News
Unitrust Insurance Attributes Success to Strategic Focus on Sustainable Growth
Unitrust Insurance, has said that the secret of the company’s success has been on its strategic focus on sustainable growth, and consistent improvement on its delivery channels through digital adoption.
The company said emphasis has been on its e-insurance channels which harbor motor; marine and travel insurance.
John ijerheime, the company’s Managing Director, who disclosed this when his company played host to the umbrella body of insurance brokers, the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) in Lagos said learning from the past, the firm has taken deliberate steps to improve risk management framework and corporate governance.
He expressed gratitude to the NCRIB for the opportunity given to the company to host the event, and pledged that Unitrust Insurance would continue to put in its best to ensure it delivers beyond expectations and also ensures a cordial mutual relationship with the brokers.
The company, at the event was endorsed and rated as a progressive underwriter worth doing business with by the NCRIB.
Dr Mrs.Bola Onigbogi, NCRIB President, who led other brokers to endorse the underwriting firm, noted that the company had distinguished itself by being brokers friendly and had over the years surpassed all expectations.
She congratulated the Management team for its success stories so far, while assuring them that the firm’s profile and account would soar after the meeting with brokers.
Mrs. Yetunde Adenuga, the company’s Executive Director, Technical, noted that the firm had over the years maintained a robust relationship with brokers, stressing that the relationship would be sustained to ensure growth of the insurance industry.
She submitted that since 1986 when the company started operations, it has continued to experience a steady growth, adding that the firm’s approved financials for 2021 revealed a total assets of N18.72 billion; shareholders’ fund of N14.31 billion and solvency margin of N8.92 billion.
According to her, the company’s total net claims paid in 2020 was N598.84 million, whilst N934.70 million has been paid from January 2021 till date.
She maintained that following federal government’s directives for recapitalisation of insurance companies in 2019, the firm has put arrangements in place to remain at the forefront.
News
Union Bank gets Multiple ISO Certifications
Union Bank has attained certifications in MSECB management system in ISO/IEC 27001:2022, ISO 22301:2019, and ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018.
MSECB is a leading international provider of audit and certification services for management systems based on a wide range of global standards.
A recent statement from the bank disclosed that it received the certifications following assessments of its management system covering information security, its service delivery, and business continuity standards under the combined Information Management Systems standards.
The information security management systems ISO/IEC 27001:2022, ISO 22301:2019, and ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 are internationally recognised standards that outline the requirements for establishing an effective information management system that guides against data breaches, IT system compromises, and disruptions to business processes.
Commenting on the bank’s recent attainment, Francis Mojoyinlola, Chief Information Security Officer at Union Bank, said, “The bank’s continued adherence to best international practices, as acknowledged by an independent third-party audit from a reputable international certification firm, reaffirms our capacity to erect, implement, and maintain best information and security management practices.
“We remain committed to offering our esteemed customers simpler, more innovative services rooted in the highest standards of information security and cutting-edge innovative banking service.”
The recent achievement by Union Bank follows the bank’s recertification of Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard version 3.2 and the International Organisation for Standardisation ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification attained in 2018.
According to the lender, it further highlights its commitment to the strictest information management security standards while securing its pride of place as one of Nigeria’s most trusted financial institutions.
News
PalmPay Bolsters Lagos Agriculture Initiative with Effortless Payment Solutions
PalmPay, a leading fintech platform, has partnered with the Lagos State Government to bolster its agricultural initiative, offering robust payment solutions to empower residents and businesses alike with the necessary financial tools for success through the Food Discount Market initiative tagged – Ounje Eko.
Ounje Eko, meaning – Lagos Food, is a food intervention program by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, aimed at providing succour to residents. This initiative is taking place across five (5) divisions of the State.
The Ounje Eko markets were opened at 27 locations in Ikeja; six in Lagos Island; nine in Ikorodu; five in Epe; and 10 in Badagry divisions. The food items – rice, beans, garri, bread, eggs, tomatoes, and pepper, among others – were sold at a 25% discount to residents.
