NEM Insurance Plc – a leading general business underwriter and number one motor insurance business provider in Nigeria, today reinforced its commitment to staff wellbeing and healthy living with a fitness walk aimed at promoting awareness on the importance of regular exercise and preventive healthcare.

The initiative, which formed part of the company’s internal wellness programme, featured a series of health-focused activities designed to encourage employees to adopt healthier lifestyles while strengthening workplace camaraderie.

left: Executive Director Technical NEM Insurance Plc, Yemi Mayadenu;  Managing Director Andrew Ikekhua; Executive Director Finance Idowu Semowo at the event

The exercise began with a fitness walk that took participants from the company’s head office at Obanikoro, Ikorodu Road, Lagos to Maryland and back to the office premises. Staff members turned out in large numbers for the walk, demonstrating enthusiasm for the company’s wellness initiative.

The company also used the event to educate the public on importance of insuring their lives and properties, whilst assuring them of ‘NEM Care’ which accords special respect to every customer.

As part of the programme, medical checks were also conducted for employees. The health observation exercise enabled staff to check their vital signs, helping them gain insights into their health status and the importance of early detection and preventive care.

The event also featured engaging recreational activities, including aerobics sessions and a table tennis contest, which added excitement and encouraged participation among employees.

In addition, the company used the occasion to celebrate staff members whose birthdays fell within the period, creating a relaxed atmosphere that fostered team bonding; appreciation among colleagues and a sense of camaraderie and belonging among the “NEM family.”

Speaking during the event, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NEM Insurance Plc, Andrew Ikekhua, emphasised the importance of maintaining regular physical fitness, noting that healthy employees are more productive and better positioned to contribute to the organisation’s success.

“Regular fitness is no longer an option; it is a necessity for longevity and peak performance. At NEM, we believe that our greatest asset is our people, and their health remains our top priority,” he stated.

Ikekhua commended members of staff for their dedication and commitment to the company’s goals, while also reflecting on the firm’s performance and progress within the industry.

He reiterated the company’s resolve to continue implementing initiatives that promote staff wellbeing, teamwork and a positive work culture.

The fitness walk and related activities underscore NEM Insurance’s broader commitment to promoting a healthy workforce, while fostering a culture that balances professional excellence with personal wellbeing.

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The Governor said the exercise will hold every last Saturday of the Month between the hours of 6:30am and 8:30am but without movement restrictions. He stressed that the exercise would be monitored by State officials with appropriate sanctions to be meted out to erring neighbourhoods and markets.

Sanwo-Olu made the pronouncement during a ceremony held in Olosa Bus Stop in Mushin which marked the symbolic flag-off of the monthly sanitation. The Governor, who led his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and member of the State cabinet on the mission, said the culture of environmental responsibility must be imbibed by the residents across all communities in the state and reflect same in their lifestyle.

He observed that environmental sanitation had become a resident obligation, as people would often clean up their surroundings voluntarily. The Governor, however, said the commitment dropped, following the cancellation of the exercise by previous administration, resulting in haphazard environmental cleanup.

He said: “Every last Saturday of the month used to be a moment when citizens across the State would come together to clean their surroundings, their drains and contribute to a healthy environment across the metropolis. It used to be a collective civic responsibility. Many old residents will remember that the monthly environmental sanitation was voluntarily observed. Today, we are bringing back the era where we will all take collective responsibility for the cleanliness of our environment.

Sanwo-Olu emphasised that regular sanitation would uphold a fundamental principle that achieving a clean city relied not only on the action of government but also on the discipline and cooperation of its citizens.

The Governor recalled a court judgement that led to the decision to halt the exercise which was informed by movement restrictions enforced during the exercise. He emphasised that the State Government respected the rule of law and the court’s authority by suspending the monthly sanitation programme at that time.

Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the State Government had reviewed the exercise’s enforcement aspect. This resulted in reduced restrictions but he assured that the responsibility for maintaining a clean environment would remain unchanged.

He said: “The condition on our streets, markets, drainage channels, and  public spaces underscored the need to bring back the monthly sanitation. Everyone must take responsibilities for the environment that we all share. In a city that is as large and dynamic as Lagos, maintaining a clean and healthy environment must be a collective civic duty and responsibility. The residents, whose lives are at risk, must get involved.”

Sanwo-Olu reiterated that the monthly sanitation would revive the culture of environmental consciousness in all the communities.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab said the re-introduction of the monthly sanitation was a bold step towards improving the wellbeing of the residents as well as bequeathing a safe, clean and sustainable environment to the coming generation.

