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Scientists warn Iceland’s volcanic eruptions could go on for decades
Scientists warn Iceland’s volcanic eruptions could go on for decades
Volcanic
Copenhagen, June 26, 2024 (dpa/NAN) The latest series of volcanic eruptions in Iceland could last for decades or even centuries, according to a study published in the journal Terra Nova on Wednesday.
The series of eruptions began in 2021 on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the southwest of the island, just 55 kilometres southwest of the capital Reykjavik.
A large part of the population of the North Atlantic Island lives in the affected region.
It is also home to the only international airport and several geothermal power plants that supply the country with hot water and electricity.
There have been five major volcanic eruptions since December last year alone. Lava flowed out of elongated cracks in the earth, a phenomenon known a fissure eruption.
Some houses were engulfed by lava.
The researchers analysed earthquake data from the past three years and compared the chemical and physical properties of lava from various locations to determine whether it came from the same underground magma chamber.
They found that it was indeed magma with similar petrographic properties.
This suggests a coherent underground magma system, the researchers write.
Taken with the seismic data, they believe that it is a moderately large magma accumulation at a depth of around nine to eleven kilometres, which extends over a width of ten kilometres.
It formed between 2002 and 2020.
The research team concluded that the current series of eruptions could be the beginning of a long episode, though they cannot predict how long the series will last.
Iceland is located where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are moving apart.
Volcanic eruptions are therefore frequent, but the eruptions of the more central volcanoes usually only last a few days or weeks.
Fissure eruptions, on the other hand, can last much longer. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
COO/BRM
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Edited by Cecilia Odey/Bashir Rabe Mani

June 26, 2024
Death penalty will not stop drug crimes – NGO
Management Team , Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA)
Death penalty will not stop drug crimes – NGO
Drug
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 26, 2024(NAN) The Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA) a Non Governmental Organisation says the proposed death penalty for offenders will not solve the underlying issues related to drug crime.
The Executive Director, Olufunke Adeoye, made this known while addressing newsmen in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Wednesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the World Drug Day is celebrated every June 26 globally and the year 2024 theme is: “Evidence is clear; invest in prevention,”.
Olufunke said that the proposal would only divert attention and resources from more effective strategies such as harm reduction and rehabilitation.
She said that several comprehensive studies and reports highlighted the lack of a significant deterrent effect associated with the death penalty for drug trafficking.
She also said that amnesty International analysis pointed out that countries with high execution rates for drug offenses, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, still faced serious drug problems.
She added that a review of data from Southeast Asia, including countries like Singapore and Indonesia, shows that the death penalty has not led to a substantial reduction in drug trafficking.
According to her, Nigeria has been a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) since 1993.
“Article 6 of the treaty states that “in countries which have not abolished the death penalty, sentence of death may be imposed only for the most serious crimes in accordance with the law in force at the time of the commission of the crime.
“This is typically defined as those involving intentional killing of which drug offenses do not meet the threshold.
“Furthermore, at the Universal Periodic Review, the Nigerian government represented by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi SAN had informed the United Nations and the world on the January 23, 2024 that Nigeria has a voluntary moratorium on the death penalty.
“The proposal to include death sentences for drug offenses contradicts the position presented by the Nigerian government during the just concluded Universal Periodic Review (UPR),”he said.
Adeoye said that the death penalty inherently carried the risk of irreversible errors adding that In any judicial system, the possibility of wrongful convictions posed a serious threat to justice.
She however, said that this risk was significantly magnified in systems facing substantial challenges, such as Nigeria, which the National Assembly has been actively addressing in recent times.
According to her, death penalty perpetuates a cycle of violence and undermines the value of human life. There is a global trend towards abolition of the death penalty especially for non-violent crime.
“Part of the rationale for this is that scientific evidence and modern criminology suggests that addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education, and social inequality, rather than relying on severe punitive measures are the true deterrent factors.
“There is also a growing emphasis on rehabilitation and restorative justice rather than retribution.
“This approach aligns better with our constitutionally guaranteed human rights principles and aims to reduce recidivism.
“Nigeria through some of its recent legislations such as the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 has also shown a move from retribution to restorative justice, “she said.
Adeoye maintained that by imposing the death penalty for drug offenses, Nigeria would be moving against the global tide and its recent progressive strides.
This, she said would be by aligning itself with a shrinking minority of 34 countries that maintained such harsh penalties for drug-related crimes and the 3rd African country to do so.
NAN reports that the Senate on May 10 approved a death penalty for drug offenders found guilty of drug offence .
The lawmaker proposed a death Sentence for anyone found guilty to serve as a deterrent to drug offenders.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
ICA/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza
June 26, 2024
935,425 children to benefit from Plateau’s seasonal malaria chemoprevention programme
935,425 children to benefit from Plateau’s seasonal malaria chemoprevention programme
Malaria
By Blessing Odega
Jos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Plateau State Malaria Elimination Programme (SME-P), in partnership with Malaria Consortium (MC), say 935,425 children will benefit from the 2024 free seasonal malaria chemoprevention programme.
Mr Ndak Zuhumnan, the Manager, Plateau Malaria Elimination Programme, made this known at the launch of the 2024 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention on Wednesday in Jos.
He said that the launch was part of the state government’s efforts to eradicate malaria by 2030, having received 4,775,073 doses of malaria prophylaxis.
He added that prophylaxis is the treatment given or action taken to prevent disease, noting that the prophylaxis would be administered to children under five years of age in Jos-Bukuru metropolis and in the 17 local government areas.
He announced that the prophylaxis administration would take place between June 27 and June 30.
He said 11,755, ad hoc staff were trained for the administration of the prophylaxis in 10,988 communities, including hard-to-reach settlements.
He, therefore, urged parents, guardians and caregivers to avail their children and wards for the prophylaxis.
Dr Maxwell Kolawole, the West and Central Africa Programme Director of Malaria Consortium, said the seasonal malaria chemoprevention is one of the global malaria elimination strategies domesticated on the Plateau since 2021.
Kolawole, who was represented by Dr Mbwas Mashor, the state Programme Manager, Malaria Consortium, explained that the chemoprevention, with funding from the UK, is key in the prevention of malaria morbidity in children.
He added that “the prophylaxis helps in the maintenance of therapeutic blood levels of antimalarial through the peak transmission period of the disease (rainy season from June to October).
“Malaria Consortium supports the state government through capacity building of healthcare workforce for case management, prevention, micro planning and data management.”
Kolawale commended Gov. Caleb Mutfwang for prompt release of counterpart funding toward the elimination of the burden of malaria in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency received the prophylaxis doses that would be administered.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
UBO/HA
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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

June 26, 2024
Alleged attempted murder: Trial of 20 ex-PTD members begins
Alleged attempted murder: Trial of 20 ex-PTD members begins
Trial
By Edith Nwapi
Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Wednesday began the trial of 20 former leaders of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) charged with attempted murder.
The former union leaders, including a one-time National Chairman, Lucky Osesua, were arraigned before Justice Yusuf Halilu in the suit, marked: CR/042/202.
They are charged with attempted murder, breach of peace and assault by the office of the Attorney general of the Federation.
Also charged are Dayyabu Garga, Humble Obinna, Akinolu Olabisi, Godwin Nwaka, Tiamiu Sikiru, Abdulmimin Shaibu and John Amajuoyi.
Others are Zaira Aregbo, Patrick Erhivwor, Stephen Ogheneruemu, Gift Ukponku and Sunday Ezeocha and seven others.
The union members were alleged to have attacked NUPENG President, Wiliams Akporeha; General Secretary, Wale Afolabi and the newly elected National Chairman of the PTD branch of NUPENG, Augustine Egbon.
The NUPENG members were particularly alleged to have acted “in a manner likely to cause the death of one Comrade Wiliams Akporeha and Comrade Augustine Egbon”, when they laid siege at PTD’s office at No. 50 Moses Majekodenmi Crescent , Utako District in Abuja on Nov. 1.
In the suit, the defendants were further accused of voluntarily causing grievous bodily harm to Comrade Williams Akporeha, Comrade Olawale Afolabi, Comrade Solomon Kilanko and Comrade Augustine Egbon.
They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Earlier, the prosecution counsel David Kaswe told the court that his five witnesses were in court.
The first prosecution witness, Olawale Afolabi testified as PW1 told the court that he is the general secretary, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG).
Led in evidence by Kaswe, he narrated how the defendants laid siege at the PTD’s office at No. 50 Moses Majekodenmi Crescent , Utako District in Abuja on Nov. 1.
He alleged that he was beaten and left unconscious by the defendants.
”When I gained consciousness the next day, I found myself in Zankli hospital, Abuja.
“I suffered severe injuries. I was afraid for my life and safety at the hospital. I had to leave for another hospital,” he said.
The witness said he was taken to the police station on Nov. 2, 2023. where he made a statement and was taken to the Police hospital services for further treatment.
Kaswe tendered the hospital reports and patient’s cards of the two hospitals, also that of Emmanuel Eye Care services and Dental clinic appointment card which were later admitted in evidence.
Also admitted was the petition written to the police on Nov. 2, 2023.
Being cross examined by the defendants counsel, Benson Igbanoi, the witness said he arrived in Abuja for official duty from Lagos, where he resides.
When asked if there was election a day before he arrived Abuja, he answered in the affirmative adding there were three elections, in Ibadan, Warri and Port Harcourt and that they have 150 branches.
When asked if he was aware of the National Industrial court judgment, he said yes.
Answering how he was able to recognise those who attacked him, he said:” that I lost consciousness does not mean I lost my memory ‘
He said he doesn’t remember the name of the doctor who treated him in the hospital.
Meanwhile, Justice Yusuf Halilu adjourned until Oct 10 for continuation of trial.
He however, said that the defendants should remain on the bail granted them. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
NEO/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza
June 26, 2024
KDSG, JTB train North-West tax officers on tax audit, compliance, enforcement

Training
By Sani Idris
Kaduna, June 26, 2024(NAN) The Kaduna State Government, in collaboration with the Joint Tax Board (JTB), has begun a three-day training for tax officers drawn from the North-West region on tax audit, compliance and enforcement.
Speaking at its opening on Wednesday in Kaduna, the Executive Chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Mr Jerry Adams, said tax audit and investigation were critical components of an effective tax administration system.
He said that they ensure compliance, promote transparency, and deter tax evasion, thereby safeguarding the revenue that is vital for the development of the state and nation in general.
Adams, therefore, said,”The training programme has been designed to equip
tThe tax officers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools to carry out the
functions with utmost efficiency and integrity.”
He described tax officers as the custodians of the public trust, responsible for ensuring that all taxable entities fulfill their obligations.
Adams added that their work directly impacts the government’s ability to provide essential services, build infrastructure, and foster economic growth.
The executive chairman said the complexities of tax administration demand continuous update of skills and adapt to new challenges.
He, therefore, said the training provided an excellent opportunity
to learn from experts, share experiences, and adopt best practices in tax audit and investigation.
“This training is a testament to our commitment to professional
development and excellence.
”By investing in our human capital, we are not only enhancing our capacity to perform our duties but also reinforcing the foundation of trust and accountability that is crucial for a robust tax system,” Adams added.
The executive chairman emphasised the importance of collaboration and synergy among tax authorities in the North West region.
He stressed, “By working together, sharing Information and supporting each other, we can overcome common challenges and achieve our collective goals more effectively”.
Adams urged all the stakeholders to remain steadfast in their commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and transparency.
“The knowledge and skills you acquire during this training will not only enhance your personal competence but also contribute significantly to the overall efficiency and
effectiveness of our tax administration,”he said.
Adams thanked JTB for its dedication to improving tax administration through continuous learning and capacity building.
Speaking to newsmen after the opening, the Secretary of JTB, Mr Olusegun Adesokan, said they conducted a need assessment of some sub-national revenue authorities.
He said that they have realized that their first skills-gaps were tax audit, investigations, compliance and enforcement.
Adesokan, therefore, said the training was a response to the identified gaps, which would ensure the tax officers from the zone acquired the knowledge and skills in the identified tax operations.
He stated that scaling up the knowledge and skills of the tax officers would translate to more revenue to their respective states.
Adesokan added that JTB had organised the training all over the country, where they started with the South-South zone, North-Central and would also cover the North-East, South-West and South-East.
Speaking on tax evasion, the secretary said it was caused by lack of data by the revenue authorities.
“One of the things we do at the JTB is to mobilize data for the revenue authorities. We are working on drawing data which we will share with revenue authorities so they can see the economic activities of taxpayers.
“Tax payers will no longer be able to hide their incomes and activities from the authorities.
”This training will equip the tax officers on engagement on the field to pick information they require to access tax payers,”he said.
Earlier declaring the training workshop open, the Deputy Governor of the state, Hajiya Hadiza Balarabe, urged all the participants to remain steadfast in their commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and transparency.
She said the knowledge and skills they would acquire during the training would contribute significantly to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of tax administration in the region.
Balarabe restated Gov. Uba Sani’s commitment to the development of the state and improving the lives of the citizens.
She, therefore, urged the people of the state and the NorthWest in general to ensure voluntary tax compliance so as to energise the government to do more for the development of the people.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
SA/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 26, 2024
3 motorcyclists docked over alleged assault
Assault
By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
Ibadan, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Three motorcyclists, Aliasatu Sharafadeen, 19, Shettuum Uka, 27, and Abubakar Bello, 20, were on Wednesday arraigned in a Grade ‘A’ Customary Court, Ibadan over alleged assault.
The defendants, whose addresses were not provided in court, were charged with conspiracy, assault and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Prosecutor, Mr Philip Amusan, told the court that the defendants allegedly committed the offence on Monday at about 9.45 a.m. at Elebu area of Ibadan.
He alleged that the motorcyclists assaulted Gbenga Falola, a member of the Oyo State motorcycle task-force, by hitting him with plywood on the head.
“The defendants fought Falola who asked them not to park on an obstruction and not to conduct themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace,” he said.
Accroding to him, the offences contravened Sections 516, 355 and 249(d) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The court president, Mrs Sukurat Yusuf, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N200,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.
She adjourned the case until July 23 for hearing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
CC/DEB/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh
June 26, 2024
My dream is to make impact at Paris Olympics, Bello says
My dream is to make impact at Paris Olympics, Bello says
Olympics
By Olanrewaju Akojede
Lagos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Olympics debutant, Fatima Bello on Wednesday, said that her dream is to make an appreciable impact at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics,
Bello, a 2023 African Games silver medalist gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos while speaking on her preparations for the games.
NAN reports that Bello secured a ticket to represent the country in the table tennis event of theat the African qualifiers held in Rwanda.
The 26-year-old achieved the feat after defeating Algeria’s Lynda Loughrabi 4-2 in the final round of qualifiers at BK Arena in Kigali.
Bello during the qualifiers picked the first three sets against the Algerian, but slipped as her opponent recovered on time to claim the fourth and fifth sets.
The power forehand specialist, Bello then produced a hand on serve to win the sixth set and the seventh round of the best-of-seven match.
Bello said that her journey to stardom in table tennis was made possible by her father and siblings.
“Special thanks to my dad and my brother for pushing me hard to be what I am in table tennis today.
“At first, I was not much into table tennis but they and other players encouraged me to play in which I did.
“My first experience at the African Cup 2022 was a great one, though I had to train hard to make a mark at the tournament which to me was not an easy one.
“To be honest, I didn’t expect that I will go that far because the competition was my first major one,” she said.
Bello said that it was her time to make impact at the Olympics.
“I am aware of the task ahead at the Olympics where there are more Stars competing, and I am not ready to go there because of numbers but to make impact.
“Many of the senior players have been talking to me and advising me and I am grateful for their support.
“ I am more familiar with the terrain now because I took a longer route to qualify for the Olympics.
“I thank my coach for the support in my journey to qualify and other teammates. For the Olympics I need to train more so as to get to where I dream.
“I need to give myself enough rest to make sure that I am in top shape ahead of the Olympics, because I want to make my country proud at the Olympics,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
KOJE/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh
June 26, 2024
Drug abuse: Kogi Govt seeks investment in prevention, treatment programmes
Drug abuse: Kogi Govt seeks investment in prevention, treatment programmes

Investment
by Thompson Yamput
Lokoja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Kogi Government on Wednesday, urged stakeholders and government at all levels to invest massively in prevention and treatment programmes to stem the tide of drug abuse in the country.
The Youths and Sports Commissioner, Mr Monday Anyebe, made the call during the celebration of the World Drug Day held at the Government House, Lokoja.
Anyebe, who spoke on the world drug Day theme: “The evidence is clear, invest in prevention,” said the state government was ready to carry serious preventive measures to save the residents from destruction.
“As we commemorate the world drug day, the message is the same; which is laying emphasis on the need for us to begin to invest in prevention, rather than cure and rehabilitation.
“Our theme resonates deeply. We have seen firsthand, the impact of drug abuse on our communities.
“Unfortunately, we have lost talented young people, seen families torn apart, and witnessed the devastating consequences of addiction.
“But we can also witness the power of prevention which can lead to transformation of young lives, ignite hope in their eyes, and revive the resilience of their spirits.
“In Kogi today, we have a Sheriff in Gov. Usman Ododo, who believes in the well-being of every resident and who is committed to prioritising
prevention and ensuring that our youths have access to resources required to thrive, ” he said.
The commissioner said the government, through the ministry of youth and sports, and in collaboration with relevant stockholders, would continue with the advocacy, “to ensure that our people are adequately sensitised about the dangers of drug abuse.”
In his remarks, the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Commander in Kogi, Mr Umar Yahuza, said there was need for urgent steps to be taken for all and sundry to safeguard teaming youths from illicit drugs destructive tendencies.
Yahuza noted that the implication of drugs on security, economic and general wellbeing was severe and worrisome to the society.
“Statistics have indicated clearly that drug problem is mutating into a colossal social dimension and has become an issue linked beyond doubt the escalation of insecurity and its attendant effects on peace and economy across the country.
“The command has discovered and destroyed cannabis farms in Igalamela-Odolu, Ofu, Omala, Idah, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Areas of the state.
“Assets of drug dealers are also being seized as a way of crippling them of their illegal wealth and have been tendered in court for forfeiture, ” he said.
The commander urged traditional institutions, Religious and opinion Leaders, NGOs etc to give a helping hand to ensure drug free Kogi and Nigeria as a whole. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TYC/CHOM/SH
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Sadiya Hamza

