Author: Salisu Sani-Idris

By Taiye Olayemi

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has partnered with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) to intensify awareness and prevention of domestic and sexual violence against children through community-based sensitisation campaigns across Lagos State.

The initiative, which forms part of the 2026 AXA Week for Good themed “Being A Child Shouldn’t Be A Risk,” is designed to strengthen public enlightenment, encourage reporting of abuse cases and reinforce child protection systems at the grassroots level.

Under the partnership, employee volunteers of AXA Mansard will engage in door-to-door sensitisation activities in selected communities, with technical support, training and guidance provided by the Lagos State DSVA.

The programme builds on the 2025 edition of the collaboration, which focused on school-based interventions aimed at educating pupils and teachers on domestic and sexual violence.

Speaking on the initiative, Chief Marketing Officer of AXA Mansard, Mrs Adebola Surakat, said the 2026 campaign would place greater emphasis on families, parents, caregivers and community leaders.

She noted that most abuse cases occur within familiar environments.

Surakat said statistics indicate that more than 60 per cent of domestic and sexual violence cases involving children were perpetrated by individuals known to them, underscoring the need for stronger community awareness.

She explained that the campaign would cover six communities, where volunteers would educate residents on identifying abuse, reporting mechanisms and safe parenting practices.

According to her, AXA Mansard’s sustained advocacy against domestic and sexual violence reflects its commitment to building safer communities in which it operates.

She further noted that in 2025, about 96 per cent of the company’s employees devoted at least 30 minutes of their work hours to volunteer activities focused on creating awareness on domestic and sexual violence.

In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Ms Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said domestic and sexual violence thrived on silence, ignorance and fear, stressing the need for continuous public education and community engagement.

Vivour-Adeniyi commended AXA Mansard for sustaining its partnership with the agency, adding that protecting children required the collective effort of government, private sector organisations and the public.

She said bringing advocacy directly to communities would empower parents and caregivers to identify warning signs early, protect vulnerable children and report cases promptly.

AXA Week for Good is the flagship initiative under AXA Mansard’s employee volunteering platform, AXA Hearts in Action, through which staff reportedly contributed over 20,000 volunteer hours in 2025.

By Taiye Olayemi

No fewer than 282 persons with disabilities have successfully launched their own businesses through the Fashion Future Programme (FFP), implemented by Ethnocentrique in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.

This milestone was announced at the close of the pilot phase of the programme during the 2026 edition of The Fashion Games, a two-day market activation held in Aba, Abia State.

The organisers in a statement on Friday said the initiative, designed to drive youth employment and enterprise growth in Nigeria’s fashion sector, had also generated over 10,000 primary and secondary jobs.

They said women accounted for more than 80 per cent of participants.

Speaking at the event, the Programme Coordinator of FFP, Mr Jeremiah Ubunamah, said the programme had reached over 10,000 beneficiaries across Aba and surrounding communities, with more than 6,000 directly participating in its activities.

Ubunamah noted that the initiative had supported the establishment of over 4,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), while facilitating over N200 million in orders for participating businesses.

He explained that the programme was designed to reposition fashion as a viable economic driver, rather than merely a creative pursuit.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Ethnocentrique, Ms Irunna Ejibe, stressed the need for better coordination within the fashion ecosystem to unlock its full potential.

Ejibe said the programme had, in collaboration with the Abia State Government, established structured platforms to support MSMEs.

She sis this included the creation of cooperatives and a steering committee to align stakeholders across government, finance and enterprise.

According to her, no fewer than 99 MSMEs had been grouped into registered cooperatives to enhance their access to financing and improve governance structures.

In her remarks, the Country Director of the Mastercard Foundation in Nigeria, Ms Rosy Fynn, said the programme had exceeded expectations in terms of economic inclusion and enterprise development, particularly for young women and persons with disabilities.

Similarly, Gov Alex Otti of Abia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting local production and positioning Aba as a key player in the global fashion industry.

The organisers further disclosed that over 6,000 young people had been trained and certified under the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), while more than 100 Business Development Service Providers had been engaged to train over 4,000 MSMEs in Abia.

They noted that the successful pilot phase had demonstrated the potential of a coordinated approach to building sustainable fashion businesses, adding that plans were underway to expand the model beyond Aba.

The event also featured panel discussions on scaling production systems and improving access to finance for youth-led fashion enterprises, with stakeholders identifying poor coordination, weak business structures and limited funding access as major challenges facing the sector.

Highlights of the programme included a youth-led fashion runway, a business pitch competition, and the signing of a market agreement between the Abia State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development and Ethnocentrique to promote local sourcing.

Aviation stakeholders have called on the federal and state governments to urgently address the increase in aviation fuel prices to ease the transportation of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj.

The stakeholders, under the aegis of Concerned Aviation Stakeholders, said something needs to be done immediately to save the 2026 Hajj operation from severe logistical and financial challenges, following the rising cost of aviation fuel.

President of the group, Alhaji Bukalti Usaman Gamawa, made the call in a statement on Sunday.

