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  • Royal Exchange rebrands to REX Insurance, as Sanwo-Olu inaugurates headquarters

    Rebranding
    By Rukayat Adeyemi
    L-R: Company Secretary/General Counsel, REX Insurance Ltd., Ms Sheila Ezeuko; Managing Director/CEO Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, REX Insurance; Commissioner for Finance Lagos State, Mr  Abayomi Oluyomi; Chairman REX Insurance, Mr Ike Chioke and other dignitaries at the inauguration of the refurbished Headquaters of REX Insurance on Thursday in Lagos

     

    Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Royal Exchange General Insurance Company Ltd. has changed its corporate identity to REX Insurance.

    The firm also inaugurated its refurbished headquarters in Lagos on Thursday.

     

    Speaking at the inauguration of the new Head Office in Victoria Island, Lagos, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended REX Insurance for providing Lagosians and Nigerians with reliable and innovative insurance solutions.

     

    Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mr Abayomi Oluyomi, Commissioner for Finance, Lagos State, described the insurance firm as a forward-thinking company ready to embrace the future.

     

    The governor highlighted that the solutions provided by REX Insurance have fostered security and empowered countless individuals and businesses.

     

    He noted that the refurbished Head Office signified not just a physical space but a springboard for REX Insurance toward a brighter future, growth and success.

     

    “I congratulate the chairman and members of REX Insurance on this milestone achievement.

     

    “The unveiling of the new brand identity is equally exciting; a refreshed logo and renewed focus will position the insurance company for continued leadership in the ever-evolving insurance sector.

     

    “This spirit of innovation resonates deeply with the present Lagos State administration’s vision for the state, as we strive to become a mega city,” he said.

     

    In his welcome address, Mr Ike Chioke, the Chairman, Board of Directors, REX Insurance, stated that this milestone marked a significant chapter in the company’s journey, reflecting its commitment to growth, innovation and excellence.

     

    Chioke explained that the decision to move to the state-of-the-art Head Office was driven by the underwriter’s vision to create a workspace that meets the needs of its employees and symbolises its forward-thinking ethos.

     

    According to him, the new facility represents a new era for the company.

     

    “One where we are better equipped with advanced technologies and improved facilities to serve our customers, foster collaboration and drive innovation.

     

    “Staff well-being is paramount to us; to enhance their health and wellness, we have installed a state-of-the-art gym facility.

     

    “To foster a family-friendly work atmosphere that prioritises the needs of working parents, we have also set up a creche for our nursing mothers,” he said.

     

    In her remarks, Mrs Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, Managing Director of REX Insurance, said the new headquarters would serve as a hub of innovation and collaboration.

    Nwachukwu stated that the revamping of the company’s brand reflects the changes that occurred in its business over the last three years and the ongoing transformation.

     

    She noted that the significant milestone in the journey of a company that started in 1918 was a testament to the hard work, dedication and vision of everyone involved.

     

    She noted that the new vison statement of the insurer was  to be the preferred Nigerian insurance company that speaks to its desire to be the preferred place to work.
    According to her, the insurer has also revamped all its locations in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Benin, while setting up services on the Lagos Ikorodu road, to ensure the same standards across all the locations where it operates.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RUKY/AWA
    ==========
    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

  • Reps extend 2023 budget implementation timeline to December

    Reps extend 2023 budget implementation timeline to December

    Budget
    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 27, 2024(NAN) The House of Representatives on Thursday considered and passed two bills,  extending  implementation of the 2023 Appropriation Act and the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Act until December.

    President Bola Tinubu had presented the bills via a letter read on the floor of the house by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bills are titled: “The 2023 Appropriation Amendment Bill, 2024, and The 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Amendment Bill, 2024.

    Following its first reading, the Minority Leader of the house, Rep. Kingsley Chinda during  debate on the general principles of the bill, expressed reservations about the propriety of accelerating  passage of the bills.

    He stated that such might not be in the best interest of the country, suggesting that provisions of the bills should be harmonised and included in the anticipated supplementary appropriation Act 2024.

    In response, the house resolved to enter an executive session to deliberate further on the matter.

