The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • ‎AXA Mansard grows insurance revenue by 22% to ₦160.6bn in FY’25 

    ‎AXA Mansard grows insurance revenue by 22% to ₦160.6bn in FY’25 

    ‎AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has sustained its growth momentum in the 2025 financial year.

    It recorded 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.

  • Reforms necessary to achieve positive results — Uba Sani

    Reforms necessary to achieve positive results — Uba Sani

    Governor Uba Sani has said that his administration has pursued difficult but necessary reforms to stabilise public finance, improve governance and create a predictable business environment in Kaduna State.

    The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner of Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs Patience Fakai at the opening ceremony of 47th Kaduna International Trade fair on Saturday, said that the reforms are now yielding results.

    ‘’Kaduna State has consistently ranked first in Nigeria’s Subnational Fiscal Transparency Index for two consecutive years, reflecting our commitment to openness, accountability, and prudent public financial management,’’ he recalled.

    The Governor noted that the theme of the trade fair, ‘’From Reforms to Results: Economic Transformation through Sustainable Local Content Development,’’ is apt.

    He recalled that last Monday, the Kaduna State Fiscal Responsibility Commission organised a capacity strengthening workshop for ‘’public fund managers on the prudent, transparent, and accountable use of public resources.’’

    According to Governor Uba Sani, the workshop was necessary because ‘’investors go where governance is clear, rules are predictable, and public finance is credible.’’

    ‘’Evidence shows that subnational governments with higher fiscal transparency attract more private investment and enjoy stronger investor confidence due to reduced information asymmetry and governance risk.

    ‘’Kaduna State’s performance, therefore, directly enhances trade, lowers the cost of doing business, and positions the state as a reliable destination for both domestic and international investors,’’ he added.

    Governor Uba Sani pointed out that this year’s edition of Kaduna International Trade Fair provides a platform to translate that confidence into partnerships.

    According to him, the focus of Kaduna State on local content development is intentional because ‘’industrialisation must be rooted in local enterprise, local skills, and strong local value chains.’’

    ‘’ From agribusiness and solid minerals to manufacturing, ICT, and services, Kaduna State remains committed to policies that support indigenous businesses while remaining open to global capital and expertise,’’ he maintained.

    In a keynote address, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nura Abba Rimi, disclosed that the Nigeria Trade Policy is now at the execution state.

    According to the permanent secretary, ‘’our success is measured by the new factories and exports crossing our ports, benefiting local traders and innovators.’’

    Alhaji Nura disclosed that ‘’the term “local content” is evolving — it is no longer just about oil; it is becoming central to our wealth and industrial growth.’’

    ‘’By prioritizing Nigerian-made goods, we keep wealth within the country and support a circular economy. We have created digital platforms to track trade, encourage local sourcing among major investors, and streamline trade processes by eliminating bureaucratic hurdles. This is enabling faster market access for Nigerian exporters,’’ he said.

    He further said that Federal Government is addressing infrastructure deficits and improving access to finance for businesses that are sourcing locally, challenging exhibitors to prioritize local suppliers because it strengthens our economy.

    In his welcome address, the President of KADCIMA, Alhaji Farouk Suleiman noted that although Nigeria has entered a season of necessary reforms, but reforms do not create prosperity.

    According to him, ‘’only production creates prosperity. Only skills create jobs.Only enterprise creates wealth. And that is where Chambers of Commerce must lead.’’

    The President said that the new leadership of KADCCIMA is embarking on a deliberate institutional turnaround agenda to serve not merely as an event organizer, but as a policy advocate; a business accelerator; a skills development platform; and a year-round engine of economic growth.

    He said that youth and women skills development remain KADCCIMA’s top priority, adding that they are its greatest resource.

    ‘’Under our new direction, KADCCIMA will champion vocational and technical skills acquisition, digital and ICT training, agro-processing and light manufacturing skills, entrepreneurship incubation, mentorship and market access, and affordable financing linkages,’’ he added.

    Alhaji Farouk promised to work with government, development partners, and the private sector to establish Skills Acquisition and Enterprise Development Centres that empower our youth and women not to search for jobs, but to create jobs.

