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All Posts in "Month: July 2025"

Solution Witness Pays Courtesy Visit To Idemili South Mayor, Hon Amaka Obi

By Chikaodi Chukwuleta
The Solution Witness Support Group on Wednesday, 9th, 2025 paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of Idemili South Local Government Area, Hon Mrs Amaka Obi, (Iyom Idemili.)
The visit was to align with the Chairman and brainstorm strategies to canvass vote for the Solution Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s re-election bid come November, 8th, 2025.
Speaking  during the visit, Anambra State Chairman Solution Witness Support Group, Sir Felix Okechukwu informed  Iyom that the motive of the visitation was to sensitize her about the group activities and also deliberate on the way forward for the people of Idemili South to vote for Mr Governor.
He said that the Solution Witness spread across the 21 local government  down to the ward level is mandated to ensure that Soludo’s vote counts and secured.
Corroborating with the mayor, Hon Tambo stressed the need to place visible structures that the governor will be proud  of. He noted that strategies have been in place to ensure that the group is poised towards delivering the mandate of Mr Governor. “We are already pulling back those who left the party because of one grievances or the other and we cannot do it alone, every hands must be committed.” He concluded. “
 Mayor Rt Hon Amaka Obidigbo (Idemili South) in her response appreciated the soludo witness support group for finding time to pay her a visit and discuss some pertinent issues in the state. She noted that there is need to enhance grassroot membership. Adding that she believes in inclusive leadership where all hands are on Deck.
She assured that the council will work with the Solution Witness Member at the ward level noting that the ward structures should be active and ready to deliver in their various polling units.
She charged the members not to be discouraged or intimidated by any politician, but be steadfast and confident that the works done for” our dear party APGA and Governor Soludo will be rewarded.
In his remark, State Secretary – Hon Tempest Udeze thanked the mayor for the opportunity to deliberate on rallying campaign for Mr Governor, come Nov, 8th, 2025. He charged them to transfer the learnings acquired during the course of the training to others by applying the principle of One -Teach-One approach for more human development.
Highpoint of the visit culminated into the inspection of over five hundred trainees undergoing the Idemili South empowerment programme where the Mayor was given the name Olu Atua Egwu of Idemili South.
Among dignitaries present were the Group’s Deputy National Leader – Hon Ebelechukwu Igboekunie Ngini, State women leader Amb Angel Umolu, Zonal Women Leader – Idigacholu and the Group’s Media Head/Cordinator, Comrade Uchenna Ezeadigwe, among others.
Online Poster by — July 11, 2025 in News 0
Digital Assets Fraud Threatens Market Integrity – SEC DG

Digital asset fraud threatens market integrity, says SEC DG | TheCable

Amaka Obiefuna

 

The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has expressed concern over the growing threat of digital assets fraud, warning that it poses a significant challenge to market integrity and undermines investor confidence.

 

Speaking in Abuja at an event to mark African Union Anti-Corruption Day, themed “Understanding Virtual Assets and Investment Fraud”, Dr. Agama noted that corruption continues to be a major obstacle to Africa’s economic growth, social development, and attractiveness to investors.

 

He stated: “Today, as digital innovation transforms financial systems, we face new challenges, particularly the rise of virtual asset fraud and sophisticated investment scams exploiting unsuspecting investors. These threats undermine market integrity, erode trust, and divert resources meant for sustainable development”.

 

He explained that the SEC, as a frontline regulator, remains committed to “strengthening investor education on recognizing and avoiding fraudulent schemes.; Enhancing regulatory frameworks to keep pace with evolving risks in virtual assets and digital investments; and Fostering cross-border collaboration to combat corruption and illicit financial flows”.

 

He stated that the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 introduced key provisions to regulate virtual assets (cryptocurrencies, digital tokens, and other blockchain-based assets) in Nigeria, with Commission as the primary regulator for virtual assets classified as securities or investment products.

 

Dr. Agama stated that all Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) (exchanges, custodians, brokers) must obtain SEC approval and meet capital, governance, and cybersecurity standards.

 

On risk disclosures, the SEC DG noted that all platforms must warn investors about volatility, fraud, and regulatory risks, warning that there are stiff penalties for market manipulation, insider trading, and Ponzi schemes.

 

“The ISA 2025 provides a comprehensive legal framework for virtual asset regulation, balancing innovation, investor protection, and financial stability. The SEC will continue to issue guidelines to ensure compliance while fostering a secure digital asset ecosystem.

“We urge all stakeholders—governments, private sector players, civil society, and citizens—to join forces in promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical practices. Together, we can build resilient markets that drive Africa’s prosperity”, he added.