    The session saw extensive discussions, with members from both sides of the divided contributing their perspectives and suggestions.

    Following these deliberations, the house, dissolved into the Committee of Supply to debate the various clauses in the money bills, all of which were carried.

    Subsequently, the house reverted to plenary where the bills were read for the third time.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ODF/CHOM/SH
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Sadiya Hamza

     

     

     

  • Yusuf receives courageous Governor of the year award

    Yusuf receives courageous Governor of the year award
    Award
    By Aminu Garko
    Kano, June 27,2024( NAN)  Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State  has been honored with the ‘Courageous Governor of the Year Award’ by This Nigeria Newspaper.
    The award was presented during the newspaper’s 2024 annual lecture and awards ceremony, which marked 25 years of democratic governance in Nigeria.
    According to the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature, the award followed a thorough evaluation of all the 36 State Governors in Nigeria.
    Yusuf received the award in recognition of his exceptional leadership and stewardship in Nigeria’s most populous state, in spite of facing various legal and political challenges.
    The Commissioner for Information Baba Halilu-Dantiye received the award on behalf of Yusuf, expressing confidence that the recognition would motivate the governor to continue demonstrating exemplary leadership.
    The award ceremony, held at the Yar’adua Centre in Abuja, also honoured the Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, as distinguished awardees.( NAN) ( www.nannews.ng)
    AAG/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Afam Osigwe tasks security agents on release of abducted judge

     

    Abduction

    By Sandra Umeh

    Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The  Nigerian Bar Association Remuneration Committee, (NBA-RC) has urged security agencies  to ensure  quick and safe release of  abducted  Justice Haruna Mshelia of the Borno State High Court.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the police command in Borno, on Monday, confirmed Mshelia’s abduction.

    The judge was reported to have been kidnapped alongisde his wife, orderly and some others, in  Biu Local Government Area of the state.

    In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, the  Chairman of NBA-RC,  Mr Afam Osigwe (SAN), described the abduction as an attack on the  principles of justice, peace and security.

    “I condemn the heinous abduction of a judge  of the Borno State High Court, Justice Haruna Mshelia, his wife, driver and orderly by alleged Boko Haram terrorists.

    “This despicable act of terrorism is not only an assault on the individuals directly involved, but also an attack on the very principles of justice, peace and security that our society upholds.

    “The kidnapping of a respected judicial officer, his loved ones and support staff  underscores the escalating threat  posed by terrorist factions and their blatant disregard for human life and the rule of law.

    “I vehemently condemn this barbaric incident, and call on all relevant security agencies to employ every resource at their disposal to ensure swift and safe return of Justice Mshelia and all others who were abducted,” he said.

    Osigwe also urged that those behind the abduction should be apprehended and brought to justice to  serve as a deterrent to others.

    “This incident highlights the urgent need for heightened security measures and concerted efforts to combat the menace of terrorism in our country.

    “We urge the government and security forces to intensify their operations against terrorist organisations to restore peace and stability to our nation.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with Justice Mshelia, his family, the Borno State judiciary and all those affected by this traumatic incident,” he said. (NAN)

    UNS/CCN/IGO

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    Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Ijeoma Popoola

  • German law easing path to dual citizenship comes into force

    German law easing path to dual citizenship comes into force

    Law

    Berlin, June 27, 2024 (dpa/NAN) A long-debated citizenship law took effect in Germany on Thursday, easing the pathway to a German passport, including making it easier to hold dual citizenship.

    The naturalisation reform put forward by Germany’s three-party centre-left coalition government allowed people to become German while retaining their original citizenship.

    People can now apply for citizenship after living in Germany for five years, instead of the previous requirement of eight years, provided they meet all conditions.

    Children born in Germany to parents from abroad would also be granted German citizenship if one parent has been a legal resident in Germany for five years rather than eight.

    If applicants demonstrate “special integration achievements’’ through particularly good performance at school or work or civic engagement, they may be able to be naturalised after only three years.

    An important aspect of the new rule is that people who obtained their German citizenship would not have to give up the citizenship of their native country.

    Previously, it was only possible for residents from other EU countries in Germany to be given citizenship.

