The event  which took place recently with theme:”The Extra Mile”, reinforced the insurer’s commitment to delivering consistent customer experiences.

The week-long programme placed customers at the center of emPLE’s operations while recognising the employees who deliver its services and the partners who support its business.

Employee engagement and customer appreciation activities highlighted how thoughtful, dependable service can strengthen confidence and foster long-term relationships.

The celebration culminated with prizes for loyal retail policyholders and special recognition for brokers. The awards acknowledged their continued support and contributions to emPLE’s growth, while underscoring the company’s commitment to creating value across its customer and broker network.

Speaking on the significance of the celebration, Olalekan Oyinlade, Managing Director of emPLE General Insurance Limited, said, “In an industry where products and prices are often similar, customer experience is the differentiator. Going the Extra Mile means delivering that experience consistently, whether a customer is buying a policy, seeking support or making a claim.”

“Our brokers and retail customers are integral to our business. Our relationships with them are built on trust, reliability and mutual value, and we will continue to raise the standard of service we provide”

Speaking about customer service and business performance, Jolaolu Fakoya, Managing Director of emPLE Life Assurance Limited, said, “Customer service is not a standalone function, it connects every part of the business; from product design and communication to policy administration, claims and customer support. When these functions work together, we deliver a more consistent experience, strengthen confidence in our business and build relationships that support long-term growth. Going the Extra Mile reflects our commitment at every stage of the customer journey.”

Speaking about employees’ role in shaping the customerexperience, Rachel Owolabi, Head of Marketing and Customer Experience at emPLE Life Assurance Limited,said, “Every interaction shapes how our brand is experienced and remembered. Going the Extra Mile means looking beyond the immediate task, keeping promises, following up on concerns and taking ownership of issues. By approaching every touchpoint with empathy and accountability, we can deliver service that reflects the trust our customers place in us.”

Beyond the week’s activities, emPLE said it will continue to embed service excellence in everyday interactions with customers and partners, focusing on consistent delivery, accountability, and lasting value.

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The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed the condolences of the Federal Government to the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Government and people of the State, the traditional leadership and people of Wushishi, and particularly the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.

Idris said the Federal Government regards the protection of the lives, dignity and fundamental rights of every Nigerian as a solemn responsibility, stressing that the circumstances surrounding the deaths require a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.

He noted that the Federal Government had already taken immediate steps to establish the facts, with the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordering the suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and directing a full investigation into the incident.

“The swift action taken by the Honourable Minister of Interior underscores the seriousness with which the Federal Government views this matter. The investigation will be allowed to establish exactly what happened, and the Government assures Nigerians that appropriate action will be taken based on its findings,” Idris said.

The Minister stressed that while the Federal Government remains committed to combating illegal mining and other unlawful activities that threaten national security, economic resources and the environment, all enforcement operations are expected to be conducted within the law and with respect for human life and dignity.

“There will be no attempt to shield anyone found culpable. At the same time, we mustn’t prejudge the outcome of the investigation. The Government’s responsibility is to ensure that the facts are established and that justice is served.”
Idris appealed for calm in Wushishi and across Niger State, urging residents and all concerned parties to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.

He assured the families of the deceased and the people of Niger State that the Federal Government shares in their grief and remains committed to ensuring that the circumstances surrounding the tragedy are fully established.

The Minister prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for Almighty Allah to grant their families, the Wushishi community, and the Government and people of Niger State the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.

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The Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, received the Chief Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission @officialpccng, Hon. Bashir Abubakar, MFR, and his team on a courtesy visit to the Agency’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.

The Discussions focused on strengthening inter-agency synergy, system building and compliance with due process, as well as exploring digital identification and informant mechanisms to support the identification and exposure of culprits.

The engagement also addressed issues relating to business registration scams and profiling, reinforcing the commitment of both institutions to improved regulatory coordination, accountability and protection of the public.

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According  to statements issued today,  that market surveillance and routine inspections exposed an influx of goods lacking basic, mandatory consumer information.

The statement reads:”The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has observed with serious concern the increasing circulation, distribution, and sale of consumer goods that do not comply with prevailing standards and regulations governing product labelling. Market surveillance, routine inspections, and quality assurance activities have revealed products bearing misleading or deceptive information, as well as products without production dates, expiry or best-before dates, batch numbers, manufacturer details, ingredient lists, allergen information, country of origin, and other mandatory labelling information.

“As empowered by the Act, the Commission is mandated to promote consumer safety by ensuring strict adherence to labelling requirements in line with applicable standards set by competent regulatory authorities, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), among others.

The statement added that “Deceptive, incomplete, or misleading product labelling violates consumers’ right to the information required to make informed purchasing decisions andmay expose them to significant health, safety, and economic risks.

Accordingly, the Commission directs all manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers to immediately review their inventories and withdraw from sale any consumer goods that do not comply with applicable labelling requirements. Businesses that continue to distribute or sell non-compliant products risk appropriate regulatory enforcement action.

“In light of the foregoing, consumers are advised to carefully examine product labels before purchase and avoid products with missing, illegible, altered, misrepresented, or poor-quality labels, as well as those bearing false claims or misleading information. “

“Suspected cases of non-compliance should be reported promptly through the Commission’s official complaint channels.”