Wahab said that the exercise was in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of the Sanwo-Olu administration, highlighting the objectives to give Lagosians access to a conducive and liveable environment.

He said:  “Government is re-introducing the cleaning exercise and residents are encouraged to clean their homes, surroundings, drainages in front of their houses and streets while LAWMA officials would always be on ground to collect the waste and dispose them properly.”

Wahab said one of the goal of the event was to further educate residents on the need to take ownership of their environment and ensure they continually clean their  surroundings, dispose waste responsibly and imbibe the culture neatness.

“As a government, it is our collective responsibility to continually develop strategic methods to improve the environment, ensure that it is flood free and make it conducive for residents and this can be achieved through the continuous cleaning of the environment from time to time,” he said.

He advised communities that may want to defy the directive to avail themselves of the Lagos State 2017 Environmental Protection Law, noting that offending neighbourhoods would be dealt with in accordance with the Law.

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According to the association’s Secretariat in Accra, Ghana, the event will be hosted at the Central Bank of Liberia and will bring together insurance professionals and stakeholders from across West Africa.

The conference will focus on the theme: “Building a Sustainable Insurance Culture in West Africa: Embedding ESG for Growth and Resilience.” The discussions are expected to explore how environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles can strengthen the insurance sector and promote long-term growth and stability in the region.

WAICA also announced that the registration portal for delegates is now open, inviting participants from across the industry to sign up and take part in the event.

The association said the Local Organising Committee in Liberia has put together a comprehensive programme aimed at delivering a rewarding experience for attendees. Stakeholders and organisations are also encouraged to sponsor delegates and support conference activities.

Further updates and details about the event will be communicated by the WAICA Secretariat as preparations continue.

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The Rights Issue, which opened on October 20, 2025, and closed on December 31, 2025, was offered on a basis 2 new shares for every 3 shares previously held. The SEC letter confirms the successful conclusion of the capital raise and initiates the formal distribution of units to shareholders.
The share allotment will be conducted via e-allotment to the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) accounts of successful allottees. VFD Group PLC has coordinated with its Registrars, Africa Prudential Plc, to ensure an efficient settlement process.
Concerning the approval received, Group Managing Director, Nonso Okpala highlighted:
“We are pleased to have received the SEC clearance for the basis of allotment. This milestone allows us to officially welcome new and existing shareholders into this expanded capital structure. The successful uptake of this Rights Issue provides the necessary capital buffer to harden our institutional infrastructure and accelerate our pan-African footprint. We thank our shareholders for their continued belief and confidence in the VFD vision.”
About VFD Group PLC
VFD Group is a leading principal investment firm listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX). The Group manages a diverse portfolio across financial services & technology, capital market infrastructure, hospitality and real estate, focused on building Africa’s most valuable ecosystem of businesses.

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This was the focus of discussions at the latest meeting of the Insurers’ Committee, held Thursday at the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) House in Lagos.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Chairman of the Communications and Stakeholders Engagement Sub-Committee of the committee, Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, outlined key decisions reached during the session, which was chaired by the Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Olusegun Ayo Omosehin.

According to Nwachukwu, NAICOM has inaugurated implementation working groups for the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025, marking a critical step toward the operational rollout of the new law aimed at transforming the sector.

She said the working groups have already presented their initial report to the committee through Yeside Oyetayo, signalling early progress in implementing the reform framework.

Nwachukwu also revealed that NAICOM has fixed April 30, 2026, as the deadline for full implementation of Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements across the industry, a move expected to improve customer data integrity and regulatory oversight.

A major development highlighted at the meeting was a new partnership between NAICOM and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), which will require contractors bidding for government projects to provide insurance-backed bid and performance bonds.

Industry stakeholders say the policy could open up a new revenue stream for insurers while also boosting the relevance of insurance in public infrastructure projects.

Omosehin noted that beyond the bonds themselves, the arrangement could also drive demand for complementary policies such as contractors’ all-risk insurance linked to government contracts.

The committee also discussed plans to establish a Joint Actuarial Development Fund aimed at strengthening actuarial expertise within the industry, a move regulators believe will enhance risk assessment and financial stability among insurers.

In addition, NAICOM is reviewing draft guidelines for the Policyholders’ Protection Fund covering the International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) segment, which regulators say presents a significant opportunity for insurers to expand their footprint in the health insurance market.

The commissioner further pointed to other potential growth areas, including insurance coverage for petroleum and gas stations, expansion of protection-based health insurance products, and deeper bancassurance partnerships between banks and insurers.

He also encouraged motor insurance operators to participate in the upcoming ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme conference, which seeks to strengthen cross-border motor insurance coverage within West Africa.