    Likewise Germans who wish to become citizens of another country would no longer need special authorisation from the German authorities.

    Previously, without authorisation, they would have lost their German citizenship if they acquired another one.

    “Many people have been waiting for this for decades,’’ said Germany’s Commissioner for Integration Reem Alabali-Radovan, a member of the ruling centre-left Social Democrats (SPD).

    With the reform, Germany finally has a citizenship law that is in line with the times, she added.

    Germany’s liberal Free Democrats (FDP), a junior partner in the coalition government, said that the waiting time for naturalisation would be reduced.

    The overall requirements for obtaining German citizenship would not be lowered with the new regulations.

    “Obtaining a German passport will be faster in the future, but it will be more challenging due to significantly stricter naturalisation requirements,’’ said FDP lawmaker Stephan Thomae.

    Thomae said that a higher number of applications may not lead to a significant increase in naturalisations in the long term.

    “This is due to new requirements stipulating that applicants must be financially independent as well as stricter tests to prevent the naturalisation of individuals with anti-Semitic views or conflicting values,” Thomae said. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/
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    Edited by Cecilia Odey

    08053114137

  • Lawmaker seeks boundary demarcation between Nasarawa, Benue to curb clashes

  • ECOWAS pesident tasks member states on funding anti-terrorism standing force

    Participants at the event at a meeting of ECOWAS Ministers of Defence and Finance.


    Funding

    By Mark Longyen

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Tourey, has called on member states to mobilise financial resources urgently to fund its action plan against terrorism.

    Tourey made the call in Abuja on Thursday at a meeting of ECOWAS Ministers of Defence and Finance convened to activate a sub-regional standing force against terrorism and unconstitutional change of government.

    He noted that ECOWAS is at a pivotal moment in its history, and stressed the need to address insecurity and establish a more secure environment for economic growth and development.

    Tourey said ECOWAS had lost so much, financially and economically, to terrorism, and urged members to make additional sacrifices towards rescuing the community from terrorism and its attendant impact on national economies and wellbeing.

    “Ministers, we have an urgent task to mobilise the financial resources to fund our regional action plan against terrorism.

    “More than ever, we are at a pivotal moment in the history of our community to address insecurity and establish a more secure environment for economic growth and development of our community.

    “We have lost so much to terrorism and for the fight against terrorism, financially and economically, both as individual member states and as a community,” Tourey said.

    “This is the time to make additional sacrifices by all member states towards rescuing our community from terrorism and its attendant impact on national economies and well-being.

    “And it is my conviction that your deliberations would yield fruitful results for a much safer ECOWAS region,” he added.

    The commission’s president said the current peace and security situation within the community “is characterised by the recurrence and expansion of terrorism.”

    According to him, regardless of the efforts by ECOWAS, terrorist attacks have expanded from their initial Sahel strongholds to neighboring coastal countries, adding that some members have lost parts of their territories to terrorists.

    These attacks, he said, had led to a huge death toll, and humanitarian crises, with millions of internally displaced persons and refugees.

    “According to the 2024 Global Terrorism Index, the epicenter of terrorism has shifted from the Middle East or North Africa into the sub-Saharan African region, concentrating largely in the Sahel region.

    “This is the most affected region within sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for almost half of all deaths from terrorism and 26 per cent of attacks in 2023.

    “Some of our member states have become countries with the highest impact from terrorism for the first time, with fatalities increasing by 68 per cent.

    “A quarter of all deaths from terrorist attacks occurring globally were in Burkina Faso, while Mali is ranked the number three most impacted country,” Tourey said.

    Nigeria’s Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru (seated), flanked by ECOWAS President Omar Tourey and Vice President Damtien Tchintchibidja at a meeting of ECOWAS ministers of defence and finance.

    Also speaking, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, said that the event was crucial for adopting the modalities for financing and equipping the deployment of the ECOWAS counterterrorism force.

    He stated that West Africa is threatened by insecurity and grave humanitarian challenges, as terrorism and violent extremism continue to threaten its collective existence.

    Badaru added that collective commitment is vital in crafting a sustainable financing model to address immediate security threats and in laying the foundation for long-term stability or resilience in the region.

