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Why Airtel Is Doubling Down On Children’s Education And Marketable Skills

Every May 27, we must pause to celebrate the dreams, energy, and potential of Nigeria’s greatest resource: our children. Children’s Day is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a powerful national reminder that the future we hope to build depends largely on the investments we make in our young people today.

 

As an organization, Airtel Nigeria believes that this future should be inclusive, innovative, and informed by the realities of a rapidly evolving world. For more than a decade, our Corporate Social Responsibility agenda has prioritised access to education and digital empowerment. We do this not just as corporate citizens, but as stewards of a future where technology and talent must work hand in hand to elevate Nigeria.

 

Reimagining Education for Every Child

 

In partnership with UNICEF, Airtel Nigeria has been a proud driver of the Reimagine Education initiative, a transformative programme that has been closing the digital divide in classrooms by ensuring Nigerian children, especially in underserved communities, can access quality digital learning through platforms such as the Nigerian Learning Passport (NLP). By enabling zero-rated websites and apps, digital infrastructure, and connectivity support to schools across multiple states, this partnership has already reached over 800,000 children and 17,000 teachers with practical tools for 21st-century teaching and learning.

 

Beyond infrastructure, we understand the human element of education. That is why our long-standing, and still growing, Adopt-a-School programme has not only rebuilt classroom blocks and provided teaching resources but also sponsored school fees, uniforms, and meals for students in disadvantaged communities. Rather than being seasonal, these efforts are sustained, intentional, and anchored in our belief that no child should be left behind.

 

Doubling Down on Youth Development in 2025

 

This year, Airtel Nigeria is reaffirming its commitment to the next generation in even bolder ways. In March 2025, we made a landmark donation of ₦1 billion to the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, an ambitious initiative to train Nigerian youth in digital skills that are in high demand globally, from software development and cybersecurity to AI and data science.

 

Our support for 3MTT demonstrates a future-facing vision: education must not stop in the classroom. Nigeria’s young people need not just certificates, but competencies. They deserve access to modern skills that make them employable, entrepreneurial, and globally competitive. By backing programmes like 3MTT, we are helping lay the foundation for a workforce that can build and own the digital economy of tomorrow.

 

Partnerships for Impact

 

These commitments are not made in isolation. We continue to work closely with federal and state governments, schools, education agencies, and development partners to align our CSR projects with national goals. We understand that true impact lies in synergy, in finding where our strengths as a telecommunications leader can accelerate the country’s aspirations for inclusive education and national development.

 

In the coming months, we will expand our engagement with local schools through technology hubs, career mentorships, teacher training programmes, and community-led initiatives designed to inspire curiosity and cultivate excellence among school-age children across Nigeria.

 

Children First, Always

 

At Airtel Nigeria, we carry a simple truth in all we do: the future is already right here. It is sitting in our classrooms, logging in from tablet in a remote village, asking questions in brilliant language, and dreaming boldly without limits.

 

Children’s Day 2025 is a moment for everyone to recommit. To remember that giving a child access to knowledge is giving a nation access to greatness. That a skilled, educated child today becomes the innovator, journalist, teacher, engineer, or changemaker of tomorrow.

 

As we celebrate our children today, we must also rise to our responsibility to prepare them, not just with hope, but with tools. Not just with dreams, but with opportunities.

 

Source: FEMI ADENIRAN

Winifred Bosa by — May 29, 2025 in brands and Marketing 0
Call For Entries Open For 19th Edition Of SERAS Africa Sustainability Awards

The organizers of The SERAS Africa Sustainability Awards are pleased to announce the official call for entry for the 19th edition of Africa’s most prestigious sustainability and corporate social responsibility recognition platform. Known simply as The SERAS, the awards have, for nearly two decades, spotlighted the boldest changemakers, the most innovative ideas, and the most committed organizations shaping Africa’s sustainable future.