  • Police arrest suspect over alleged killing of nursing mother, baby in Katsina

    Police arrest suspect over alleged killing of nursing mother, baby in Katsina

    The Katsina State Police Command has apprehended 35-year-old Sahabi Rabi’u, wanted in connection with the murder of a 30-year-old nursing mother and her 10-month-old baby in Sheme village, Faskari Local Government Area.

    The state police spokesman, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, confirmed that during questioning, Rabi’u admitted involvement in the crime and revealed that he conspired with an accomplice, who remains at large, to lure the victims to the outskirts of Sheme village. There, the victims were reportedly killed, their bodies burned, and dumped into a nearby well.

    Investigations indicate the crime stemmed from a paternity dispute involving the victims, which escalated into the fatal attack. The bodies have been recovered, and authorities are working to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

    Katsina State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Shehu, condemned the act as “barbaric and inhumane” and assured that the command would leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice. 

    He appealed to the public to provide information that could assist in the investigation, promising that all tips would be handled confidentially.

    The police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with further updates to be communicated in due course.

  • Woro killings expose Nigeria’s rural security collapse — Gbenga Hashim

    Woro killings expose Nigeria’s rural security collapse — Gbenga Hashim

    ..demands UN probe, questions absence of aerial response

    A presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has described the recent killings in Woro community of Kwara State as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of rural communities in Nigeria, warning that the country risks drifting into an era where mass attacks occur without swift or effective state response.

    In a statement issued over the weekend, Hashim said the scale of the attack demands more than expressions of sympathy, calling for urgent accountability from security authorities.

    “This killing is unprecedented in its scale and unmatched in its barbarity. I offer my condolences to the Woro community, but condolence is not enough this time around,” he said.

    Hashim urged the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights to initiate an international probe into the incident, insisting that the public deserves clarity on why intelligence about the impending attack was allegedly ignored.

    According to him, the tragedy underscored how exposed rural populations have become. “The killings in Woro have demonstrated how easy it is for any group of deranged men to take hundreds of lives without resistance.”

    The former presidential candidate raised concerns over the absence of aerial intervention during the attack, arguing that Nigeria’s air capabilities should make claims of “remoteness” untenable.

    Referencing the Nigerian Air Force presence along the Wawa–New Bussa axis, which he said is less than a 15-minute flight from Woro, Hashim questioned why no emergency air support was deployed.

    “I hear the unacceptable explanation that it takes hours to access the remote village. So what happened with the Air Force?” he asked.

    Hashim also pointed to what he described as inconsistencies in military responsiveness, recalling past operations beyond Nigeria’s borders.

    “The world needs to know why the Air Force that could fly to Benin Republic to save the Beninois President from mutiny could not save the Woro people within the same geographical axis,” he said.

    He further criticised the military high command, noting that Nigeria’s armed forces had historically intervened decisively in regional conflicts such as those in Sierra Leone and Liberia.

    “The conduct of the military high command falls short of Nigeria’s standard. Nigeria’s Army stopped killings in Sierra Leone and Liberia before. Why then can it not stop the slaughter of Nigerians in their own communities?” he queried.

    Hashim said reports indicated that attackers had sent a threat letter to the community and that authorities were notified. He also questioned claims that soldiers were deployed but later withdrawn.“Nigerians deserve to know who ordered that withdrawal and why,” he said.

    He described as deeply troubling reports that security agencies were alerted during the attack but arrived only after the assailants had fled, asking how nearly 200 people could be killed without arrests or credible information about the perpetrators days later.

    Hashim warned that repeated delays in security response are emboldening attackers while widening the trust gap between citizens and the government. 

    “This is the tragedy of rural Nigeria today. Citizens are attacked, yet the state arrives after the attack, not during the attack,” he said.

    He cautioned that persistent failure to protect remote communities could push residents toward self-help measures such as vigilante reprisals, ethnic profiling, and unregulated armed groups.

    “When communities feel abandoned, they will begin to seek survival outside the state. That is how societies slide into deeper instability,” he warned.

    Hashim called on the Federal Government, the Nigerian Air Force, and other security agencies to provide a detailed operational account of the incident, including timelines of distress calls, response actions, and reasons for the absence of aerial deployment.

