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AXA’s Jumoke Odunlami Advocates AI, Innovation for Industry Expansion

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Jumoke Odunlami

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The insurance sector can leverage technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), and innovation to accelerate growth, the Chief Distribution Officer of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Ms Jumoke Odunlami, has posited.

Speaking recently at the Ambassadors Project on Insurance Awareness at the Lagos State University (LASU), she said AI would play a crucial role in bridging the knowledge gap about insurance in Nigeria.

According to her, technology will help get insurance into the hands of more Nigerians and address some of the issues that are fuelling distrust in insurance products.

“Sometimes, knowledge comes from experiencing a product. When you use it, you understand it better. Technology is a tool that can give that level of access.

“For example, through our telecoms and fintech partners, we are reaching over 1.5 million Nigerians with microinsurance.

“These are people who could have been deprived of the opportunity to try out insurance. But through USSD and savings apps, we are now reaching them and they are enjoying the benefits of insurance. That is the power of technology.

“While we are reaching more people and getting them to try out insurance, AI will play a crucial role in ensuring that their expectations are not cut short. We understand that the trust in insurance is still fragile and if we reach more people and can’t keep the promise, we will break the trust and lose the opportunity to educate them.

“But imagine where we can deploy AI to customize, personalize and increase the speed of fulfilment. That is going to be a game changer, and that’s what we should all invest in as an industry,” Ms Odunlami stressed while delivery a lecture at the event organized by the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) in partnership with LASU’s Insurance Department.

The insurance expert noted that while pricing and risk assessment remain vital to insurance operations, educating the public is key to building trust in the industry.

“The challenge with insurance goes beyond mere awareness. People know that insurance is important; they just haven’t found a reason to trust it.

“Understanding the needs of our consumers and providing solutions to meet those needs is essential. Encouraging students to envision themselves as future leaders of the industry,” she stated.

Ms Odunlami highlighted the transformative power of innovation and digital advancements in shaping the future of insurance in Nigeria. She pointed to the country’s low insurance penetration as a compelling reason for industry professionals, particularly emerging talents, to embrace AI and customer-focused solutions in driving the sector’s growth.

“The future of our industry will be led by those who champion innovation. This transformation will foster a more resilient and inclusive insurance ecosystem,” she added.

“The event served as an invaluable platform for vibrant discussions between thought leaders and the next generation of insurance professionals from LASU.

Others who graced the occasion included the chief executive of Consolidated Hallmark Insurance, Ms Mary Adeyanju, and others.

As Nigeria’s insurance sector continues to develop, the message is clear: the industry’s future depends on embracing technology, driving innovation, and ensuring inclusivity.

With the next generation of professionals poised to make their mark, the call to action is unmistakable: leverage technology, innovate, and lead the transformation of Nigeria’s insurance landscape for a brighter tomorrow.

Modupe Gbadeyanka is a fast-rising journalist with Business Post Nigeria. Her passion for journalism is amazing. She is willing to learn more with a view to becoming one of the best pen-pushers in Nigeria. Her role models are the duo of CNN's Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

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Pastor Ogbueli’s Abuja Night of Glory Holds Today

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Abuja Night of Glory

By Blaise Udunze

Momentum is gathering for the Abuja Night of Glory taking place today, Friday, December 5, 2025, at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

The crusade is being hosted by Dominion City Church headed by Pastor David Ogbueli and it starts by 7pm.

The all-night programme will feature dynamic worship leaders like Nathanial Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Theophilus Sunday, Chioma Jesus, Kaestrings, Sunmisola Agbebi Okeleye, Minister GUC, Ebuka Songs, Anthony Kani, and DC Angels.

Reputed as a teacher of righteousness and anointed minister of the gospel, evidenced by the miracles that have trailed his ministry, and one who champions the cause of the poor through empowerment initiatives, Dr. David Ogbueli will be joined by renowned ministers from within and outside Nigeria, including Evangelist Andres Bisonni, Dr. Charles Ndifon, Evangelist Dan Scott, Apostle Ikechukwu Nnajiofor, and several others.