The theme for the 2025 edition is “Sustainability 2.0: Innovating for Impact and Inclusive Growth,” a call for organizations to evolve from reactive interventions to embedding sustainability into the very DNA of their operations. It also serves as a response to growing concerns around greenwashing, encouraging companies to lead with substance, not just storytelling.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, Mrs. Mary Ephraim-Egbas, Executive Director at TruCSR and Chairperson of The SERAS Local Organizing Committee, noted:

“As The SERAS celebrates its 19th anniversary, we’re not just marking time—we’re marking impact. Over 18 editions, we have catalyzed a new way of thinking about corporate responsibility, inspired companies to act boldly, and helped align Africa’s private and public sectors with global ESG imperatives. This is the award that sets the bar.”

With over 5,367 organizations from 27 African countries having participated since inception, The SERAS continues to recognize excellence across a broad range of categories that reflect today’s most pressing development issues. These include areas such as circular economy, climate action, environmental stewardship, water and sanitation, stakeholder engagement, gender equality and women empowerment, food security, financial inclusion, education intervention, health and wellbeing, workplace practices, poverty reduction, innovation, rural population integration, and supply chain management.

Additionally, the awards will honor excellence in partnership building, infrastructure development, transparency and reporting, and recognize standout performance by not-for-profits, social enterprises, and through media excellence in sustainability reporting across electronic, print, and online platforms. The highest distinction remains the Most Responsible Organization in Africa—a title earned in 2024 by Zenith Bank, which led a competitive field including NNPC Foundation, AbInBev, and Naspers & Prosus who placed 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively among 267 entries.

Entries open May 20 and close July 15, 2025. All submissions must be made via the official website: www.theseras.com. The grand awards ceremony is scheduled for November 29, 2025.

 
 
 
Winifred Bosa by — May 29, 2025 in brands and Marketing 0
Newly Appointed MD/CEO Of NAIC Resumes Office, Pledges Inclusive Reforms

NAIC MD/CEO, Mr Yazid Shehu Danfulani (right) in a handshake with another government dignitary during a reception organised to mark his official resumption of official in Abuja on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
The newly appointed Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), Mr Yazid Shehu Danfulani, Tuesday, formally resumes office in Abuja, pledging to carryout reforms that would enhance inclusiveness in agricultural sector.
Speaking to members of staff of the Corporation and journalists at a reception organised in his honour at the Corporation’s headquarters in Abuja, Mr Danfulani highlighted his plans for the corporation, emphasising the importance for access to insurance, collaboration,sensitisation and access to finance to protect agro-allied projects against natural hazards.
He said the corporation will collaborate with all states government and other stakeholders to enhance easy access to insurance for agricultural and agro-allied projects against natural catastrophes.
The NAIC boss expressed worries that many farmers lack awareness about the function of the Corporation, especially in providing insurance,stating that the corporation would carry out sensitization across the country to enlighten farmers on measures to access insurance.
“We will ensure collaboration from the Federal Government to the State Governments. Most of these farmers are not aware of what NAIC is all about. We are going to do a very comprehensive awareness. We are also going to provide more funds so that the farmers would benefit.
My immediate priority is to strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of NAIC by ensuring our services are more accessible and are also beneficial to farmers in Nigeria.
Agriculture sector possesses a lot of challenges due to climate changes and other problems that may arise from our localities. We have already conducted the SWOT analysis on our corporation. Mr. Danfulani solicited the support of the staff of the corporation, urging them to be more innovative in tackling challenges in the nation’s agricultural sector, particularly climate change and access to finance.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for giving him the opportunity to serve the nation and promised to carry out reforms that would enhance inclusiveness in agricultural sector.
Mr. Danfulani was appointed MD/CEO of NAIC alongside two other executive directors – Mr. Abubakar Umar Jarenggo (Executive Director, Operations) and Mr. Babafemi Ayandayo Rasheed (Executive Director, Admin and Finance) on May 21, 2025, by President Bola Tinubu for an initial term of four years.
Online Poster by — May 29, 2025 in News 0
Nigeria Media Renaissance : GOCOP’s Book On Online Publishing Set For Launch

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has announced the public presentation of its book, Nigeria Media Renaissance: GOCOP Perspectives on Online Publishing, on Tuesday, June 17th at Abuja Continental Hotel, at 10.00am.

