The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched the Students Anti-Corruption Vanguard (SAV), an initiative aimed at empowering young Nigerians to take an active stand against corruption in the country.

Addressing the new members of the Vanguard, who are students from various tertiary institutions, on Tuesday in Abuja, the Secretary to the Commission, Barr. Cliford Oparaodu, stated that youth play a critical role in combating corruption and fostering a culture of transparency and integrity in society.

The Secretary noted that 60% of the country’s population is under the age of thirty, with the passion, energy, and creativity needed to address corruption.

Represented by Mr. Demola Bakare, Acting Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, he stressed that corruption has long hampered national development, eroded public trust, and perpetuated poverty, inequality, and injustice, making it crucial for the younger generation to understand its impact and be actively involved in the fight.

“Education and awareness are powerful tools in combating corruption. As young Nigerians, we must strive to educate ourselves about the detrimental effects corruption has on our society.

We must understand that corruption not only stifles economic growth but also perpetuates poverty, inequality, and injustice. By equipping ourselves with this knowledge, and building capacity for anti-corruption, we can become advocates for change, spreading awareness among our peers, families, and communities,” he said.

Oparaodu also highlighted the role of technology, encouraging youths to leverage their technological skills to enhance transparency and accountability. “Embracing technology can be a game-changer in our fight against corruption. We are living in an era of unprecedented technological advancements, and Nigerian youths have proven themselves adept at utilizing these tools.

We must harness the power of technology to increase transparency, enhance accountability, and improve governance. Mobilizing our coding skills, data analysis abilities, and social media prowess, we can expose corrupt practices, track public spending, and facilitate citizen participation in anti-corruption initiatives,” he remarked.

The Secretary also emphasized the importance of youth engagement in politics, advocating for ethical leadership, and holding elected officials accountable.

“As young Nigerians, we must challenge the status quo, advocate for ethical leadership, and demand accountability from our elected representatives,” he added.

He concluded by calling on the youth to unite, collaborate with civil society, and work towards a corruption-free Nigeria.

National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has given insurance companies a December 31, 2024 deadline to clear all outstanding genuine claims.

This was disclosed by Mrs. Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, Managing Director of Rex Insurance Limited, who doubles as the Head, Communication & Stakeholders Management Sub-committee at a press conference held after the Insurers’ Committee management meeting in Lagos recently.

The meeting marked the first gathering of the Insurers Committee with Mr. Olusegun Omosehin as the Commissioner for Insurance (CFI).

She informed that Mr. Omosehin charged insurance executives at the event to ensure that no outstanding claims are captured in their 2024 financial accounts. Mrs. Nwachukwu pointed out that the CFI also tasked insurers to pay specific attention to the implementation of the 10-year roadmap for the Insurance Strategic Plan.

“The regulator said it would be checking in an intensive and focused manner the outstanding claims in the insurer’s books. The Commission said its focus is on the soundness of the insurance industry, measured by the ability to meet their obligations when due,” Mrs. Nwachukwu said.

She said the CFI also charged the insurance companies to take steps towards recapitalisation by evaluating their financial position regarding the need to raise fresh capital.

According to her, the charge came having exposed a draft of the Risk-Based Supervision (RBS) regulations to the operators, adding that the CFI further encouraged brokers to ensure strict compliance with the “no premium, no cover” regulation, having observed some violations in the past.

She disclosed that NAICOM had encouraged insurers to protect data and submit their companies’ financial statements on time to boost the confidence of stakeholders, as well as pay attention to the legal and regulatory framework for the industry under the Insurance Bill 2024.

“He spoke about focusing on compliance issues under the prudential guidelines released by NAICOM to the insurers and putting an end to corporate governance abuses recognised within the industry,” she said.

She disclosed that the regulator had insisted that insurers get proper approval from NAICOM before any newly appointed executive director assumes duties.

At the session, Insurance Sector Stability; Communication & Stakeholders Management; Technology & Talent Management, and Customer Service & Market Expansions committees were constituted to propel industry’s broad plans and objectives.

Speaking with two policyholders: one of whom pleaded anonymous while the other gave his name as Ola Abiodun, they said they were excited about the marching order given to underwriters to pay genuine claims as some of them narrates past excruciating experiences.

“Many insurance companies walk the talk, they keep their words. But some of them without mentioning their names are not real; you can even see how NAICOM took over the management of one insurance company recently, this is what we want to see: strict regulation, they should be sanctioned who fails to compensate policyholders with genuine claims, trust is a scarce commodity and when confidence is lost, business perishes” they maintained.

The incoming Clerk to the National Assembly, Barr. kamoru Ogunlana has expressed appreciation to the Zenith Bank, National Assembly Branch for their gesture by congratulating him on his appointment as the new Clerk to the National Assembly.

Responding towards the gesture after the presentation of Cake during their visit to his office today, the new Clerk stated that the congratulation is coming so early as his appointment would commence 2nd of February, 2025 but since they have decided to congratulate him, he therefore dedicated the cake to the management of the National Assembly.

He however, promised to work with them, especially since National Assembly has decided to bring together all its agencies back to the National Assembly Complex.

He however, expressed appreciation towards the gesture and promised to work with them towards ensure good working relationship.

Earlier in his speech the leader of the Zenith Bank representative, Aminu Lawal Kankara congratulated Barr. Kamoru Ogunlana over his appointment, he equally promised to work together with his leadership.