Commenting on the initiative, Enakeno Umuteme, the Head of Marketing Communications, PalmPay, noted, “The Ounje Eko is indeed a laudable initiative especially as the country’s inflation rate stands at 30% according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
“PalmPay is privileged to have participated in the Ounje Eko Initiative and offered its support as one of the Independent Payment Solution providers to have partnered with Lagos State Government as payment platforms providing POS terminals as a means of payment.”
Mr Umuteme added, “At PalmPay, we are always committed to empowering individuals and businesses with the tools they need to thrive, and we believe that having supported this intervention, we were able to make a meaningful impact in our community.”
With PalmPay’s expertise in delivering secure and efficient digital payment solutions, coupled with its involvement in the discounted market initiative, both vendors and consumers can anticipate a seamless and user-friendly experience.
News
6 Ways Agritech can Revolutionise Grocery Aisles
By Diana Tenebe, Chief Operating Officer, FoodStuff Store
Forget grocery drudgery. Imagine vibrant shelves overflowing with fresh produce, thanks to a digital revolution on the farm. Agritech tackles food waste, not directly on store shelves, but throughout the food journey.
Globally, food waste is a staggering 1.6 billion tons, with a significant portion lost in supply chains. In Nigeria alone, 14 million tons are wasted annually. Here are 6 ways Agritech can offer a solution.
Precision Farming: Gone are the days of guesswork. Sensors and data analysis nowadays provide real-time insights, allowing farmers to optimise resource use and boost yields. Imagine perfectly nurtured fruits and vegetables! Additionally, agritech can analyse consumer demand and weather patterns to optimise harvests, reducing surplus that spoils before reaching stores.
Fresher, Faster Deliveries: The farm-to-store journey can be improved on so it is no longer slow and wasteful. Advancements in logistics, storage, and distribution ensure food arrives fresher and faster. Cold chain improvements and optimised routes mean fruits and vegetables retain nutrients and flavour all the way to the grocery aisle. Agritech can also play a role here by using sensors to monitor storage conditions and track shipments, minimising spoilage during transport.
Beyond Efficiency: Agritech isn’t just about optimising existing food systems. It can also be used in driving innovation. From plant-based alternatives to lab-grown meat, agritech across the world is pushing the boundaries of what we consider “food,” offering consumers a wider variety of healthy and sustainable choices.
Connecting the Dots: Traditionally, a complex web of middlemen stands between farms and supermarkets. This lengthens the supply chain, impacting both freshness and price. Agritech platforms disrupt this model by establishing a direct link between producers and retailers. Imagine farmers uploading their harvest information, including type, quantity, and quality, directly onto an Agritech platform. Supermarkets can then browse these offerings and place orders efficiently. This streamlined process eliminates unnecessary intermediaries, reducing costs and expediting delivery.
Extending Shelf Life: Research focuses on developing technologies like special packaging or coatings to slow down spoilage and extend the shelf life of perishables. These coatings might act as a second skin, regulating moisture loss and respiration rates, or even contain natural antimicrobials to fight off spoilage-causing bacteria. This not only reduces food waste but also keeps our grocery aisles stocked with fresher produce for longer.
Reducing Waste, Fighting Hunger: Agritech can connect supermarkets with organisations that collect surplus food nearing expiry. This food can be redistributed to communities or food banks, reducing waste and hunger.
Agritech’s digital revolution is transforming food production, impacting what ends up on our shelves, paving the way for a future with less waste and more abundance.
- Telecom2 days ago
Airtel Africa Records Loss as Revenue Falls on Naira Devaluation
- News2 days ago
PalmPay Bolsters Lagos Agriculture Initiative with Effortless Payment Solutions
- E-Business2 days ago
Kaspersky Reports Show Every Third Cyber Incident was Due to Ransomware
- Telecom2 days ago
Access Bank, Mastercard Join Forces to Expand Opportunities for Cross-Border Payments for African Businesses and Consumers
- Telecom2 days ago
The Telecoms Sector Cannot be Used Palliative for Economic Woes –Adebayo
- E-Financial2 days ago
OPay clarifies New CBN directive, Reassures Customers
- E-Financial2 days ago
FBNQuest Merchant Bank Reports Strong Financial Performance and Strategic Growth Initiatives in 2023
- Telecom2 days ago
Google’s Hustle Academy Re-launches with AI Focus to Empower African SMBs