Heirs Insurance Surpasses 3 Million Customers with Assets Soaring to N136 Billion

An image showing a group photo of HIG Group's executive management, featuring Mr. Niyi Onifade, the Sector Head, positioned in the center, taken at a press event held in Lagos on Monday.

The Heirs Insurance Group (HIG) has become one of the quickest expanding entities in Nigeria's insurance sector, accumulating over three million policyholders in just five years since launching, highlighting rising popularity of insurance services among locals.

This significant achievement occurs alongside increased initiatives from service providers aimed at expanding insurance coverage in a region that continues to be significantly underserved, even with its large population and strong economic prospects.

At a press briefing organized in Lagos to mark the organization's five-year milestone, Niyi Onifade, the Managing Director and CEO/Division Head of Heirs Insurance Group, revealed that the firm has achieved substantial progress in critical metrics such as client recruitment, claim processing, asset expansion, and financial success.

He stated that the Group settled claims surpassing N21 billion in 2025, with overall assets reaching N136 billion. The profit for the fiscal year amounted to N7.5 billion, indicating the company's growing presence in both life and general insurance areas.

Market experts consider swift claim settlements essential for rebuilding trust within Nigeria's insurance industry, where worries about late or unprocessed payments have traditionally led to limited customer interest.

Onifade stated that the Group's development path has been fueled by swift market growth, robust digital systems, client-centered products, and an intentional approach designed to change views about insurance within the nation.

He pointed out that the company has always focused on timely claim payments as a way to address the lack of confidence present in the insurance industry, emphasizing that settling claims continues to be key to its approach towards customer value.

In addition to financial success, the Group remains committed to making significant investments in technology and digital advancements as part of initiatives aimed at increasing access to finance and enhancing user satisfaction. This approach led the company to be acknowledged by Nairametrics as among the leading three digital pioneers within Nigeria's insurance sector.

The organization has lately reinforced its tech-focused strategy through the introduction of Prince AI, an internal artificial intelligence assistant created to improve client interaction and support services.

In the future, Onifade mentioned that the Group plans to utilize its present momentum to establish a lasting insurance brand able to maintain growth over time while promoting wider industry expansion.

He stated that preparations are being made to extend activities outside Nigeria into additional African regions, enabling the Group to capitalize on new prospects throughout the continent's insurance sector.

"Every action we take considers its effect on the customer's life. Having safeguarded more than three million lives, we aren’t focused solely on today. We’ve established a structure aimed at maintaining this leadership, promoting broader market adoption, and setting the standard for insurance quality over the next half-century," he stated.

The firm's expansion capabilities have drawn global attention. In recent times, the Financial Times listed Heirs Life Assurance as the seventh top-growing business in Africa, with Heirs General Insurance securing the 41st position among the continent's leading fast-expanding companies from every sector.

The presentation emphasizes the growing impact of technological advancements, consumer-focused creativity, and effective claim handling in fostering expansion inside Nigeria's developing insurance sector.

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ECN Partners in Cogeneration Drive for Nigeria's Energy Future

Chibuzor Emejor

The Nigerian Energy Commission (ECN) has formed a collaborative agreement with RSE Engineering Nigeria Limited to speed up the adoption of combined heat and power systems within major economic areas, as part of initiatives aimed at boosting energy reliability, increasing manufacturing efficiency, and advancing Nigeria's shift toward sustainable energy sources.

The collaboration was established with the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja, where the Director-General and CEO of ECN, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, referred to the deal as a significant move towards promoting creative and eco-friendly energy options aimed at meeting Nigeria's increasing power needs.

The agreement emphasizes the advancement and implementation of combined heat and power (CHP) technology—a very effective energy solution that produces both electrical power and usable thermal energy from one fuel source.

At the signing event, Dr. Abdullahi stated that the collaboration highlights ECN's dedication to utilizing key partnerships to advance changes within the energy industry, facilitate technology exchange, enhance skills training, and promote long-term economic progress.

"Today's agreement represents yet another important step forward in the Commission's dedication to promoting Nigeria's energy industry via collaborative efforts, technological advancement, skill enhancement, joint research initiatives, and environmentally friendly power options," he stated.

He stated that the collaboration corresponds with Nigeria's Energy Transition Strategy and backs important national goals such as energy variety, better energy effectiveness, increased energy availability, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

He pointed out that the Energy Commission, serving as the top governmental body tasked with strategic energy planning and policy alignment, acknowledges that the nation's intricate energy issues necessitate collaborative efforts among government departments, private industry players, academics, financiers, and international collaborators.