According to a press statement by GOCOP Publicity Secretary, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, this highly anticipated event promises to be a significant milestone in the literary and publishing landscape.

He quoted GOCOP President, Ms Maureen Chigbo, to have said that the event will feature a Fundraiser for the N2.3 billion GOCOP MEDIA CENTRE, a multi-purpose resource centre comprising a secretariat, a 21st Century library and event halls, among others.

Chigbo further said that “this landmark publication chronicled the transformative journey of Nigeria’s media landscape, highlighting the pivotal role of online publishing in shaping public discourse, enhancing transparency and fostering national development.

“It is a testament to the resilience and innovation of Nigerian media practitioners in the digital age,” she said.

The event, she said, will bring together distinguished personalities from government, media, private sector, academia and civil society to reflect on the challenges and opportunities in online publishing and its critical role in nation-building.

GOCOP which currently has 120 members was established to ensure that online publishers uphold the tenets of journalism in doing their jobs. Its membership is a constellation of editors and senior journalists, whom, having distinguished themselves in their various stations in the print and electronic media, ventured into online publishing which is both the present and future of journalism globally.

The book aside tracing the historical trajectory of online journalism in Nigeria is also a veritable contribution towards enriching the discourse on civil liberties, press freedom and the role of the media in the sustenance of democracy, the statement added.

Online Poster by — May 28, 2025 in News 0
NAFDAC Clarifies Charges Imposed on Open Drug Market Infractions

NAFDAC clarifies fee for reopening of shops in Onitsha market
The attention of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been drawn to a misleading information as contained in videos that are trending on the social media of the incitement of traders of Onitsha Bridge Head Market by one social media influencer.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) therefore, wishes to alert the public and security agencies on the incitement, which may constitute a breach of the Cybercrime Act.
The public will recall the recent enforcement operation in three Open Drug Markets (Idumota, Aba and Onitsha) in the country where banned, expired, falsified, substandard narcotic medicines worth more than a trillion Naira were removed and subsequently destroyed.
Between 9th February and 27th March 2025, NAFDAC conducted a raid operation to remove unregistered, expired, banned, diverted donation drugs, substandard, falsified, and illicit narcotics and controlled substances from the three major Open Drug Markets (ODM) in the country.
All the warehouses, shops and parking stores in the three Open Drug Markets did not meet the minimum requirements of Good Storage and Distribution Practices. More importantly, there was no proof of registration of these Open Drug Market premises by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN)  a clear contravention/violation of the pertinent extant law of the federation.
For these infractions, the administrative charges that apply (as gazetted) were imposed on perpetrators as follows:
An Investigative charge of N5M (reduced to N200,000 after pleas) for sales of unregistered products, and
An Investigative charge of N2M (reduced to N500,000 after much plea) for being in violation of Good Storage and Distribution (GSD) practice.
     The public should please note, contrary to erroneous speculations, that these are Federal government gazetted charges and payments.
NAFDAC will continue to ensure that all medical products  medicines, vaccines, medical devices and others being used in Nigeria are of good quality, safe, and efficacious.
We will continue to provide assurances that these commodities are well monitored to avoid the deaths of pregnant women, children, and the vulnerable.
Through this, we will be improving the quality of life and life expectancy of the citizenry, while reducing the incidence of untimely deaths of adults living with chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes.  We wish to assure the public that NAFDAC will continue to work within the purview of her mandate.
Prof Mojisola Adeyeye
DG NAFDAC
Online Poster by — May 28, 2025 in News 0
PMI : When Aid Shrinks, Execution Must Rise

 

 

 

 

 

   By   George Asamani, Managing Director, Project Management Institute, Sub-Saharan Africa

 

The announcement of deep cuts in US development assistance has cast a long shadow over Africa’s infrastructure ambitions. The African Development Fund, the continent’s principal vehicle for concessional financing, now faces a possible 37% drop in donor contributions, with Washington potentially withdrawing entirely, according to the Centre of Global Development. In March this year, the US withdrew from the Just Energy Transition Partnership, to which it had initially pledged more than $1.5-billion of grant and commercial funding.