    He also advocated reforms aimed at strengthening rural protection through rapid-response systems, aerial surveillance, helicopter deployment, and forward operating bases in vulnerable border areas.

    The Woro killings, he added, should not be treated as an isolated episode but as a signal of expanding insecurity across the North Central corridor, particularly communities bordering Niger State and the Kainji Lake region.

    Without decisive action, he warned, Kwara State could emerge as a new frontline for banditry and rural terrorism, threatening agriculture, livelihoods, and social stability.

    “Nigeria must not normalize massacres. If a village can be attacked for hours and the state still cannot respond, then we are facing a serious national emergency,” Hashim said.

  • Igbo youths seek prosecution of ‘call for arms’ peddlers

    Igbo youths seek prosecution of ‘call for arms’ peddlers

    By Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha

    The Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly has dismissed as unfounded, mischievous and clueless reports falsely attributed to the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata, allegedly calling on Ndigbo to arm themselves in anticipation of an imminent war.

    Leader of the group, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, in a statement on Sunday, condemned the rumour and called for the arrest and prosecution of its sponsors.

    He described Mbata as a renowned statesman and remarkable patriot with impeccable character and outstanding track records, who could not have issued such a call, urging the public to disregard the fake news.

    The statement partly read, “Our attention has been drawn to the unfounded, mischievous and clueless allegations against the Leader of the Igbo Nation and renowned President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Distinguished Senator John Azuta Mbata, where he was quoted as saying: ‘Every Igbo man from 18 years up must get a gun, stack weapons. Igbo land is under terrorist siege and must be defended. A war is coming in days.

    “This is fake news, and we hereby categorically state that our Leader and President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide did not and can never issue such a call for arms.

    “Therefore, this malicious propaganda and criminal blackmail, for whatever purpose and intention, is dead on arrival.

    “The Leader of the Igbo socio-cultural and political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata, is a renowned statesman and remarkable patriot with impeccable character and outstanding track records.

    “In strong terms, we condemn such mischievous and false insinuations and urge the unsuspecting public to disregard the fake news, and to consciously verify such sensitive content before dissemination, in order not to fall victim to, or aid, the peddlers of fake news, either directly or unknowingly.”

    Acknowledging that the matter borders on national security and cannot be swept under the carpet, Okpalaezeukwu called for the arrest and prosecution of its sponsors and promoters.

    “Sequel to the above, we call on the offices of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director General of the State Security Service (SSS), and other appropriate authorities, to collectively deploy their widespread investigation mechanisms in order to detect, arrest and prosecute the sponsors and promoters of this expensive fake news that is tantamount to undermining our collective efforts for stability, peace and national security.

    “Igbo land, especially the Southeast, is a peculiar terrain with unique challenges ranging from a fair share of national insecurity, gross marginalisation and neglect, absence of capital projects, and inadequate national development efforts for a better society.”

    The group further commended the recent efforts of the South East Development Commission on the South East Vision 2050, targeted at addressing most of the peculiar challenges of the Igbo nation.

    “We urge the leadership and management of the Commission not to resort to business as usual, but to match words with actions rather than beautiful conferences and rhetoric.

    “We also urge the Commission to work closely with the South East states’ governments and other stakeholders, and to prioritise regional security, as no meaningful development can thrive amidst insecurity.

    “As we commend the genuine efforts of our political leaders and security agencies towards safe and secure communities, we respectfully call for political solutions and non-kinetic approaches to the hydra-headed security challenges facing us today as a nation,” the statement added.

  • Aisha Omade appointed national deputy director of RTIFN

    Aisha Omade appointed national deputy director of RTIFN

    Hajiya Aisha Oyiza Omade, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Kogi State Social Investment Programmes Agency (KOSSIPA), has been appointed National Deputy Director of Contact and Mobilisation for Relax, Tinubu is Fixing Nigeria (RTIFN).

    The appointment was announced on the group’s official social media platforms, with her formal letter of appointment expected in the coming weeks.

    RTIFN, led by Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Founder-in-Chief, features a high-profile leadership team including Comrade Bala Mohammed as National Chairman, Senator Alphonsus Igbeke as Patron, former FCT Minister Dr. Ramotu Tijani Aliyu as Matron, and Ateke Tom as South-South Coordinator, alongside actor Zack Orji and other notable figures.

