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‎AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, in collaboration with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (Lagos DSVA), has launched a Safeguard Booklet aimed at equipping teenagers, parents and educators with information to prevent and respond to domestic and sexual violence.

‎The initiative, unveiled in Lagos, is part of the 2026 AXA Week for Good, the company’s flagship global volunteering programme under AXA Hearts in Action, through which employees across AXA markets dedicate time and resources to social causes aimed at strengthening communities and improving lives.

‎The initiative, themed, “Being a Child Should Never Be a Risk,” focuses particularly on protecting children and young people from abuse, exploitation, neglect and violence.

‎The launch brought together students, educators, child protection advocates, representatives of Lagos DSVA and AXA Mansard employees, who stressed the need for greater awareness and collective action to create safer environments for children and teenagers.

‎The Safeguard Booklet is designed as a practical resource to help young people, parents and educators understand child protection issues, identify warning signs of abuse and know where and how to seek assistance.

‎Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard Health, Tope Adeniyi, said the initiative was part of the company’s broader advocacy to promote awareness, early intervention and stronger community responsibility around safeguarding.

‎Adeniyi said protection should not be limited to financial services, but should also address social challenges affecting the wellbeing of vulnerable people.

‎“At AXA Mansard, we believe protection goes beyond insurance. It is also about helping to create safer communities where children and young people can grow with dignity, confidence, and hope.

‎“The Safeguard Booklet is an important part of that commitment. It is designed to equip families, schools, and communities with simple but vital knowledge that can help prevent abuse, identify risks early, and support timely action,” he said.
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He said domestic and sexual violence remained a major concern, stressing that awareness was essential to preventing abuse and encouraging timely intervention.

‎“Domestic and sexual violence remain deeply troubling realities in our society, and awareness is one of the strongest tools we have in confronting them. This is why we are continuing to invest our voice, our people, and our platforms in initiatives like this.

‎“We want to contribute meaningfully to a culture where safeguarding is taken seriously and where more children are protected from harm,” Adeniyi added.
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Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of Lagos DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, commended AXA Mansard for the collaboration, describing the booklet as a useful contribution to the state’s child protection efforts.

‎According to her, access to accurate and practical information could help children, parents and educators identify risks and respond appropriately to cases of abuse.
‎“This Safeguard Booklet is an important step in ensuring that accurate, practical, and accessible information is available to the public.

‎“Prevention begins with awareness, and when children, parents, and educators are properly informed, they are better equipped to identify risks early and take appropriate action,” she said.

‎Vivour-Adeniyi said the agency appreciated AXA Mansard’s support towards strengthening child protection systems and expanding community awareness.

‎She noted that partnerships between government agencies, businesses, schools and communities remained important in tackling domestic and sexual violence.

‎The Chief Marketing Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Adebola Surakat, said the Safeguard Booklet would be distributed across schools, partner institutions and community platforms as part of the company’s continuing awareness campaign.

‎Surakat said the campaign was intended to deepen conversations around child protection while encouraging prevention, reporting and collective responsibility in addressing domestic and sexual violence.

‎“By partnering with Lagos DSVA on the Safeguard Booklet, we hope to contribute not only to awareness but also to a stronger culture of prevention, reporting, and collective responsibility in the fight against domestic and sexual violence in Nigeria,” she said.

‎The 2026 AXA Week for Good initiative further underscores AXA Mansard’s efforts to use employee volunteering, partnerships and public advocacy to support social causes and contribute to safer and more resilient communities.

‎The General Counsel and Human Resources Director of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Omowunmi Mabel Adewusi, has received the Lifetime Achievement Award at HR Expo Africa for her contributions to human resources management, organisational development and workplace transformation.

‎The award, according to HR Expo Africa, recognises Adewusi’s sustained contribution to the human resources profession and her role in shaping people-focused strategies and organisational culture throughout her career.

‎HR Expo Africa is a platform that recognises individuals and organisations for their contributions to human capital development, people management and workplace transformation.

‎Adewusi, over the years, has been involved in strengthening AXA Mansard’s people strategy through initiatives covering employee engagement, leadership development, talent retention and organisational effectiveness.

‎The company said her leadership has contributed to the development of a workplace culture focused on professional growth, high performance, inclusion and employee well-being.

‎Speaking on the recognition, Adewusi expressed appreciation for the award, describing it as a reflection of the collective efforts of the company’s employees and leadership.

‎She said: “This recognition reflects the work we are doing in creating environments where people can grow, thrive, contribute meaningfully, and perform at their best.

‎“It is a shared achievement across our teams and leaders I have had the privilege to work with throughout my career.”
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Also commenting on the award, the Chief Executive Officer of AXA Mansard Insurance, Kunle Ahmed, congratulated Adewusi, saying the recognition underscored her contribution to the company’s efforts to build a productive workforce and healthy organisational culture.
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According to Ahmed, Adewusi’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping a workplace that supports both employee performance and wellbeing.

‎“Omowunmi’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping a workplace that supports both performance and wellbeing. We are excited that she’s being recognised internationally for this consistency and her impact in driving business success,” he said.

‎The Chief Executive Officer of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Kunle Ahmed, has received a merit award from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) for his contributions to the accounting profession and the broader finance community.
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Ahmed was honoured in the Non-Members Diamond Category, with the award presented by the Office of the Registrar/Chief Executive of ICAN.
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The recognition highlights the contributions of professionals outside the accounting profession to the advancement of financial accountability, corporate governance, professionalism and institutional development in Nigeria.
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Reacting to the award on behalf of AXA Mansard, the company’s General Counsel and Human Resources Director, Omowunmi Mabel-Adewusi, congratulated Ahmed, describing the recognition as an affirmation of his leadership philosophy and the values he promotes across the organisation.

‎Adewusi said the award reflected Ahmed’s commitment to building a resilient, customer-focused and purpose-driven organisation, adding that AXA Mansard under his leadership had continued to contribute to the development of the wider business ecosystem.

‎“It is therefore no surprise to us that these exemplary qualities are attracting the admiration of prestigious institutions such as ICAN. We are indeed proud of the works of Kunle Ahmed, not just with AXA Mansard, but across the economy of our dear nation,” she said.

‎Ahmed, while expressing appreciation for the recognition, said the award was not only a personal honour but also a reflection of the values of discipline, trust and stewardship required to build enduring institutions.

‎“I am honoured by this award from ICAN. I see it not only as a personal recognition, but also a tribute to the values of discipline, trust, and stewardship that are critical to building enduring institutions across Nigeria,” he said.

‎He added: “I am really humbled by this recognition because it is another testament that the work that we do at AXA Mansard is touching lives through industries and businesses.

‎“I am grateful to all my colleagues in the company and this award serves as a motivation to continue to push the boundaries of innovation, societal impact, and industry transformation.”

‎ICAN, one of Nigeria’s leading professional bodies, has over the years promoted ethical standards, financial accountability and professional excellence across the economy.

‎The recognition of Ahmed in the Non-Members Diamond Category underscores the institute’s acknowledgement of contributions to these values beyond the accounting profession.

‎For AXA Mansard, the award further underscores the company’s emphasis on responsible leadership, sound corporate governance and long-term value creation as key elements of sustainable business growth.

Recapitalisation: AXA Mansard Urges Insurance Journalists to Deepen Public Understanding

‎AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has urged insurance journalists to move beyond reporting industry developments and take a more active role in interpreting complex insurance issues in ways that Nigerians can easily understand.

‎The company said such an approach has become necessary as the insurance industry undergoes major reforms, particularly the ongoing recapitalisation exercise, which it noted has implications for consumers, businesses and the wider economy.

‎The Head of Marketing, AXA Mansard, Olusesan Ogunyooye, made the call in Lagos during the inauguration of the newly elected executives of the National Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE).

‎Ogunyooye, while congratulating the new leadership of NAIPE, commended members of the association for their contributions to bridging the information and education gap between the insurance industry and the public through credible and consistent reporting.

‎He said NAIPE had played an important role in bringing critical industry conversations to the public and keeping stakeholders informed about developments across the insurance sector.

‎“On behalf of AXA Mansard, I congratulate the newly inaugurated executives of NAIPE and wish them a successful tenure. I must also commend the association and its members for the remarkable work you are doing in connecting our industry with the public and ensuring important information reaches Nigerians,” he said.

‎However, he noted that despite progress in insurance reporting, a significant education gap remained, stressing the need for the media and industry operators to do more to explain how developments in the sector affect ordinary Nigerians.

‎According to him, Nigerians need more than information about the insurance industry; they also need to understand the implications of such information for their lives, businesses and financial security.

‎“While you have done an excellent job reporting developments within the insurance industry, there is still a need to bridge the education gap. The public does not only need information; they also need understanding.

‎“This is why we believe the media must continue to evolve from reporting industry news to interpreting and translating it in ways that are relatable to everyday Nigerians,” Ogunyooye said.

‎He identified the recapitalisation exercise as one area where insurance journalists could play a significant role in improving public understanding of the industry and its reforms.
‎Ogunyooye said the exercise should not be viewed merely as an industry regulatory development, but as an issue with direct implications for policyholders and other users of insurance services.

‎“Recapitalisation is not just an industry story. It is a consumer story. Beyond the headlines, we look forward to how you will support our industry by helping Nigerians understand how a stronger insurance industry can enhance consumer confidence, improve insurers’ capacity to settle claims, drive innovation, and ultimately provide better protection for individuals, families, and businesses,” he said.

‎He added that the impact of the recapitalisation exercise would be better appreciated when consumers were able to connect the industry reforms with their everyday financial realities.
‎“When people understand how policy reforms and capital strengthening initiatives affect them positively, they are more likely to engage with and trust our industry,” he said.

‎The AXA Mansard executive further stressed that accurate interpretation and simplification of insurance developments would be critical to improving public awareness, strengthening confidence in the sector and encouraging wider adoption of insurance products.

‎He reaffirmed AXA Mansard’s commitment to working with the media and other stakeholders to promote insurance education, deepen financial inclusion and strengthen protection for individuals and businesses across the country.
‎The NAIPE inauguration brought together insurance industry operators, regulators, media professionals and other stakeholders, with discussions focusing on the role of journalism in advancing the growth of the insurance and pension sectors and the wider financial services industry.

…Receives Counsel on Responsible Representation

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Chikun Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Honourable Matthew Moses, on Tuesday continued his grassroots consultations across the constituency with a visit to the leadership of the Igala community in Gonin Gora, Kakau Ward.

During the engagement, Moses was introduced to Chief Joseph Daikwo, the Onu Igala Community in Kaduna State, who resides in Gonin Gora.

The meeting formed part of Moses’ ongoing consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders and stakeholders as he seeks to deepen engagement with communities across Chikun Constituency ahead of the 2027 State House of Assembly election.

In his remarks, Honourable Matthew Moses assured the community leader that, if given the opportunity to represent Chikun Constituency, he would strive to be a responsible and accessible representative to the people.

Responding, Chief Joseph Daikwo expressed appreciation for Moses’ decision to engage directly with traditional and community leadership rather than operate in isolation.

The community leader encouraged the candidate to remain focused on his aspirations and to maintain close contact with the people he seeks to represent.

Chief Daikwo also advised politicians to develop clear programmes and a manifesto that would guide their actions once elected, stressing the importance of having a practical plan for governance and representation.

He expressed concern over what he described as a pattern where some elected representatives become distant from their constituents after winning elections, including relocating to high-brow areas of the city.

According to him, effective representation requires elected officials to remain connected to the communities they represent and understand the concerns of ordinary residents.

The community leader further urged Moses to remain steadfast, seek counsel from experienced people, and place his trust in God while pursuing his political ambition.

He prayed for God’s guidance upon the candidate and encouraged him not to lose focus throughout the political journey.

The engagement is part of a wider series of grassroots consultations by Honourable Matthew Moses across Chikun Constituency. Recent reports have documented similar engagements with traditional rulers and community stakeholders in other parts of the constituency.

Moses’ campaign has continued to emphasise community engagement, human-capital development, education, skills acquisition and constituency-focused representation as key areas of concern in his aspiration to serve in the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

The visit ended with prayers and goodwill from the community leader for the success of the candidate and the wellbeing of the people of Chikun Constituency.

PS: It is noteworthy that Chief Joseph Daikwo clarified that he is the Onu Igala Community in Kaduna State, and not the Ata Igala.

He explained that the title of Ata Igala (AgabaIdu) is sacredly reserved for His Royal Majesty, the Ata Igala, regarded as the father of the Igala nation in the whole world.

In a renewed push to raise awareness about child abuse and gender-based violence, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has mobilised more than 1,000 employee volunteers across Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt to promote the prevention, identification and reporting of domestic and sexual violence.

The intervention, organised under the company's AXA Week for Good initiative, took awareness campaigns directly into communities through door-to-door engagements, sensitisation sessions, educational conversations and advocacy activities.

The campaign, held under the theme, “Being a Child Shouldn’t Be a Risk,” focused on the vulnerability of children and women to abuse, particularly in environments traditionally regarded as safe, including homes and communities.

The initiative forms part of AXA's global employee volunteering programme under the AXA Hearts in Action platform, through which employees across its markets contribute their time, resources and expertise to social causes.

Speaking on the campaign, Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard Health, Tope Adeniyi, said businesses must go beyond providing commercial services to contribute to the wellbeing and safety of the communities in which they operate.

He said: “AXA Week for Good is a global expression of who we are as a Group, but in Nigeria, it must also speak to the realities around us. Far too many children still live with the threat or experience of violence, and too many cases remain hidden in silence.”

According to him, as a company built around protection, AXA Mansard has a responsibility not only to insure lives and livelihoods but also to support conversations and actions capable of making society safer and more humane.

Adeniyi said the high level of employee participation demonstrated that staff members increasingly identify with causes that extend beyond the workplace.
“What is especially meaningful is that our employees chose to show up in large numbers for this cause. That says something important about our culture. It says we are building an organisation where people care deeply, not only about performance, but also about impact,” he said.

The campaign comes against the backdrop of persistent concerns over violence against women and children in Nigeria, with stakeholders continuing to call for greater awareness, early identification of abuse, effective reporting mechanisms and stronger institutional responses.

For insurers and other businesses whose operations are built around the concept of protection and risk management, the growing emphasis on social protection also provides an opportunity to extend corporate responsibility beyond financial risk to broader community resilience.

Also speaking, Chief Marketing Officer, AXA Mansard, Adebola Surakat, said the campaign was designed to combine AXA's global purpose with the realities confronting Nigerian communities.

“At AXA, protection is not an abstract idea. It is about helping people live with greater dignity, confidence and safety. This is why AXA Week for Good matters to us. It allows us to extend our values beyond business and into society in visible, practical ways,” she said.
Surakat said the company was deliberately sustaining the conversation because social change requires consistency.

The 2026 campaign builds on AXA Mansard's 2025 initiative, which focused on the them “Being a Girl Shouldn’t Be a Risk.”

She said the company wanted Nigerians to see AXA Mansard not only as an insurance and healthcare provider but also as an organisation willing to understand social challenges and contribute to addressing them.

The week-long activities culminated in a commemorative walk across participating locations, reinforcing the message that tackling abuse and violence requires collective action from families, institutions, employers and communities.
The company said employee participation in its volunteering activities has also grown significantly. In 2025, more than 90 per cent of AXA Mansard employees participated in various volunteering initiatives, contributing over 3,000 volunteer hours to social causes.

The stronger turnout recorded this year, it said, further demonstrates the role of employee engagement in driving corporate social impact.

As AXA Week for Good continues across AXA markets globally, the company said its Nigerian operations would continue to prioritise social causes that are closely linked to local realities and capable of generating lasting value for communities.

AXA Mansard Receives Community Hero Award For Supporting Voluntary Blood Donation

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has been recognised with the Community Hero Award by the Blood Transfusion Centre, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), in appreciation of its contribution to strengthening voluntary blood donation efforts and supporting access to life-saving blood for patients in need.

The recognition follows AXA Mansard's sustained support for voluntary blood donation through employee-led blood drives organised in partnership with the Blood Transfusion Centre, LUTH. The initiative forms part of the company's commitment to community wellbeing and its broader purpose of protecting what matters most.

Over the past two years, AXA Mansard employees have consistently contributed to strengthening the nation's blood supply through voluntary donations. Over the past two years, employees of AXA Mansard donated more than 200 pints of blood in support of patients requiring life-saving transfusions.

The blood donation drives brought together employees from across the organisation who volunteered their time and donated blood to help address the growing need for blood donations within healthcare facilities. The increasing level of participation reflects a strong culture of volunteerism within AXA Mansard and underscores the collective impact employees can make beyond the workplace.
Commenting on the recognition, Chief Marketing Officer, AXA Mansard Plc, Adebola Surakat, said the award reflects the company's commitment to advancing human progress and protecting what matters most.

