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FG Receives Repatriated 600-year-old Ife Artefact 

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Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affairs (left), Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture and Harry van Dijk, Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria while receiving the artefact in Abuja on Thursday.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed received the repatriated Ife Terracotta from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, in the company of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Harry van Dijk on Thursday in Abuja.
The Minister said the return of the stolen Ife Terracotta marked a milestone in Nigeria’s efforts at pursuing the return of the country ’s antiquities.
Segun Adeyemi, Special Assistant to Lai Mohammed, quoted the Minister as saying the government’s resolve to seek the repatriation of the nation’s timeless and priceless artifact was strengthened by the President Muhammadu Buhari’s marching order for Nigeria to tap into tourism and other fields, where Nigeria has comparative advantages, in order to generate income for the nation and secure jobs for our youths.
Mohammed said, “ It gives me profound joy to receive this very important antiquity, an Ife Terracotta , which is dated to be at least 600 years old . I am even more delighted that our efforts at pursuing the return of Nigerian antiquities , which we launched last November , have started yielding
fruits .
“ One way of generating income for the country is if our cultural properties are exhibited around the world to a fee -paying audience, on the basis of proper agreement that acknowledges us as owners and confers the right benefits on us. But this is not possible for as long as most of them adorn the museums and private collections of others , who describe them as their properties. ”
While describing the handing over of the artifact as a new beginning, the Minister said apart from the pecuniary benefits , the priceless objects wrought by the nation ’s forebears are unifying factors among the diverse cultures in the country .
He said the Ife Terracotta was smuggled from Nigeria through Ghana to The Netherlands in 2019 with a forged document.
The Minister of Information and Culture said following the interception of the artifact by the Dutch Customs at Schiphol Airport in The Netherlands , Nigeria was invited to prove her case against the suspected smuggler , which the country did successfully , hence the return of the artifact .
“ Let me state here that Nigeria believes in joint international efforts to put a stop to illicit export and import of cultural goods . The issue of cultural property should not be a ground of rancour and discord among nations . That is if nations choose to tow the path which the Kingdom of The Netherlands has chosen by insisting on justice , fairness , and amity . ”
Onyeama thanked The Netherlands for the efficient and expeditious manner in which it deployed resources to identify , retrieve , and repatriate the Ife Terracotta to Nigeria .
Harry van Dijk said the return of the artifact is a fitting gift to mark the 50 th anniversary of the UNESCO Convention on the Prevention of Illicit Trafficking of Culture Heritage, of which Nigeria and The Netherlands are signatories .
The Director- General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Prof . Abba Isa -Tijjani, has taken custody of the artifact for cleaning and treatment at the Conversation Laboratory before its eventual display to the public.

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Business

NAICOM Issues New Licenses To SanlamAllianz After Merger

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The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) today handed over new licenses to SanlamAllianz Life and General Insurance Nigeria Limited in Abuja.

Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, emphasised the ccommission’s commitment to supporting the growth of insurance entities in the country, while ensuring strict compliance with regulatory requirements.
He urged the companies to prioritize good corporate governance, stability, and timely claims settlement processes.

The Commissioner reiterated NAICOM’s dedication to removing unnecessary bottlenecks and improving the insurance industry’s overall performance.
He expressed confidence that the merger would enhance the companies’ capabilities and contribute to the industry’s growth.

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Leadway Health HMO Wins Award Again

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Leadway Health HMO has been honoured with the Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) of the Year award at the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA) for the third consecutive year.
This achievement affirms Leadway Health HMO’s position as a consistent leader in delivering innovative, accessible, and customer-focused healthcare solutions across Nigeria. Leadway Health HMO set a new record, one that has never been achieved in the 15-year history of the NHEAwards.
The award, presented in Lagos recently, 2025, celebrates the organisation’s excellence in service delivery, technology integration, unmatched service delivery, and its expanding provider network.
Speaking on this achievement, Chief Executive Officer, Leadway Health HMO, Dr. Tokunbo Alli, stated, “Receiving the HMO of the Year award for the third consecutive year is a deeply meaningful milestone for us at Leadway Health HMO. It is more than an accolade; it is a resounding validation of our commitment to transforming healthcare delivery in Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large.
“In a country where fewer than one in ten people have access to health insurance, we recognise the immense responsibility we carry. Through our investment in digital innovation, operational efficiency, and inclusive health plans, we are not only improving access to quality care but also setting new benchmarks for service excellence within the industry. This recognition reflects the trust our customers place in us and the unwavering dedication of our team and partners who make our vision a reality every day.”
Alli added, “We will continue to scale our hospital partnerships, enhance claims transparency, and leverage technology to deliver even more accessible, affordable, and customer-centric healthcare solutions. This award strengthens our resolve to be at the forefront of Nigeria’s health transformation journey—driving meaningful change, one life at a time.”
Leadway Health HMO’s triple win comes at a time when trust and performance in the HMO sector are under scrutiny. With a growing population, rising healthcare costs, and a national goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, the company’s performance positions it as a crucial stakeholder in driving Nigeria’s health transformation agenda.
The Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards, founded in 2014 by Global Health Project and Resources in collaboration with Anadach Group USA, is the industry’s most respected recognition platform. This year’s edition was themed “Collaborating for Impact: Strengthening Health Systems through the SWAP Approach”, emphasising unified efforts to drive change.

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NAICOM Wants Nationwide Conversation About Power Of Insurance

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By Sola Alabadan

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has enjoined insurance operators to ensure that they ignite a nationwide conversation about the power of insurance as the inaugural edition of Insurance Week holds across the country.

The Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive of NAICOM, Olusegun Omosehin who spoke in Lagos on Monday, affirmed that the Insurance Week is designed to raise national awareness about the vital role of insurance in Nigeria’s growth and development.

To truly secure Nigeria’s future, he pointed out that “we must educate the public on the benefits of insurance, develop products that meet the needs of all Nigerians, wnsure prompt and transparent claims processing, as well as invest in talent and technology to drive innovation and trust.

At NAICOM, he said the regulatory body is committed to building a strong, inclusive, and globally respected insurance industry, and has been driving reforms to strengthen consumer protection, promote digital innovation, ensure capital adequacy and sound governance, while expanding access to underserved communities.

On why insurance matters, he stated that “In today’s fast-changing world, risks are everywhere—economic shocks, natural disasters, health crises, and more” adding that these uncertainties can disrupt lives and derail national progress.

“Insurance is our shield. It helps individuals, businesses, and governments manage these risks, recover from losses, and build resilience.
Without insurance, your economy would be more vulnerable, and our people less secure. That’s why this year’s theme, “Insurance for All: Securing Nigeria’s Future,” is both timely and essential” he emphasised.

Omosehin maintained that “The future of Nigeria depends on how well we manage risk. Every decision—whether by individuals, businesses, or government—carries uncertainty. Insurance provides the tools to navigate these uncertainties and protect our collective future.”

The NAICOM boss further urged the nsurance operators to renew their commitment to building an industry that serves the people and supports national development and use every platform—media, schools, communities, and workplaces—to spread the message that insurance is not a luxury; but a necessity.

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