Heirs Insurance Group (HIG) has called for applications for the maiden edition of the Heirs Insurance Hackathon, a technology-driven innovation programme designed to empower young students shape the future of insurance through Artificial Intelligence and digital solutions.
The Hackathon is open only to students in universities, polytechnics, and other tertiary institutions to build solutions for real-world challenges across the insurance value chain, from customer experience and claims processing to underwriting, distribution, data, and operational efficiency.
Registration closes on February 16, 2026, with winning teams to be announced at the Hackathon Grand Finale in April. A total prize pool of N9 million will be awarded to the top three teams.
The initiative reflects Heirs Insurance Group’s commitment to youth empowerment, digital skills development, and inclusive innovation, providing a platform for young Nigerians to apply emerging technologies to critical financial services challenges while gaining exposure to industry, mentorship, and real business problems.
The Hackathon is being delivered in partnership with Redtech, the digital payment solutions arm of Heirs Holdings, which will bring its technical expertise to support the programme and review submitted solutions, ensuring that ideas are evaluated not only for creativity but also for technical feasibility, scalability, and real-world impact.
Commenting on the launch, Peace Philips, Chief Digital Officer, Heirs Insurance Group, said: “Africa’s future will be built by young people who have the opportunity to apply their ideas, creativity, and technology skills to real economic challenges. Through the Heirs Insurance Hackathon, we are giving the next generation of innovators a platform to engage with the insurance industry, build meaningful solutions, and contribute to shaping a more efficient and inclusive financial system.”
Entries can be submitted on the Heirs Insurance Group website at www.heirsinsurancegroup.com/hackathon/

Leadway Assurance Company Limited has commenced a verification exercise for all African Alliance Annuitants, following the successful takeover of the African Alliance Insurance Annuity portfolio.
This critical validation process is the first step in the transition, designed to accurately identify all existing annuitants and update their records.
The primary objective of this exercise is to safeguard the immediate welfare of retirees and ensure that every individual’s benefits are secured for efficient and timely payment.
The verification exercise is a direct response to the regulatory measures
introduced by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to protect
policyholders and strengthen confidence in the sector.
By participating in this exercise, retirees under the African Alliance portfolio can transition seamlessly
to the Leadway brand, ensuring the continuity of their payments without
disruption.
Olufunmilayo Amanwa, Executive Director, Technical & Operations at Leadway Assurance, spoke about the development, stating, “The verification of annuitants is more than just a process; it demonstrates our commitment to retirees. We want to ensure that their years of service and contributions are rewarded with financial certainty and dignity. The validation exercise establishes a solid foundation for timely benefit payments and maintaining the trust placed in us.”
This transfer follows NAICOM’s intervention in appointing an interim
management team as part of the process in settling outstanding annuity
payments. The successful transfer to Leadway not only secures the immediate
welfare of annuitants but also represents a broader step toward strengthening Nigeria’s insurance ecosystem.
How to Complete the Verification:
All African Alliance Annuitants are encouraged to utilise the following channels to validate their information quickly and seamlessly:
i.
Dedicated Leadway Customer Support Lines via: 0708 062 7050
ii.
Email: annuity@Leadway.com
iii.
Visit a Leadway Assurance Office Near You

By Sola Alabadan

With support from Africa Re Foundation, the Nigerian Insurers Association ((NIA) has commenced the development of a Mortality Rate Table for Nigeria.
NIA’s Chairman, Mr. Kunle Ahmed, who confirmed this in a new year message to the chief executive officers of member companies of the association, stated the project is expected to add significant value to the life insurance market in the country.
Since inception, Nigerian insurers have been relying on tables from the UK, but are now striving to produce the first Nigerian-specific mortality tables, truly reflecting Nigerian insurance and pension experience, for more accurate risk assessment.
Similar efforts in the past did not yield fruits, as it would be recalled that the World Bank had around 2007 commissioned a project to compile a befitting mortality table for the Nigerian and African life insurance market.
A mortality table in insurance is a statistical tool (also called a life table) that shows the probability of death at each age, helping actuaries price life insurance, annuities, and pensions by predicting lifespan and financial risks.
These tables use vast population data to calculate mortality rates, allowing insurers to set premiums, assess policyholder longevity, and ensure they can meet future claims, fundamentally guiding risk assessment for lifespan-dependent products.
Ahmed also appreciated the CEOs for their commitment to client’s satisfaction, unwavering support, resilience, and collaborative spirit, which together defined the remarkable progress of the association and the Nigerian insurance industry in 2025.
He pointed out that “The past year was transformative for the NIA, marked by initiatives that deepened the market, boosted public confidence, and strengthened stakeholder engagement. Key achievements included the launch of the NIA Innovation Lab, sustained advocacy on compulsory insurances, constant engagements with our regulator leading to improvements in issued circulars, and broader engagements with agencies like the National Assembly, EFCC, and sister associations to foster a more conducive business environment.
“We also rejuvenated our media strategy, amplified the industry’s voice, and continued capacity-building programmes to equip professionals for an evolving marketplace.
“In 2025, the Nigeria Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) was signed into law, creating a stronger framework for insurance penetration, governance, and sustainable growth. As 2026 begins, the priority is its effective implementation through collaboration among companies, regulators, and stakeholders. The NIA has pledged continued support via advocacy, guidance, capacity-building, and plans to establish a recapitalization help desk to assist members during the transition.
With cooperation, transparency, and shared responsibility, I am confident we will consolidate the gains of 2025 and usher in a new era of growth and public trust.”