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All Posts in "Day: July 15, 2025"

Universal Insurance PLC Posts N15.25bn Premium In 2024

Universal Insurance PLC, said it posted a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of N15.25 billion in the year ended December 31, 2024.

 

The Managing Director/CEO of the Company, Dr. Jeff Duru, disclosed this in Lagos while speaking at the 2024/2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE), which they sponsored.

 

He also disclosed that as at the first quarter of 2025, the Company achieved a GWP of N8.07 billion, above 100 per cent higher than the target for the quarter.

 

According to him, “Last year, we recorded N15.25 billion in Gross Written Premium (GWP) and profits after tax of N2.8 billion Our shareholders’ fund as at the first quarter is in the neighbourhood of N16.4 billion when compared to N13.25 billion reported in 2024.

 

“We are charged to serve the public better to make them have that experience. Our claim payment is top-notch. Our services are top-notch. We are fully computerised.

 

All our Personal Line products are digitised. You can go through our website, access our products, get your quotes and make payment seamlessly, and you can also initiate claim payment and we follow it up at the backend.

 

“Universal insurance has come to stay and to serve the industry, give them the peace of mind, give them an excellent customer experience. That is what we are doing.

 

“As at the first quarter, we have produced N8.07 billion in terms of GWP, and that was about 130% of our first quarter target. We are progressive, we are highly innovative, and bringing insurance to the doorstep of our customers, with seamless operations, accessibility and affordability. Our products are highly affordable. You can try us and you will get the best service with peace of mind.”

 

On products and initiatives, Dr Duru said, “Our initiatives and products include Shop insure cover. The shop insure cover was basically designed for shop owners and businessmen that operate businesses at a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) level. It provides them with fire insurance cover, burglary, cover for personal injury and alternative accommodation during relocation.

 

“We have OkadaPass. This product was designed for companies, organisations that are into delivery, people that deliver products and services through bike. It’s an online or digital service provision for the delivery business. It covers the bike, the rider and the package, because the package can be of great value to the service providers and personal injury to the riders.

 

“Our initiatives also include our digital customer portal, mobile app through which our customers can access our products, get quotes, initiate renewals, and initiate claims.

 

“We have our digital chatbot or Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven chatbot and visual assistant. That is 24/7 services that will take the position of our service centers at any point in time. Our chatbot will deliver fantastic experience to the customers both chat and voice services.

 

“We have our digital pre and post loss survey, especially for motor vehicles. Now the manual intervention in surveying or inspecting vehicles is no longer there, once you want to insure your vehicle. Our survey team will deploy the digital portal for the AI driven portal to you through your phone, and you will use your phone to do the physical inspection of your vehicle. Even when there is a claim, it will still be deployed to use it to do your inspection, and the information will come to our database, and we can see everything. It cut down fraud, cut down manpower and reduce cost and give you that excellent touch with speed of service for our claim delivery, these are part of the advantages that come from that service.”

 

Universal insurance PLC is a non life insurance underwriter that has existed for over 60 years, reengineered, regenerated to serve customers better. The Company is fully recapitalised with asset base of over N20 billion.

Online Poster by — July 15, 2025 in Insurance and Pension 0
Why Airtel Spam Alert Service Is A Game Changer For Mobile Security

