General News
Drawing line between Term, Life Insurance and Assurance
Life insurance is quite popular among the classes of insurance in Nigeria. Popular as it may be, most people including those who are into any form of life insurances do not know the difference between life insurance and life assurance. Unfortunately, the industry is not still playing the needed awareness creating role that is expected of it. Many players even in this global age are yet to fully adopt modern technology in doing the business, preferring to stick tenaciously to the conservative pattern which held the industry captive for decades. People spend much money on complicated financial products and it is sometimes difficult to track which of these products they keep the tasks to perform. Knowing the basic information of your expected type of coverage, would help to guarantee informed buy. This neglect could cause disagreement between insurers and the insured, with consumers buying overpriced products that may not be suitable to their needs simply because they feel they should have some financial protections, without having knowledge of details of their choice.
One of the most frequently asked questions in relation to many consumers is the difference between insurance companies and policyholders. Simply put, insurance companies cover the cost of an event that happens as long as the policyholder pays the needed premium in the occurrence of an event that could certainly happen. One thing about this type of insurance is that the insurance company only pays once or a certain time in the occurrence of the insured event. Therefore, if no claims are made within the period the policy is made, then they have no residual value.
But for an assurance policy, it is different. One notable feature about an assurance policy is the guaranteed payment. Assurance policies always pay off. For example, life insurance generally pay at the death of the insured or upon reaching the age of 65 years of age. How does this policy work? Assurance policy combines two elements. That is an insurance element that will pay off when the person dies early. This is then used to pay for the funeral or the support of his family. But then there is an additional payment each year and that is the investment portion. The insurance company invests this part of the premium on behalf of the insured and upon reaching the age of 65 this money is then paid out to the insured. Life insurance policies are therefore often referred to as a method of life and as a method of saving for retirement.
It may not be easy to withdraw cash early from the investment portion of life insurance, although it is possible in principle. However, there are usually some penalties attached to this. It is advisable not to cash in early if you do not have strong reasons to do so. The distinction between insurance and assurance is also more and more blurred. Some insurance companies offer both types of policies or functions as a new kind of policy added to another in order to make them more attractive. Important as this distinction may be, it is important that the insured knows know what it is and also demand to know what type of facilities are available for the insurance of your life and provision for the future.On the other hand, Term insurance is the most common in life insurance. It is one of the several types of insurances that cover the insured only for a certain defined time. The term of the insurance stipulates that that is the only time to pay the insurer as the need arises. It is the most common in life insurance. Term insurance is also one of the cheapest ways to insure. But what makes this the right choice?
This class of insurance is used by many. It is one of the cheapest ways to stay insured. The operation is simple. You pay for the insurance, like any other insurance. Under this cover, if the insured dies during the period that the policy is in force, the insurance company will pay as the policies described. But if the person dies after the expiration of the insured term, then the insurance company is not likely to pay, as the insurance covers only the death that occurs during a stated period.
Why would anyone want to take this kind of policy? The fact is that this type of insurance has some advantages, especially when you consider why you need insurance in the first place. If the insured dies, there is provision that could cater for the family left behind.
It is important that the insuring public make careful choice having understood the different provisions of these classes of insurance. The decision as to whether this is the right kind of insurance for your needs is necessary. It takes a lot of understanding, but understanding the difference between each type of insurance would be of immense help to the insuring public.
A new MasterCard report has predicted that Africa’s AI economy will more than triple in five years, reaching $16.5 billion by 2030 from $4.5 billion in 2025.
The whitepaper by the global payments technology company, with a presence in over 50 African countries, identifies responsible adoption, stronger data infrastructure, and aggressive skills development as the three pillars that will determine who benefits.
Mark Elliott, division president for Africa at MasterCard, emphasised that Africa stands at an inflection point, where smart technologies have the potential to make a real difference in people’s lives.
He likened AI’s potential to the continent’s leap into mobile money, which bypassed traditional banking infrastructure and brought millions into the financial system.
“Digital innovation, particularly AI, can drive real change on the ground by empowering communities and building a future where everyone participates in the new economy,” Elliott said.
The in-depth study flags several African frontrunners in AI adoption. South Africa tops the list, blending advanced infrastructure with strong research capabilities. It points out that Kenya is making strides with practical AI solutions, from credit scoring to healthcare services in local languages.
Nigeria’s vibrant start-up scene also gets a strong mention for attracting significant venture capital, while Morocco’s strong push in healthcare, agriculture, and energy, underpinned by bold national digital strategies, is another key driver.
Elliott stressed that success depends on powering electricity access, digitisation, and ensuring AI is fuelled by diverse, high-quality local data.
He added that inclusive transformation needs everyone involved, from small businesses to large corporations, policymakers, and communities. “The only good AI is responsible AI,” said Elliot.