Industry observers say the reforms and initiatives discussed at the meeting reflect a renewed push by regulators and operators to modernise Nigeria’s insurance sector and unlock new business opportunities in a largely underinsured market.

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The foundation was officially launched on Tuesday in Lagos, at an event themed “Restoring Hope, Saving Lives.” The launch drew a host of dignitaries, including the First Lady of Osun State, Chief Mrs. Titilola Adebusola Adeleke, who spoke about the emotional and societal impact of infertility and infant loss.

“As a mother, I understand the hope, the dreams, and sometimes the silent struggles that couples face when trying to start or grow a family,” Adeleke said.
She commended JOF’s commitment to funding fertility treatments, supplying neonatal equipment, and offering scholarships to vulnerable children, stressing that community and institutional support are key to making lasting change.

The foundation’s founder, Joyce Ojemudia, shared that JOF has quietly transformed lives for the past eight years, supporting couples through IVF treatments and helping hospitals access life-saving equipment such as incubators and phototherapy units.

“Every life saved, every family restored, every barrier broken reinforces our commitment to restoring hope,” Ojemudia said.

Guests at the launch heard stories of resilience and compassion, as partners like Dr. Stella Okoli, CEO of Emzor Pharmaceutical, and Mrs. Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu of Rex Insurance Limited, pledged financial and programmatic support to ensure families struggling with infertility and neonatal challenges get the help they need.

JOF is not just a foundation—it is a lifeline for couples navigating the emotional, physical, and financial toll of infertility, and a support system for hospitals and children who need it most. Its programs aim to address reproductive health gaps, reduce newborn mortality, and provide emotional and financial support, making tangible differences in the lives of families across Nigeria.

“Our work is driven by faith, compassion, and responsibility to humanity,” Ojemudia said. “We believe that hope can be restored, and lives can be saved when communities come together to support families in need.”

The launch of JOF marks a turning point for reproductive and neonatal healthcare in Nigeria, showing that humanity, empathy, and action can create life-changing outcomes for families facing some of life’s most difficult challenges.

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Speaking at the corporate headquarters in Lagos, the Chairman of NEM Insurance Plc, Tope Smart, stated that the company remains resolute in its mission to support women affairs, noting that their contributions are vital to the sustainability of the insurance industry.

Aligning with the global theme “Give To Gain,” Smart highlighted that the insurance provider views gender diversity not just as a corporate social responsibility, but as a core driver of innovation and high-level performance.

“Our commitment to female professionals at NEM Insurance is unwavering,” Smart declared. “We recognize that by ‘giving’ women the right tools, mentorship, and leadership platforms, the industry ‘gains’ unparalleled dedication and diverse perspectives that move the needle of progress.”

The multiple award winning underwriting company and one of the top three leading general insurance business companies in Nigeria, has remained focused in promoting and supporting women affairs.

Adding her voice to the celebration, the General Manager, Corporate Services, Mrs. Mojisola Teluwo, emphasized that the company’s gender-focused initiatives, such as the “She Means Business” contest, represent a practical approach to inspiring inclusion.

Mrs. Teluwo maintained that supporting women-led initiatives is a strategic investment in the fabric of society, rather than just a philanthropic gesture.

“At NEM Insurance, we believe that when a woman thrives, a family thrives, and the nation prospers,” Mrs. Teluwo stated. “The ‘She Means Business’ initiative is our way of moving beyond mere applause for women toward active, tangible support. We are proud to provide the financial catalyst needed for visionary women to turn their business aspirations into reality.”

To mark the occasion, the leadership outlined several key pillars of support:

Leadership Development: Targeted training programs to prepare more women for executive-level decision-making.

Inclusive Work Culture: Sustaining a workplace environment that balances professional growth with personal well-being.

Economic Catalyst: Providing grants and professional frameworks to help female entrepreneurs upscale their operations.

The event featured a series of internal sessions where female staff engaged in mentorship dialogues, focusing on career advancement within the evolving landscape of the Nigerian insurance sector and paint and Sip, which provided an opportunity for women to showcase their creativity.

Smart concluded by urging other industry stakeholders to prioritize the development of female talent, asserting that a more inclusive sector is a more prosperous one for all Nigerians.

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The convicts were arraigned on March 2, 2018 on an amended 15- count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery, uttering of false documents, dealing with forfeited property, attempt to pervert the cause of justice and fabricating evidence.

