Author: Salisu Sani-Idris

By Taiye Olayemi

AXA Mansard Health, a health insurance company and member of the AXA Group, has urged organisations to view employee wellbeing as a strategic investment that enhances productivity and drives business growth.

The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr Tope Adeniyi, made the call at a breakfast meeting with senior human resources and business leaders in Lagos.

Adeniyi said the discussion focused on the rising cost of healthcare and its impact on employee wellbeing and overall corporate performance.

He noted that while many organisations face increasing operational expenses, investing in employee wellness offers measurable benefits in productivity, talent retention, and long-term cost management.

According to him, prioritising employee wellness yields measurable returns in performance and cost management.

He said, “Every business leader knows the pressure of cost containment.

“But we have learned, from more than a decade of serving thousands of employees across Nigeria’s most demanding sectors, that companies which treat wellbeing as a performance driver not a cost centre are the ones that thrive.”

‎He said that data from AXA Mansard Health’s portfolio revealed a clear link between proactive investment in employee wellbeing and reduced claims costs per employee.

“Cutting health or wellness budgets to ‘save’ money often backfires.

“When employees are stressed or unwell, they may show up physically but be mentally and emotionally absent.”

‎Adeniyi emphasised that supporting staff health should be viewed as sound business strategy, not corporate social responsibility.

“Taking care of our employees is not a sentimental choice it’s good business,” he affirmed.

Adeniyi reiterated that AXA Mansard Health remains dedicated to equipping businesses with data-driven insights and practical tools to sustain a healthy, productive workforce.

‎Other participants at the session, comprising HR heads and business executives, discussed the challenges of balancing rising healthcare expenses with meaningful employee support.

They also stressed the importance of embedding wellbeing into leadership culture, noting that executives who model healthy practices foster loyalty and enhance productivity.

‎AXA Mansard Health showcased its wellness platform, which provides employees access to over 2,000 hospitals nationwide, telemedicine consultations, health education programmes, and lifestyle management tools.

By focusing on preventive care and real-time health management, the insurer said it helps organisations reduce costs while improving health outcomes.

‎Reaffirming its commitment to holistic employee wellbeing, the company pledged continued partnership with employers to address the dual challenge of rising healthcare costs and workforce performance.

By Taiye Olayemi

Dr Umaru Kwairanga, the Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), has called for visionary, inclusive, and accountable leadership as the foundation for building a stronger and globally competitive Nigeria.
Kwairanga made the call on Tuesday at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference held in Abuja, with the theme, “Better Leadership for a Better Nigeria.”
Drawing from over three decades of experience in leading various organisations, Kwairanga, in a statement on Wednesday, noted that leadership in today’s dynamic environment remained complex and demanding.
He said that it must, however, be anchored on key principles such as strategic vision, effective management, and clear communication.
The NGX boss noted that successful leaders must define a clear direction for their organisations, articulate their strategy to stakeholders, and ensure unity of purpose in execution.
According to him, effective management, particularly in people, and risk management are central to achieving strategic goals.
“Leaders need to quickly identify the right team to help achieve their goals and steer them in the right direction,” he said.
Kwairanga also underscored the importance of two-way communication, describing it as a vital element in maintaining trust and coordination within organisations and among stakeholders.
Speaking on his leadership experience at the NGX Group, Kwairanga said the Exchange was undergoing transformational changes aimed at building a more vibrant capital market.
He explained that the changes reflected Nigeria’s population strength and supported the Federal Government’s vision of a trillion-dollar economy.
“At NGX Group, we are focused on creating a bigger, more dynamic capital market through new products, new listings, and advanced technologies that make the market more attractive to both local and foreign investors,” he said.
Kwairanga emphasised that leadership was ultimately about stewardship and the collective pursuit of national progress.
“Leadership is stewardship; stewardship of possibility. Our task is to build a more inclusive, transparent, and globally competitive Nigeria.
“It will take courage, conviction, and collaboration, but it’s within our reach,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Taiye Olayemi

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has urged the newly-inaugurated President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mrs Ekeoma Ezeibe, to lead the industry with innovation, professionalism, inclusion and trust.

The Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of NAICOM, Mr Olusegun Omosehin, gave the charge at the investiture ceremony of Mrs Ezeibe as the 23rd President of the NCRIB, held in Lagos.

Omosehin highlighted three key imperatives that would shape the future of the industry: education, ethics and public confidence.

He urged the new NCRIB president to make them central to her agenda.

“Empower professionals through knowledge; uphold integrity and transparency; and build public confidence through consistent performance and fair practices.

“Perception and performance in insurance are inseparable. Trust grows when our actions meet stakeholders’ expectations,” he said.

Omosehin further advised brokers to evolve with the changing market environment by embracing client-focused advisory services, data-driven claims management and digital innovation.

“Brokers must move beyond product-driven solutions to client-first advisory roles.

“They should expand inclusion through affordable micro-insurance, leverage digital tools to cut costs and maintain high ethical standards,” he said.

The commissioner reiterated NAICOM’s commitment to fostering innovation, protecting policyholders and building public confidence.

He said the Commission would strengthen market conduct oversight to ensure transparency, fairness and value delivery, while also promoting digital transformation in the insurance space.

According to him, this will be through initiatives such as the electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC), API-enabled placements and efficient claims portals.