"The memorandums of understanding signed today demonstrate our commitment to establishing robust collaborations that will significantly aid national growth and support the execution of Nigeria's energy transformation goals," said Abdullahi.

According to the agreement, ECN and RSE Engineering will work together in various key fields such as policy creation, regulatory assistance, identifying and advancing projects, showcasing and verifying technologies, enhancing capabilities, sharing expertise, and encouraging investments.

The collaboration aims to assist the Federal Government in enhancing the use of Nigeria's plentiful natural gas reserves, decrease reliance on diesel-based power production, cut down energy expenses for businesses, and improve electrical availability for essential facilities.

For RSE Engineering, this partnership offers a chance to bring established European energy technologies to Nigeria, simultaneously fostering domestic industry growth and employment opportunities.

At the event, the Managing Director of RSE Engineering Nigeria Limited, Ms. Olena Nedryhailo, characterized the collaboration as something more than just implementing technology.

"This agreement goes beyond technology. It focuses on collaboration, energy stability, economic growth, and developing real-world solutions for Nigeria's future," she stated.

She stated that ECN's acknowledgment of the company's combined heat and power technology confirms its ability to provide dependable electrical, thermal, and refrigeration services at much greater efficiency and reduced environmental impact compared to traditional energy systems.

We take pride in ECN acknowledging the promise of our combined heat and power technology to provide dependable electricity, refrigeration, and warmth through improved efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

"Collectively, our objective is to assist in achieving national energy targets, build regional expertise, generate employment opportunities, and introduce environmentally friendly energy options for significant initiatives throughout Nigeria," Nedryhailo stated.

As she stated, the deal follows a previous Memorandum of Understanding entered into with Nigeria's Ministry of Industry in December 2025 and demonstrates increasing trust in the technology's potential to support the nation's energy outlook.

She revealed that the holding company of RSE Engineering, located in the Czech Republic, has effectively implemented combined heat and power (CHP) and modular energy systems across multiple nations, providing efficient and dependable decentralized electricity generation options.

Our aspiration is that Nigerians will utilize these co-generation systems to establish power stations and contribute to addressing the energy crisis in Nigeria.

"We have come to exchange experiences from Ukraine and Europe with Nigeria," she stated.

Combined heat and power technology is seen worldwide as among the most effective methods for generating energy, with total efficiency reaching as high as 90% through the simultaneous production of electrical power and usable thermal energy from a single fuel input.

This technology is highly appropriate for sectors such as industry, healthcare institutions, air travel hubs, agricultural processing areas, business complexes, and various high-energy consumption environments.

Among the anticipated advantages of the ECN-RSE collaboration are better electrical stability, decreased operating expenses for companies, greater manufacturing strength, fewer carbon dioxide emissions, more effective use of native natural gas assets as part of Nigeria's Gas Decade program, along with the growth of regional technical expertise and job creation.

Additionally, addressing the gathering was Mr. David Hohiia, the Second Secretary for Economic Matters at the Ukrainian Embassy, who emphasized Ukraine's efforts in ensuring energy stability amid substantial difficulties affecting its electricity network.

He mentioned that Ukraine's knowledge of modular power systems, combined heat and power facilities, and eco-friendly energy technologies might offer important insights for Nigeria as it aims to enhance its energy industry.

He stated that decentralized energy systems provide quicker implementation, higher dependability, and enhanced resistance when contrasted with conventional centralized production methods.

The ceremonial event also included the official establishment of collaborations among ECN and 15 additional organizations spanning areas such as renewable energy advancement, energy conservation, waste-to-energy solutions, research endeavors, energy system modeling, efforts toward reducing carbon emissions, compressed natural gas (CNG) facilities, electric transportation, solar farming setups, and strengthening organizational capabilities.

Nevertheless, the ECN-RSE collaboration was notable among major alliances focused on implementing new energy solutions designed to boost Nigeria's industrial development, enhance energy safety, and speed up the nation's shift toward a greener and more environmentally friendly power system.

End.

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NHIA Pushes for Health Insurance on Driver Licenses and Vehicle Records to Boost Crash Victim Care

CHIDI UGWU

The head of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, has suggested an alliance with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) designed to enhance urgent medical care for individuals involved in road accidents by incorporating health insurance details into driver's license and car registration procedures.

During a formal visit to the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, Dr. Ohiri suggested the initiative, highlighting that the partnership would enable quick determination of the health insurance details of accident victims and remove the administrative delays typically linked with obtaining urgent medical care.