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In a statement released on Wednesday via its official X account, the agency said it acted on reliable intelligence to carry out separate enforcement operations at locations within the Trade Fair Complex and Lagos Island, seizing more than 1,800 cartons of fake products.

According to the statement, “Following credible intelligence, enforcement teams carried out raids at Zamfara Plaza in the Trade Fair Complex and on Lagos Island, confiscating over 1,800 cartons of counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic beverages estimated to be worth about ₦350 million.

“At the Trade Fair Complex site, officials uncovered makeshift manufacturing arrangements, including plastic mixing containers, locally assembled filtration equipment, empty branded bottles, bottle caps, and packaging supplies used in producing and packaging imitation alcoholic drinks.”

It further noted, “A related operation on Lagos Island resulted in the arrest of an individual connected to the illegal production and sale of fake drinks through a retail outlet. All seized items have been taken away for further regulatory procedures.”

NAFDAC cautioned that consuming adulterated alcoholic beverages can lead to severe health consequences, such as poisoning, damage to vital organs, and even death.

The agency reaffirmed its resolve to bring those responsible to justice and advised consumers to buy only from approved vendors.

It also encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its toll-free number: 0800-1-NAFDAC (0800-1-623322).

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The decision follows a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu instructing economic managers to roll out interventions to cushion the effects of global disruptions, including tensions in the Middle East.

According to a statement posted on X by the President’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, the reforms are part of broader fiscal measures designed to stabilise prices and support local businesses.

Under the new structure, import duties on electric vehicles have been eliminated from five per cent to zero, while mass transit buses have also been granted full duty exemption. Duties on manufacturing machinery have similarly been removed to reduce production costs and encourage industrial growth.

Other adjustments include a reduction in tariffs on raw cane sugar from 70 per cent to between 55 and 57.5 per cent, and a cut in crude palm oil duties from 35 per cent to 28.75 per cent.

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Speaking during a health session, she stressed the need for greater public awareness, noting that many patients are unaware that their daily diet can affect how medicines are absorbed, metabolized, or how effectively they work in the body.

Dr. Remi Olukoya, who also is the  founder of PharmaPlan Systems revealed that 50% of patients cannot identify a single food-drug interaction affecting their own prescriptions.

She emphasized the need for greater public awareness about how everyday foods can influence the effectiveness and safety of medications, cautioning that neglecting this link could compromise treatment outcomes.

The renowned healthcare expert highlighted the often-overlooked connection between diet and medication performance, with a particular focus on African and diaspora communities. While stressing the importance of adhering to prescribed treatments, she pointed out that dietary habits play a crucial role in drug efficacy.

She underscored the fact that culturally specific diets and traditional foods should not be overlooked when prescribing or taking medications, as they can affect how drugs are absorbed or metabolized in the body.

Drawing from her book, “ Food that Clash with Your Prescriptions” which she described as an accessible guide to food-drug interactions free of complex medical jargon, she gave examples of commonly consumed foods that can interfere with medications.

She mentioned grapefruit’s impact on some cholesterol-lowering drugs, and pointed out that bitter leaf, a popular item consumed in many African households, has the potential to affect blood sugar levels and interact with diabetes treatments.

To address these issues, Dr. Olukoya said she has introduced the Medi Meal Safe app, a digital tool designed to guide users on safe food choices while on medication, offering customized meal plans for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

The app also alerts users to foods they should avoid or consume cautiously based on their prescriptions.

“The goal is to prevent adverse reactions and improve treatment outcomes by helping people make informed dietary choices,” Dr. Olukoya explained during the session.

During the session, participants expressed concerns about food sensitivities and the complexities surrounding traditional diets—particularly the dual effects of bitter leaf on nutrition and blood sugar regulation. In response, Dr. Olukoya advised that people should carefully consider their health conditions and medications before regularly consuming such foods.

She concluded by stressing that understanding the interaction between nutrition and medication is essential for safer and more effective healthcare, urging both patients and healthcare providers to pay closer attention to dietary habits alongside prescribed treatments.

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The two-day summit brought together industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs and stakeholders across multiple sectors to explore sustainable business practices, foster economic growth and unlock global trade opportunities.

With the theme, ‘Nigeria Means Business: Powering Sectors, Growing Sustainable SMEs & Unlocking Global Trade’, the summit addressed critical issues across key sectors, including agribusiness, renewable energy, trade and Africa–China banking, as well as ICT and telecommunications. Additional sessions covered areas such as family business sustainability, artificial intelligence, employee value banking, insurance, pension and wealth management.

The event featured a keynote address by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who emphasisedthe urgent need for Nigeria to reposition itself as a leading export-driven economy to achieve sustained growth.

“Our true potential lies in becoming a leading export economy,” Edun stated. “Increased participation in regional and global trade will be critical to diversifying foreign exchange earnings and driving inclusive growth.”

He noted that while Nigeria’s GDP growth has improved to approximately 4 per cent, it remains below the level required to significantly reduce poverty. According to him, the country’s economic strategy is now shifting from stabilisation to growth acceleration, with trade expansion playing a central role.

Edun highlighted ongoing reforms, including improved foreign reserves, rising non-oil revenues and renewed investor confidence, as indicators of a more resilient economy. However, he stressed that enhancing trade competitiveness would require continued investment in infrastructure, logistics and policy coordination. He also highlighted the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which account for over 90 per cent of businesses, noting that inclusive growth will depend on stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Participants engaged in a rich line-up of activities, including expert presentations, panel discussions and high-level networking opportunities. Highlights of the summit included the Africa Trade Barometer presentation, client testimonial showcases and insightful discussions on the state of the African economy and intra-African trade opportunities.

Breakout sessions on agribusiness, ICT and healthcare, Africa-China banking and Trade as well as renewable energy provided attendees with deeper, practical insights into some of the most critical sectors driving Nigeria’s economic future.

Speaking at the event, Chuma Nwokocha, Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, represented by the organisation’s Chief Finance and Value Management Officer, Kunle Adedeji, emphasised the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving sustainable growth.

“This summit has reinforced the importance of creating platforms where ideas can flourish and businesses can grow sustainably. By working together, we can unlock new opportunities and drive economic advancement across Nigeria and the African continent,” he said.

The summit also spotlighted practical strategies for integrating sustainability into business operations, encouraging organisations to adopt environmentally conscious practices while maintaining profitability and competitiveness.

Remy Osuagwu, Executive Director, Business & Commercial Banking, expressed satisfaction at the level of interest from participants, a critical element for a successful summit.

“From our conversations on energy and healthcare to the deep dives into trade, Africa-China relations, and agribusiness, Day 1 has offered perspectives that were both insightful and practical. I believe we’re all leaving with a stronger understanding of the opportunities emerging across our industries” Remy said.

He acknowledged the level of engagement, questions, contributions and willingness of participants to share experiences; describing this as the real power of the Nigeria Business Summit, and a solid foundation for tomorrow.

The Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Wole Adeniyi, who was represented by Bunmi Dayo-Olagunju, Deputy Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Bank, opened Day Two of the Nigeria Business Summit by highlighting the focus of the summit’s SME Day. 

Bunmi said, “Today, we build on Day One’s momentum with conversations that are equally critical for the future – from the dynamics of family businesses to the growing influence of artificial intelligence; the evolution of insurance, and the emerging space of electric vehicle banking.”

She further added, “Our goal on Day Two is simple: to explore what’s next. To understand how these developments will shape our businesses and how we can position ourselves ahead of the curve.”

Stanbic IBTC’s inaugural Nigeria Business Summit stands as a testament to the organisation’s commitment to empowering businesses, strengthening key sectors and positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global economy.

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This is contained in a statement by Augustina Obilor-Duru, Head, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, on Friday in Abuja.

The agreement was signed by Minister of the ministry, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and China’s Minister of Commerce, Mr Wang Wentao, in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Oduwole said that the agreement established a flexible and non-binding framework to guide future negotiations and economic cooperation between the two countries.

She outlined four priority areas of the engagement trade facilitation, such as inclusive and green growth, resilient supply chains and the digital economy.

According to her, specific cooperation modules under the agreement will be implemented based on mutual consent of both countries.

Oduwole said the framework would provide a structured platform for deepening economic cooperation between the two countries.

She said the agreement aligned with Nigeria’s national development priorities, particularly industrialisation, job creation and export diversification.

“Nigeria’s trade engagement is focused on delivering practical economic outcomes for its citizens. The partnership also supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” she said.

Oduwole said Nigeria would continue to pursue partnerships that strengthen its position in regional and global value chains.

She added that the Federal Government remained committed to ensuring inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

She said the agreement formed part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to expand trade and investment partnerships, adding that it would also enhance competitiveness and position Nigeria as a leading economic hub in Africa.

“The agreement aligns with continental economic initiatives aimed at boosting intra-African trade and development.

“The signing further reflects efforts by both countries to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and shared development goals.”

NAN

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The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed this at the ongoing Powering Africa Summit in Washington, D.C., while  f urging the United States and African nations to prioritize the creation of regional energy hubs as a strategic means of driving cross-border mining industrialization and strengthening the supply chain of critical minerals needed for the global energy transition.

He stressed that sustainable partnerships with Africa represent the quickest path to meeting the growing global demand for critical minerals.

He went on to call for the development of regional industrial corridors, noting that models such as the Lagos–Abidjan corridor could help unlock vast mineral resources across the continent.

Alake specifically identified the Lagos–Abidjan corridor, spanning Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire, as well as the Walvis Bay Corridor, as critical belts that could transform Africa’s mining landscape.

He explained that such corridors would not only enhance infrastructure and energy access but also deepen regional integration and industrial growth.

“The development of nuclear power in one West African country, for instance, can service an entire corridor. With that in place, local beneficiation, technology transfer, manufacturing, and cross-border industrialisation will naturally follow. If three to five such corridors are developed in Africa, we would significantly advance industrialisation across the continent, creating a win-win outcome for both Africa and the West,” Alake said.

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