    Omade, renowned for her grassroots mobilisation and dedication to women’s empowerment, has a longstanding political career. Introduced into politics by the late Kogi State Governor Prince Abubakar Audu, she has held key positions including pioneer Deputy Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, APC National Women Leader aspirant, Director-General of the Prince Abubakar Audu Campaign Organisation (Kogi Central) in 2016, and Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State Governor on Community Engagement, before her current role as KOSSIPA DG/CEO.

    Her new role places her among those expected to coordinate nationwide contact and mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

    She has been mandated, alongside other national leaders of the group, to commence sensitisation and grassroots engagement on the Renewed Hope Agenda, with a focus on communicating government policies to citizens in clear and accessible language.

    Hajiya Omade  is also expected to mobilise support across the country for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

    The appointment comes shortly after a delegation of RTIFN, led by its Secretary-General, Felix Arome,an engineer , paid her a condolence visit following the death of her younger brother, Felix Enehe Sule, who died on January 22 in Abuja.

  • Mo Abudu refutes claims of Nollywood ‘Cabal’ controlling cinema screenings

    Mo Abudu refutes claims of Nollywood ‘Cabal’ controlling cinema screenings

    Media mogul Mo Abudu has dismissed allegations that a group within Nollywood is working with cinema owners to restrict screening opportunities for certain films.

    Speaking on ARISE TV, Abudu emphasised that cinema operations are guided by business considerations and audience demand rather than personal preferences or favoritism.

    Veteran actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, who joined the discussion, noted that concerns about unfair practices in the industry have become increasingly common.

    “I have heard these things, people have been saying this. Actors themselves have come out to say this has happened to them. And there are some fans too who corroborate these stories, confirming that some people convinced them to watch one movie apart from the movie they came to see,” Omotola said.

    Responding, Abudu said, it makes no commercial sense for cinemas to restrict screenings or discourage audiences from watching particular films.

    Abudu cited EbonyLife Cinemas, which she owns, as an example, stating that the company prioritises filling seats to maximize return on investment.

    Abudu explained that screening schedules are adjusted based on performance, with cinemas balancing creative considerations with operational costs like electricity and staff salaries.

    She emphasised that decisions are not personal and apply equally to all producers, regardless of ownership or status.

    Responding, Abudu said, “I can’t speak for all the cinemas, but I can certainly speak for EbonyLife Cinemas. it’s not true. We run a professional business. Our return on investment depends very heavily on making sure that we have people sitting in every single cinema.

    “It is in our interest to ensure that every cinema is full. We have five cinemas in EbonyLife. We do about 30 screenings a day. That’s about 900 screenings in a month. There is plenty of space.”

    Addressing complaints about peak-hour slots, she said audience demand does not always align with expectations. “Even if you say people prefer peak hours, and they get 50% of that, that’s still about 450 screenings in a month,” she said.

    “When your film is in our cinema and it has no audience, and I am running air conditioning and paying staff, and you only have two or three people in a 100-seater cinema, by the next week we are going to have a conversation,” she said. “That time slot can no longer really work.”

    “There is no sentiment to anybody being in the cinema space,” Abudu added

    To buttress her point, she referenced a film produced by her daughter, Temidayo Abudu, which was removed from cinemas due to poor turnout, “My daughter had a film in the cinema last year. When it wasn’t performing, we had to move the film out. So there is no sentiment,” she said.

    “This is about return on investment. It does not matter who owns the film. If I, Mo Abudu, make a film and we are not able to fill up the seats, it’s going to give way to the next film that can,” she added.

    The comments come amid growing tension between filmmakers and cinema operators, with some alleging unfair practices and unfavourable screening times.

  • Assembly commission drums support for PCC

    Assembly commission drums support for PCC

    The Ogun State House of Assembly Service Commission has assured the Federal Public Complaints Commission (PCC), of its support in achieving its ombudsman’s role in the state.