“At AXA Mansard, our purpose is to act for human progress by protecting what matters. We believe protection should be inclusive and extend beyond insurance to improving the wellbeing and resilience of the communities we serve. This recognition reflects not only our organisational commitment to that purpose, but also the values our employees bring to life every day through actions that create lasting impact and help build a more protected society,” she said.

For AXA Mansard, the initiative reflects a belief that protecting lives extends beyond insurance and financial services. By supporting healthcare-focused interventions and encouraging employee volunteerism, the company continues to create meaningful impact in the communities it serves.

The Community Hero Award recognises organisations that have made meaningful contributions to strengthening blood donation awareness, encouraging voluntary participation, and supporting efforts to maintain a safe and sustainable blood supply for healthcare delivery.

AXA Mansard Health has been named Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) of the Year by Afriglobal Medicare Limited, in recognition of its contribution to healthcare delivery, service excellence and innovation in Nigeria’s health insurance sector.

The award, presented by the leading West African healthcare brand, underscores the growing importance of private-sector innovation and service quality in expanding access to affordable and efficient healthcare amid rising demand for health insurance coverage.

Afriglobal Medicare, an ISO-certified healthcare service provider and diagnostic centre, said the recognition reflects AXA Mansard Health’s leadership in delivering healthcare solutions and its commitment to improving customer experience.

Speaking on the recognition, the Chief Executive Officer of AXA Mansard Health, Tope Adeniyi, said the award was significant to the company’s employees, customers and communities that depend on its services.

He said: “This significant recognition is important to AXA Mansard’s employees around the country who pride themselves in serving with utmost attention and care, our customers who put their trust in us every day to deliver on our promise, when it matters most, and the communities that rely on us for continuous support.”

Adeniyi said the recognition also reinforced the need for greater emphasis on healthcare planning, financing and disease prevention rather than relying predominantly on reactive treatment.

The development comes against the backdrop of efforts to deepen health insurance coverage in Nigeria, where access to affordable healthcare remains a major concern for households and businesses.

Recent data from the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) indicated that about 22 million Nigerians are now covered by health insurance, representing an increase of about six million people from 2023. More than N70 billion has also been channelled into the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to strengthen frontline healthcare delivery and improve access for vulnerable Nigerians.

Industry observers say the growth in health insurance coverage presents significant opportunities for HMOs and insurers, but also places greater pressure on operators to improve service delivery, claims management, provider networks and digital healthcare solutions.

For AXA Mansard Health, the latest recognition comes as the company continues to position service quality and healthcare innovation as key components of its strategy to deepen its presence in the market.
Also commenting on the award, the Chief Marketing Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Adebola Surakat, said the recognition would further challenge the company to maintain high standards.

According to her, “This award is a reminder that the standard remains excellence, on all fronts. It’s a charge to keep improving on the quality of care delivered to our customers and continue to provide cutting-edge healthcare solutions that impact the lives of those who need it most.”

The company said the award would further strengthen its resolve to provide healthcare solutions that respond to the changing needs of Nigerians while supporting broader efforts to improve access to quality healthcare.

Beyond the recognition, the award highlights the growing role of HMOs in Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem, particularly as policymakers and industry players seek to increase insurance penetration and reduce the financial burden of healthcare on individuals and families.

Professor Fatima Kyari, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), has been named the 2026 Aig-Imoukhuede Visiting Fellow at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.
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‎The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying Kyari was selected for the fellowship in recognition of her leadership in healthcare regulation, medical education and public-sector reform.
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‎According to the foundation, the Aig-Imoukhuede Visiting Fellowship, delivered in partnership with the Blavatnik School of Government, supports exceptional public-sector leaders to deepen their understanding of critical policy challenges and develop practical solutions for strengthening public institutions.
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‎The foundation said Kyari would commence the six-month fellowship in September 2026, during which she would engage with leading scholars and practitioners while developing policy insights that could be applied to her work in Nigeria.

It said she would join a distinguished group of public-sector leaders who have previously held the fellowship, including former Independent National Electoral Commission chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega; former Chief Justice of Ghana, Justice Georgina Wood; former chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru; and Dr Funke Adepoju.
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‎The foundation said Kyari’s fellowship research would focus on how Nigeria could expand medical education as a strategic public-sector reform while maintaining quality, strengthening health workforce capacity and responding to changes in the healthcare labour market.
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‎It added that her research would seek to produce practical recommendations for improving governance, regulatory stewardship and implementation of large-scale reforms in health and medical education.
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‎Kyari, a clinician and academic, has worked across healthcare delivery, medical research, health policy, medical education, professional regulation and institutional reform.
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‎At the MDCN, she is leading efforts to strengthen medical education and professional regulation as Nigeria seeks to expand its healthcare workforce amid persistent workforce and migration challenges.
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‎Commenting on her selection, Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, Executive Vice Chair of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, described Kyari as an example of the type of public-sector leadership the foundation seeks to promote.
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‎“Professor Fatima Kyari represents the kind of public sector leadership we want to see more of in Nigeria: leaders who see a problem, ask difficult questions and work to build institutions that can deliver better outcomes,” she said.
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‎Aig-Imoukhuede said Kyari’s work at the MDCN placed her at the centre of important questions concerning the future of Nigeria’s healthcare workforce.
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‎“We are pleased to support her Fellowship at Oxford and look forward to the practical ideas that will emerge from her work,” she added.
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‎Kyari said the fellowship would provide an opportunity to examine Nigeria’s medical education and health workforce systems from a broader perspective.
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‎“I am honoured to be selected as the 2026 Aig-Imoukhuede Visiting Fellow,” she said.
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‎“The Fellowship gives me the opportunity to step back from the day-to-day demands of regulation and take a broader look at how Nigeria can build the medical education and health workforce systems needed for the future.”
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‎She said she would use the experience and perspectives gained at Oxford to develop practical ideas capable of strengthening health workforce governance, medical education and public-sector reform in Nigeria.
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‎The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation said it remains focused on strengthening public-sector institutions by developing leaders who can translate evidence and ideas into effective policy, implementation and improved public services.

https://dailytrust.com/mdcn-registrar-fatima-kyari-named-oxford-visiting-fellow/

As part of efforts to promote preventive healthcare and early detection of diseases, AXA Mansard Health has taken its hepatitis awareness campaign to Bariga, Lagos, providing residents with free screening, health education and support services.

The initiative, organised to commemorate World Hepatitis Day 2026, reflects the health management organisation’s continued focus on improving access to preventive healthcare, particularly in communities where routine screening and health information may be limited.

Residents who participated in the outreach received free hepatitis screening and were educated on prevention, diagnosis and the importance of seeking timely medical attention.

The programme also extended beyond medical intervention, with relief packages distributed to vulnerable families in the community as part of efforts to provide immediate support to beneficiaries.

According to AXA Mansard Health, taking health education and screening directly to communities is critical to closing gaps in awareness and access to preventive services.

The initiative underscores the growing importance of preventive healthcare in Nigeria, where delayed diagnosis and limited access to routine screening can worsen the health and financial consequences of treatable diseases.

For insurers and health maintenance organisations (HMOs), greater emphasis on prevention and early detection could also help reduce long-term healthcare costs by encouraging timely intervention before illnesses become more severe.

The Bariga outreach therefore highlights a broader shift in healthcare delivery towards awareness, screening and early intervention rather than treatment after diseases have advanced.

AXA Mansard Health said it would continue to support initiatives that equip Nigerians with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their health.

The organisation stressed that sustained public education and improved access to screening are essential to preventing hepatitis from progressing into serious and potentially life-threatening conditions.

The campaign also demonstrates the role of private-sector, early detection and preventive care.

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN, has warned Medical Doctors that practising without a full registration certificate is criminal, stating that such doctors will face the Council’s disciplinary actions.

The Registrar, MDCN, Prof. Fatima Kyari, handed down this warning at Gregory University, Uturu on Friday, on the occasion of the Extended Induction/Oath Taking ceremony of 35 medical inductees.

He said, “You may wonder, you may say, I know some people who don’t have a full registration certificate but they are still practising; that is criminal because when this PR of your registration certificate expires, and you have not gotten the full (registration), that PR, if you don’t annotate, is criminal”.

Kyari, represented by Head of Department, Medical Registration, Dr. Tijjani Mandaka added, “Please, get your certificate as soon as you finish your horsemanship. The general public, all the regulated agencies are watching what you are doing.