As stated in a document authored by Osondu Ohaeri, the Deputy Corps Commander, Ohiri, who serves as the Corps Public Education Officer, mentioned that this program aims to guarantee that those affected get immediate medical care without facing monetary barriers during their rescue and treatment.

In response, the Corps Marshal expressed approval of the suggestion and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for naming Dr. Ohiri as Director-General of NHIA, referring to him as "a perfect fit for the role."

He pointed out that the FRSC, serving as the primary authority for traffic control and road safety regulation in Nigeria, continues to support programs aimed at improving the security and well-being of all road users throughout the nation.

The Chief of Staff stated that every FRSC clinic across the country is recognized as a certified medical facility and mentioned that the creation of FRSC Health Maintenance Limited aimed at incorporating the whole road transportation system into cost-effective health insurance.

He stated that the initiative focuses on transportation companies, drivers, and individuals belonging to road transport unions, with an estimated total number exceeding 10 million across the country.

He also mentioned that FRSC maintains a registry containing over 12 million licensed drivers and is open to collaborating with NHIA so that enrolling in health insurance becomes part of obtaining or renewing a driver's license. This partnership, according to him, would ensure better safety, increased availability of emergency medical services, and timely assistance for accident victims regardless of their economic situation during the rescue.

The Chief of Staff also conveyed the Corps' willingness to collaborate with NHIA in integrating National Health Insurance information into passenger lists and other transportation documents, aiming to enhance emergency response systems and improve medical services within the road transport industry.

Emphasizing FRSC's long-term dedication to post-accident assistance, the Corps Marshal pointed out that the organization was the pioneer in Nigeria to create an specialized ambulance system along with emergency medical stations positioned at high-risk accident areas throughout the nation, reinforcing its devotion to protecting lives on Nigerian highways.

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Rivers to Shut Down Unapproved Private Schools by June 15

Itode Akari

PORT HARCOURT – The Rivers State Administration, via the Department of Education, has revealed intentions to launch a citywide operation targeting unauthorized private educational institutions throughout the region, starting on Monday, June 15, 2026. This information was shared in an open communication document signed by the Education Commissioner, Dr. Peters Nwagor, and released by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Tochi Abinye Pepple, on Wednesday. The department highlighted that this initiative seeks to enhance quality control and guarantee conformity with educational guidelines within the state. As per the declaration, private schools functioning without authorization or formal recognition from the Ministry, along with those not meeting necessary academic and infrastructure requirements, will face closure according to the rules outlined in the State's Private Educational Institutions Act and relevant laws. Dr. Nwagor mentioned that this action aims to provide students in Rivers State access to high-quality education in secure and suitable learning settings. He further instructed all licensed private schools still owing annual renewal charges to clear these debts promptly, cautioning that solely establishments possessing current licenses and updated financial records would be permitted to remain active. The Commissioner reiterated the government’s dedication to maintaining standards in the educational field, stating that this step is meant to protect student interests while enhancing management practices among privately run schools throughout the area. He encouraged owners who require more details to go to the State Quality Assurance Services (SEQAS) office located inside the Government Girls' Secondary School (GGSS), Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt, or reach out directly to the Director of SEQAS, Dr. Chinedu Wordu. The Department affirmed that this regulatory activity represents one component of wider initiatives undertaken by the Rivers State Government to elevate educational excellence and enforce rigorous operational norms throughout the state.

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Afenifere Demands Halt to Terrorists in Military Integration

...Southwest Monarchs Call On Residents To Prepare For Personal Protection

Driven by the alarming actions of extremists within the country, especially in the Southwest region, the Ondo State branch of Afenifere, a Yoruba socio-political organization, has urged the federal government to halt the inclusion of converted militants into the national armed forces.

The group further called upon customary leaders and residents of the Southwest region to remain vigilant and prepare for self-protection against militants attacking local areas and abducting students and educators.

Afenifere noted that incorporating former terrorist groups into the system is imprudent and has shown to be harmful to counter-terrorism methods and approaches.

The group stated: 'We urge an end from now on to the misguided inclusion of terrorists in any form within the Nigerian military, as this action has demonstrated itself to be harmful and ineffective against our country's efforts in combating terrorism and defense planning.'

Encouraging traditional leaders in the Southwest to get their communities ready for defense, Afenifere called for efficient elimination of planned hegemonic military attacks on territory.

A statement issued together by the chairman and secretary, Chief Hon. Korede Duyile and Rt. Hon. Bakkita Bello respectively, stated: "Meanwhile, we urge all our community leaders to promptly implement defense strategies, frameworks, and institutions aimed at both thwarting and decisively eliminating the planned expansionist military attacks carried out by the raiders, referred to as bandits along with their local accomplices."