Even if these cuts prove to be temporary, the damage may not be. Recovering lost momentum could mean sacrificing years of economic growth, delaying critical infrastructure projects, and widening the development gap. And if the decline signals a more permanent shift, then the implications are even more profound. Rather than wait for fortunes to swing again in their favour, African governments must take proactive steps to secure their development trajectories.

As development partner contributions shrink, governments across the continent will need to take on a greater share of project financing through their own national budgets. That reality is sobering, but it also presents a compelling opportunity to reimagine public investment through the lens of discipline, delivery, and results.

In recent years, many African economies have faced a challenging paradox: rising investment in infrastructure has not always translated into timely project delivery. Historically, PMI data has reported that roughly 10% of project investment is wasted due to poor project performance. Let’s take the global construction market, which is projected to reach approximately $17.05 trillion this year, and poor project performance, like going over time or over budget, could cost it more than $1 trillion.

In Africa, where public debt levels are already placing pressure on national budgets and fiscal space is increasingly limited, improving efficiency in infrastructure delivery is no longer optional; it is essential. If the funding tap is tightening, the only viable response is better stewardship of the remaining resources. That means placing execution, how projects are delivered, at the centre of fiscal policy

Professionalising project management in the public sector is the single most powerful lever African governments can pull to stretch limited budgets. That said, professionalising project delivery is not without its challenges. Many governments still contend with institutional constraints, limited technical capacity, and high turnover in public sector roles. These realities underscore the need for long-term investment in skills development.

Even a modest 10% improvement in project delivery efficiency could translate into billions in savings, resources that could be redirected toward critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and public safety. In essence, stronger project management leads directly to better development outcomes, without placing additional tax burdens on citizens or increasing national debt.

There is also a long-term political dividend. When governments consistently implement visible, high-impact infrastructure projects, they build public trust, foster investor confidence, and stimulate employment. In the context of a rapidly growing youth population and pressing job creation needs, infrastructure delivery should be positioned not merely as capex but as an instrument for inclusive growth and economic resilience.

In today’s constrained environment, Africa can no longer afford inefficiency. Every missed milestone, budget overrun, or failed audit is not just a governance issue—it’s a tax on future generations. That is why national treasuries must begin to view project management capability as a strategic economic asset. Government ministries should collaborate to embed delivery units staffed by qualified project professionals.

Of course, embedding this level of project management rigour will not happen overnight. Strengthening delivery capability across ministries is a medium-term reform, but one that must begin now if future infrastructure investments are to deliver their intended outcomes. Multilateral lenders such as the ADF should also consider making project management discipline a condition for financing to help ensure that funds are effectively used and that projects deliver their intended impact.

Africa’s infrastructure agenda is too important to fail. But success will not be driven by donor generosity alone. It will depend on national leadership that prioritises competence and refuses to compromise on execution.

Online Poster by — May 28, 2025 in News 0
Anambra Children Mark Children’s Day In Style

