AIICO Insurance Plc recently hosted a glamorous retirement party in honour of eight distinguished members of staff who concluded their meritorious service after decades of unwavering commitment. The colourful evening of music, entertainment, family, and friendship brought together the retirees, their families, senior management, and colleagues from across generations, in what became a moving celebration of legacy, growth, and renewal.

The event was not only a farewell but also a statement of what AIICO represents: a workplace where careers are nurtured, values are passed across generations, and employees thrive in an environment of strength, stability, and timeless relevance.

Speaking at the event, AIICO Insurance Plc’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Babatunde Fajemirokun, described the evening as a celebration of dedication, resilience, and legacy. He commended the retirees for their invaluable contributions to the company’s growth, noting that their individual journeys embody the values that define AIICO – service excellence, trust, team spirit, entrepreneurship, and professionalism.

“Our retirees have each left footprints of impact on people, on teams, and on this company,” he said. “They may be retiring today, but they are certainly not tired. This next chapter is an opportunity to continue shining, to be ambassadors of AIICO wherever they go, and to remain examples of what a successful career and retirement look like.”

Mr. Fajemirokun also extended heartfelt appreciation to the families of the retirees for the encouragement and support that made it possible for them to give their best at work, emphasizing that their sacrifices have been a quiet but powerful part of the AIICO success story.

Stories of Inspiration: Journeys of the Retirees

John Ebowe – South-East & South-South Region

Joining AIICO in 2007, Mr. Ebowe transformed struggling branches into high-performing offices, growing revenue from ₦34.5 million to nearly ₦2 billion over his 18 years. Known fondly as “IGWE,” he inspired colleagues with his resilience, innovation, and humility. His story of repairing a grounded branch car with personal funds just to win business reflects his extraordinary commitment. For him, retirement is a moment of fulfilment and gratitude to God, leaving behind a legacy of growth and mentorship.

Taiwo Onadipe – Senior Legal & Compliance Officer

Mr. Onadipe’s journey, which began in 1995, is a testament to resilience and faith. Rising from Superintendent in Claims to Principal Manager and Group Head, Claims, he combined work with law studies, overcoming academic setbacks before being called to the Nigerian Bar in 2007. In 2023, he was redeployed to the Legal Department, where he now retires from, marking the close of a distinguished career at AIICO. Through various career and personal challenges, he embodied perseverance and departs with values of discipline, honesty, and integrity deeply etched in AIICO’s culture.

Adeleke Adesina – Principal Manager, Group Life Sales Executve

Mr. Adesina joined in 2010 and carved his niche in Group Life Sales, navigating competitive markets and internal challenges with determination. His early breakthrough in Ibadan despite broker resistance showed his grit and persuasive spirit. He later rose to leadership roles in Group Life, making significant contributions to AIICO’s growth. His story reflects adaptability and courage in the face of change.

Timothy Momoh – Ikeja Branch Manager

For over 20 years, Mr. Momoh served with passion and precision, beginning in Life Underwriting in 2002. Rising through the ranks to Senior Manager II and leading both technical and sales teams, his career highlights include being the only AIICO candidate to qualify as a Chartered Insurance Professional in 2006 and leading the technical migration to TURNQUEST in 2012. His guiding principles – integrity, mentorship, and customer focus—remain a gift to the next generation.

Lanre Oladeinde – Senior Manager, Sales Executive

Mr. Oladeinde’s story began in 1996 in Claims and later across several technical departments. His standout achievement was growing Jos Branch’s production from ₦20 million to over ₦400 million despite severe external challenges, including insecurity. His mentoring of colleagues like Mr. Haruna Yakubu, now in Jos Branch, reflects his belief in legacy building. His resilience and results-oriented approach remain an enduring inspiration.

Johnson Ehindero – Estate and Facility Manager

For nearly 30 years since joining in 1996, Mr. Ehindero dedicated his career to building AIICO’s Facilities function. Rising from technician to Manager, he spearheaded projects like the Independent Power Project that cut diesel costs by 70%, and branch infrastructure upgrades that improved operational efficiency. His leadership, mentoring, and innovative solutions reshaped the company’s facilities nationwide. His philosophy: success is collective, driven by passion and respect.