By embedding real-time spam alert at both the network and systems level, Airtel strengthens trust in telecom infrastructure, a foundational element for digital economies, ensuring cross-network security accountability, proving that telcos can and should take more responsibility for securing the digital environment, not just selling data plans.
Have you ever won a “N5 million giveaway” from a number you’ve never dialled? Or been warned that your BVN would be “blocked in 24 hours” unless you click a link? If you never fell for these, then congratulations, you’re a part of Nigeria’s club named, The National Association of Spam SMS Survivors.
That’s not a real club though, but seriously, in 2024 alone, fraud in Africa surged by 21%, with phishing and SMS scams responsible for nearly half (48%) of all incidents.
As revealed by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), the country’s financial sector lost over N52.26 billion to fraud, a 350% increase, over five years. This tells us that mobile networks are no longer used as just channels of communication, they are becoming active fields for criminals.
This is why Airtel’s launch of a Spam Alert Service in March 2025 couldn’t have been better timed. It is a commendable effort that also signifies in mobile security across Africa. It is beyond merely reacting to fraud; it appears to be preventing it in real time.
The Scale of the Problem
Nigeria is ranked 7th globally for spam SMS. Research shows that 87% of mobile users in the country receive unsolicited messages, many of which are fraudulent. Airtel itself reported that its internal analysis showed that 60% of its customers were receiving spam monthly.
These are not just annoying messages, they open the gates to fraud, asking users to click dangerous links or share sensitive data.
And while East Africa leads the continent with a 27% fraud rejection rate, West and Central Africa still struggle at 22%. The threat has gone beyond a telecoms issue, we can see it’s now an economic and societal one.
Airtel’s Intelligent Countermeasure
Airtel Africa, with over 150 million subscribers and operations in 14 countries, has responded with a network-level AI-powered Spam Alert Service.
While some members of the public have raised concerns over likely privacy breaches, Airtel has confirmed that the Artificial Intelligence in the backend of the Spam Alert Service does not read user messages. Instead, it analyses over 250 parameters including the frequency of the sender, message volume, link patterns, and geographical spread.
At its core, the service simply identifies and flags suspicious SMS messages in real time, labelling them as “Suspected SPAM” and alerting the recipient immediately. It requires no app download, no user configuration, and is automatically activated for all Airtel users, smartphone or feature phone. It’s a simple, although not easy, solution to a thorny problem.
Using a proprietary dual-layer protection system, one at the network level and another at the IT systems level, Airtel AI Spam Alert Service is reported to process over 1.5 billion messages in under two milliseconds.
Real Time Results
Between it launch in Nigeria on March 13 and May 20, 2025, just two months, the Spam Alert Service flagged 9,667,008 suspicious messages, according to Airtel reporting. That number includes 528,080 sent by users on the Airtel network (on-net) and 9,138,928 sent by users from other networks (off-net).
This staggering number indicates both the scale of fraud attempts and the importance of cross-network security measures. The Airtel system doesn’t just defend its own users, it monitors the messages entering the network from outside, offering an additional layer of safety for subscribers.
According to Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, this innovation reiterates the strength of the telco’s AI-driven infrastructure in tackling the threat of spam and scam messages. “We understand that trust is the cornerstone of digital communication,” he stated, adding that, “This is why the AI is constantly learning, so as to keep pace with the changes in methods employed by spammers.”
Why This is a Game Changer
Network-Level Protection: Unlike most solutions that depend on user-side apps, Airtel’s service operates within its core infrastructure; it is always on and scanning, making it harder for threats to go undetected.
No User Action Required: There are no installations, updates, or settings for users to worry about. Every Airtel user, regardless of their phone type, gets protected by default.
Real-Time Alerts: The AI flags spam SMS in milliseconds, giving users feedback on potentially harmful messages as the messages arrive.
Scalable and Inclusive: Whether you’re using a basic feature phone in rural Tanzania or a smartphone in Lagos, you get the same level of protection, and this makes the service replicable in all of Airtel’s markets across Africa.
National Support and Expansion
Dr. Bosun Tijani, minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, endorsed the solution, commending Airtel for aligning with national priorities. He stressed that the Airtel Spam Alert Service demonstrates how artificial intelligence can enhance online security and economic empowerment.
Similarly, Dr. Aminu Maida, EVC/CEO of the industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), noted the sector-wide value, pointing out that it boosts consumer trust and directly supports national telecom security goals.
Following its success in Nigeria, the service has now expanded to Tanzania and Kenya, with a rollout planned for all 14 countries where Airtel operates.
Feedback from early users has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have reported improved personal awareness to SMS messages.
According to Balsingh, the AI Spam Alert Service is not a one-off solution, it is embedded in Airtel’s focus on integrating intelligent systems across its offerings while improving user experience. With threats becoming more sophisticated, “so will our solutions,” he said.
The company’s Spam Alert Service is a necessary evolution in how we think about mobile security, proactive, intelligent, and inclusive. Mobile phones are lifelines to finance, communication, and commerce, and this service does more than pinpoint spam, it restores user confidence.
And across the current digital space, confidence is indeed everything.
 Joan Aimuengheuwa
Online Poster by — July 15, 2025 in News 0
FirstBank, NLNG, Shell Back QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit

By Winifred Bosa

Nigeria’s leading commercial bank, First Bank of Nigeria, has joined forces with Mighty Media Plus Network Limited for the maiden edition of the QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit.

 

Also supporting the event are Nigeria LNG (NLNG) and Shell Nigeria, two major players in the country’s energy and development sectors.

 

Chief Executive Officer of Mighty Media Plus Network Limited, Olumide Iyanda, announced the partnerships in a statement on Monday.

 

Mr Iyanda described FirstBank’s involvement as a strong statement of the bank’s belief in the power of Nigeria’s creative sector.