 

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, described virtual asset fraud as a fast-evolving threat to national economic security. “Another rising criminal engagement that has a potential to outpace, even money laundering, on the continent is virtual assets and investment scam”

Online Poster by — July 11, 2025 in Capital Market 0
PTAD Reaffirms Dedication To Pensioners Welfare

 

 

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has reiterated its commitment to protection of Pensioners’ rights and their wellbeing.

 

To this end, the Directorate said, it has introduced various initiatives aimed at actualising its mandate which is to manage pension benefits for Federal Government retirees under the old Defined Benefit Scheme(DBS), who did not transit to the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

 

Speaking at the 2024/2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE) sponsored by PTAD in Lagos, the Executive Secretary/CEO, Mrs. Tolulope Odunaiya, highlighted the mandates of the Directorate and their achievements so far.

 

Odunaiya, who was represented at the occasion by the Head, Corporate Communication, Mr. Olugbenga Ajayi and Head, Lagos Regional Office, Mr. Casmir Audu said, the Directorate is fully committed to protecting the pensioners’ rights to pension as well as their wellbeing.

 

Mr. Ajayi said, the Directorate was specifically established to handle pensions of those who did not move to the Contributory Pension Scheme, noting that, PTAD’s mandate is to ensure that eligible pensioners receive their due pension payments promptly and accurately.

 

“Since establishment of PTAD in 2013, and up till this present moment, PTAD has never failed to pay pensions every month, that is why we have been able to take pensioners out of the streets; that is one of the credibility the present government is enjoying because nobody is diverting money meant for payment of pensions anymore,” he said.

 

He stated that, the Directorate has continued to introduce various initiatives to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness, some of which are; Field Verification, I Am Alive Confirmation, Mobile Verification, among others.

 

“As we progressed, we discovered that we shouldn’t be calling our fathers and mothers, especially, those from far distance to come and do verification here in Lagos and a technology was introduced. We call that technology ‘I Am Alive’ Confirmation. Why do we call it ‘I Am Alive’? Because pension under DBS is for life. Once you are still alive, you are entitled to your pension. I Am Alive enable pensioners to confirm their status even inside their home at every location. This is done through internet-enabled phone and anybody can help you do it. Once you confirm your aliveness status, in the next six month, your pension will continue to run.

 

“We have introduced Mobile Verification for people who are sick, or those who are alive but are incapacitated to attend normal verification, we schedule mobile confirmation for those who have done Am Alive verification but later falls sick,” he added.

 

Mr. Ajayi disclosed that PTAD is a federal government treasury funded agency with no commercial bank account, adding that, their responsibility is to prepare schedules of pension payment.

 

“PTAD don’t have any account in any Commercial Bank so we don’t keep any money because we are treasury funded agency. Pensions are paid by Central Bank and are paid directly into pensioners account. Our duty is to prepare the schedules of payment and it will pass through various tables including Federal Auditors, Internal Auditors, Accountant General Office, so it is not something that somebody will just wake up and say PTAD has money somewhere,” he explained.

 

He said, PTAD is ensuring that nobody tampers with pensioners’ money. PTAD offices are in 13 States of the country.

Online Poster by — July 10, 2025 in News 0
FIRS Has Made Significant Progress — IMF

 By Fidelia Okafor
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has examined the ongoing reforms at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and commended the agency for what it described as significant progress in its core duties.
A Senior Economist at the Fiscal Affairs Department of the global body, Paulo Paz, gave the commendation on Wednesday at the opening of IMF-supported Headquarters Mission at the Revenue House in Abuja.
Paz said the IMF recognized the “good work that FIRS has been providing to the citizens,” under its chairman, Zacch Adedeji, adding that the Bretton institution would continue to support the agency in delivering effective tax administration for the growth and development of the country.
A statement by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman said the mission of the IMF team to Nigeria was to explore areas the organisation could further support the agency in addressing the challenges that might arise, particularly with the recently signed tax laws.
According to him, the new tax laws will bring new impact to Nigeria.
“And we want to know how we can best support you with this new challenge. Our take on the four tax laws is first a recognition of the very good work that FIRS has been providing to the citizens.
“You have at the same time the recognition and new responsibilities with these very powerful laws which will increase the relevance of the tax administration in Nigeria.
“I want to express our honour of being here and being a partner of FIRS. Thank you for your trust in our advice. We congratulate you for the good results so far. There is more to come, and we are here to help,” he said.
Adedeji, while welcoming the visitors, applauded IMF for journeying with the tax body, saying that the relationship would continue when the agency transits to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) next year.
Adedeji, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Tayo Koleosho, specifically lauded IMF collaboration with FIRS in portfolio management and compliance programme.
“IMF has gone on this journey with us, and I think we are in a good place to continue the journey together. We are working together either in digital transformation, VAT automation, looking at even the compliance programme and ability to automate some of those things.
“I am interested in corporate plan and the nexus of data portfolio management so that we have our strategy being dissolved into those manageable tasks. It’s very important that those things are well
In her own remark, Mrs. Bolaji Akintola, coordinating director, Corporate Services Group, explained that the IMF has been a critical stakeholder in FIRS’ journey towards tax system reforms targeted at improving domestic revenue mobilisation.
She said FIRS, with the support of the IMF, conducted two systemic evaluation exercises using the Tax Administration Diagnostic Assessment Tool (TADAT) between 2018 and 2023.
“Each of these exercises was followed by a post-TADAT mission where a reform roadmap was developed to address the systemic weaknesses that were uncovered by the assessment.
“The fact that the results of the 2023 TADAT showed significant improvement on those of 2018 is indicative of the commitment of the Service towards institutional excellence.
“Let me assure you that if another TADAT is conducted today, the result will be better than that of 2023 because a good number of the weak indicators from the 2023 Performance Assessment Report have been addressed and some have been codified in the four tax reform laws recently signed by President Bola Tinubu,” she said.
Online Poster by — July 10, 2025 in News 0
Universal Insurance PLC Posts N15.25bn Premium In 2024, As Profit Hits 2.8bn

