Lasaco Holds 41st AGM, Declares 2020 As Year Of Awesome Performance, Despite Covid-19 Pandemic

The Chairman of Lasaco Assurance Plc, Mrs Olateju Philips, has disclosed that in spite of the challenging situation experienced in the year 2020 has a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company was able to deliver an awesome performance with a record Gross Premium Written of N10.937billion. 

Mr Philips who made this known during the company’s 41st Annual General Meeting held at Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA Lagos, added that Lasaco Assurance Plc was able to generate N8.05billion in net underwriting income as against N6.71billion made in 2019, signifying an increase of 20% year on year. 

According to her,”In spite of the challenging situation experienced during the course of the year, the company was able to deliver an awesome performance in 2020 and grew stakeholders’ value. We recorded a Gross Premium Written of N10.937billion. 

“This signifies a 17% growth in performance compared to Gross Premium Written in 2019. The company made N8.05billion in net underwriting income as against N6.71billion made in 2019 signifying an increase of 20% year on year. 

“100% increase was recorded in profit before tax from N315.7billion in 2019 to N679.4million in 2020. Our total asset grew from N18.5billion to N20.5billion signifying 11% increase while shareholders’ fund declined by 2% from N7.98billion in 2019 to N7.80billion in 2020.

Speaking further, she said that with the array of economic events which the company was able to manage in the previous year and strategies put in place by the leadership of the organization, 2021 promises to be better for Lasaco Assurance Plc. 

“We are also hopeful that the economic policy adjustments and reforms will aid the business environment positively.

“In the last one year, we have worked assiduously to map out strategies to improve our identity and visibility to increase sales and market share. Our strategies to improve our identity and visibility to increase sales and market share. 

“Our strategic digital transformation plan will aid customer experience and the diversification of income streams deepening will add tremendous value to the bottom line.

“Plans have also been devised for the diversification of our Investment portfolio. This will spur the organization to growth through increase in investment income.

She lamented that the COVID-19 pandemic placed Nigeria in a critical condition in 2020 as the country locked down economic activities at the beginning of quarter 2020 in order to minimize the spread of COVID-19 virus. 

She said the country entered the crisis with the failing per capital income, high inflation, and governance challenges which affected every aspect of business and economic lives.

“The Nigeria's economy experienced a 3.6% contraction in the first three quarters of 2020 leading to the worst recessions in decades, oil prices improved and the authorities employed policies to counter the economic distress. 

“The economy even with the various unrest experienced across the country, returned to growth albeit marginally, in the final quarter of year 2020, with GDP expanding 0.11% year -on year beating market expectations of 1.9% decline.

“Inflation galloped to a 34- month high 15.75% in December 2020 from 11.98% same period in 2019, fueled by increase food prices due to constraints on domestic supplies and the effect of an exchanged premium that widened to about 24%. 

Mrs Philips lamented that citizens agitations in many parts of the country, especially End SARS protest also disrupted lots of activities leading to lost of lives and properties. 

She stated that this affected insurance businesses in the country as claims in both high frequency,high severity and near  catastrophy were recorded country wide. 

“In 2020, Nigeria financially markets based her actions on the monetary policy. The equity market rose to 50% in 2020. It tops performance is over a decade. However, stock performance in 2021 depends on the direction of monetary policy and relative to business environment.

“Nigeria economy is anticipated to grow by 1.8% in 2021. Despite the current encouraging external situation with oil prices recovery and growth in advance  economies, reform shortfall would hinder the renewed economic expansion and undermine progress towards Nigeria's development goals. 

“Hopefully, policy adjustments and reforms designed to shift the country from it dependence on oil and to diversify the economy towards private sector -led growth will set Nigeria on a more sustainable path to recovery,” she averred.

She assured the shareholders, board members, management, and staff of Lasaco Assurance Plc, that it is the dawn of new era adding that together with their continuous supports, the legacy of the organization will be sustained.

What You Should Know About The Association Of Islamic Artistes In Nigeria Called ISMAN

Like many other well organised musicians in Nigeria from diverse genre of music, did you know that the fast growing Islamic music industry in the country has its own widely known and well recognised association too? Yes, just like Fuji Musicians' Association of Nigeria (FUMAN), Association of Juju Musicians in Nigeria (AJUMN) and the rest of them who are all affiliated to Performing Musicians' Association of Nigeria (PMAN) being their umbrella body in the country, Islamic artistes too have Islamic Musicians' Association of Nigeria (ISMAN) their own. And interestingly, members of ISMAN spread across the 6 Geopolitica Zones in the country and ISMAN has functioning chapters in 19 states of the federation. But that is not all. ISMAN, if you care to know, is more of an internationally entrenched association than just a Nigerian affair. And do you know why? As you read this, ISMAN also has active chapters in the United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA), Ireland, Egypt and Cotonou. And according to findings, chapters of the association would be extended to more countries around the world soon. Inaugurated on October 10th, 1996, the association which has its Secretariat at 238, Agege Motor Road, Mushin, Lagos State, has had some of the prominent singers within the industry as its Presidents. And one of such is the very popular Alhaji Wasiu Kayode As-Sideeq, Baba Nwaka, who was the immediate past President before the current President, Alhaji Mumeen Damilola better known as Esinogbamilaye, who is in his second term in office took over the mantle of leadership from him. It is also worthy of note that the Islamic music industry in the country is now so big that it has its own dedicated award event organised by Different Stroke Media and known as Islamic Music and Associated Nominees (IMAN) Awards. IMAN Awards have been holding annually since 2016, and many of the stars in the industry, in the past years, have gone home with coveted awards in different categories, and many have also been celebrated by the organisers for their contributions to the growth of the Islamic music in Nigeria. ISMAN like other musicians' associations in the country, is also affiliated to PMAN.