    The Chairman, House of Assembly Service Commission, Rt. Hon. Prince Suraj Adekunbi, gave the assurance during a visit by the Federal Public Complaints Commission team to his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    Adekunbi, according to the Ms. Busayo Faleti, Information and Public Relations Officer, House of Assembly Service Commission, said PCC would maintain its presence in the state, while acknowledging the commission’s vital role in promoting accountability and fairness as Nigeria’s ombudsman, pledging to continue to provide legislative support for their operations in the state.

    READ ALSO: Kwara massacre belies end of Mamuda/JNIM terrorists

    Speaking, Commissioner, Federal Public Complaints Commission, Ogooluwa Akinleye, outlined the commission’s mandates to investigate and resolve complaints between government agencies and private organisations which focusing on maladministration, injustice and corruption.

    He noted that PCC had also partnered with security agencies in the state to foster accountability and transparency, promising to maintain the tempo and bring about stability, fairness, and justice to parties involved in any acrimony or conflicts.

    Akinleye explained that currently the Federal Public Complaints Commission operates through several zonal offices including Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, Ado-Odo/Ota, Sagamu and Yewa South with plans to expand to all local governments in order to serve as key contact points for citizens to lodge their complaints.

  • Non-implementation of mental health act scares foreign donors from Nigeria – Medical Expert

    Non-implementation of mental health act scares foreign donors from Nigeria – Medical Expert

    The Provost of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Abeokuta, Professor Afis Agboola, said on Saturday that the non-implementation of the Mental Health Act is discouraging foreign donors from investing in Nigeria’s health sector.

    Agboola, who expressed the concern in Abuja during the 2025 budget performance and 2026 budget defence held at the instance of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Speciality Healthcare, appealed to the parliament to impress it on the Minister of Health to commence implementation of the Mental Health Act.

    He noted that there were other donor agencies abroad that were willing to partner and help the federal government agencies on the issue of mental health patients, “but because there is no agency or a Unit that can relate with them, we never got assistance from the donors.”

    Although the provost disclosed that the hospital tried to reach out to the Federal Ministry of Health,  they kept complaining about funding, adding that “the issue of non-implementation of the Mental Health Act is an issue that we have been battling for over two years now that has been signed into law.”

    He told the committee that the Institution spent almost N1 billion in revenue generated to take care of abandoned patients.

    READ ALSO: Kwara massacre belies end of Mamuda/JNIM terrorists

    According to him, “The issue of abandonment of patients is a major problem, and unfortunately, we have a bill that was passed by the National Assembly, the Mental Health Act, which was passed and signed into law by former president Muhammadu Buhari. Unfortunately,, up to this very moment there is no execution of that bill. The Act itself specifies who does what. “

    Speaking on the 2025 budget implementation, he disclosed that the Hospital recorded zero budget implementation due to the non-release of appropriated funds.

    While noting that despite receiving AIE to incur up to 25 to 30 percent of the budget, the hospital has been unable to meet its financial obligations.

     He added that a lot of Psychiatric hospitals cut down on some non-regular staff, including Consultants as a result of non-payment of salaries.

     According to him, about 10 months of the overhead was released, adding that the issue of energy cost is affecting all the hospitals; however, other non-regular releases were paid.

    Chairman of the House Committee on Speciality Healthcare, Hon. Alex Egbona, assured that at least 30 per cent of the capital component of the 2025 budgetary allocation will be released before the end of February 2026.

  • Gowon, Jonathan, Oyemade laud Bible Society at 60th anniversary

    Gowon, Jonathan, Oyemade laud Bible Society at 60th anniversary

    Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.); former  President of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan; the Senior Pastor, The Covenant Nation Global, Pastor Poju Oyemade, and other prominent Nigerians, have hailed  Bible Society of Nigeria as it turned 60.

    The ceremony brought together prominent national leaders, church figures, captains of industry, scholars, development partners and friends of the Bible Society.

    Gowon described the Bible as far more than a religious text, calling it “light in darkness, hope in despair and truth in confusion,” as The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) marked its 17th Founder’s Day Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony in Lagos.

    Speaking at the event, which also crowned the Society’s 60th-anniversary celebration with the theme, ‘Celebrating Impact and Building a Legacy of Hope,’ was held recently in Lagos.

    The Chairman of the occasion, former President Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, was represented by Lt. Colonel Paul Edor Obi (rtd.).