 

“FirstBank’s support is a reaffirmation of its long-standing commitment to promoting the creative economy,” he said. “Through First@arts, the bank has become a reliable partner to talents, institutions, and organisations working to grow Nigeria’s cultural assets.”

 

First@arts is FirstBank’s platform for supporting the arts. It provides financing, advisory services, and exposure for creatives across the value chain. The bank has backed major cultural events and partnered with institutions such as British Council, Duke of Shomolu Productions, Live Theatre Lagos, Freedom Park and Terra Kulture.

 

Among the projects FirstBank has supported are The Headies Awards, Lagos International Theatre Festival, The Oxymoron of Kenny Blaq, Kurunmi, Eni Ogun, and Oke Langbodo.

 

Iyanda also praised NLNG for its role in promoting excellence in literature and science through The Nigeria Prize for Literature, The Nigeria Prize for Science, and The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism.

 

“NLNG has shown leadership by rewarding creativity and innovation in ways that impact both the literary and scientific communities,” he said.

 

The prizes, worth up to USD100,000, are among the most prestigious on the continent. They celebrate Nigerian authors, critics, and scientists whose work makes a real difference.

 

Shell’s support for the summit reflects its ongoing commitment to education and social development. The company focuses on sustainable, community-driven educational projects, ranging from scholarships to infrastructure development and ICT donations.

 

“Shell’s belief in education as a foundation for long-term progress aligns with our vision for the summit,” Iyanda added.

 

He further noted that more sponsors will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

 

The QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit, themed “Financing as Catalyst for a Thriving Creative Economy,” will take place on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The venue is the prestigious Radisson Blu Hotel, Isaac John Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

 

The summit will bring together creatives, investors, policymakers, and business leaders to explore solutions to the funding challenges facing Nigeria’s creative industries.

Online Poster by — July 15, 2025 in Industry 0
 Obiano Mourns President Buhari, Hails His Integrity and Respect for Anambra’s Mandate

The former Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency Chief Willie Obiano (Akpokuedike Aguleri), and his wife, Dr. Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano, have received with profound sadness the news of the passing of the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a London hospital.
Chief Obiano described the late President as a disciplined and principled leader who confronted corruption with uncommon resolve and served Nigeria with sincerity and simplicity. He noted that history will remember President Buhari as a man who governed with deep conviction and stood firm on issues he believed in.
Reflecting on Buhari’s relationship with Anambra State, Obiano praised the late President for his fairness and respect for democratic processes, especially during his tenure. “Unlike what was often the case in the past, President Buhari ensured that Ndi Anambra’s votes truly counted during elections under his watch,” Obiano remarked. “He firmly resisted attempts to undermine the democratic space in our state, including the suggestion by former Attorney General Abubakar Malami to impose a state of emergency in Anambra. President Buhari stood by democratic ideals and upheld the sanctity of our mandate.”
Obiano also shared fond memories of the personal rapport he enjoyed with the late President, describing him as a leader who rose above partisanship. “Despite our political differences, he offered me a rare friendship. He welcomed me warmly into his inner circle, included me on presidential delegations abroad, and granted me unfettered access to his office. That openness and magnanimity defined the man,” he recalled with emotion.
Chief Obiano concluded by saying that the death of President Buhari marks the end of an era in Nigerian politics. He prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and for God to console his family, the people of Daura, and the entire nation.
“President Muhammadu Buhari will be greatly missed. May his soul find eternal rest”, he prayed.
Online Poster by — July 15, 2025 in News 0
UNILAG, LASU, YABATECH, Others For Lagos Campus Beach Soccer Slated For July 26

By Winifred Bosa

No fewer than ten higher institutions in Lagos are expected to converge at Atican Beach, Lekki, for the annual Lagos Campus Beach Soccer tournament scheduled for Saturday, July 26, 2025.

Organized by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with BrandEscort Communications, the event will bring together top tertiary institutions across the state in a thrilling beach soccer competition.

Speaking on the event in Lagos, Adebanji Atewogboye, popularly known as Skibanj, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Grassroots Sports Development, emphasized the broader goals of the initiative. He noted that a “campus storming activation” — a promotional tour of participating institutions — will precede the grand finale.

“This much-anticipated Lagos Campus Beach Soccer event will feature students from leading institutions across Lagos State. It is designed to promote beach soccer culture while giving young talents a platform to showcase their skills and potentially advance into professional beach soccer.