Nominations For IMAN Awards 2020 Are Out: Why It Is Going To Be A 2-in-1 Event

Different Stroke Media, the organisers of the only award event designed majorly for the Islamic music industry in Nigeria, Islamic Music and Associated Nominees (IMAN) Awards, have released nominations for the 2020 edition of the awards. Tagged: IMAN Awards 2020 (The Post-Lockdown Edition), the award project for this year would be holding as a 2-in-1 event on Sunday, 29th November, 2020. According to the organisers, the event which is scheduled to hold at Maridom Palace Hotel, 1/3 Maridom Close, Off Ilo-Awela Road, Toll Gate Area, Sango-Ota, Ogun State, will also be witnessing the postponed 40th birthday bash of the initiator of the awards and Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of Different Stroke Media, Saheed Ojubanire, which makes it a 2-in-1 event. Reportedly, the 40th birthday celebration now aptly tagged: "The Reloaded Party", was supposed to have taken place on Sunday, April 19th, 5 days after the actual date, April 14th, that Ojubanire clocked 40, since the actual day was a Tuesday, but had to be postponed due to the Covid-19 imposed lockdown.

Hence, according to the new plan for the 2-in-1 event, the award part would take place first as Red Carpet would start by 12 noon prompt. And by 1 p.m., the award presentation to winners would begin in earnest with the official Master of Ceremonies for IMAN Awards and member of IMAN Awards Hall of Fame, Chief Musiliu Sanni, a consumate broadcaster popularly known as Mr. Bebe or Bebe Musiliu, would be anchoring that part with his inimitable sense of humour. The awards presentation and intermittent performances by Islamic artistes are expected to last from 1 to 4 p.m. after which the birthday bash would kick-off. The birthday part of the event which requires Ankara Aso-Ebi chosen for the birthday shindig that comes with an Access Card to attend the party, would be anchored by highly talented thespian and Global President of Theatre and Motion Pictures Practioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Otunba Bolaji Amusan (JP), popularly known as Mr. Latin. And Fuji music star, Alhaji (Dr.) Sefiu Alao Adekunle, Baba Oko, whose Media and Publicity is incidentally being managed by Different Stroke Media, would be the main artiste on the bandstand for the birthday party which promises to drag late into the night.

The Chairman of the birthday party is no other person than Chief Adewale Adesina, better known as Wale Saranda, the Babalaje of Ilaro, and C.E.O. Western Quarry Limited. The Royal Father of the Event is HRM Oba (Dr.) Fakayode Faluade Anikinnikun Ilufemiloye 1, the Olu of Ibogun Owu Kingdom. Father of the Day is Dr. Seye Kehinde, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, City People Magazine who is also an inducted member of IMAN Awards Hall of Fame, and Mother of the Day would be Mrs. Kehinde Ademoye. And Chief Host would be the Olori Ebi of the entire Ojubanire Family, Alhaji (Chief) Mukaila Ajao Ojubanire, the Giwa Musulumi of Ibarapa Muslim, Abeokuta and Baba Adeen of Darul Maaruf Arabic/Islamic School, Lagos. Special Guests of Honour for the birthday bash include: Chief Segun Olokun, Chief Moshood Olunla, Chief Adesina Koiku, Alhaji Sulaiman Omidina (SLAAB), Alhaji Jelili Amosun (Olumide Petroleum), Chief Kabiru Asipa (Kabtok Hotel, Oshogbo), Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Babajide (Iyalode of Ojodu Kingdom), and Mrs. Kofoworola Adunni (Kofo Fish). To buy Aso-Ebi for the event, intended attendees can call Saheed on 07034570500, Joke on 07030057801 or Kike on 08035453181.