    The minister said that the financial implication of the ECOWAS standing force proposal was huge, as it is estimated to cost about 2.6 billion naira annually to set up a Brigade of 5,000 men.

    “Therefore, our gathering here today is driven by the urgent need to consider the financing options in the memorandum to be presented by the ECOWAS Commission for deploying the proposed regional force.

    “Those figures underscore the gravity of the task before us and the necessity for a robust and sustainable resource mobilization strategy.

    “It is, therefore, imperative that we review the options critically considering the current challenges confronting our sub-region and the financial constraints facing various member states,” Badaru said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    YEN/YEE

    =======

    (Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

  • Cholera: Shomolu LG sensitises residents on prevention

    Cholera: Shomolu LG sensitises residents on prevention

    Cholera

    By Kazeem Akande

    Lagos, June 27,2024 (NAN) Shomolu Local Government in Lagos State has begun a public enlightenment of traders, traditional birth attendants and residents to prevent cholera outbreak in the area.

    This was made known in a statement by
    Mr Abdul-Hamed Salawu, the council’s Executive Chairman, on Thursday.

    According to Salawu efforts have been intensified to prevent and curb the spread of the disease within the local government area.

    He said that in recognition of the need for a comprehensive approach, council had also engaged key stakeholders to conduct thorough inspections of residences to ensure proper sanitation practices.

    He said, ”We have directed the Head of Department (HOD) Environmental Health Mr Hafeez Ogunbekun, to monitor and sensitise residents on environmental hygiene.

    ”The health and safety of our residents are paramount.

    ”We must take immediate action to ensure that every household adheres to the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene.”

    He urged residents to cooperate fully with health officers and follow recommended sanitary practices, such as proper waste disposal and regular hand washing with clean water.

    ”We have launched public enlightenment among the traditional birth attendants in Somolu against the outbreak.

    ”We have launched a campaign against cholera in major communities and wards even among the traditional birth attendants.

    ”This grassroots initiative aims to raise awareness and educate the public about the disease and how to prevent its spread,” he stated.

    The chairman also tasked Health Educators to intensify their outreach, particularly in schools, markets and Primary Healthcare Centres.

    The council boss said that rigorous public education on public hygiene was crucial in preventing and controlling the cholera outbreak.

    ”The efforts include public awareness campaigns, distribution of sanitation supplies and collaboration with healthcare providers to freely treat and monitor affected individuals.

    ”We are taken proactive stance by involving key stakeholders, underscores the local government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and preventing future outbreaks,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AKA/DOE
    =======
    Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

  • Take advantage of security agencies’ reporting channels- Group tells Nigerians

    Take advantage of security agencies’ reporting channels- Group tells Nigerians

    Security

    By Monday Ijeh

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) An Interest Group, Security Now Whole Of Society Approach, has called on Nigerians to take advantage of security agencies’ reporting channels to report suspicious movements around their environment.

    The group, in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Dr Justify Obogoh on Thursday in Abuja, urged Nigerians to support the ongoing efforts by security agencies to address the security challenges in parts of the country.

    He said that the fight against terrorists and other non-state actors would be more successful if public provide useful and timely information for security operatives for necessary action.

    He cautioned community members against shielding the enemies of state who live among them.

    “We are aware that the Department of State Services (DSS), Police, the Armed Forces and other law enforcement agencies, have always availed the public email addresses, websites and phone numbers for possible contacts.

    “The DSS, for instance, can be contacted on the website, dss.gov.ng; email address – dsspr@dss.gov.ng and Telephone lines on +2349153391309 and +2349088373514.

    “The contact numbers of senior police officers, as well as those of the respective Police Public Relations Officers (PPROs) can be accessed online,” he said.

    The group enjoined constituted authorities to ensure the fulfillment of their campaign promises of providing basic amenities for the people.

    Obogoh urged governments at all levels make funds available for law enforcement authorities to carry out mass recruitment of personnel.

    According to him, continuous recruitment exercises will ensure adequate personnel for security agencies mane ungoverned spaces that have been converted to ‘sanctuaries’ by  criminal elements.