Therefore, any report of infamous conduct against a doctor in professional regard, will be thoroughly investigated by the council.

Omowunmi Mabel Adewusi, General Counsel and Human Resources Director at AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, has received the Lifetime Achievement Award at HR Expo Africa in recognition of her contributions to human resources development and organisational transformation.

The organisers said the award was presented in recognition of Adewusi’s sustained impact in shaping people-focused strategies, strengthening workplace culture and advancing human capital development throughout her career.

HR Expo Africa, a leading platform for human resources professionals and organisations across the continent, celebrates excellence in people management, workplace transformation and organisational leadership.

Over the years, Adewusi has played a key role in strengthening AXA Mansard’s workforce strategy through initiatives focused on employee engagement, leadership development, talent retention and organisational effectiveness.

Her leadership, according to the company, has contributed to building a workplace culture that promotes inclusion, employee well-being, growth and high performance.

Speaking on the recognition, Adewusi described the award as a reflection of the collective efforts of AXA Mansard’s leadership and employees toward building productive and people-centred organisations.

“This recognition reflects the work we are doing in creating environments where people can grow, thrive, contribute meaningfully and perform at their best. It is a shared achievement across the teams and leaders I have had the privilege to work with throughout my career,” she said.

Commenting on the award, Chief Executive Officer of AXA Mansard Insurance, Kunle Ahmed, congratulated Adewusi on the recognition, noting that her leadership has been instrumental in driving the company’s commitment to employee productivity and workplace culture.

According to him, Adewusi’s contribution has helped shape an environment that supports both performance and employee well-being, adding that the international recognition further underscores her consistency and impact in driving business success.

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

The initiative forms part of the 2026 AXA Week for Good themed, “Being A Child Shouldn’t Be A Risk,” aimed at improving public enlightenment, encouraging reporting of abuse cases and strengthening child protection mechanisms at the grassroots.

Under the partnership, employee volunteers of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc will embark on door-to-door community engagements in collaboration with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, which will provide technical support, training and guidance during the campaign.

The company said the programme builds on the success of its 2025 collaboration with the agency, which focused on school-based interventions to educate children and teachers on domestic and sexual violence.

Chief Marketing Officer of AXA Mansard, Adebola Surakat, said this year’s campaign is targeted at families, parents, caregivers and community leaders because statistics show that most abuse cases occur within homes and among people familiar to children.

According to her, over 60 per cent of domestic and sexual violence cases involving children are linked to people known to them, making community sensitisation critical in tackling the menace.
She said the initiative would cover six communities where volunteers would educate residents on identifying abuse, reporting channels and safe parenting practices.

Surakat noted that AXA Mansard has continued to invest in social advocacy against domestic and sexual violence because organisations must contribute to building safer societies where they operate.

She added that in 2025, about 96 per cent of the company’s employees dedicated at least 30 minutes of their working hours to volunteer activities focused on raising awareness against domestic and sexual violence.

Executive Secretary of the DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said domestic and sexual violence thrives in silence, ignorance and fear, stressing the need for continuous public education and community engagement.

Vivour-Adeniyi commended AXA Mansard for sustaining the partnership, noting that safeguarding children requires collective action involving government, the private sector and members of the public.

She said taking advocacy directly into communities would empower parents and caregivers with the knowledge needed to identify warning signs, protect vulnerable children and report abuse cases promptly.

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

NLPC Pension Fund Administrators Limited has reinforced its position in Nigeria’s pension industry, posting steady asset growth and improved risk management performance amid a challenging economic environment.

The pension fund administrator disclosed that its Assets Under Management (AUM) rose to ₦624.95 billion as of March 31, 2026, representing a 5.42 per cent increase from ₦592.84 billion recorded at the end of 2025. Its Retirement Savings Account (RSA) funds also climbed to ₦516.96 billion, reflecting sustained growth across its core operations.

The performance, according to the firm, is driven by a disciplined investment strategy anchored on diversification, long-term asset allocation, and resilience against market volatility.

Industry analysts say the upward trajectory underscores growing confidence in structured retirement savings, particularly as more Nigerians seek stability in uncertain economic conditions.

Beyond its traditional offerings, NLPC Pension is expanding financial inclusion through its Personal Pension Plan, which recorded significant growth within the review period.

The scheme is attracting participants from the informal sector, widening access to retirement savings for previously underserved groups.

The company’s customer-focused approach has also continued to yield results. A client service feedback assessment conducted in December 2025 showed a satisfaction rate of 93.5 per cent, with no negative feedback recorded. Benefit requests accounted for the highest level of interaction, highlighting the firm’s role in facilitating seamless access to funds for retirees and contributors.

In response to earlier concerns around risk-adjusted returns in 2025, the firm strengthened its risk management framework, introducing measures to improve portfolio efficiency. Internal performance indicators for 2026 show notable improvement, with key metrics such as Sharpe ratios trending positively across multiple funds.

The recovery is evident in fund categories that previously underperformed, many of which have rebounded from negative positions to stable or positive returns. The firm attributed this to enhanced diversification, tighter risk controls, and continuous refinement of its investment processes.

Despite short-term gains, NLPC Pension maintains that long-term value creation remains its primary objective. Its three-year rolling returns as of February 28, 2026, averaged 16.35 per cent, with some funds nearing 20 per cent, demonstrating consistent performance across asset classes.

Transparency, the firm noted, remains central to its operations. It continues to promote open access to performance data, enabling contributors to make informed decisions while fostering accountability within the system.

Operating under the regulatory oversight of the National Pension Commission, the company said it has aligned with recent policy changes, including increased capital requirements and revised investment guidelines. It has also accelerated digital adoption to improve processes such as data recapture and account management.

Analysts note that as Nigeria’s economy navigates moderate growth projections, the role of pension fund administrators in safeguarding long-term savings becomes increasingly critical.

By mobilising and investing retirement funds, firms like NLPC Pension contribute to capital formation and broader economic stability.

NLPC Pension said it would continue to deepen its investment in technology, governance, and customer engagement, maintaining that trust, transparency, and reliability remain essential to securing the financial future of Nigerian workers.

The Corporate Affairs Managers’ Committee of the Nigeria Insurers Association (CAMCONIA) has announced plans for its 2026 retreat, with a strong focus on boosting insurance penetration and improving marketing return on investment (ROI) across the industry.

‎The three-day retreat is scheduled to hold from April 9 to April 11 at Park Inn by Radisson, Abeokuta, and will convene marketing and communications professionals from Nigeria’s insurance sector under the theme: “Reimagining Insurance: Towards a Unified Narrative, Trust and National Relevance.”
‎According to the organisers, the retreat will address key challenges confronting the industry, including low public trust, limited insurance adoption, increasing regulatory demands, and the need for measurable marketing impact in a fast-evolving digital landscape.

‎Chairman of CAMCONIA, Segun Bankole, said the industry must reposition marketing and communications as strategic drivers of growth rather than support functions.

‎“Driving insurance penetration in Nigeria requires more than product innovation. It demands a unified narrative, stronger trust, and deliberate engagement with today’s consumers,” he said. “We are tasking ourselves to transition into active business enablers capable of shaping perception and influencing the national relevance of our industry.”

‎Participants are expected to gain practical skills in measuring marketing effectiveness, building consumer trust, and deploying data-driven strategies to improve insurance uptake. Sessions will also cover regulatory compliance, unified storytelling, and tools to enhance marketing performance.

‎The retreat will feature a lineup of industry experts, including Dr. Abiodun Ajiborode, Founder/CEO of Brand Management Academy; Odion Aleobua, Founder/CEO of Modion Communications; Chioma Ezechukwu, Head of Strategy and Business Transformation at Rex Insurance; and Abba Halil Inuwa, Head of Corporate Affairs at NAICOM, among others.

‎They will lead discussions on transforming marketing into a revenue-impact function, leveraging data to tackle low penetration, navigating regulatory frameworks, and building trust in a digital-first economy. The programme will include workshops, panel sessions, and case-study presentations designed to encourage practical learning and collaboration.

‎Chairman of the retreat planning committee, Olusesan Ogunyooye, who is also Head of Marketing at AXA Mansard, said the initiative reflects a shift in mindset within the industry.

‎“Our focus on ROI, penetration, and regulatory policy is a direct response to current realities. We must become strategic partners who can demonstrate value, influence business outcomes, and help shape a more compelling story for insurance in Nigeria,” he said.