 

 

One of the oldest insurance companies in Nigeria, 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 not 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 there 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 in Shop cover. The shop in shop cover was basically designed for shop owners and businessmen that operate businesses at an Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) level. It provides them with fire insurance cover, burglary, hotel insurance cover, cover for personal injury and alternative accommodation during relocation effort.

 

“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 chat box, or Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven chat box and visual assistant. That is 247 services that will take the position of our service centers at any point in time, our chat box 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, and 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 10, 2025 in Insurance and Pension 0
Health Insurance Expanded To Cover Enrollees With HIV, TB – NHIA

 

 

The National Health Insurance Authority, NHIA, says it has expanded the national health insurance scheme to cover some extreme health cases including people with HIV (PLHIV) and for TB patients, with pilots under way in four states.

 

This was disclosed by Mrs. Aisha Abubakar Haruna, acting Director, Lagos regional office of the NHIA who represented Dr Kelechi Ohiri, the Director General, NHIA at the annual general meeting of the Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors, NAIPE in Lagos.

 

Ohiri, who announced that the health insurance now covers no fewer than 20million Nigerians up from 16.8million in 2023 and achieving 99percent of the 2027 presidential target explained that the Authority achieved an additional 800,000 beneficiaries who joined the basic health care provision fund bringing the total to 2.6 million as of May 2025.

 

Ohiri also stated that the NHIA embarked on addressing drug shortages and care delays via the multi-project strategy.

 

He said: “NHIA has focused on expanding health insurance coverage, improving quality of care and protecting the rights of enrollees while strategically and creatively deploying health insurance to save lives in a way that contributes and sustains significant benefit to the health sector.

 

“As of June last month, NHIA has achieved 20 million enrollees in the health insurance. This was the combined efforts by the state health insurance agencies, health maintenance organizations and the National Health Insurance Scheme. As a matter of fact, we have exceeded the mandates that have been given to us by the president. He gave us a target which we exceeded in June. We have a significant jump from 16.8 million Nigerians enrolled by 2023. By June 2025, we have hit 20 million. We have also embarked on addressing drug shortages and care delays via the multi-project strategy.”

 

The NHIA DG noted that from 2024 to 2025, NHIA has strategically intervened in the revision of tariffs revising the accreditation processes and mandating one hour limit on care authorization while mitigating any previous issues for medicine shortages, denial, delay in issue codes and provider payment delays.

Online Poster by — July 10, 2025 in Insurance and Pension 0
Enugu Smart Schools Initiative , A Shining Example Of Way Forward—Chimamànda