By Chikaodi Chukwuleta
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Amed Tinubu has restated his commitment in protecting children’s rights and welfare in the country.
He made this known in his speech during the Children’s Day which is observed every year in the country.
Tinubu, who spoke through the Governor of Anambra State, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo on the theme,  ‘Stand Up, Speak Up, Building a Bullying Free Generation  at the Solution Fun City  Park, Awka, emphasised the need to create a culture where every child feels safe, respected and heard.
He noted that over one in three children globally experience bullying, with Nigeria as studies estimate up to 65% of school age children affected.
Mr President stressed that violence, bullying and neglect have no place in Nigeria, and urged all stakeholders to embed child rights in budgets, plans and polices, even as he encouraged citizens to become child protection champions through a nation wide “see something, say something, do Something” campaign.
In his words, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo assured that every child in the state is in  safe hands, and that the future of Anambra children remains, the bridge for future progress.
He said that his administration  provided free  education because, education is the bedrock of any society.
In their separate speeches, the Commissioner for Education,  Mrs Ngozi Chuma Ude,  Speaker of the Children’s Parliament, Victory Ekwunife  commened Governor Soludo for restoring safety and opportuities to the state, empowering the youths, employement and recruitment of teachers, providing education free for every child in the state  “Mr Governor is doing well.  He has not borrowed a dime.  He doesn’t want to put Ndi  Anambra in penury of perpetual debt”.
They commended the wife of the governor,  Mrs Nonye Soludo  for touching every life in the state through her project of healthy living”.
Earlier in her speech, the Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Mrs Ify Obinabo thanked the governor for his tireless efforts in protecting the welfare of Anambra   children, his commitment to nuturing a safe environment and commitment to children.
She praised  his transformative initiative in educational landscape of the  state, introduction of free education, recruitment of teachers, enhancement of academic excellency.
Online Poster by — May 28, 2025 in News 0
12 Year-Old Chiderije Mbah Appointed CEO Of Wema Bank On Children’s Day

In a heartfelt celebration of 2025 Children’s Day, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has unveiled 12-year-old Chiderije Mbah as its One-Day Managing Director/CEO for May 27, 2025, as part of a special initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of Nigerian leaders. The memorable experience, which took place today, at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos, Marina, spotlighted Wema Bank’s ongoing commitment to investing in the future even as it marks 80 remarkable years of legacy and impact.     Chiderije Mbah became the winner of the One-Day Wema Bank MD/CEO initiative launched in May 2025, to mark this year’s Children’s Day celebration.

He was chosen after sharing a spirited video explaining his dream of leading a bank and his vision for making finance more fun and accessible for children. His entry, submitted through a social media challenge, stood out among dozens who applied to be in the position.     The One-Day Wema Bank MD/CEO was the high point of a broader Children’s Day initiative by Wema Bank, which invited children across the country to participate in an online challenge. To qualify, children were asked to post a short video dressed in Wema colours and share the banking role they aspired to, while either holding or opening a Royal Kiddies Account (for ages 0–12) or an ALAT Xplore Wallet (for teenagers 13–17). The campaign blended fun with purpose, introducing thousands of young Nigerians to early financial education and the power of dreaming big. On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Chiderije stepped into the spotlight at Wema Bank’s Lagos Headquarters, receiving a purple-carpet welcome and taking his seat at the helm of the bank for a day packed with leadership, learning, and excitement. Enjoying a full day of activities; from a guided tour of the head office to holding his own executive briefing session in the boardroom, he will also be addressing senior executives of the bank.   “This is the best day of my life,” said Chiderije Mbah. “Wema Bank made me feel important. I am learning so much about being a leader and how banking works. I’ll tell all my friends to open a Wema Bank Royal Kiddies Account so they can also start learning how to save and maybe one day, they can be MD too!” Speaking on the initiative, Wema Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Moruf Oseni, said.

“Our 80th anniversary is a time to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re going, knowing fully well that the future belongs to the young stars like Chiderije. Today’s activity is one of our ways of showing that we believe in the children, that we’re listening, and that we’re committed to helping them succeed financially, personally, and professionally all the way.”     This unforgettable experience reinforces Wema Bank’s vision of a future-ready Nigeria; one where financial inclusion starts early, and every child has access to tools, inspiration, and opportunities to thrive. As Wema bank celebrates eight decades of resilience and innovation, its gaze remains firmly fixed on the horizon, championing the dreams of tomorrow’s leaders, one child at a time.”

Online Poster by — May 28, 2025 in News 0
Dangote Named Most Admired African Brand, Bags Two More Awards In Addis Ababa

It was another historic milestone for pan-African investor Aliko Dangote and the Dangote Industries Limited over the weekend, as they garnered three prestigious accolades at the 15th annual Brand Africa 100 awards, held at the iconic Africa Hall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia—the birthplace of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU).

