Re until his death.
One of the deceased’s children, Hada Kamara, at the event said, “My father would tell us that being educated does not mean you are better than the one who has never been to a Western school. Being financially independent does not mean that you are better than one with little means. Being a Muslim does not mean you are better than a Christian or a Jew.”
In his tribute, Deputy MD/COO of Africa Re, Mr. Ken Aghoghovbia, spoke of the profound impact  Kamara had on the institution.
“Mr Kamara demonstrated the rare combination of tough love and genuine care. Recognising the potential within each individual, he pushed us beyond our comfort zones, challenging us to dig deeper, strive harder and never settle for less.
“Thus, the collective goal of staff under his leadership was to be nothing but the best, and as a result Africa Re became a respectable global brand,” Aghoghovbia said.
“Where insurance plays a vital role in protecting and enabling progress. Mr. Kamara’s legacy serves as a beacon, guiding us as we continue to fulfil our promise.
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Naicom, NOA collaborate on public awareness, insurance benefits

CAPTION:
L-The Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr Sunday Olorundare Thomas and Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) during the visit of Naicom to NOA yesterday
By Favour Nnabugwu
The National Insurance Commission, Naicom has take a step further to increase public awareness, paid a courtesy visit to the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
The Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr Sunday Olorundare Thomas received the audience of Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) on collaborations of the two organizations to effectively disseminate information on insurance to the Nigerian populace.
During the meeting, Mr. Olorundare Sunday emphasized the importance of educating Nigerians about the significance of insurance and how it can safeguard their assets and livelihoods.
 He highlighted the need for leveraging NOA’s extensive network and outreach programs to reach diverse segments of the population and convey the message of insurance protection effectively
In response, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu expressed his willingness to support NAICOM’s initiatives and pledged to utilize NOA’s structure, platforms, and local understanding to facilitate the dissemination of insurance-related information. He shared a personal anecdote from 2007 when his private car was stolen, underscoring the pivotal role insurance played in swiftly settling his claim. This firsthand experience further reinforced his commitment to promoting insurance awareness among Nigerians.
As the discussion progressed, both parties outlined the terms for their collaboration, emphasizing the need for joint efforts in organizing awareness campaigns, workshops, and outreach activities aimed at educating Nigerians about the benefits of insurance coverage. They also discussed the development of tailored communication materials and leveraging digital platforms to maximize outreach and engagement.
The collaboration between NAICOM and NOA signals a significant step towards enhancing financial literacy and promoting a culture of insurance awareness in Nigeria. By combining their resources, expertise, and outreach capabilities, both organizations aim to empower Nigerians with the knowledge and understanding needed to make informed decisions regarding insurance protection, ultimately fostering greater financial resilience and security nationwide.