The Light is Back,” Chimamanda Hails Enugu's Strides Under Gov Mbah | PDP Governors ForumLarryBravo Nwaiwu
Globally renowned author and public speaker, Chimamanda Adichie, has commended the positive developments in Enugu under the Governor Peter Mbah Administration, saying the state’s dark times were over.
She spoke during a courtesy call to Governor Mbah at the Government House, Enugu, on the sidelines of the Things Fall Apart Festival 2025, which was held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, at the weekend.
“Arriving in Enugu, there is a feeling of calm and very welcoming. This is the city that I have always loved. I think, in the past, it had some dark times. It seems to me that the light is back,” she said.
The literary icon also told Government House correspondents that she left the meeting with Mbah feeling very inspired by his long-term vision, people-oriented policies and programmes, and the impressive representation of women in his government.
“I have left this meeting feeling very inspired. Surprisingly inspired because I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I have to say that I am so inspired. I am filled with a lot of admiration for the governor’s vision; for his ability to think long term, which is something that I think we need more of in this country. And also for what seems to me very humane point and a kind of outlook that I think is borne from the desire to do well.
“By doing well, I mean to do things that touch the lives of the ordinary people in Enugu State. That’s for me very inspiring. It’s also inspiring to hear and see that the women are very well represented in his cabinet,” she stated.
She hailed the ongoing construction of Smart Green Schools in each of the 260 political wards in Enugu and the allocation of well over 33 per cent in the state’s 2024 and 2025 annual budgets to education.
“I have always felt very strongly that education has to be at the centre of any kind of forward-looking vision for any state in Nigeria. I was very impressed to hear about the Smart Green Schools. Of course, to value something, you have to invest in it. So, that the governor of Enugu State is investing bigger potion of the budget, more than UNESCO recommends, I think is something very powerful.
“So, the idea of trying to reach children in rural areas, who might not have the opportunity to get really very good elementary education, is again, a very inspiring example of the ability to think long-term about the problem that we have. I think it is a shining example of the way forward,” Adichie concluded.
Meanwhile, receiving the multiple awards winning author, who also gifted him an autographed copy of her latest work, “Dream Count,” Governor Mbah described her as a literary giant, inspiration to the younger generation, and an ambassador of Igbo and African cultures.
“Chimamanda is a proud ambassador of Igbo culture, who continues to elevate African narratives on the global stage,” he stated.
He said his government was investing heavily in education to be able to produce many more of her type and others, who would paint Enugu State, Nigeria, and Africa in glowing colours in various fields of human endeavors across the world.
Online Poster by — July 10, 2025 in News 0
Anambra Government Urges Citizens Participation In Ongoing Continuous Voter Registration Exercise

Anambra Voter Registration: Urge to Participate
 By Chikaodi Chukwuleta
As part of efforts to strengthen democracy and ensure inclusive participation in the November 8, 2025 Governorship Election in Anambra State and future elections in Nigeria, the Anambra State Government is urging all eligible citizens to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a press release by Law Mefor, PhD,
Commissioner for Information,
Anambra State stated that the CVR exercise, commenced on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, and will end on July 17, 2025, provides an opportunity for eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
He noted that this is particularly important for:
– Young people who have recently turned 18 years old and are now eligible to vote
– Citizens who have relocated to Anambra State from other parts of the country and wish to transfer their voting rights
– Individuals who have lost or defaced their voter cards and need to replace them
He further stated that government encourages everyone who falls within these categories to visit their nearest registration center and complete the registration process. This is a crucial step in ensuring that our democracy remains vibrant and representative of the will of the people.
For further information, please visit the INEC website
Online Poster by — July 10, 2025 in News 0
Nestlé Nigeria Collaborates With The Government To Drive Nationwide Water Quality Campaign

Amaka Obiefuna
As part of ongoing efforts to ensure safer water for all Nigerians, Nestlé Nigeria is partnering with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to launch a National Water Quality Advocacy Campaign aimed at raising awareness, educating communities, and mobilizing multi-stakeholder action around water safety and sustainable water practices.
The collaboration, announced in Abuja during a courtesy visit by Nestlé and members of the Organized Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (OPS-WASH), reinforces the government’s commitment to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through improved access to clean water and sanitation.
At the meeting, the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, welcomed the partnership, noting its importance in tackling persistent public health threats such as cholera and diarrhea while also addressing challenges related to flooding and climate resilience.
He assured the Ministry’s full support for Nestlé’s campaign and pledged timely collaboration to deliver impactful results. “The Ministry is committed to working with Nestlé Nigeria to improve water quality across the country. This partnership is in line with our mission to ensure safe water access and support the health and wellbeing of all Nigerians.”
Speaking on the company’s role, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria, said:
“Water is essential to life, yet millions of Nigerians remain at risk due to unsafe water sources. Our campaign is not just about raising awareness, it’s about shifting behaviors and building partnerships that deliver lasting impact. We’re working across communities, industries, and institutions to help close the knowledge gap, improve water safety, and support national health outcomes.”
She emphasized that the campaign rests on three pillars: building awareness and knowledge, engaging stakeholders at all levels, and driving long-term, sustainable action.
Providing additional perspective, Dr. Nicholas Igwe, National Coordinator of OPS-WASH, shared details of the initiative’s community reach:
“We are taking a long-term, impact-led approach. In Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, 16 communities will benefit from water quality interventions, while 8 communities in Agbara, Ogun State, are also included. In addition, two agricultural communities will receive water harvesting systems to support irrigation and food production.”
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry and OPS-WASH, reaffirming cross-sector commitment to accelerating access to clean, safe water for all Nigerians.
Online Poster by — July 10, 2025 in Industry 0