June 26, 2024
Man, 22, arraigned over alleged possession of ‘hemp’
Hemp
By Funmilayo Okunade
Ado-Ekiti, June 26, 2024(NAN) The Police, on Wednesday, arraigned a 22-year old man, Gbolahan Rilwan, before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged possession of hemp.
The defendant, of no fixed address, is being charged with possession of hemp.
The Prosecutor, Insp Sodiq Adeniyi, told the court that the defendant committed the offence at about 5.00p.m on June 22, in Ado-Ekiti.
He said that the defendant had in his possession weeds suspected to be hemp, an illicit substance.
Adeniyi said that the offence contravened Section 5(b) of the Indian Hemp Act LFN 2004.
He urged the court to adjourn the matter to enable him to study the case file and assemble witnesses.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him.
Counsel to the defendant, Mr Tolulope Bewaji, prayer the court to grant the defendant bail, promising that he would not jump bail.
The Chief Magistrate, Dolamu Babalogbon, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.
She adjourned the case until Aug. 8 for hearing.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
FOA/EBI/AZU
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Edited by Benson Iziama and Azubuike Okeh
June 26, 2024
Significant improvements in Africa’s risk management- Expert
Risk
By Rukayat Adeyemi
Ms Chukwunomnso Anyichie, Chief Risk Officer of Coronation Group Ltd.

Lagos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Chief Risk Officer of Coronation Group Ltd., Ms Chukwunomnso Anyichie, on Wednesday, said risk management had significantly improved within the African continent.

Anyichie stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

While assessing risk management practices, she offered strategies for enhancing its implementation and compliance across financial institutions in Africa.

According to her, many improvements in risk management were largely driven by regulators within the banking, insurance, pensions, and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sectors.

“The regulators have continued to roll out risk management frameworks in line with international best practices that operators have to abide by.

“The service management frameworks, or ISO 31,000 frameworks, have been a basis for the development of risk management frameworks across all our different financial sectors.

“Whether in South Africa, Nigeria, or Kenya, where we have large financial centres, we have had significant implementation around risk management due to financial crises,” she said.

Anyichie noted that the SEC recently sent out a circular on the implementation of Enterprise Risk Management Framework Standards, the COSO and the ISO.

The commission now has proper oversight over the risk environment and practices of all capital markets operators.

She highlighted that the Coronation Group, within its ecosystem, had already implemented the Enterprise Risk Management Policy and frameworks with board-approved policies.

This, she said, was in compliance with the regulator’s directive and in line with global best practices.

Anyichie listed the common risks that financial institutions in Africa face, including credit, market, operational, regulatory, and political risks.

She explained that the top risks in the continent were led by political instability and policy changes that impact the businesses and operations of financial institutions.

“The political risk is also tied to regulatory risk because the regulators ensure implementation of best practices to improve the economic and financial systems,” she said.

In managing risk, Anyichie advised institutions to ensure controls such as financial control, board oversight, and education, with a synergy of the finance and compliance functions.

She also urged financial institutions to build professional relationships with their regulators, as the African culture values such relationships.

Anyichie emphasised the importance of leveraging technology to protect businesses from cyber-attacks and carrying out stress testing to enhance business resilience.

She said, “For example, at Coronation, we are forward-looking and have been pushing out lots of initiatives, products, and services to help our customers build wealth.

“Hence, we regularly engage our regulators by having conversations, building relationships, and giving them insight into what we are up to and how to meet the requirements before we roll out.

“For example, we are the first Securities and Exchange Holding Company in Nigeria and got the license last year.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
RUKY/KOO/AWA
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Olawunmi Ashafa
June 26, 2024