Greg Ulrich, MasterCard’s chief AI and data officer, said Africa’s relationship with technology is one of active innovation, pointing to mobile payments as a homegrown success.
“AI is accelerating this transformation, reshaping how people live, work, and connect,” he said. Ulrich described MasterCard’s fraud detection systems, trained in cities like Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg, as proof that global expertise and local talent can combine to deliver secure, real-time services.
He also cautioned that with scale comes responsibility. “Trust is earned, one transaction at a time,” Ulrich said.
He believes that with one of the world’s youngest populations, Africa’s next challenge is turning strategy into delivery, building infrastructure, nurturing talent, and ensuring AI lifts all communities.
The fellows of MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) Cohort 4 recently embarked on an immersive tour of Huawei’s Innovation Center, Cloud Service Centre, and Network Support Centre in Lagos, as part of their ongoing industry exposure sessions.
L-R: Isaac Ogugua-Ezechukwu, Programs Administrator, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University; Blessings Mosugu, Vice President, MTN Media Innovation Programme Cohort 4; Gavin Geng Xiaoyan, Director of Solution Sales\Chief Technical Officer, Huawei; Vanessa Ukamaka Richard, Secretary, MTN MIP Cohort 4 and Dr Chike Mgbeadichie, Programs Director, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University, during the July session of the MTN Media Innovation Program held at the Huawei office in Victoria Island, recently.
At the Huawei Innovation Center, the fellows were introduced to a wide array of next-generation technologies. Demonstrations covered Huawei’s smart city solutions, advanced power technologies, cloud systems, and upgraded router and antenna designs. These solutions represent the core of Huawei’s contributions as a strategic partner in MTN’s journey from a connectivity provider to a digital enabler.
One of the highlights of the tour was a live demo of an AI-powered video generator, which transformed selfies into high-definition 30-second avatar-based videos. The videos, created and delivered within seconds via Bluetooth, showcased the real-time capabilities of 5G.
Speaking on how 5G is transforming digital lifestyle globally, the Deputy Managing Director, Marketing and Solutions at Huawei Nigeria, Gavin Geng, noted that “Huawei’s goal is to bridge the gap between global innovation and local demand by tailoring technology to meet Nigeria’s specific challenges. From delivering Nigeria’s first digital village alongside our partners, to launching Nigeria’s first local cloud service, we are committed to working with our customers to build infrastructure that serve both urban and underserved communities.”
He emphasised Huawei’s commitment to security and cutting-edge innovation, adding that “as an employee-owned company adhering to strict global security standards, we ensure that customers’ data and connectivity remain secure while they benefit from next-gen solutions such as 5G, AI, smart city technologies.”
The session underscored MTN’s readiness to meet the increasing demands of Nigeria’s data-driven population and support the country’s digital transformation goals.
Afterwards, the fellows received certificates to commemorate the visit and proceeded to the Huawei Service Centre. Spanning 4,000 square metres, the facility supports operations in telecoms, finance, transportation, power, and public service.
With a dedicated DevOps team, the centre customises its monitoring systems for different clients. It is ISO27001 certified, and all employees hold security certifications, reflecting its emphasis on data protection and operational excellence.
To wrap up the day, the MIP cohort was hosted to a dinner attended by MTN’s Chief Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobechukwu Okigbo. He encouraged the delegates to maximise the opportunity the programme offers and shared personal insights during an experience-sharing moment.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has given its Diaspora Front-End Partners (FEPs) 48 hours to obtain and activate their National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment licences on its newly upgraded diaspora enrolment platform.
The commission said the deadline followed the successful completion of a major upgrade aimed at improving the security, efficiency and reliability of NIN registration for Nigerians living abroad.
According to NIMC, the upgraded platform will offer a more seamless and robust service to diaspora applicants, ensuring faster processing and better data protection. To prepare for the transition, all FEPs have been onboarded onto the new system and taken through intensive training to equip them with the knowledge needed for effective management of the platform.
Once compliant partners activate their licences, Nigerians abroad will be able to access NIN enrolment services through them without disruption.
“The Commission apologises for any inconvenience the upgrade process might have caused and has set up a dedicated service team to resolve all issues related to diaspora enrolment,” NIMC said in a statement signed by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, its head of corporate communications.
Diaspora applicants experiencing difficulties have been advised to contact the commission for prompt assistance.
While the new system rolls out overseas, NIN enrolment continues across all centres in Nigeria, with applicants able to locate their nearest centres on the NIMC website. Nigerians at home or abroad can also modify their NIN data via the online self-service portal.
NIMC further encouraged NIN holders to download the NIMC NINAuth App on iOS or Google Play to instantly verify their NIN, control who can access their information, and enjoy secure authentication services.
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