Dangote Industries Limited was named Most Admired African Brand, following an independent, consumer-led survey conducted across more than 30 African countries. The company was also inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame, becoming the first African firm to receive this distinction. The induction recognises Dangote’s transformative impact on African consumers and its influential role in shaping a positive narrative for the continent.

President/Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his leadership in driving impactful industrialisation, establishing a world-class African brand, and reshaping the continent’s economic future through a benchmark, homegrown enterprise.

Joining Dangote Industries in the inaugural Hall of Fame were MTN, M-Pesa, Ethiopian Airlines, and South Africa, for consistently ranking among Africa’s most admired brands over the past 5 to 15 years and for building sustainable, globally respected brands.

Reacting to the awards, Group Chief Branding & Communications Officer, Dangote Industries Limited, Anthony Chiejina, said the honours reflect the unwavering commitment, excellence, and innovation that define the group’s journey. He added that they are a testament to the dedication of the company’s outstanding team, partners, and stakeholders, who continue to believe in the mission to drive sustainable development and economic growth across the continent.

“We also extend our heartfelt appreciation for the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to our Founder and President, Aliko Dangote for building a purposeful world-class industrial brand that has exceptionally transformed African lives and the African narrative. This accolade celebrates not only his visionary leadership but also his tireless efforts in transforming industries, creating opportunities, and championing African enterprise on the global stage. His legacy is an inspiration to generations of entrepreneurs and leaders across Africa,” he said.

Noting that the recognition would further inspire the company to push boundaries, empower communities, and deliver meaningful value across Africa and beyond, Chiejina reaffirmed Dangote Industries’ commitment to excellence, integrity, and transformative growth.

In his keynote address, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, Mr Claver Gatete, praised Aliko Dangote, the Hall of Fame inductees, and the Brand Africa laureates for advancing the African agenda. He highlighted the alignment between Brand Africa and the ECA’s mission to promote inclusive industrialisation, regional integration, and private sector-led growth. He also called for increased investment in youth-led innovation, regional value chains, and the establishment of a Pan-African Creative Innovation Fund to identify, finance, and globalise Africa’s most promising brands.

“I wish to particularly acknowledge MTN, Dangote Group, mPesa and Ethiopian Airlines for consistently maintaining their distinguished positions among the “Most Admired African Brands” category and continuing to set benchmarks in brand leadership, innovation and continental impact,” he said.

According to the organisers, the 2025 rankings reveal a stark contrast between rising African optimism and declining brand loyalty. While 68% of Africans expressed belief in the continent—up from 64% in 2024—only 11% of the Top 100 Most Admired Brands are African, marking a historic low and down from 14% in 2024. The report indicates the urgent need for homegrown brands to translate belief into consumer loyalty, and for Africans to more actively support Made-in-Africa products and enterprises.

“It is disappointing to see the sharp drop in African brands, which mirrors the ranking of non-African nations as the most influential in Africa,” says Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa. “It’s a wake-up call for Africa—and a barometer of the continent’s lagging industrialisation agenda. It’s not enough for Africans to say they believe in the continent—they must buy made-in-Africa. For that to happen, African brands must invest in R&D, continue to innovate, deliver quality, and use authenticity as a differentiator.”

Winifred Bosa by — May 27, 2025 in brands and Marketing 0
Fatai Lawal Becomes Nigeria Entity MD As Continental Re Announces Leadership Transition Across Group

 

L-R: Group Managing Director of Continental Reinsurance Holdings, Mr. Lawrence Nazare and Managing Director, Continental Re, Dr. Fatai Lawal (Nigeria entity)

Continental Reinsurance Group is pleased to announce several key leadership changes that reflect the company’s continued evolution into a pan-African holding structure and its commitment to robust governance and strategic growth.
Group-Level Appointments