‎Organisers noted that the retreat aligns with the five-point agenda of the Nigeria Insurers Association Governing Council, aimed at strengthening innovation, improving marketing accountability, and enhancing collaboration within the sector.
‎As Nigeria targets a one trillion-dollar economy, CAMCONIA said the retreat is expected to drive fresh thinking, deepen industry cooperation, and reinforce the role of insurance as a critical pillar of national economic development.

AXA Mansard grows insurance revenue by 22% to ₦160.6bn, navigates profit dip amid FX volatility

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has reported a 22 per cent increase in insurance revenues to ₦160.56 billion for the financial year ended December 31, 2025, underlining sustained growth momentum despite a challenging macroeconomic environment marked by inflationary pressures and foreign exchange volatility.

The insurer, a member of the AXA Group, disclosed this in its audited financial results released in Lagos on Monday, showing broad-based expansion across its core business segments of Property & Casualty, Life & Savings, and Health.
Gross Written Premiums (GWP) rose by 23 per cent to ₦170.87 billion from ₦138.55 billion recorded in 2024, driven by improved customer retention, new business acquisitions, and expansion of its distribution network.

A breakdown of the performance shows that Property & Casualty revenues grew by 11 per cent to ₦68.48 billion, Life & Savings increased by 14 per cent to ₦25.77 billion, while the Health segment recorded the strongest growth, rising by 40 per cent to ₦66.32 billion.

Similarly, GWP in the Property & Casualty business climbed 20 per cent to ₦73.42 billion, while Life & Savings rose 15 per cent to ₦26.84 billion. Health premiums also expanded significantly by 31 per cent to ₦70.60 billion.

Speaking on the results, Chief Financial Officer, Ngozi Ola-Israel, said the company’s performance reflects strong execution and resilience across its diversified portfolio.

She noted that although Profit Before Tax (PBT) declined sharply by 81 per cent to ₦6.12 billion, compared to ₦31.69 billion in 2024, the drop was largely due to the absence of significant foreign exchange gains recorded in the prior year.

“In FY 2024, earnings were boosted by ₦27 billion in FX gains, compared to a ₦1 billion FX loss in 2025. Adjusting for this non-recurring impact, underlying profit would have grown by 50 per cent year-on-year,” she explained.

According to her, the Group maintained a solid financial position supported by strong premium growth, prudent capital management, and adequate liquidity buffers, even as rising claims and inflation weighed on margins.

Also commenting, Chief Executive Officer, Kunle Ahmed, said the company delivered strong topline growth and stable underlying earnings despite cost pressures and global economic uncertainties.

He added that AXA Mansard’s 2025 audited results position it to exceed the new minimum capital requirements recently introduced under Nigeria’s insurance reform framework.

“In line with the new capital thresholds, our current financial position comfortably exceeds the ₦15 billion requirement for non-life business and ₦10 billion for life operations. To further strengthen capital buffers, the board has decided not to propose dividend payments for the 2025 financial year,” Ahmed said.

Industry analysts note that AXA Mansard’s decision to retain earnings aligns with a broader trend among Nigerian insurers repositioning ahead of recapitalisation requirements expected to reshape the competitive landscape.

The firm’s Insurance Service Result rose by 9 per cent to ₦14.87 billion, supported largely by a 65 per cent surge in earnings from the Property & Casualty segment. However, performance in the Life & Savings and Health segments moderated, declining by 4 per cent and 42 per cent respectively due to higher technical reserves and increased claims severity.

Operating expenses also rose during the period, with insurance service expenses increasing by 32 per cent, reflecting elevated claims across key portfolios, particularly in general accident and aviation businesses.

Despite the pressure on profitability, AXA Mansard’s balance sheet remained robust. Total assets grew by 18 per cent to ₦227.94 billion, while shareholders’ funds rose by 11 per cent to ₦52.3 billion, reinforcing its capital strength.

However, Profit After Tax dropped significantly by 98 per cent to ₦0.62 billion, impacted not only by FX-related effects but also by changes in tax regulations, including an increase in capital gains tax from 10 per cent to 30 per cent, which led to a one-off deferred tax adjustment.

From an industry perspective, analysts say the company’s performance mirrors wider trends in Nigeria’s insurance sector, where premium growth remains strong but profitability is increasingly influenced by macroeconomic headwinds, regulatory changes, and claims inflation.

The sharp contrast between revenue growth and bottom-line performance highlights the sector’s ongoing transition under IFRS 17 reporting standards, which place greater emphasis on underwriting discipline and earnings quality rather than one-off gains.

Experts also point to the rapid expansion of the health insurance segment as a key industry driver, fueled by rising healthcare costs, increased awareness, and corporate demand for employee health coverage.

Looking ahead, AXA Mansard said it would focus on strengthening underwriting discipline, enhancing operational efficiency, and deepening digital capabilities to drive sustainable growth.

Ahmed expressed optimism that as macroeconomic conditions stabilise and FX volatility eases, the company’s underlying earnings strength will become more evident.

“With a strong balance sheet, disciplined execution, and clear strategic priorities, we are well positioned to improve profitability and deliver long-term value to shareholders,” he said.

Market watchers believe insurers that successfully balance growth with cost control, capital adequacy, and innovation will emerge stronger as the industry enters a new phase of consolidation and regulatory tightening.

The Founder of HMA Foundation and House of Representatives aspirant for Offa/Oyun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency, Hon. Moshood Adeleke, has officially commenced a comprehensive ward tour across the constituency as part of his ongoing engagement with grassroots stakeholders and community members.

The ward-to-ward visitation began yesterday in Ira Ward, where Hon. Adeleke met with party members, community leaders, youths, and other residents to discuss pressing issues affecting the people and to share his vision for effective representation at the National Assembly.

During the visit, Hon. Adeleke emphasized the importance of staying connected with the grassroots, noting that meaningful leadership begins with listening to the needs and aspirations of the people. He appreciated the warm reception he received from party faithful and residents of Ira Ward, assuring them of his unwavering commitment to the development of the constituency.

Hon. Moshood Adeleke, through his philanthropic activities under the HMA Foundation, has continued to impact lives through various empowerment and community development initiatives. His ward tour is aimed at strengthening unity within the party structure while also consulting widely with constituents on the way forward.

Political observers and stakeholders within Offa/Oyun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency have described Hon. Adeleke as a strong and serious contender for the House of Representatives seat, citing his grassroots connection, leadership capacity, and track record of service.

The ward tour is expected to continue across other wards within Offa, Oyun, and Ifelodun local government areas in the coming days, as Hon. Adeleke intensifies consultations ahead of the forthcoming political processes.

HMA Media

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has renewed its partnership with Herconomy as a sponsor of the Herconomy Conference 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening financial inclusion and advancing economic opportunities for women across Nigeria.

The insurer will headline the conference’s Enterprise Challenge—an initiative designed to support women-led businesses with funding and exposure—further reinforcing its commitment to building sustainable pathways for female entrepreneurs.

The Herconomy Conference, an annual gathering convened by the fintech platform, has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading forums for promoting women’s financial independence and career advancement. With a community of more than 15,000 members, the platform is expected to attract over 1,000 female professionals, entrepreneurs and industry leaders at this year’s event, where discussions will centre on wealth creation, career growth and long-term economic impact.

AXA Mansard said its continued collaboration reflects a broader strategy to improve women’s financial resilience by expanding access to critical tools, knowledge and networks required to thrive in an evolving economy.
The partnership builds on the success of the 2025 edition, where standout women entrepreneurs received financial backing through a competitive pitch process. Founder of Pemnia Wellness, Opeyemi Adebisi, emerged winner with a ₦1.5 million prize, while Bilqis Idaro of Posh Meals secured ₦1 million as first runner-up. Chimdiebube Orji, founder of Springsentia, received ₦500,000 as second runner-up.

Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Marketing Officer of AXA Mansard, Adebola Surakat, said empowering women financially remains critical to inclusive and sustainable development.
She noted that creating opportunities for women to access financial knowledge and resources can unlock broader economic potential, adding that the partnership aligns with ongoing conversations around wealth creation, financial protection and long-term security.

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

Through its sponsorship of the Enterprise Challenge and participation in the conference, AXA Mansard said it will continue to advocate inclusive financial solutions that enable women to build resilient businesses and secure their financial futures.

In an attempt to reduce waiting time and ensure prompt access to care at its over 2,000 partner health facilities nationwide, AXA Mansard Health, Nigeria’s leading Health Management Organisation has launched its WhatsApp bot, Karis.