Funmi Abidogun – Cashiering, Ibadan Branch

Mrs. Abidogun’s 30-year journey, beginning in 1995 as a secretary, reflects resilience and growth. Rising to become Ibadan Branch Cashier, she combined work with academic pursuits, earning degrees in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship. Her fondest memories include long-service awards, festive office celebrations, and women’s empowerment programmes. For her, patience, focus, and commitment remain the cornerstones of success.

Sunday Obinga – Principal Dispatch Rider

Joining as a dispatch rider in 2001, Obinga worked his way up to Principal Clerk. His story is one of quiet consistency, discipline, and integrity. Despite the daily rigours of navigating Lagos traffic, he maintained a clean service record over two decades. His words of wisdom are simple yet profound: “Be faithful, diligent, humble. Dishonesty has no lasting reward.”

A Night of Glamour and Gratitude

The retirement party was a joyous affair filled with music, dance, laughter, and tributes. Colleagues shared anecdotes, management expressed deep appreciation, and family members watched with pride as their loved ones were celebrated. The atmosphere reflected AIICO’s culture—a blend of respect for tradition and readiness for the future.

Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Oluyemi Obakin, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the MD/CEO, Mr. Babatunde Fajemirokun, for his consistent support for initiatives that celebrate employees and their contributions. He said, “Tonight is about honouring years of dedication, sacrifice, and legacy. It’s our way of saying thank you – not just in words, but by creating moments that our retirees, their families, and all of us will remember for years to come.”

The company then presented the retirees with symbolic parting gifts, tokens of gratitude for their years of service and loyalty. For many, the night was not a goodbye but a reminder that once a member of the AIICO family, always a member.

AIICO: A Workplace for Every Generation

The celebration also highlighted AIICO’s multi-generational workforce – spanning Generation X, millennials, and Gen Z – united by shared values of service excellence, trust, team spirit, entrepreneurship and professionalism. While the older generation passes down institutional knowledge, the younger generation brings energy, creativity, and new perspectives, ensuring AIICO remains future-ready while rooted in its legacy.

AIICO Insurance Plc continues to stand out as a place where employees confidently invest their careers, knowing their contributions are valued, their growth is supported, and their legacy is celebrated. The retirees’ stories remind younger professionals that careers here are not just jobs but journeys of impact, resilience, and fulfilment.

About AIICO Insurance Plc

AIICO Insurance is a leading composite insurer in Nigeria, with a 60-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.

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) currently provides full insurance cover for 98.98 percent of Deposit Money Banks’ total deposits.

The Managing Director of the Corporation, Mr. Thompson Sunday, revealed this at the NDIC Special Day of the ongoing 20th Abuja International Trade Fair, with the theme, “Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives and Taxation”.

He restated NDIC’s commitment to ensuring financial sector stability, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

In a message read on his behalf by the Director of Performance Management, Mrs. Bimpe Akande, the MD said, “Currently, the NDIC insures depositors of Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), Mobile Money Operators and Non-Interest Banks, up to a coverage limit of five million naira. Depositors of Payment Service Banks (PSBs), Microfinance Banks (MFBs) and Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) are insured up to two million naira.

“This enhanced coverage ensures that approximately 98.98% of total depositors in Deposit Money Banks, 99.27% in Microfinance Banks, 99.34% in Primary Mortgage Banks, and 99.99% in Payment Service Banks are protected, reflecting NDIC’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its mandate.”

Mr. Sunday added, “We are dedicated to protecting Nigerians’ bank.  In collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), we strive to maintain stability in the banking sector, enforce compliance with banking regulations, and exercise effective oversight over insured deposit-taking institutions.

“Our mission, embodied in the tagline ‘Protecting your bank deposits,’ is to promote financial inclusion and stability by reassuring Nigerians of the security of their savings.

“Significant progress has been made in protecting depositors’ funds, notably through the increase in the maximum deposit insurance coverage, which has broadened protection across various licensed banks.”

He added that the corporation had, over three decades, played a vital role in safeguarding depositors’ funds, particularly the most vulnerable, and fortifying the financial system.