    Gowon said the relevance of the Scriptures had never been more critical in a world grappling with moral decline, conflict and loss of values.

    “The Bible is not merely a book. It is light in darkness, hope in despair and truth in confusion,” Gowon said, adding that national renewal begins with moral renewal, which in turn starts with hearts transformed by the Word of God.

    READ ALSO: Kwara massacre belies end of Mamuda/JNIM terrorists

    Looking ahead, Gowon called for stronger partnerships, innovation and deeper youth engagement to secure the future of BSN.

    He also appealed for support for the proposed Bible House project, describing it as a legacy infrastructure that would serve generations yet unborn.

    “When we support the Bible Society, we are investing not just in an institution, but in the spiritual and moral foundation of our nation,” he said.

    In a goodwill message, Mr Jonathan, said that BSN had quietly but powerfully shaped Nigeria’s moral conscience through Bible translation and literacy promotion.

    He highlighted the recent translation of the Bible into Ogwe and Epie languages, pledging continued support to ensure their publication.

    He said that faith-based institutions such as BSN had contributed significantly to national development by promoting integrity, compassion and justice.

    In his remarks, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described BSN as one of the most consistent Christian organisations in Nigeria, noting that CAN, established in 1976, has enjoyed a strong partnership with the Bible Society over the decades.

    “Even though CAN was formed ten years after BSN, we have seen in BSN a very solid partner,” Okoh said. “If Christians in Nigeria are asked to present their testimonies, BSN will certainly be one of them.”

    He shared a personal testimony about how access to Braille Scriptures and audio Bibles sustained his family after his elder sister became visually impaired, describing BSN’s work as deeply impactful and personal.

    Delivering the keynote lecture, Senior Pastor and Founder of The Covenant Nation Global, Pastor Poju Oyemade, described BSN as a quiet but powerful force shaping Nigeria’s moral conscience and civilisation.

    Using the biblical imagery of light and salt, Oyemade said while the work of the Church as light is visible, the work of salt—preserving society—is often unseen but indispensable.

    “That invisible but powerful work is what the Bible Society of Nigeria has been doing for decades,” he said.

    He highlighted the importance of Bible translation into indigenous languages, noting that BSN has made the full Bible available in over 27 Nigerian languages, with New Testaments and portions in many others.

    He paid tribute to early pioneers such as Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther and other translators whose work made it possible for Nigerians to encounter the Bible not as a distant foreign text, but as a living voice within their own cultures.

    “The power of translation cannot be overstated,” Oyemade said. “Scripture truly comes alive when it speaks the language, culture and worldview of the people. God Himself demonstrated this by coming to save humanity in human form.”

    According to him, translating the Bible into indigenous languages aligns with Christ’s command to “teach all nations,” explaining that the original meaning of “nations” refers to peoples, tribes and tongues, not a generic global audience.

    He noted that the democratisation of access to Scripture has strengthened accountability within the Church, as believers can now personally examine the Word, just as the Berean Christians did in the Book of Acts.

    “Today, no leader can easily manipulate Scripture because the people also have access to the same texts,” he said, adding that this openness has helped prevent the kind of spiritual darkness that characterised periods when the Bible was restricted to a privileged few.

    Oyemade also commended BSN’s inclusive efforts, including the production of Braille Scriptures for the visually impaired and ongoing work on Nigerian Sign Language translations, stressing that access to Scripture must leave no one behind.

    Earlier, BSN General Secretary/CEO, Pastor Samuel Sanusi, welcomed guests and described the Founder’s Day celebration as a moment to reflect on lives touched, communities transformed, and hope restored over 60 years of service.

    “Legacy is not built in a day. It is built through consistent acts of kindness, courageous leadership and unwavering commitment to a better future,” Sanusi said.

    Awards were presented to the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh; Chairman of LAWNA Territory, Pastor Gabriel Uyeh; General Overseer of Love of Christ Chapel International Ministries, Prophet P. A. Olowoporoku; Chairman of Padua Petroleum Nigeria Limited, Engineer Paul Ajisafe; and Dr Dare Ajiboye, former General Secretary of BSN and Business Manager of The Apostolic Church, Nigeria.