Gamawa said d that the skyrocketing cost of Jet A1 aviation fuel had continued to threaten the airlift of thousands of Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“Many of the airlines contracted for the 2026 Hajj operations are expected to lease aircraft to meet capacity demands. With the current fuel price increase on both legs, much of their projected profit margin has already been wiped out.

“In some cases, airlines may end up operating at break-even or even at a loss, effectively flying for free after covering lease and operational expenses.

“If urgent action is not taken, some airlines may find it financially impossible to even commence operations from Nigeria or sustain return operations from Saudi Arabia,” he said.

The president of the group said that the federal and state Governments no longer provide direct subsidies for Hajj operations in Nigeria.

He, however, said that stakeholders believed that urgent policy measures, like pricing regulation, forex support, or strategic fuel supply arrangements, may be necessary to prevent the operation from collapsing.

Gamawa said that without swift intervention, coordination, and emergency action from the government, regulators, airlines, and marketers, the 2026 Hajj operation may witness one of the highest fare increases in history.

He said that, in the worst-case scenario, it could even witness operational failure.

“In simple terms, the soaring cost of Jet A1 on both the Nigerian and Saudi sides is the clearest reason why Hajj fares are expected to rise sharply in 2026.

“When Hajj contracts were negotiated and signed, Jet A1 was selling at approximately N1,000 per litre in Nigeria, while the average price on the Saudi side was around $0.68 per litre.

“Airlines structured their fares, logistics, and operational plans around these benchmarks. Today, however, the situation has changed dramatically.

Across major departure points such as Abuja, Kano, Lagos, Maiduguri, Yola, Sokoto and Birnin Kebbi, Jet A1 is now being sold for as much as N3,000 per litre.

“This represents a 200 per cent increase from the original price used in contract projections,” he said.

According to him, this sharp rise has placed airlines in a difficult financial position.

“If they are forced to absorb the increased fuel cost, many may be operating at a loss.

“If pilgrims are made to absorb it, Hajj fares will rise sharply. If government intervenes, it may require emergency support mechanisms despite the removal of Hajj subsidies in Nigeria,” he said.

Gamawa said that for a single aircraft consuming 70,000 litres of Jet A1 per flight, that at the contract benchmark of N1,000/litre, N70 million would be required, while at N2,500/litre N175 million would be required.

“Even if the Nigerian government or local suppliers stabilise Jet A1 prices for the first leg of the Hajj operation from Nigeria to Jeddah or Medina, the return flight remains a major unresolved challenge.

“The price of Jet A1 on the Saudi side has reportedly risen from around $0.68 per litre at the time the Hajj contract was signed to approximately $1.40 per litre now.

“That is more than a 105 per cent increase in dollar terms. For airlines, this creates a double burden: Outbound leg,” he said.

He said that unlike Nigeria, where intervention may come through policy or local refinery arrangements, airlines lifting pilgrims back home from Jeddah must buy fuel at prevailing international market rates in foreign currency.

By Sam Israel JP

There are moments in political history that quietly redefine the rules of engagement, not through noise or confrontation, but through discipline, restraint, and clarity of purpose. What has unfolded in Nasarawa State is one of such moments—subtle in execution, yet profound in implication.

Governor Abdullahi Sule’s handling of succession is not just a political move; it is a case study in leadership maturity. In an environment where ambition often overrides structure, and where succession battles frequently fracture parties beyond repair, this process stands apart. It was deliberate, patient, and—most importantly—predictable to those who paid attention.

For over a year, the governor did something rare in Nigerian politics: he observed more than he spoke. Rather than impose a candidate abruptly, he created a living laboratory of governance, exposing aspirants to the inner workings of leadership. This was not symbolic inclusion; it was strategic grooming.

By doing so, he achieved two critical objectives. First, he tested competence under real conditions. Second, he removed the usual excuse of exclusion. Every serious aspirant had access, visibility, and voice. That alone neutralized the kind of grievances that typically destabilize parties after such decisions.

The eventual emergence of Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as the Muje Maha, therefore, was not an accident. It was the logical conclusion of a structured evaluation process. Those who followed closely could see the trajectory long before the declaration was made public.

What makes this moment even more significant is the governor’s adherence to the zoning understanding. While not codified in law, zoning has served as a stabilizing mechanism in Nasarawa State. Respecting it is not merely political correctness—it is conflict prevention. By aligning his decision with this principle, the governor reinforced a system that sustains balance across the state’s diverse interests.

Equally important is how the governor managed dissent. He did not suppress ambition; he accommodated it. Aspirants from all zones were engaged thoroughly, not perfunctorily. This approach transformed what could have been a battlefield into a competitive but controlled process.

Now, the spotlight shifts to Senator Wadada. His political journey suggests resilience, adaptability, and grassroots credibility. His past contests, victories, and even setbacks have collectively shaped a figure who understands both the mechanics of power and the patience required to attain it.

His acceptance posture is telling. In politics, tone often reveals more than intention. By choosing humility over triumphalism, and unity over division, he signaled awareness of the fragile coalition he must now lead. Winning endorsement is one thing; consolidating it is another.