One of the counts reads: “Emmanuel Nwude, Emmanuel Ilechukwu and Rowland Kalu, between 2011-2012, at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without due authorization by the Commission, dealt with the property known as Plot Y Mobolaji Johnson Street, Oregun, Ikeja ,whereas you knew that the property was forfeited to the victims  of crimes as restitution in the judgment delivered on 18th day of November,2005 by Hon. Justice Oyewole in ID/92C/04 – FRN vs. Emmanuel Nwude and 6 Ors and the victims subsequently sold the property to Rosaab Industrial Design Limited and which Rosaab Industrial Design Limited later assigned to G. C. Nweze and Company Limited.”

The defendants all pleaded “not guilty” to the charges preferred against them, thereby leading to their full trial.

During the trial, the prosecution counsel, Nnaemeka Omewa, called five witnesses and tendered several documents, which were admitted in evidence against the defendants by the court.

The prosecution subsequently closed its case on March 19, 2019.

Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, Nwude and his counsel filed  a no-case submission.

The judge, in a ruling delivered on September 19, 2019, dismissed the application and ordered the defendants to enter their defence.

Rather than enter his defence, Nwude approached the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/LAG/CR/1244/2019, challenging the ruling of the court.

The appellate court, however, dismissed the appeal and ordered him to open his case at the trial court.

Following the order of the appellate court, Nwude subsequently opened his case on February 22, 2021.

During the proceedings, he testified for himself and called three other witnesses before closing his case.

The second and third defendants, who are both lawyers to Nwude,  also testified for themselves and, thereafter  closed their case on February 27, 2025.

The court, thereafter, ordered the filing of final addresses by parties and adjourned the matter till June 25, 2025.

The  defendants filed and served their final addresses at different times, with the third defendant serving his own response on the prosecution on June 20, 2025.

At the sitting on June 25, 2025, the court further adjourned the matter till September 25, 2025.

The prosecution filed its responses to the defendants’ final addresses  separately and served same on all the defendants.

But in a dramatic twist, when the matter came up for adoption of final address on September 25, 2025, Dr. Babajide Martins, Director,  Directorate of Public Prosecution(DPP), Lagos State, entered appearance in court and intimated the court that he had been instructed to take over proceedings of the matter based on a petition written to his office by the second defendant, Ilechukwu.

The judge, however, stated that the matter was for the adoption of final address and also inquired to know why he would want to take over a matter that had been almost concluded.

Martins, during the proceedings, could not give a definite answer.

The court, thereafter, adjourned till November 5, 2025 for  the adoption of final address to enable the first defendant’s counsel file his reply on points of law to the prosecution’s final address.

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Justice Mohammed Umar issued the warning on Thursday, stating that the court would also issue a bench warrant for Sowore’s arrest should he fail to attend the next scheduled sitting.

The warning followed submissions by the prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), who told the court that Sowore failed to appear despite being served with a hearing notice through his team of lawyers.

Sowore is currently being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations that he made a false claim against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The charge stems from a post he allegedly published on the social media platform X (Twitter) and Facebook, where he referred to the president as a criminal.

At Thursday’s proceedings, neither Sowore nor any member of his legal team was present in court.

Addressing the court, Kehinde said the matter was scheduled for the defence to conclude its cross-examination of the first prosecution witness. He added that a check with the court registry confirmed that hearing notices had been served on the defendant through his lawyers, just as the prosecution also received notice.

The prosecutor subsequently invoked Sections 352(1) and (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, urging the court to revoke Sowore’s bail and issue a bench warrant for his arrest to ensure his appearance in court.

In his ruling, Justice Umar acknowledged that Sowore had been duly served through his legal representatives but noted that the defendant had consistently attended previous court sessions since the trial began late last year.

The judge also observed that earlier adjournments in the matter had been granted at the instance of both the prosecution and the defence.

Justice Umar subsequently adjourned the case to March 16 for continuation of trial and ordered that another hearing notice be issued to the defence.

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The appointment is in accordance with Section 8(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.

Yuguda’s nomination follows the recent appointment of the erstwhile Deputy Governor, Mr Bala Bello, as Special Adviser to the President on Political Economy.

The President charges them to discharge their responsibilities with renewed dedication, professionalism, and commitment to Nigeria’s economic stability and growth, in their respective roles.

Lamido Yuguda’s last public post was as director-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission, a position he held from 2020 to 2024.

He is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, where he graduated in 1983 with a B.Sc. in Accountancy. In 1991, he obtained a master’s degree in Money, Banking and Finance from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a CFA charterholder.

He began his career in 1984 at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a Senior Supervisor in the Foreign Operations Department.

He also worked as an economist in the Africa Department of the International Monetary Fund from 1997 to 2001, when he returned to the CBN. He retired from the CBN in 2016, after serving as Director of the Reserve Management Department for six years.

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