    “We are encouraging states to establish internal security platforms, to complement the efforts of the military, intelligence and security agencies.

    “Our men in uniform symbolise the authority of the State and we must at all times, give them the support needed to guarantee the sovereignty, indissolubility, and indivisibility of Nigeria.

    “We are also, calling on the public to imbibe the culture of ‘see something, say something”, that we may restore the glory of our nation,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IMC/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Reliance on imported vehicles puts pressure on forex, hinders growth – NADDC 

     

    Reliance on imported vehicles puts pressure on forex, hinders growth – NADDC

     

    Vehicles

    By Chiazo Ogbolu

    Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) says Nigeria’s reliance on imported vehicles puts pressure on  forex and hinders job creation and economic growth.

    The Director-General of NADDC, Mr Joseph Osanipin, made the assertion at a Nigerian Auto Industry Summit  on Thursday in Lagos.

    The summit was organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), in collaboration with the NADDC.

    It had the theme:  ”Developing Nigeria’s Economy through the Auto Industry”.

    Osanipin, quoting the National Bureau of Statistics Report, stated that, in 2023, the value of passenger car imports jumped to ₦1.47 trillion, indicating 224.67 per cent increase from  that of 2022.

    He urged  that the trend should change.

    “We must strive towards a future where Nigeria is not just a consumer, but also a producer of high-quality automobiles,  and this is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.

    “The good news is that we are already making strides.

    “Nigeria has a number of local assembly plants in operation, and  government is more than ever committed to seeing the industry thrive,” he said.

    He said that NADDC was dedicated to supporting the development of a vibrant domestic automotive industry and was working on several initiatives to achieve the goal.

    He listed the initiatives to include implementing the Nigerian Automotive Industrial Development Plan.

    According to him, the plan provides a roadmap for the industry’s growth, outlining strategies/incentives for attracting investment, developing local content, and creating jobs.

    He also said that the success of the Nigerian automotive industry hinged on collaboration.

    Osanipin said that the association was ready to work with stakeholders to ensure progress.

     

    “The future of the Nigerian automotive industry is bright.

    “The inauguration of the Implementation Committee of the 2023 National Automotive Industry Development Plan  and the adoption of locally-assembled Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicles by the Federal Government is proof of its desire to ensure the development of the sector.

    “Nigeria has the potential to become a vehicle manufacturing centre for the West and Central African region.

    “Let us use this summit as a springboard to propel the Nigerian automotive industry towards a brighter future,’’ he said.

    The Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, said that the automotive industry had the potential to be a cornerstone of economic recovery, offering numerous benefits including job creation, technology transfer, and development of ancillary industries.

    She said that the Federal Government was committed to creating an enabling environment for the automotive sector to thrive.

    She added that the government  had introduced several policies and initiatives aimed at supporting the industry.

    “With the right policies, investments and collaborative efforts, we can transform this sector into a significant driver of economic growth and development,” she said.

    Mr Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service, said that proliferation of used cars in Nigeria was further weakening the naira and straining  local manufaturers.

    Adeniyi represented by Comptroller Mankini Daniyan of  the Port Terminal Multiservices Ltd. Command noted that used vehicles were often cheaper and more affordable than their brand new ones, and sometimes locally-assembled vehicles.

    “These abundant and affordable used vehicles dampens demand for new locally-assembled cars, and hinders growth in the domestic industry.

    “The service currently enforces an import prohibition on vehicles older than 15 years, as contained in Schedule 3 of the Common External Tariff, from entering Nigeria’s car markets as a way to reduce import of used cars.

    “This is tailored at further supporting and encouraging growth in the Nigerian automative industry,” he said.

    Earlier, the NAJA Chairman, Mr Mike Ochonma, called for adequate support for the automative industry to enhance  transformation of Nigeria into Africa’s automative manufacturing hub.

    According to Ochonma, the Nigeria Auto Industry Summit shall annually produce significant information that will help in the achievement of the goal.

    He said that the summit would strive to  help  automotive industry leaders to set development agenda aimed at driving relevant government policies toward sustainable development of the industry. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    CAN/IGO

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola