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Tag: assures

  • 2019: Lagos CP assures Lagosians of reformed police

    Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Imohimi Edgal has assured Lagosians of a refined and polished police during the 2019 general elections.

    The command has been training its officers and staff on their constitutional responsibilities and human rights, Edgal said,  adding that people should expect better conduct from the police during the polls.

    “Our training was designed to remind us of our constitutional responsibilities, functions and role during the election. I want to assure citizens of the state of better conduct from our policemen. They should expect competent and trained policemen during the elections,” he said.

    CP Edgal spoke at a training programme organised by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Lagos State Command and the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), at the Police Officers Mess, GRA, Ikeja. The theme was, “Towards a Reformed Nigeria Police Force”.

    Edgal , who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Elkana Ayuba, said the command keyed into the programme because it centred on human rights and Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

    He charged senior officers and men of the force to learn from the resource person provided them on matters of the law.

    ”You are not just here to listen but to learn and the resource persons are here to interact with us on the understanding of Human Rights under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015,” Edgal stated.

    He said the senior officers have the opportunity to utilize and put what they learnt into practice when they get back to their duty posts, so that the image of the Police will be improved.

    The police boss urged the trainees to pay attention and ask questions in  areas they feel will conflict with constitutional rights, pointing out that the resource persons are versatile and will put them through.

    Mr Dele Adesina, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), reminded senior officers of their responsibilities during elections.

    Adesina said: “Your responsibilities under Section 4 of the Police Act is prevention of crimes, apprehension of offenders, preservation of law and order, the protection of life and property maintenance of all laws and order.”

    He explained that the role of the police force in an election cannot be over emphasised adding that they have an over-riding duty, not only to maintain security and enforce law and order, but also to arrest the non-conformist or an electoral offender.

    Adesina reminded the officers of the Nigerian Police Code of Conduct unveiled January 10, 2013 by former Vice President,  Namadi Sambo, saying that the Code’s purpose is to provide all members of the force with a set of guiding principles and standards of behaviour while on duty or off duty.

    “It is intended to be used by all police officers in determining what is right and proper in all their actions. The document stated further that with regards to the primary responsibilities of the police officer, a police officer must act as an official representative of the governor. A police officer should perform his duties with impartiality, that is, without favour or affection, without regards to status, race, religion or political belief. They shall conduct themselves, whether on or off duty in accordance with constitution provisions,” he said.

    Founding Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu, Nurudeen Ogbara, in his lecture “Understanding Human Rights under the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2015,” cited 26 provisions of the law which he identified as essential to understanding Human Rights in the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2015, like in the ACJA 2015.

    Ogbara argued that it is very essential for the police to issue a ‘notification of arrest’ to any culprit before carrying out the arrest.

    “It is prohibited to arrest anyone unlawfully, that is, to arrest in lieu is prohibited under Section 264(2) of the ACJA”, he said.

    He further stated that any arrested person should be given humane treatment and that the suspect has the right not to answer any questions until after consultation with his lawyer, unless the suspect declines legal representation.

    Ogbara told the participants that in capital offences, the legal practitioner must be present before interview, adding that violation of this mandatory requirement could render the investigation process and its outcome a nullity.

    He added that if the suspect wishes to confess to the crime, such confession must be in writing and also electronically recorded on Compact Disk (CD), as no confession obtained contrary to this will be admitted in evidence.

    Another speaker, Mr Johnson  Esezoobo, urged policemen to learn to take responsibility.

    ”He is in the office to serve and not to use the gun he bears to kill innocent persons for whatever reason”, he said.

    Esezoobo charged persons entrusted with the supervision of police personnel to live up to their responsibility of calling erring police officers to order.

    According to him, no government since the return of democratic rule over 19 years ago has shown interest in police reform.

    He argued that: “The inability to reform the police like any other sector, is a result of lack of interest of the government in the security and welfare of the people as entrenched under Section 14.(2) (b)  of the Constitution.”

    Earlier, CDHR National President, Mr Malachy Ugwummadu, said the committee had resolved that rather than waiting for transgressions to occur, both parties will come together as partners, discuss, understand the loop holes and the challenging areas.

    Ugwummadu said the training was designed to reduce the challenges of policing in contemporary Nigeria.  “This is precisely at the heart of this programme,” he explained.

    He added that the programme was also meant to draw the attention of all police officers to the ACJA 2015 and how it operates.

  • Lagos assures trade unions of industrial harmony

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has assured trade unions of continuous support to ensure industrial harmony when addressing and resolving labour-related matters in the state.

    Ambode, who was represented by the Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions,  Dr. Akintola Benson, at a training programme aimed at building capacity for trade union leaders, said he hopes that the union would utilise collective bargaining mechanism to advance the causes of trade unionism for the benefit of the workers of the Lagos State Public Service on the one hand, and the government and people of Lagos State on the other hand.

    Speaking on the theme: “Building Capacity: The Path to Constructive Government-Trade Union Collaboration in the Lagos State Public Service, said he believes that whether, and how, unions respond to external and internal challenges is conditioned by organisational capacity.

    He observed  notwithstanding the availability of the veritable tool, such as collective bargaining, it is suprising that there has been so much breakdown of industrial harmony in the country.

    He said Lagos found the answer, noting that the difference between the state model is that they invested in capacity building for trade union leaders, government officials charged with the management of trade union matters and workers generally.

    He said this can be understood as the ability to assess opportunities for intervention, anticipate, rather than merely reacting to, changing circumstances, frame coherent policies, and implement these effectively.

    He said: “It is not easy to theorise or specify concretely the components and causal dynamics of organisational capacity, but it is obvious to any informed observer that some European trade union movements possess this quality to a far greater degree than others. Perhaps we may define the key elements as structure, intelligence, strategy and efficacy.

    “A huge dose of capacity building for social dialogue at all levels of government and education and enlightenment for unions and employers on the rights and limits of all parties involved in industrial relations is a key component in this administration.

  • eTranzact assures investors of bright future

    Managing Director, eTranzact International Plc, Mr Niyi Toluwalope, has assured investors that the company is on a good stead for better returns.

    Toluwalope, who was recently appointed as chief executive of the company, spoke during a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

    He said the electronic transaction switching and payment processing company would continue to deliver good returns.

    “We are very experienced in processing electronic payment. He assured the brokers present that the future of eTranzact is bright as investment in it will surely continue to yield rewarding returns. We are sure that all our aspirations will come to realization,” Toluwalope said.

    Other senior members of management of the eTranzact International that followed Toluwalope to the NSE included Mrs. Olayimika Philips, Non-Executive Director; Mr. Olufemi Aminu, Chief Risk Officer; Mrs. Adebunmi Wellington-Ogunlewe, Group Head, Product Development; Mr. Emmanuel Ogunji, Chief Financial Officer; Mr. Adeyemi Adeyemo, Group Head, Financial Services; Ms. Eme Godwin, Group Head, Legal; Mrs. Omowumi Adedurotimi, Company Secretary; and Mr. Adeyemi Opene, Head, Brand and Corporate Communications.

  • Lagos assures of Lake Rice availability

    Lagos State Government yesterday said the price of Lake Rice would remain stable as the commodity floods markets across the state.

    Commissioner for Agriculture Toyin Suarau said it had come to the notice of the state government that prices of rice had gone up in the market.

    He said the consistency in quality of the Lake Rice and its availability was aimed at stopping the importation of the commodity.

    He said: “You will recall that it was in a bid to ensure availability of the commodity in Lagos that the state government sought the participation of major rice distributors.

    “Lake Rice is of good quality. The difference between the commodity and foreign variety is that the imported commodity has a minimum storage life span of five to six years. Lake Rice is fresh and wholesome and the price remains the same to ensure affordability for residents.’

    Suarau said measures had been put in place by the state government to protect the price and avoid adulteration.

    He stressed that part of the measures include constituting a committee to strictly monitor the product in the market.

    “LAKE Rice which is packaged in 50kg, 25kg and 10kg bags is still being offered for sale to residents at N12,000.00, N6,000.00 and N2,500.00 respectively,” Suarau said.

  • NAHCO assures higher return on business diversification drive

    Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (Nahco) Plc would take advantage of Nigerian economic diversification and government policies to boost its business diversification and increase returns to shareholders.

    Addressing shareholders at the annual general meeting in Abuja, Chairman, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (Nahco) Plc, Arc. Usman Bello said the company would take advantage of expected higher agricultural yield to boost its cargo export division.

    He assured shareholders that the company’s business diversification ventures were on track noting that NAHCO Free Trade Zone has moved to the second phase of its development.

    He noted that despite the tough operating environment, the company has been able to improve on its profitability, which enables it to increase dividend to shareholders.

    He pointed out that the company started the current business year on a strong footing citing the first quarter 2018 results which showed improvements in key indicators.

    Managing Director, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (Nahco) Plc, Mr. Idris Yakubu, who was appointed in 2017, said the company remained strong and more focused in 2018.

    According to him, besides new acquisitions and the facility upgrade undertaken in the export warehouse to facilitate export of perishables and other goods, there has been huge improvement in the services of the company across the country to the delight of the airlines.

    He assured shareholders that the company’s subsidiaries should begin to contribute significantly to the company’s performance in 2018 and beyond.

    Yakubu added that the launching of the Nigeria Air will provide an opportunity to increase the revenue of Nahco, noting that the group’s diversification and pan-Africanisation plans would be revisited later in the year.

    The meeting confirmed the appointment of Engr Mohammed Umar and Mr Akinwunmi Fanimokun as non-executive directors of the company.  The two new non-executive directors represent the interest of, Godsmart Nigeria Limited, which recently purchased 16.7 per cent equity stake in the company through acquisition of shares from some divesting shareholders through the NSE. With 16.7 per cent equity stake, Godsmart Nigeria Limited is the single largest shareholder in the ground handling company.

    Shareholders who spoke at the meeting commended the increase in dividend payout noting that Nahco has shown resilience despite macroeconomic challenges.

    Representative of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Mr. Moses Igbrude noted that within a short period, the chairman and the new managing director have been able to stabilise the company and place it on the diversification trajectory.

    President, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN), Mr. Boniface Okezie, urged the board and management of the company to renew the company’s diversification drive as well as strengthening its subsidiaries to further boost performance.

    President, Association for the Advancement of Rights of Nigerian Shareholders (AARNS), Dr Faruk Umar commended the new managing director for his efforts on the free trade zone diversification.

    Shareholders at the meeting approved 13.6 per cent increase in dividend payout to N406 million, representing a dividend per share of 25 kobo for the 2017 business year as against 22 kobo paid for the previous year.

    Key extracts of the audited report and accounts of Nahco for the year ended December 31, 2017 showed that the company improved its margins, despite a lull in the top-line. Turnover stood at N7.926 billion in 2017 compared with N7.956 billion in 2016. Finance cost reduced from N545 million in 2016 to N213 million in 2017. Profit after tax increased by 33.6 per cent to N776 million in 2017 as against N581 million in 2016. Earnings per share improved from 36 kobo to 48 kobo.

  • SEC assures foreign investors

    The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has assured foreign investors of the safety of their investments in the Nigerian capital Market.

    Disclosing this when representatives of JP Morgan and Stanbic IBTC visited the Commission in Abuja weekend, Ag. Director General of SEC, Ms. Mary Uduk said all necessary controls are in place to ensure that the market is dynamic, free, fair and transparent for participants.

    Uduk said the Commission has embarked on several initiatives in a bid to ensure that investors in the market derive the benefits therein.

    She said the implementation of the Capital Market Master Plan has led to significant changes in the market. Some of these implemented initiatives are dematerialization of share certificates, recapitalization of capital market operators, establishment of the National Investors Protection Fund and inauguration of its board, as well as launch of the Corporate Governance Scorecard.

    Others are implementation of the e-Dividend Mandate Management System, establishment of Complaint Management Framework, transaction cost reduction, implementation of the direct cash settlement and the introduction of non-interest capital market products.

    The Acting DG disclosed that the Commission has put in place a robust investor protection machinery with severe sanctions on infractions of securities laws.

    “The implementation of this regime has led to the closure of various Ponzi schemes as well as the recovery of millions of naira belonging to innocent investors.

    “SEC champions zero tolerance on infractions and we have a range of sanctions depending on the level of infraction and how egregious the breach is, ranging from warnings, fines, suspensions, withdrawal of registrations and jail terms.

    “The idea is to improve transparency in the market and ensure that investors are safe”.

    On surveillance, Uduk said the Commission has surveillance mechanisms in place to detect possible suspicious trading/market manipulation activities.

    In his remarks, Nick Long, Representative of JP Morgan, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Nigerian capital market adding that it is one of the reasons why it continues to attract international investors.

  • You can trust AIICO, MD assures

    You can trust AIICO, MD assures

    AIICO Insurance assures  that if you are in search of an insurance firm that you can trust, it will serve you and ensure that you are not disheartened.

    Managing Director, AIICO Insurance, Edwin Igbiti, stated this in a chat.

    He said the company aims to be the leading provider of financial services that cater to both individual customers and organisations.

    ‘’Our expertise in the industry is a testament of our commitment to great service and a culture that thrives on innovation and passion,’ Igbiti said.

    “Over the years, we have remained dedicated to developing our people, strengthening our operational efficiency, and building trusting relationships with our clients and partners.

    “We aspire to create consistent value for our customers and stakeholders and will continue to improve on key indices such as prompt claims payment, proactive risk management and competitive pricing”, he added.

     

    Our Testimonials

    Income investment plan: AIICO’s Benefits team was notified of a death claim on an investment policy two days after the insured commenced his policy. We provided the family with all the details and documentation; thereby, ensuring smooth payment shortly after.

    The benefactor expressed appreciation and surprise at our prompt service and payment, which lessened the financial burden for the burial.

    Fire & burglary policy: AIICO’s Property Claims team was notified of a fire incident at an insured’s factory. An adjuster was immediately assigned to inspect the site, ascertain the extent of damage, and determine the time required to repair the damage.

    AlICO acted promptly in line with the terms and conditions of the policy. The insured was indemnified and the factory was able to resume production.

    Aiico auto policy: Auto Claims team received a claim report about an accident, which led to the total damage of the back bumper of our insured’s car.

    The claims team worked with the insured for necessary documentation. Our technical experience and knowledge allowed us negotiate with the relevant parties, and we returned the fixed car after a short while. This, in turn, meant lower claims costs for our clients.

     

    OUR STORY

    AIICO started operations in Nigeria in 1963 as an agency of American Life Insurance Company (ALICO) —a subsidiary of American International Group (AIG) at that time.

    The company was incorporated, registered and licensed in Nigeria as American Life Insurance Company Limited as a wholly owned subsidiary of ALICO/AIG in 1970 to offer Life and Pension products and Insurance services.

    It was later renamed American International Insurance Company Limited (AIICO) upon the acquisition of a 60 per cent stake by the Federal Government, and later listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) in 1990, after which both shareholders divested.

    Following the consolidation of the insurance industry in 2007, the company acquired NFI Insurance Plc. and Lamda Insurance Company Limited (both cumulatively accounting for less than 30 per cent of AI ICO’s pre-acquisition gross premiums). The company, subsequently, recertified as both General Insurance and Life Assurance Company, taking advantage of its legacy, brand, franchise and strong retail distribution network to grow a leading General Insurance business.

    To take advantage of the opportunities presented by the Pension Reform Act of 2004, AIICO Pension Managers Limited (APML) was incorporated in February 2005 and licensed in April 2006 as a Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) by the National Pension Commission (PenCom), and commenced operations in May 2006. AIICO also owns valuable financial and strategic assets including a controlling stake in AIICO Multishield Limited and a 19 per cent stake in Healthcare International Limited, both Healthcare Management Organisations (HMOs), and AIICO Capital Limited, an asset management wholly-owned subsdiary.

  • Impact of recession will soon be over, cleric assures

    Nigerians will soon stop feeling the impact of recession, Senior Pastor of Praise Arena, Jummy Adetoyese-Olagunju, has stated.

    He asked them to be optimistic and sustain prayers for President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He said the recent data by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics on the nation’s exit from recession is an indication of answered prayer.

    Speaking with our correspondent in his office, Adetoyese-Olagunju noted recent developments have clearly shown God was bent on fixing the recession fever.

    According to him: “OPEC took considerations of our peculiar situation. Nigeria and Libya were given unrestricted production, which is indeed an uncommon favour.

    “That implies that our dollar will become stronger, the economic that was just thriving to survive will now have a better leverage.”

    The cleric, a energy expert, said if the nation succeeds in attracting new investors to the oil sector, things would take a turn for the best.

    He pointed out the agriculture, tourism, mining, transportation, manufacturing and arts sector offer the nation’s best opportunities to increase Gross Domestic Products (GDP).

    He supported calls for diversification of the economic while pleading oil-producing communities should be included in development plans.

     

  • Insurer assures of agric credit success

    The Managing Director, Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), Mrs. Folashade Joseph, has promised to ensure the implementation of the insurance component of  Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS).

    She spoke yesterday in Lagos at the opening of a capacity building programme organised to enlighten the Agric Desk Officers of commercial banks on how to implement the risk component of CACS.

    She said: “NAIC is committed to forging the appropriate partnerships with deposit money banks (DMBs) in the fulfilment of their mandate by the provision of the appropriate risk management services to the Agric investors bring financed by the banks.

    “ The deposit money banks and other financial institutions have been NAIC’s major distribution channels over the years with the DMBs, as credit providers, and NAIC, as risk management service provider.”

    Stressing the readiness of NAIC to improve its services to conform with modern realities, she said: “I wish to state that NAIC is poised to improve its services in the area of product development, claims payments, valuable farm extension services across the entire agric value chain.

    “Risk management remains an integral part of modern day agric financing model, as such the CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria) had deemed it fit to ensure that any agric investor accessing the CACS facility must have the project insured by NAIC as stated in the current lending guidelines for CACS loan to protect the project from failing due to unforseen risks.”

  • JAMB assures candidates of fairness in admission process

    JAMB assures candidates of fairness in admission process

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has said it would ensure fairness, equity and all-inclusiveness in the admission process.

    JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede said this when he led management team of the board on a courtesy visit to the Ona of Abaji, His Royal Highness, Adamu Baba Yunusa, in Abuja.

    Prof. Oloyede, who said the board has created the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) to monitor admission processes, urged candidates who feel cheated in admission processes to protest to the board.

    He said: “JAMB will always contribute not only to national development but to the development of the immediate community. This has been the cardinal principle of the board. Part of our policy is to ensure equity in admission that is why we make sure that every segment of this great country is not shortchanged in the admission process.

    “We have created opportunity for people who feel cheated to protest to JAMB and we are very prompt in responding to that. We will continue to promote fairness, equity and all-inclusiveness in the admission process.

    The JAMB registrar also said increased rate of examination malpractices in the country was not good for the development of Nigeria.

    He said a situation where students want to pass examinations at all cost has become a national problem which is not good for the development of the nation.

    Prof. Oloyede said: “We are also soliciting your support in making sure that the youths who represent the focus of JAMB mandate are encouraged to go into education, to make sure that they are part and parcel of the development of this great nation.

    “We have come to also solicit the support of your Highness on how to curb the menace of examination malpractice in the communities. We believe that what we have as a national problem now where students want to pass exams at all cost whether by fair or foul means is not good for the development of the nation.

    “Rather, what we should encourage is absolute sincerity and dedication, honesty in accessing the educational facilities of the country.

    “We also believe that some of the facilities we have, particularly for us in JAMB, we talk about computer based test centres. These centres we do not have enough in the FCT given the large number of applicants in this place.

    “We want to encourage you to urge your sons and daughters who are endowed to setup private CBT centres with appropriate facilities that will make them qualify for the registration by JAMB.”

    Oloyede assured the monarch that the board would continue to contribute to national development.