The NDIC boss assured that banks’ depositors had no reason to worry about the safety of their funds, as all their claims in excess of the insured deposits.

He said, “In the event that a bank fails, depositors with account balances exceeding the insured coverage limit receive an initial payment up to the maximum insured amount.

“Their remaining balances are then paid through liquidation dividends. Liquidation dividends refer to payouts made to depositors and creditors from the proceeds generated from the sale of a failed bank’s assets and recovered debts during the liquidation process.

“These dividends are usually paid on a pro-rata basis, meaning depositors receive a proportionate share of the recovered funds relative to their outstanding balances beyond the insured limit.”

Ponzi schemes

Mr. Sunday warned members of the public against patronising Ponzi schemes and other fraudulent investment platforms.

His words, “I would like to emphasise the importance of Nigerians to remain vigilant against Ponzi schemes and other fraudulent investment platforms.

“Always ensure your funds are placed only in Central Bank of Nigeria licensed banks, all of which are covered by deposit insurance provided by the NDIC. This vigilance is crucial to protecting your hard-earned savings.”

Earlier, the President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Emeka Obegolu (SAN) commended the corporation for providing comfort to Nigerian depositors.

He pledged the chamber’s collaboration with the NDIC with a view to providing public awareness on the safe deposit of savings in the country.

“We are pleased to note the alignment between this theme and the mandate of the NDIC, which provides a safety net for depositors, contributes to financial system stability, and supports confidence in our banking sector,” the president said.

Chief Obegolu, who was represented by the Director-General of the ACCI, Sir Agabaidu Jidani, said the NDIC was more than a regulator, describing it as “a strategic partner in advocacy and economic development.”

He added, “By working together, we can build stronger linkages between financial safety, enterprise growth, and national development.

“This synergy is vital in advancing Nigeria’s competitiveness, reducing business risks, and ensuring that our financial system supports innovation, job creation, and sustainable investment.”

Amaka Obiefuna

The Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS), Nigeria’s capital market infrastructure, joins the world in celebrating Customer Service Week 2025, themed “Mission: Possible.” The theme underscores the importance of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, values that are deeply embedded in CSCS’s operations.

This year’s celebration reflects CSCS’s continuous strides in delivering exceptional service by leveraging technology and innovation to transform the Nigerian capital market. From record-breaking transactions to pioneering digital solutions, CSCS has consistently redefined efficiency, accessibility, and trust in the market.

In 2025, CSCS has further enhanced its digital processes with key innovations, including RegConnect Version 2, an upgraded registrar platform featuring advanced tools for real-time data validation, omnichannel transaction capabilities, and seamless API integration. The organization also launched the Custodian Portal, a secure, user-centric platform that simplifies portfolio and trade management, document tracking, and share transfers for custodians.

In partnership with MTN Nigeria, CSCS introduced the *7270# USSD Code Service, designed to democratize access to investment services by enabling investors to check balances, stock positions, and Direct Cash Settlement (DCS) status directly from their mobile phones, without the need for internet access.

Speaking on the significance of the week, Haruna Jalo-Waziri, MD/CEO of CSCS PLC stated “It’s with a heart full of gratitude that I write to thank you for being who you are: our most valuable stakeholder. Our impressive achievements are only made possible by your unflinching faith in our audacious mission to revolutionize the Nigerian capital market.”

Mr Jalo-Waziri further added, “As we celebrate our esteemed customers, I like to also appreciate my colleagues, whose empathy and dedication to go the extra mile continue to make real positive changes in serving our customers and the market at large. As always, I want you to know that your resilience and tenacity towards delivering exceptional service is well appreciated, and you truly deserve all the celebration.”

Customer Service Week provides CSCS an opportunity to reaffirm its customer-first philosophy and recognize the tireless efforts of its employees, whose commitment ensures seamless clearing, settlement, and market access for millions of investors across Nigeria and beyond.

As the Nigerian capital market prepares for its transition to the T+2 settlement cycle in November 2025, CSCS remains steadfast in its mission to deliver world-class services, foster investor confidence, and drive innovation that makes the impossible, possible.