“The participating institutions include the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Lagos State University of Education, Federal College of Education Technical, Lagos State College of Nursing, and others ” Atewogboye stated.

Bamidele Adeleye, Managing Director of BrandEscort Communications, revealed that the theme for this year’s tournament is “Addressing Drug Abuse and Addiction”, reflecting the urgent need to combat the growing issue of drug abuse among Nigerian youth.

He called on corporate organizations to support the initiative by partnering with the state government to address the rising incidence of drug abuse among young people in Lagos.

For more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities, contact the organizers via lagoscampusbeachsoccer@gmail.com or adatewogboye@lagosstate.gov.ng.

Winifred Bosa by — July 15, 2025 in News 0
Cavista Holdings Appoints Olumide Olayomi As Executive Director/Vice President, Government And External Affairs

 

By Winifred Bosa

Cavista Holdings has announced the promotion of Olumide Olayomi to the position of Executive Director/Vice President, Government and External Affairs. According to the management of the company, the strategic appointment reflects the firm’s unwavering commitment to deepening institutional partnerships and reinforcing its leadership with experienced professionals who share its mission of creating value and transforming lives across Africa.

 

 

 

Olayomi, who previously served as Cavista’s Director of Government and External Affairs, is a highly respected governance advisor and institutional strategist with over three decades of experience across Nigeria’s public and private sectors. He is known for his ability to navigate complex policy environments and for aligning government, business, and community interests.

 

 

 

With academic grounding in Geography and Planning and executive education from institutions such as the Lagos Business School, Mr. Olayomi has held pivotal roles throughout his career. These include serving as Head of Government and Community Relations at Etisalat (now 9mobile), leading Corporate Services at Churchgate Group, and advising on policy as Special Assistant to the Secretary to the Lagos State Government.

 

 

 

In 2016, he was appointed Sole Administrator of Apapa Iganmu LCDA, where he provided leadership for over one million residents, emphasizing transparency, service delivery, and institutional reform.

 

His private sector expertise also extends to his role as Head of Strategy and Operations at Olivestrength Nigeria Ltd., and as a long-standing advisor on governance, intergovernmental coordination, and public sector performance.

 

 

 

Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Olayomi chairs Omonide Farms Ltd., and is a Fellow of LEAD International (a Rockefeller Foundation initiative), a Justice of the Peace, and a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered). He has made notable contributions to Lagos State’s tax reform and has participated in several global leadership forums.

 

“Olumide is a consummate professional who works tirelessly to lead our Government and External Affairs team at Cavista Holdings,” said John Olajide, Chairman of Cavista Holdings. “His promotion is a testament to his strategic leadership and the respect he commands across our organization. I have full confidence in his continued impact.”

 

 

 

Cavista Holdings congratulates Mr. Olayomi on this well-earned advancement and looks forward to his ongoing contributions as the organization strengthens its pan-African footprint and global partnerships.

Winifred Bosa by — July 15, 2025 in brands and Marketing 0
Polaris Bank Commits To Continuous Investment In Journalism Excellence

 

By Winifred Bosa

Polaris Bank is set to host the 2025 edition of its Annual Media Capacity Seminar on July 17, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This year’s seminar is themed: “Empowering Journalists in the Digital Age: Storytelling, Tools & Transformation”, and will feature two distinguished facilitators: Taiwo Obe, Founder and Director of Journalism Clinic, and Abayomi Adisa, a Senior Journalist with the BBC.

 

Now in its 11th year, Polaris Bank’s Media Capacity Seminar has grown into a flagship media education initiative supporting journalism excellence and professional development across Nigeria. Since its inception in 2015, the program has trained over 5,500 journalists, equipping them with the contemporary knowledge and tools needed to thrive in an evolving media landscape and AI era.

 

The 2024 edition, held in a hybrid format, recorded over 500 participants and focused on “Integrating AI Tools in Contemporary Media Practices for Innovation and Excellence.” Participants gained insights into data journalism, fact-checking, multimedia storytelling, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the newsroom.

 

Building on last year’s success, the 2025 edition will explore critical aspects of modern journalism, including digital storytelling, transformative newsroom practices, and emerging tools that can help journalists remain relevant in practice and impactful in today’s information age.

 

Attendance at the seminar is free, but registration is mandatory. Interested participants can still register via bit.ly/PAMC2025.

 

Polaris Bank remains committed to promoting responsible journalism through robust, consistent and premium media education and investing in initiatives that foster a more informed and progressive society.

Winifred Bosa by — July 15, 2025 in brands and Marketing 0