However, this moment is not solely about the governor or the anointed candidate. It is equally about the other aspirants. Their next steps will determine whether this process becomes a model or a missed opportunity. Political maturity is most visible not in victory, but in how defeat—or near victory—is managed.

If they choose alignment, the party emerges stronger, more cohesive, and better positioned for the general election. If they choose fragmentation, they risk undoing the very process that gave them relevance and visibility in the first place.

There is also a broader lesson here for Nigerian politics. Succession does not have to be chaotic. Leadership transition can be managed through consultation, transparency, and respect for stakeholders. What is often lacking is not the framework, but the will to follow it.

Nasarawa State now stands at a strategic crossroads. The groundwork has been laid, but groundwork alone does not win elections. Mobilization, reconciliation, and message discipline will determine whether this moment translates into electoral success.

For the electorate, this is also a defining period. Beyond party dynamics, voters will ultimately assess credibility, track record, and vision. The process that produced a candidate is important, but the capacity of that candidate to deliver remains the decisive factor.

The declaration of a Muje Maha is not the end of a journey—it is the beginning of a more demanding phase. Expectations will rise. Scrutiny will intensify. Alliances will be tested.

In the end, what Governor Sule has done is to hand over not just a candidate, but a responsibility—a responsibility to sustain unity, deepen trust, and deliver results. Whether that responsibility is upheld will define the next chapter of Nasarawa’s political story.

The moment has been created. What happens next will determine whether it becomes a legacy or just another episode in the long narrative of Nigerian politics.

Sam Israel is the Senior Special Assistant SSA on media to Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu.

By Taiye Olayemi

Heirs Insurance Group, in partnership with United Capital Plc, has unveiled an initiative to promote self-care and financial empowerment among Nigerian women.

This is contained in a statement issued by Heirs Insurance Group on Monday in Lagos.

The organisations hosted a “Yoga and Money Meet Up,” on April 11, a wellness and financial literacy event designed to equip women with tools for personal wellbeing and wealth creation.

The event featured guided yoga and stress management sessions, alongside expert-led discussions on insurance, investment and asset protection.

According to the organisers, the initiative reflects their commitment to making financial wellness more relevant and accessible to women.

Mrs Ifesinachi Okoli-Okpagu, Chief Marketing Officer of Heirs Insurance Group, said the programme underscored the link between wellness and financial security.

“Self-care is not just about indulgence; it involves making deliberate choices that protect one’s physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

“For many women balancing careers, businesses and family, this initiative addresses the need to safeguard assets while managing life’s responsibilities,” she said.

Okoli-Okpagu also introduced the firm’s HerMotor insurance plan, designed for female motorists.

She said the product offers comprehensive coverage against accidents, fire and theft, as well as 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.

According to her, the plan, delivered in partnership with AA Rescue, also includes a reward programme with access to discounts on wellness services.

Also, Dr Odiri Oginni, Managing Director of United Capital Asset Management, said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing women’s empowerment.

“Financial independence and personal wellness are interconnected.

“By creating platforms that address both, we are enabling women to confidently pursue and achieve their goals,” she said.

Oginni added that the company’s Wealth for Women Fund was developed to provide accessible investment opportunities and long-term financial security.

The organisations said the initiative aligns with their broader goal of promoting financial education and protection among women.

Heirs Insurance Group is a subsidiary of Heirs Holdings, while United Capital Plc provides financial and investment services across Africa.

By Taiye Olayemi

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has renewed its partnership with Herconomy as a sponsor of the Herconomy Conference 2026, in a move to strengthen financial inclusion and expand economic opportunities for women in Nigeria.

The insurer said it would headline the conference’s Enterprise Challenge, an initiative designed to support women-led businesses with funding and increased visibility.

The Herconomy Conference, an annual event organised by the fintech platform, has evolved into a major forum for promoting women’s financial independence and career advancement.

With a community of over 15,000 members, the platform is expected to host more than 1,000 female professionals, entrepreneurs and industry leaders at the 2026 edition.

Discussions at the event will focus on wealth creation, career growth and long-term economic impact.

AXA Mansard stated that the partnership aligns with its broader strategy to enhance women’s financial resilience by improving access to tools, knowledge and networks needed to succeed in a dynamic economy.

The collaboration builds on the success of the 2025 edition, where outstanding women entrepreneurs received financial support through a competitive pitch process.

Opeyemi Adebisi, founder of Pemnia Wellness, won the top prize of N1.5 million, while Bilqis Idaro of Posh Meals received N1 million as first runner-up.

Chimdiebube Orji, founder of Springsentia, got N500,000 as second runner-up.

Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Marketing Officer of AXA Mansard, Adebola Surakat, said empowering women financially remains vital for inclusive and sustainable development.

According to her, providing women with access to financial knowledge and resources can unlock wider economic potential.

She noted that the partnership supports ongoing efforts to promote wealth creation, financial protection and long-term security for women.

Surakat also highlighted the company’s “AXA She Is In Charge” initiative, which offers empowerment programmes, expert-led sessions and professional networks to support women’s personal and financial growth.

AXA Mansard reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive financial solutions that will enable women to build resilient businesses and secure their financial future.