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New Guideline Allowing Use Of Pension Contributions For Residential Mortgage Excites Pension Operators

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By Sola Alabadan

The pension operators in Nigeria are excited that the National Pension Commission (PenCom) has finally issued the guidelines that allow Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders to use 25 percent of their RSA balance to pay for residential mortgage.
The pension operators under the aegis of Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) said they are primmed to partner with the PenCom, RSA holders and other stakeholders, to ensure that this guideline, in line with Section 89 (2) of the Pension Reform Act 2014, is implemented successfully. PenOp comprises all the Licensed Pension Fund Custodians, Pension Fund Administrators and Closed Pension Fund Administrators (PFCs, PFAs and CPFAs) operating in Nigeria.
While pointing out that the policy will help to improve the homeownership ratio and first-time home buyer statistics in Nigeria, the association added that the policy is very catalytic in nature and has the potential to spur growth in other sectors of the economy.
PenOp stated that “It should boost the mortgage finance and home loan sector, in addition to having a positive effect on the construction value chain and building materials sector.
“We believe it will create massive jobs for artisans and blue color workers involved in the construction value chain and also further open up wealth management and financial planning industry.
“RSA holders will now begin to plan towards a target RSA balance because they have a goal of owning a home.
We also believe that voluntary contributions will increase because people can use the contingent portion of their voluntary contributions as part of the equity contribution for residential mortgages. In addition, more companies will now take their contributions more seriously as will staffs of these companies.
PenOp urged those who do not have an RSA account to commence the process in conjunction with their employers, even as the operators encouraged workers in self-employment to take advantage of the Micro Pension Plan (MPP).
In view of the fact that the policy extends to self-employed individuals and those in the informal sector, the pension operators believe it would help to grow the Micro Pension business and ensure that millions of Nigerians in the informal sector have the opportunity to enjoy structured pensions when they retire and also benefit from the gains of the pension reform.

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Business

Leadway Pensure Grows Revenue By 25%

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Leadway Pensure, a licensed pension fund administrator in Nigeria, recorded a 25% annual fund growth in 2023, thereby exceeding its financial targets set for the year. 
  
Speaking on Leadway Pensure’s season of revenue and investment growth, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lanre Idris, stated that this outstanding achievement further solidifies the company’s position as a value-driven, growth-oriented organisation with a unique drive thereby positioning PFA as a trusted and capable financial management partner in the pension industry. 
  
“In a landscape defined by economic uncertainties, Leadway Pensure has not only weathered the storm but has soared beyond expectations, achieving an exceptional 25% growth in fund under management, surpassing our ambitious targets for 2023. The drivers to achieving this remarkable financial milestone includes the team’s assertive revenue drive, deploying astute strategic investment steps, embracing digital innovations and adopting a customer-centric approach as the cornerstone of our operations. By prioritising the evolving needs of our clients and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, we have not only adapted to the challenges of the times but have thrived amidst them. 
  
“This achievement underscores the dedication and resilience of our team, whose collective efforts have propelled us to new heights. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide unparalleled service and value to our esteemed clients. With our sights set on the future, we are poised to continue our growth trajectory, setting new benchmarks of excellence in the industry.” 

This remarkable achievement comes on the heels of treble awards for the brand as West Africa’s Pension & Lifestyle Company of the Year, Best Customer Care awards, and its Chief Executive Officer, Lanre Idris, named Best Pension and Finance CEO of the Year, all in 2023. 
 
 
As an integral part of the Leadway Group, Leadway Pensure PFA has consistently provided exceptional pension administration and fund management services to individuals, corporate organisations, federal and state institutions.
  

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NAICOM Mourns As Commissioner’s Wife Passes On

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The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has announced the passing of Mrs. Oyinade Folashade Thomas, the wife of the Commissioner for Insurance/Chief Executive, who passed away on April 12, after a brief illness.

The statement reads in part “Mrs. Thomas was a pillar of strength, support, and a source of inspiration to her family, friends, and colleagues. Her kind-hearted nature, compassion, and generosity touched the lives of countless individuals, making her an exceptional woman who will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

“Throughout her life, Mrs. Thomas demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to the insurance industry as she stood side by side with her husband, the Commissioner for Insurance/Chief Executive, in his mission to ensure the development and growth of the insurance sector in Nigeria.
“She recognised the vital role of insurance in providing financial security to individuals, businesses and communities.

“The loss of Mrs Thomas will be felt by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
“The National Insurance Commission extends its deepest condolences to the Commissioner for Insurance/Chief Executive and his entire family during this difficult time. In this period of mourning, our hearts and prayers go out to them, offering comfort and support on behalf of the entire insurance community”.

The Commission also expressed gratitude to the insurance industry stakeholders, friends, and well-wishers for their outpouring of sympathy and prayers, saying “We appreciate your understanding and support as the Commissioner for Insurance/Chief Executive mourns the loss of his beloved wife”.

NAICOM added that the funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.

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Pension Operators Organise Webinar On Managing Diabetes

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The Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) organised a medical webinar recently, to enlighten the populace that managing our health and well-being has become increasingly crucial, particularly as new ailments and diseases emerge.
The medical webinar titled “Managing Diabetes in Everyday Life,” emphasised the significance of healthy living and health management.
The webinar provided pension industry professionals with comprehensive insights into diabetes, including its types, identification, causes, and management strategies.
Adaobi Okoye, PenOp’s Head of Human Resources, opened the session by underscoring the necessity of health management for optimal functioning both at work and in daily life. Oguche Agudah, CEO of PenOp, further emphasized the importance of regular exercise and encouraged attendees to maximize the webinar’s opportunities. The online session garnered participation from over 200 pension industry professionals.
Facilitated by Dr. Akinkunmi Ilori, Group Head of Medical Operations at Bastion HMO and a renowned medical doctor and public health specialist, the webinar delved into the signs, symptoms, screening methods, treatment options, and prevention strategies for diabetes.
Dr. Akinkunmi explained that diabetes encompasses a group of diseases affecting how the body’s tissues utilize glucose, resulting in high blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production or ineffective insulin response. He discussed various types of diabetes, including Type 1, Type 2, Gestational, and Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), along with their causes and management approaches such as oral medications, insulin injections, and lifestyle modifications.
Addressing risk factors such as age, ethnicity, family history, and obesity, Dr. Akinkunmi stressed the importance of dietary habits and regular physical activity in diabetes management. He also highlighted optimal blood sugar levels for diabetic individuals.
The webinar concluded with attendees gaining practical knowledge on diabetes screening, treatment options, and effective management and prevention strategies, empowering them to take proactive steps towards better health and well-being.

The webinar was part of PenOp’s ongoing monthly knowledge-sharing sessions. These sessions provide a platform for professionals in the pension industry to network, exchange ideas, and listen to subject matter experts discuss relevant topics.

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