We urge the upright residents of Ondo along with others from the South-West states to remain constantly vigilant and prepared to take action in their own defence.

The group urged for the rapid recovery of the 42 students and seven teachers who were taken hostage in Oyo State by militants.

A statement says in part: "The Ondo State branch of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political group, condemns the tragic abduction of 42 students and seven educators on May 15, 2026, from Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota, which are situated within the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State."

Unfortunately, the lawless outlaws went so far as to behead one of the educators! We strongly reject and criticize their ongoing imprisonment in the harshest and most brutal living situations, along with extended intentional physical and psychological abuse beyond imagination.

We genuinely empathize with the impacted children and educators, along with their families, communities, and the government of Oyo State during this challenging period marked by lasting sorrow and provocative actions.

The action that has forced everyone impacted to endure mental and bodily suffering is not just considered abominable and wicked, but also a grievous offense against human dignity and rationality.

We ask for swift heavenly help and deliverance of everyone taken hostage by bandits in Oyo State, along with many others who are detained in Ondo State and different areas across Nigeria.

We further hope all those affected experience a quick healing from their wounds and emotional distress.

We value the attention from the federal government. We remember all the sincere individuals who have participated in the relief efforts. We praise each one of you.

We highly commend Governor Seyi Makinde for his bravery amidst these difficulties. We truly hope that the recent tragic kidnappings had not occurred.

Nevertheless, we can only wish that this unfortunate event serves as a reminder to all our Southwest governors about the continuous appeals, requests, and alerts issued by AFENIFERE in recent years. The leadership of Afenifere has consistently cautioned, often backed by evidence, regarding the looming disasters caused by the uncontrolled and unlimited entry of unwanted individuals, intentionally coming from various regions within Nigeria into the South-West.

Regrettably, our good intentions went unnoticed.

The Ondo State branch of Afenifere, despite the deeply distressing situation, emphasizes once again the urgent need for the creation of State Police forces, regional administrations, and defined constitutional responsibilities for local community leaders.

We also acknowledge the recent court decision and the sentence of execution by hanging for the terrorists who caused significant losses at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo in 2023.

We nevertheless urge swift trials and legal resolution of all cases related to terrorists, abductors, bandits, and other violent offenders.

We want to praise the security personnel, who keep dedicating their lives to safeguarding the community despite difficult circumstances.

We urgently request authorities at every level to provide essential resources needed for efficient monitoring, information collection, and strategic operations, with the aim of promptly and definitively halting the incursions of these terrible aggressors.

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UBTH CMD Engages NNPC in Partnership Talks

The Head of Medicine at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu, visited the Nigerian National Petroleum Company’s Exploration and Production division in Benin City, Edo State, on Tuesday, to explore possible partnerships.

While visiting, Professor Ize-Iyamu highlighted UBTH's dependability in delivering prompt, specialized, and patient-focused care to business entities and their staff.

The CMD also highlighted the hospital's major accomplishments and progress throughout the years, suggesting joint initiatives between UBTH and NNPC regarding the provision of high-quality medical services.

Mr. Tosin Olakiigbe, Executive Director of Business Services at NNPC (E & P), thanked them for the visit and acknowledged UBTH's active effort in promoting medical collaborations.

The trip underscores UBTH's commitment to collaborating with important business partners to improve affordable, effective, and top-notch medical care in the South-South area.

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Japan Unveils H3 Rocket: First All-Liquid-Fuel Launch

TOKYO - Japan successfully carried out a launch of an H3 rocket The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency reported from the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan that small satellites were placed into orbit on Friday during the nation's initial rocket launch utilizing only liquid-fueled engines.

Rocket H3 Number 6 took off from the facility in Kagoshima Prefecture approximately at 9:55 a.m., delayed by two days compared to the original schedule because of poor weather conditions at the launching location.

The rocket features an innovative, more straightforward design consisting of three primary engines without solid rocket boosters. According to JAXA, this version weighs less and costs fewer compared to other H3 models, and its successful launch finalizes the range of three H3 configurations.

The spacecraft transported six mini-satellites, among them the Umitsubame from the Institute of Science Tokyo, which will employ an advanced camera to monitor oceanic areas, and the Shiraito from Shizuoka University, designed to evaluate methods for eliminating orbital waste.

The most recent failed attempt to launch an H3 rocket in December unable to launch a satellite to space. The rocket's first launch in March 2023 concluded with a self-destruct order because the second-stage engine failed to start.

H3 Rocket Number 6's debut faced a postponement following an issue discovered during an engine firing test in July.