Night of Glory has, in previous editions held across Nigeria’s cities, recorded remarkable results, such as immediate healings and freedom from chronic ailments, recovery of vision and movement after many years of paralysis, along with liberation from dependencies and emotional distress. Numerous participants have also shared testimonies of breakthroughs and big personal changes after the experience. Organisers state that this year’s event, in Abuja, is anticipated to exceed previous editions.

The event is intended for all individuals trusting God for divine intervention in any area of life.

Understanding the role of faith in the destiny of individuals and nations, a dedicated prayer session for Nigeria will take place during the crusade to tackle some of the current challenges being faced in the country and also to uplift he leaders and institutions before God.

Attendance is free, and registration is encouraged via the QR codes on event banners. Organisers expect a massive turnout as worshippers travel from across the country for what is anticipated to be a transformative encounter.

Adequate security and free transportation have been put in place ALL over the city of Abuja, while those outside Abuja are expected to join online.

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Rivers Speaker, 15 Other Lawmakers Leave PDP for APC

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rivers speaker Martin Amaewhule defect

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martin Amaewhule, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

At the plenary on Friday, Mr Amaewhule joined the ruling party from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with 15 other members of the state parliament.

This development comes some months after they had earlier declared their support for the APC in the wake of a crisis with the state governor, Mr Sim Fubura.

The lawmakers had an issue with Mr Fubura, which led to a state of emergency declared on the oil-rich state by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025.

This embargo was only lift in September 2025 after the duration of the six-month emergency rule in the state.

A few days ago, members of the Rivers Assembly passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu, backing him to remain in office till 2031, when he would have spent eight years in office if re-elected in 2027.

Announcing their defection today, the lawmakers pinned their decision on the crisis rocking the PDP at the national level.

It is not certain if their political godfather, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will join them in APC.

Mr Wike, who governed Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, has been accused of instigating the crisis in the opposition PDP. He was expelled from the party last month at a national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

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Nigeria Risks Brain Drain in Energy Sector—PENGASSAN

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energy sector

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has warned that Nigeria risks massive brain drain in the oil and gas sector due to poor remuneration.

The president of PENGASSAN, Mr Festus Osifo, said at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union on Thursday in Abuja that the industry was facing challenges arising from Naira devaluation and inflation, noting that, oil and gas skills remained globally competitive.

Painting an example, he said, “A drilling engineer in Nigeria does the same job as one in the US or Abu Dhabi,” noting that the union must take steps to bridge the wage gap to prevent members from leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.

“If we don’t act, the brain drain seen in other sectors will be child’s play,” he said.

According to him, PENGASSAN has recorded significant gains through collective bargaining across oil and gas branches.

“We signed numerous agreements across government agencies, IOCs, service and marketing sectors,” he said.

He said the agreements brought relief to members facing rising costs of living, adding that, the association’s duty is to protect members’ jobs and enhance their pay.

Mr Osifo urged companies delaying salary reviews and those foot-dragging as a result of the prevailing economic realities, to do the needful.

He said the industry employed some of the nation’s best talents, making competitive pay critical to retaining skilled workers.

“This industry recruits the best. Companies must provide the best conditions,” he said.

On insecurity, Mr Osifo urged government to take decisive action against terrorism and kidnappings across the country.

“We are tired of condemnations. government must expose sponsors and protect citizens,” he said.

He urged government at all levels to prioritise tackling insecurity through better funding and equipment for security agencies.

Mr Osifo said PENGASSAN supported calls for state police to improve local security response, adding that decentralising policing will protect citizens better than rhetoric.

He also said economic indicators meant little, if food prices remained high and farmers could not return to farms due to insecurity.

“Nigerians want to see food on the table, not macroeconomic figures,” he said, urging the government to coordinate fiscal and monetary policies to ensure economic gains reach households.

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