‎By adding Karis to their WhatsApp contact, over three hundred thousand enrollees of AXA Mansard Health will now be able to obtain treatment approvals, confirm authorizations, check their plan status, access plan benefits, purchase health plans, and get prompt assistance during medical emergencies.

‎According to Tope Adeniyi, CEO AXA Mansard Health Limited, this new solution is another way the organisation seeks to express its customer first value. “It is another way we are using to tell our customers that we deeply care about them, and we stop at nothing to ensure access to healthcare is simple, affordable and convenient”, he said.

‎Adeniyi noted that the manual process of authorization before treatment has been a pain point, which could discourage people from wanting to want to go to the hospital. He explained that with Karis, authorization can now be done via a ubiquitous platform like WhatsApp.

‎“With this new solution, our enrollees at the point of care can experience our service speed. Also, they can quickly ask Karis what their plans cover or otherwise, so we have empowered them. They can now search for hospital or specialist healthcare by interacting with Karis. It’s about making healthcare personalised for our customers”, he noted.

‎He added that Karis is not just a tool, but part of a wider vision to ensure healthcare is accessible, personalized, and stress-free for everyone:
‎The introduction of Karis is part of AXA Mansard Health’s broader strategy to harness digital innovation to enhance service delivery and improve the overall customer experience. By streamlining access to healthcare support, the chatbot empowers our enrollees to focus on their well-being rather than be discouraged by the administrative hurdles.

‎Through initiatives like this, AXA Mansard Health continues to lead in digital healthcare solutions, making it easier for more Nigerians to manage their health and access timely care with confidence. “Karis demonstrates our organisation’s commitment to leveraging technology for practical solutions that simplify lives and improve healthcare outcomes”, Adeniyi concluded.

In commemoration of International Women’s Day, AXA Mansard Investment has launched a speed-mentoring programme geared at increasing the investment and financial literacy level of young professional women across Nigeria.

‎The programme with the theme “acting for her progress”, got accomplished professional women across different spectrum to give at least two hours of their time to mentor and inspire young professional women who are seeking opportunities for financial growth.
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The women mentors include – Omolara Ismail (Executive Director, lagos &South, Jaiz Bank) Ifedayo Durosimi Etti (Founder, Herconomy) Bolu Essien, (Filmmaker, Corporate Marketing Professional), Fiona Uwagwu, (Head of Social and Content, Ogilvy UK), Omowunmi Mabel Adewusi (General Counsel & HR Director, AXA Mansard), Oluwaseyi Layade (COO Leo Burnnet Lagos), Ngozi Ola Israel (Chief Financial Officer, AXA Mansard), Jumoke Odunlami, (Chief Distribution Officer, AXA Mansard), Adebola Surakat, (Chief Marketing Officer, AXA Mansard), Abisola Nwoboshi (Head, Life Business, AXA Mansard)
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Commenting on the initiative, CEO of AXA Mansard Investment, Deji Tunde-Anjous said that the programme represents another way AXA Mansard Investment is driving and ensuring inclusive protection.
‎He commented, “the need to empower and strengthen the financial base of women is something we take very seriously. We understand that women are multipliers and the more investment we make in them, the better the society becomes. Financially represent illiteracy is a fundamental gap in the development trajectory of the society. But when you empower the women, we can close that gap faster”.

‎“At another level, this programme also represents our deep commitment to gender balance. We wanted to demystify the myth around investment and risks, and we thought the best way to do that is to provide direct access to other women of who have walked the terrain. We are excited and encouraged from the responses so far. The slot filled us faster than we imagined”, Tunde-Anjous said.
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On her part, Adebola Surakat, Chief Marketing Officer of AXA Mansard Plc, highlighted the importance of creating platforms where women can learn directly from those who have successfully navigated similar journeys.

‎“At AXA Mansard, we believe financial empowerment is one of the most powerful ways to unlock opportunities for women. Mentorship plays a critical role in that journey, allowing women to learn directly from those who have successfully built, grown, and protected wealth” she said.

‎“Through our Acting for Her Progress initiative, we are creating a platform where experienced women can give their time, insights, and encouragement so that others gain the clarity, confidence, and support needed to take bold steps in their financial and professional journeys. For us, it is not just about celebrating successful women; it is about creating pathways for more women to progress, thrive, and build lasting financial security.”
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Through initiatives like this, AXA Mansard continues to reinforce its commitment to empowering women by providing access to mentorship, knowledge, and supportive communities that encourage them to grow, lead, and thrive.

AXA Mansard Health Reaffirms Commitment to Healthcare Innovation with AMSA Conference Sponsorship

AXA Mansard Health has announced its sponsorship of the 2026 edition of the Association of Medical Students of Africa (AMSA) Conference.

‎AMSA conference is a significant event for the AMSA student, bringing together hundreds of medical students, healthcare advocates, and emerging professionals from across Africa to share ideas, explore innovations, and discuss the future of healthcare in the region.

‎According to Tope Adeniyi, CEO, AXA Mansard Health Limited, the sponsorship demonstrates the company’s commitment to advancing healthcare knowledge, encourage strong networks within the medical community, and nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders.

‎He explained that the company believes that the healthcare space is very fertile for new innovations and to birth those solutions requires supporting knowledge platforms like AMSA. “As Africa’s healthcare landscape is evolving, so in addition to driving collaboration between providers, insurers; we must also support knowledge platforms that will midwife the next phase of development for our sector. So, after review by our team, we think the AMSA Conference holds potentials because it is a dynamic platform for young medical professionals to exchange knowledge, learn from experts, and explore how they can positively impact healthcare in their communities”.

‎“This is in consonance with our purpose of Acting for Human Progress by protecting what matters. We are convinced that the outcomes of conference like AMSA can inspire the new innovations that will improve our collective healthcare experience in Nigeria and Africa”, Adeniyi said.

‎Through this sponsorship, AXA Mansard Health seeks to inspire conversations on preventive care, patient-centred approaches, and innovative ways to make healthcare more accessible, affordable and available.

‎The conference programme includes inspiring keynote presentations, interactive panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities, all designed to provide participants with practical knowledge and professional contacts.

‎For AXA Mansard Health, this sponsorship forms part of a broader commitment to promote health awareness, professional growth, and innovation in healthcare. By engaging medical students and emerging professionals, the organisation aims to strengthen the focus on preventive care, patient-centred services, and long-term improvement of healthcare delivery.

‎The 2026 AMSA Conference is expected to attract participants from medical schools and healthcare institutions across Africa, positioning it as one of the continent’s premier events for aspiring healthcare professionals.

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc’s General Counsel and Human Resource Director, Omowunmi Mabel Adewusi, has urged employers across Nigeria to adopt structured change-management strategies as the country transitions into a new tax regime, stressing that organisations must go beyond regulatory compliance to successfully navigate the evolving fiscal environment.

‎Speaking during an “Advocacy Round Table” webinar organised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), Adewusi said businesses must deliberately manage the internal adjustments required by the new tax framework to ensure operational stability and sustained growth.
‎The session brought together industry leaders and policy stakeholders to examine the implications of the emerging tax framework on businesses, particularly its impact on the cost of doing business in Nigeria.

‎According to Adewusi, major policy shifts such as tax reforms often come with operational complexities that require proactive leadership and well-structured transition planning within organisations.
‎“There needs to be a serious change-management strategy that every employer must embark upon,” she said. “The transition to a new tax framework goes beyond regulatory compliance. Organisations must ensure that their internal systems, policies and people are aligned to adapt effectively to the new environment.”

‎She stressed that clear and transparent communication would be critical to maintaining stability within organisations during the transition period, noting that employees and other stakeholders must be properly engaged as companies adjust to the new regulatory realities.
‎“Employers need to be more open with communication, more transparent and more understanding as they move towards adopting the new tax act,” she added.

‎Adewusi noted that such engagement would help reduce uncertainty among employees and support smoother implementation of the reforms within organisations.

‎Despite the adjustment challenges, she expressed optimism about the long-term prospects of the reforms, describing the new tax framework as a potential catalyst for improving Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.

‎She also encouraged startups and emerging businesses to see the reforms as an opportunity to strengthen their operational structures and build sustainable enterprises within a more transparent regulatory system.

‎According to her, businesses that proactively align their internal processes and governance frameworks with the new tax environment will be better positioned to thrive in the evolving economic landscape.

‎Her remarks, she said, reflect the commitment of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc to contributing expert insights to policy discussions shaping Nigeria’s business environment, particularly in areas relating to governance, regulatory compliance and economic reforms.

‎Through such engagements, the company aims to support broader efforts aimed at building a more transparent, resilient and investment-friendly economy.

Written by Ahmed Balarabe Sa’id
Many of us who take public communication seriously will observe the Daniel Bwala-Al Jazeera encounter with a mixture of fascination and secondhand discomfort. It was one of those moments that reminds you why credibility and personal integrity matter, especially in a dynamic career of uphill climb, when the stakes are highest.

This is likely the highest stake interview of Daniel Bwala's entire career. It turned out to be a high-stakes embarrassment for him, and honestly, for those of us who watched a Nigerian 'presidential spokesman' unravel on global television.

Like I told colleagues afterwards, he never should have stepped onto that set. Mehdi Hasan's turf isn't a playground. The man has spent years building a reputation for doing exactly what he did to Bwala, confronting powerful people with their own contradictions, armed with clips, quotes, and dates they hoped the world had forgotten.

We've seen Hasan do this before. He reduced former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe to visible displeasure in a 2024 Head to Head encounter that sparked days of debate. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, accustomed to friendlier exchanges, struggled through Hasan's "bouncers and yorkers" in a 2025 Zeteo interview. Mike Huckabee, now US Ambassador to Israel, had his "fabricated statistics" publicly debunked point by point. Tom Friedman was forced to explain why Iran faces nuclear sanctions while Israel doesn't. Even Richard Dawkins found himself in a tense confrontation when Hasan refused to let faith-based double standards slide. These are the receipts of a journalist who does his homework. And Hasan is one of the most exceptional.

So we were all served a rich menu of global embarrassment when Bwala walked into that studio and chose performative reductionism over honesty. Confronted with facts, their sources, quotes, and actual dates, he defaulted to denial after denial after denial. That perfunctory grandstanding, the deflection, the whataboutism, none of it found shelter on the Head to Head platform.

The militia allegation from January 2023? "I never said that." The bullion vans comment from Channels Television? "I never said that." The threats he claimed came from Tinubu's camp? "I never said that." Hasan kept the receipts, kept asking, kept pressing.

And Bwala kept denying Daniel.

When confronted with data showing over 11,000 conflict deaths in 2025 compared to about 8,700 in 2023, Bwala insisted things were not getting worse. "Context matters," he said. When Hasan asked what context could possibly make more deaths mean things aren't worsening, Bwala delivered the line that sums up the entire performance: "The context is not getting worse." He then reached for a glass of water on the set, attempting an analogy about seeing it as half full while others see it half empty.

So, here is the real context.
Bwala came head to head with his past, and had to inevitably deny Daniel. The man who once called Tinubu a "godfather of corruption" now defending the same administration, insisting facts had changed his opinion, that politics is dynamic, that opposition means oppose and government means defend. All valid points in theory. In practice, watching him disown his own recorded words was pathetic. Daniel came to judgement.

So while this appearance was a credibility test for the Nigerian government, it was more fundamentally an integrity test for Bwala's personal reputation. I believe his principal understands this well enough not to relieve him of his appointment. After all, loyalty is its own currency in this business.

But let's all join Bwala in raising our glasses, "half full or half empty", depending on your preferred metaphor.
Toast to a remarkable undoing. The man went to Doha to defend a government and ended up providing a masterclass in how not to do it.

Now I remember a popular hymn song we sang during morning assembly in secondary school...

Oh Lord, deliver Daniel...

AXA Mansard Health advocates importance of early screening at world cancer day webinar

AXA Mansard Health, Nigeria’s leading health management organization and member of the AXA Group, has reinforced its commitment to preventive healthcare through its 2026 World Cancer Day webinar, which demystified cancer screening and addressed the fears that prevent many Nigerians from seeking early diagnosis.

Themed around reducing anxiety and strengthening public confidence in screening, the webinar brought together AXA Mansard’s medical, wellness, and insurance experts to confront the myths, emotional barriers, and financial concerns that often discourage timely testing. The session discussed the persistent fears that deter individuals from early screening, despite overwhelming evidence that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Speaking about the intent of the session, Tope Adeniyi, CEO of AXA Mansard Health, emphasized AXA Mansard Health’s commitment to deepening public understanding and building confidence around preventive care:
“At AXA Mansard Health, our commitment goes beyond just providing access to quality healthcare to our customers. It includes ensuring that our customers and the public feel informed, supported, and confident enough to act on their health when required. This aligns with our purpose as an organization and our commitment to our communities and business environment. Far too many Nigerians delay or avoid cancer testing due to fear, and we believe educative sessions like this webinar are powerful tools in changing that narrative.”

Participants received clear, practical insights into modern screening procedures, emotional and psychological considerations, and how accessible health insurance reduces uncertainty and enables proactive health decisions. By integrating clinical expertise with empathetic guidance and financial clarity, the session created a supportive environment that empowered attendees to take charge of their well being.
Jadesola Idowu, COO of AXA Mansard Health, also echoed the CEO’s sentiment, highlighting the need for holistic support systems that strengthen people’s resolve to prioritize their health.

She commented, “Wellness requires a balance of emotional, mental, and financial security. Many people want to do the right thing for their health, but don’t know where to start. Through open, empathetic conversations like this, we hope to help people realize that screening is not something to fear but something to embrace.”

The webinar reinforces AXA Mansard Health’s longstanding commitment to promoting preventive healthcare and building a healthier, better informed society by empowering Nigerians with credible information, accessible tools, and emotional reassurance. The organization continues to strengthen public trust and champion early action as a critical step in the fight against cancer.

Life and Health Insurance customers of AXA Mansard have commended the company for going beyond just transactions to support and excite them during the Valentine’s season. The praises came on the hills of the organization’s Valentine’s Day campaign, where AXA Mansard, in partnership with Uzor Arukwe, paid surprise visits to some of its customers.

According to Mrs. Ojamomi, the gesture doesn’t just make her feel seen; it makes her feel heard and cared for. She commented, “AXA Mansard came around to show me this much love. I feel like someone sees me, someone cares for me, so thank you so much”.

On her part, Mrs. Akinyele, a beneficiary of the company’s Life Insurance, noted that the gesture is a reminder that she is not alone, thanking AXA Mansard for being a thoughtful and humane brand.
Another customer, Mrs. Mfonobong, couldn’t hold her excitement. On sighting the AXA Mansard and Odogwu team, she exclaimed, “AXA Mansard, you are the best!”

Torrents of commendations have also poured in on social media, with people acknowledging AXA Mansard for introducing another perspective on Valentine's. According to Your Abuja Doctor on X, he wrote, “As a medical doctor, I can honestly say that AXA Mansard HMO is not just an HMO, it’s the only HMO that cares about its clients.

Kudos to them for being patient centered”.
Another X user, Frank Cutex, wrote: “This video of AXA Mansard teaming up with a Nollywood actor to surprise their customers is easily the best thing you will watch today. The emotions are so real, and I could literally feel the love. That’s what a partner for life feels like”.

Thanking the customers for their commitment and patronage, Adebola Surakat, Chief Marketing Officer, AXA Mansard, said the company is most grateful for the incredible partnership they have enjoyed. She added, “For us, this is more than just an initiative, it is another way we want to show that real people benefit from insurance, and AXA Mansard is not just an insurer who pays when life happens, but an insurance that’s thoughtful and partnering with you every step of life’s journey”.

Valentine’s Day took on a deeper meaning at AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, as the insurer stepped beyond traditional celebrations to deliver practical support and emotional connection to selected customers.

In a series of surprise visits, the company presented care packages, free health insurance coverage and personalised gestures to customers across Lagos, reinforcing its message that love extends beyond romance to protection and wellbeing.

Adding a touch of celebrity excitement, Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe, popularly known as “Odogwu,” joined the initiative, engaging customers and sharing in moments that ranged from joyful to deeply personal.

Among those visited were two new mothers adjusting to early parenthood and a customer navigating a sensitive personal season. According to the company, the initiative was designed to demonstrate that care and protection remain central to its brand promise.

AXA Mansard said the outreach reflects its broader commitment to meeting customers at critical life moments, providing not only insurance solutions but tangible reassurance.

Beyond the Valentine engagement, the company also relaunched its “She Is In Charge” platform for the year, a community-driven initiative focused on empowering women to balance ambition, personal growth, and relationships.