Omosehin called for closer collaboration between NAICOM and the NCRIB in developing broker-led micro-insurance and takaful solutions, which, he said, would deepen penetration and financial inclusion.

He described Ezeibe’s emergence as the third female president in the Council’s 63-year history as a testament to her resilience, excellence and professionalism.

He said her leadership marked a new chapter for the Nigerian insurance brokerage profession.

He commended the outgoing President, Prince Babatunde Oguntade, for his visionary leadership and the steady progress made under his tenure, particularly in promoting integrity and professionalism within the brokerage sector.

Also speaking, the outgoing President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Prince Babatunde Oguntade, expressed gratitude to stakeholders in the insurance industry for their support throughout his tenure.

Oguntade commended the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) for providing the enabling environment that allowed the industry to thrive, as well as for its remarkable efforts in facilitating the signing of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025 into law.

Mrs Ezeibe, in her response after the investiture, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in her as the new President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB).

She pledged that the Council would work closely with NAICOM to ensure the full implementation of the newly enacted Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025.

Ezeibe also assured that her administration would prioritise strengthening the NCRIB’s existing partnerships with other industry bodies and relevant organisations to advance the growth and credibility of the insurance sector.

By Taiye Olayemi

Heirs Insurance Group has announced the winners of the 4th edition of the Heirs Insurance Essay Championship.

This is a nationwide competition meant for promoting financial literacy and academic excellence among secondary school students and educators.

The grand finale, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, brought together students, parents, and academic leaders for a celebration of knowledge and creativity.

This year’s edition, which attracted over 5,000 entries from junior secondary school students nationwide, was anchored on the topic “The Role of Insurance in Keeping Families Safe and Secure”.

After a rigorous evaluation process by a distinguished panel of academic professionals, independently verified by Deloitte & Touche, 13-year-old Rhema-Love Abraham of Precepts Learning Field, Lagos, emerged as the overall winner, earning a N5 million scholarship and a N1 million grant for her school.

Bernice Michael of S-TEE High School, Lagos, claimed the second-place position, winning a N2 million scholarship, while Afopefoluwa Tofio-Jacobs of D-IVY College, Ogun State, took third place, receiving a N1 million scholarship.

This year, Heirs Insurance introduced the inaugural Teachers Prize, to honor teachers promoting insurance awareness within their schools and communities.

This initiative was created to democratise access to insurance literacy, working collaboratively with teachers and educators.

Mr Okpe Chidi, a teacher at Urban Secondary School, Umuna Orlu, Imo State, emerged as the winner of the Teachers’ Insurance Awareness Prize, with a personal award of N1 million cash prize, and a N500,000 grant for his school.

His project, which deepened students’ understanding of financial literacy and insurance, was praised for its innovation, reach, and measurable impact.

Speaking at the ceremony, Niyi Onifade, Sector Head, Heirs Insurance Group, commended all the participants for their creativity and drive, emphasising the Group’s commitment to nurturing future leaders through education.

He said, “We are proud of every student and teacher who participated in this year’s Essay Championship.

“Their creativity, curiosity, and dedication reflect the future we envision for our nation; one built on knowledge, innovation, and resilience.

“At Heirs Insurance Group, we believe financial literacy is a powerful tool for empowerment and transformation”.

The Heirs Insurance Essay Championship is a flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Heirs Insurance Group, created to build awareness of insurance literacy and critical thinking among young Nigerians.

The introduction of the Teachers’ Insurance Awareness Prize further demonstrates the Group’s commitment to advancing insurance education and promoting financial inclusion at every level of society.

By Taiye Olayemi

Dr Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), has commended the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) for promoting ethics, professionalism, and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s capital market.

Kwairanga gave the commendation in statement on Thursday while delivering a goodwill message at the 29th Annual Conference of the Institute, held in Abuja.

He congratulated the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute, Mr Oluropo Dada, for his leadership and commitment to advancing the securities profession.

“Stockbrokers are not just stakeholders in the Nigerian Exchange; they are the lifeblood of our organisation. Their daily presence sustains the Group,” he said.

He reiterated that both NGX and FINMAL Finance hold the Institute in high regard and would continue to collaborate to promote excellence and professionalism in the financial market.

According to him, the active engagement of CIS with policymakers under Dada’s leadership had strengthened advocacy for a more responsive and business-friendly environment.

Kwairanga commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its economic reforms, describing it as the most business-minded administration in the nation’s history.

He said the administration had shown strong political will to implement tough but necessary policies aimed at repositioning the economy for sustainable growth.

“President Bola Tinubu’s administration understands business and the economy. It has what it takes to turn the economy around for good,” he said.

He cited Chief Wale Edun, Dr Yemi Cardoso, Alhaji Shamsedeen Ogunjimi, and Dr Timi Agama as stockbrokers contributing significantly to managing the nation’s economy.

Kwairanga said their expertise had improved Nigeria’s economic indices, restored investor confidence, and boosted capital market performance in the past two years.

Speaking on the conference theme, ‘Capital Markets in a Digital, Ethical and Sustainable Era: Charting Pathways to Economic Transformation,’ he described it as timely and relevant.

He emphasised the need for market participants to embrace digital innovation while upholding ethical values such as integrity, trust, and professionalism.

“We must also pursue sustainable practices for the good of our market, our children, and our planet,” he added.

Kwairanga urged participants to use the conference to chart new pathways for economic transformation aligned with technology and sustainability goals. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)