Mr. L awrence Nazare has been appointed Group Managing Director of Continental Reinsurance Holdings, headquartered in Botswana. His transition follows the completion of his tenure as Managing Director/CEO of Continental Reinsurance Plc, Nigeria, in December 2024. In this new capacity, Mr. Nazare will oversee the Group’s pan-African operations and long-term strategic direction.
Joining him on the Board of Continental Reinsurance Holdings are two distinguished Non-Executive Directors:
Mr. Paul Kokoricha, former Chairman of Continental Reinsurance Plc, now appointed Chairman of the Board at Group level
Mr. Steve Iwenjora, formerly a Non-Executive Director at Continental Reinsurance Plc, who has now been appointed a Non-Executive Director at Group level.
These appointments reinforce the Group’s leadership as it executes the next phase of regional integration and strategic oversight.

Reflecting on his transition to the Group Board, Mr. Kokoricha said:
“It has been an honour to serve as Chairman of Continental Reinsurance Plc, Nigeria, where we achieved significant milestones in growth and governance. As we now pivot to a consolidated Group structure, I am excited to continue supporting the company at this higher level—working with the leadership team to sustain our pan-African momentum and long-term ambition.”
Mr. Nazare added:
“It’s been a privilege to lead our Nigeria business and support the broader Group’s evolution. As I now focus fully on the Group-level role, I remain committed to driving Continental Re’s strategic vision across Africa.”

Nigeria Entity: New CEO and Board Members at Continental Reinsurance Plc
To lead the Nigeria entity in charge of Anglophone West Africa operations, Dr. Fatai Kayode Lawal has been appointed Managing Director/CEO of Continental Reinsurance Plc, Nigeria effective April 2025.

 

Dr. Fatai Kayode Lawal brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Insurance from the University of Lagos, an MBA from the same institution, and a Doctorate in Management (Leadership and Organizational management) from the University of Phoenix, AZ. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute of London & Nigeria (FCII, FIIN). He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria and Chartered Institute of Directors. Dr. Lawal’s impressive career includes his most recent position as Managing Director/Chief Executive of Sterling Assurance Nigeria Ltd. from January 2007 to December 2023, where he successfully integrated three merging companies and significantly grew sales. Prior to this, he served as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Universe Reinsurance Co. Limited, where he improved profitability and expanded markets. His earlier career also includes a leadership role at Refuge Insurance Company Limited and a pioneering management role at Continental Reinsurance Co. Ltd. Dr. Lawal has a proven track record in leadership, strategic development, market expansion, and team building.
Strengthening the Nigeria Board
The Nigeria entity also welcomes three new Non-Executive Directors, whose appointments have received regulatory clearance from the National Insurance Commission:

 

Mr. Segun Adebanji – Chairman of the Board, Non-Executive Director
Mr. Adebanji is a veteran finance professional and Fellow of both the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. His international career includes leadership positions within UAC, Unilever, Nigerian Breweries, and Heineken, with postings in South Africa, Ghana, Namibia, and the Netherlands. He currently chairs Fidson Healthcare Plc and Filmhouse Group Ltd.

 

Mrs. Funmilayo Omokhodion – Non-Executive Director
A Chartered Insurer with 36 years of experience in reinsurance, Mrs. Omokhodion rose through the ranks at Africa Re, serving as Regional Director for West Africa and in other senior roles. She holds a BA in English and Linguistics and an Executive MBA in Insurance, and is a member of the Council of the Africa Reinsurance Foundation.
Mrs. Eno Atoyebi, CFA – Non-Executive Director
With over 25 years in investment management, Mrs. Atoyebi is a Chartered Financial Analyst and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. She is currently the Managing Director of ValuAlliance Asset Management and oversees strategy for two mutual funds. Her earlier experience includes senior roles at Afrinvest and ExxonMobil.

 

These appointments coincide with Continental Re’s 40th anniversary, a milestone that reflects the Group’s enduring legacy, resilience, and readiness for the future. With a strong leadership team in place across both Group and operational levels, Continental Reinsurance is well-positioned to deepen its impact across Africa’s reinsurance landscape.

Online Poster by — May 27, 2025 in News 0