The February edition centred on the theme of intentional living, encouraging women to pursue career goals, financial independence, and personal well-being without compromising on love and family aspirations.

As part of the storytelling segment, the platform featured a personal account from a female entrepreneur who navigated pressures within her marriage while scaling her business.

The story highlighted themes of communication, restructuring, and self-advocacy, underscoring the message that women do not have to choose between professional ambition and family life.

AXA Mansard said the combined initiatives reflect its evolving customer engagement strategy, one that blends financial protection with social impact and community building.

Founded as part of the global AXA Group, AXA Mansard provides life, health, and general insurance solutions, as well as investment management services, to individuals and businesse

AXA Mansard Partners ‘Odogwu’ Uzor Arukwe for Its #PartnerForLife Valentine’s Day Campaign.

AXA Mansard, has partnered with one of Nollywood’s rave of the moment, Uzor Arukwe, to excite and show love to its customers during the valentine’s day season.

The collaboration, according to Tope Adeniyi, CEO of AXA Mansard Health Limited, is another way AXA Mansard is demonstrating its unwavering commitment to its promise of moving from a payer to a partner.

According to the CEO, the theme of the campaign, #PartnerForLife, is deliberate. It is to remind our customers and stakeholders that we are not a transactional organization. “We love to build meaningful and enduring relationships. So, valentine’s day presents us a perfect opportunity put our word to action, assuring our dear customers that we will always be by their sides through life’s milestones, challenges, and moments that truly matter”, he said.

Speaking on the choice of partner for the campaign, Adebola Surakat, Chief Marketing Officer, AXA Mansard, said that the choice of Uzor is not just symbolic, it is entrenched in the shared values of courage and customer first. “Uzor is an embodiment of love, empathy, and care; but more important for us is the value of customers first. We are convinced that he cherishes his audience and puts them first, that is the reason every time he has the opportunity, he puts in his best to ensure that he entertains and inspires. So, to demonstrate our commitment to the same value and show our customers that they are valued, appreciated, and celebrated, this Valentine’s season and always, we found a worthy partner in Uzor for this season”.

As part of the campaign, AXA Mansard is inviting customers to participate in a social media challenge. Participants are encouraged to tag their ‘safe space’ and the people who make life special by just being in it, with entries receiving the highest engagement eligible to win exclusive health insurance packages.
For three years, AXA Mansard has been connecting with thousands of Nigerians to reshape narrative around protection, demonstrating that it is more than a oneoff transaction, but a longterm commitment with significant benefits.

PUBLIC STATEMENT BY THE MEDICAL AND DENTAL COUNCIL OF NIGERIA (MDCN) ON MISINTERPRETATION OF HOUSEMANSHIP PLACEMENT FIGURES

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) wishes to address and clarify recent media reports suggesting that 2,000 house officers are stranded without job placement each year. This assertion is incorrect and is based on a misinterpretation of information presented during the Council’s recent budget defence before the Senate Committee on Health at the National Assembly.

For clarity, the MDCN informed the distinguished Committee that approximately 4,000 house officers are currently enrolled under the centralised housemanship scheme, which operates across 48 Federal Government hospitals. In addition to these, there are 81 other accredited hospitals comprising State Government, Military, and Private hospitals, that also provide housemanship training. These 81 hospitals operate outside the federal centralised scheme but remain fully accredited by the MDCN and continue to offer housemanship placements.

It is therefore inaccurate to suggest that doctors outside the federal centralised scheme are “stranded.” Accreditation by the MDCN ensures that these hospitals meet the required standards for training, and housemanship positions are available across these institutions nationwide.

Indeed, if a newly qualified doctor wishes to commence housemanship immediately, placement opportunities exist across 129 accredited hospitals in the country. Any delay experienced is typically related to individual preference for specific locations or institutions, particularly those under the federal centralised scheme, rather than a lack of available training positions.

During the budget defence, the MDCN advocated for the expansion of the centralised housemanship scheme to include accredited non-federal hospitals. This recommendation was made to improve equity in remuneration and access, by enabling more house officers in accredited institutions, especially in State, Military, and Private hospitals, to benefit from the federal funding framework that currently applies to federal hospitals.

The MDCN remains fully committed to ensuring that all eligible medical and dental graduates have access to quality housemanship training in accredited institutions across Nigeria. We also remain committed to transparency, accuracy, and the continued strengthening of Nigeria’s medical training and regulatory systems.

We urge the public and stakeholders to rely on verified information from the MDCN and to disregard misleading interpretations that do not reflect the realities of housemanship training and placement in Nigeria.

Signed
Management

AXA Mansard Grows Insurance Revenue by 22% to ₦160.6bn in FY’25, Health Segment Leads Expansion
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‎AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has sustained its growth momentum in the 2025 financial year, recording a 22 per cent increase in gross insurance revenues to ₦160.56 billion, driven by strong renewals and broad-based expansion across its key business segments, particularly health insurance.

‎In its unaudited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025, the Group reported solid top-line performance across Property and Casualty, Life and Savings, and Health businesses, reflecting the resilience of its operating model amid a challenging macroeconomic environment.

‎A breakdown of performance showed that Property and Casualty insurance revenue rose by 11 per cent to ₦68.48 billion from ₦61.88 billion in FY’24, while Life and Savings grew by 14 per cent to ₦25.77 billion from ₦22.56 billion. The Health segment recorded the strongest growth, expanding by 40 per cent to ₦66.32 billion, compared with ₦47.23 billion in the previous year.

‎Despite the strong revenue growth, Profit Before Tax (PBT) declined sharply by 81 per cent to ₦6.12 billion from ₦31.69 billion in FY’24. However, the company noted that the decline was largely due to foreign exchange effects recorded in the prior year.

‎Commenting on the results, the Chief Financial Officer, Mrs. Ngozi Ola-Israel, explained that FY’24 earnings benefited from a one-off foreign exchange gain of ₦27 billion, compared with a ₦0.9 billion foreign exchange loss in FY’25. “Excluding this non-recurring FX impact, underlying profitability improved significantly, with adjusted profit before tax rising by 46 per cent year-on-year to ₦6.98 billion,” she said.

‎According to her, the performance reflects disciplined underwriting, sound risk management, and continued improvements in operational efficiency, despite elevated claims severity and frequency in the Property and Casualty and Health portfolios.

‎Also commenting, the Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Mr. Kunle Ahmed, said the Group maintained a strong financial position during the year, supported by robust premium growth, prudent capital management, and adequate liquidity. He added that while inflationary pressures and higher claims affected margins, the company’s balance sheet and cash generation remained resilient.

‎On regulatory compliance, Ahmed noted that the Group’s unaudited FY’25 numbers position it to exceed the new minimum capital requirements under the NIIRA, with over ₦15 billion for non-life business and ₦10 billion for life business.

‎Looking ahead to FY’26, management said its focus would be on accelerating profitable growth, strengthening underwriting and claims discipline, deepening cost efficiency, and investing further in digital and data capabilities to enhance customer outcomes and long-term shareholder value.

English Premier League Match Week 24 Preview (Baloo and ND) on Sports Toriy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf2vGdtx6JE

UCL Playoff Preview on Sports Toriy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea5tZ1lISjs

AXA Mansard Insurance, a member of the AXA Group, has announced the launch of its digital motor insurance inspection process in Nigeria. The solution, powered by Curacel, allows customers to complete required vehicle inspections by submitting photographs of their vehicles through their smartphones.

The process applies to the initiation of comprehensive motor insurance policies, policy renewals, and claims assessments.

‎This new feature further demonstrates AXA’s continued commitment to make the insurance process easy and personalized through digitization. The digital inspection system receives images submitted by customers, scans them through an automated review process, and generates inspection reports that are used within AXA Mansard’s existing underwriting and claims workflow

‎Commenting on the tool, Chizuru Nwankwonta, Chief Technology Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance, said: “At AXA Mansard, we continue to introduce solutions that make insurance processes easier and faster. This digital inspection option reduces the need for physical assessments and offers customers more flexibility in how they complete key steps in their motor insurance journey.”

‎The digital inspection system was developed in collaboration with Curacel, an insurance technology provider whose platform supports image submission, automated screening, and documentation processing. The integration is part of AXA Mansard’s approach to working with external technology partners on specific operational modules.

‎The digital inspection process is currently available nationwide. Customers will be able to access the feature through designated digital channels, including AXA Mansard’s customer platforms and links made available during motor insurance onboarding.