Meanwhile, to vote for their favourite nominees for IMAN Awards 2020, members of the public are expected to send as a text message, "IMAN", leave a space, followed by the serial number of the award category on the nomination list, leave a space, and followed it by the name of the nominee as written on the list to: 09065483066. For example: " IMAN 1 Whizkid" and send to the number. Or: "IMAN 2 Tiwa Savage" and send to same number. Only one vote from a phone number is allowed. And voting which starts from the time of this publication would end on Sunday, 22nd November, 2020. For sponsorship or brand participation, call: 07034570500, or Email to:dsmedia1@yahoo.com Nomination List For IMAN Awards 2020 (1) Best Male Islamic Artiste:Kehinde Oriyomi, Saoty Arewa, Ere Asalatu, Mutiu Akasho, Baba Ope 1, Aponle Anobi. (2) Best Female Islamic Artiste: Aminat Omotayebi, Mistura Temi Ni Success, Wabilahi Taofeek, Iyanghana, Ruqoyaah Gawat, Azeezat Otibiya. (3) Best Islamic Music Album: Human Right (Saoty Arewa), Kadara (Baba Ope 1), Ori (Aponle Anobi), Mololohun (Kehinde Oriyomi), Igbeyawo (Mistura Temi Ni Success), Ogo Tuntun (Ruqoyaah Gawat). (4) Best Islamic Music Video: Mololohun (Kehinde Oriyomi), Ori (Aponle Anobi), Igbeyawo (Mistura Temi Ni Success), Olowe Mowe (Obi Rere), Olohun Toda Mi (Mutiu Akasho). (5) Best Islamic Hip-Hop Artiste: Hyb Addis, Gentle Mallam, Al-Mubarak Kewuyemi, Big Fydot, Lawizzy, Aboki Anobi. (6) Face of Islamic Music [Male]: Ahmad Alawiye, Wasiu As-Sideeq, Ibrahim Labaika, Mumeen Damilola, Saoty Arewa, Ere Asalatu. (7) Face of Islamic Music [Female]: Afusat As-Sideeq, Mariam Akiki, Queen Sayidah Al-Mubarak, Ashabi Barrytide, Aminat Omotayebi, Obi Rere. (8) Best New Male Islamic Artiste: Omo Innovator 1, K1 Islamic, Babankaola. (9) Best New Female Islamic Artiste: Zainab Omotadebi, Fatimoh Omo Irorun, Muheenat Awosifila, Issa Rukayat Special, Kudirat Opeyemi, Muinat Arireyo. (10) Most Fashionable Male Islamic Artiste: Ere Asalatu, Mutiu Akasho, Ahmad Alawiye, Ridwan Dosunmu, Aponle Anobi. (11) Most Fashionable Female Islamic Artiste: Wabilahi Taofeek, Queen Sayidah Al-Mubarak, Iyanghana, Mistura Temi Ni Success, Ruqoyaah Gawat. (12) Best Islamic Kid Artiste: Aishat Ayopo, Malik Okiki, Omokayefi. (13) Best Islamic Artiste in Stage Performance: Aminat Omotayebi, Mistura Temi Ni Success, Ahmad Alawiye, Ibrahim Labaika, Mutiu Akasho, Kifayat Singer. (14) Best Islamic Artiste in Diaspora: Qamardeen Ayeloyun (Canada), Azakir Amod (UK), Latifa Omo Cairo (Egypt). (15) Best Popular Tune Adaptation in Islamic Music: Halimah Ariremako, K1 Islamic, Kayefi. (16) Best Zhikri Based Islamic Artiste: Ridwan Dosunmu, Iyanghana, Queen Sayidah Al-Mubarak, Kifayat Jejeniwa, Jemila Ope Dudu, MTN Azakir Mustapha. (17) Best Nashid Artiste: Timi Nasheed, Crescents, Kabir Umar. (18) Fastest Rising Male Islamic Artiste: Oluomo Hamowiy, Odere Arole Arewa, Onisuru Imotola, Arole Zambo, Aridunnu Ayeloyun, Tajudeen Omo Jeje. (19)Fastest Rising Female Islamic Artiste: Halima Ariremako, Ashabi Lady Saoty, Lateefat Qamardeen, Nafisat Eniafe, Golden Kaphy, Silifat Talolohun. (20) Best Islamic Music Collaboration: Breakthrough (Ere Asalatu), Semini? (Hyb Addis), Phone Call ( Opeyemi Damilare). (21) Best Islamic Music Video Editor: Saheed Oyeledun, Sulaiman Solaja, Aduragba Ahmed. (22) Best Islamic Music Marketer: Role Model Entertainment, Okiki, Golden Point, Epsalum, Mustoy. (23) Best Islamic Music Promoter: Okiki, Abiodun Oropo, Role Model Entertainment. (24) Best Supportive Radio Station to Islamic Music: Faaji F.M. (Lagos), Family F.M. (Abeokuta), Radio Lagos (Lagos), Fresh F.M. (Abeokuta), Harmony F.M. (Ilorin). (25) Best Supportive Individual to Islamic Music: MC Oluomo, Lateef Konkonbilo, Wasiu Olomoda, Ibraheem Dende. (26) Best Islamic Music Friendly Broadcaster (Male): Ariyo Jalal, Baakini, Alfa Tioja, Kokoro Alujana, Sulaiman Babatunde Al-Usmany. (27) Best Islamic Music Friendly Broadcaster (Female): Doyin Olatunji, Olayinka Ajani, Agbomabiwon Ramalifar. (28) Best Reporter of Islamic Music: Taofik Afolabi, Samad Kewuyemi, Kazeem Aderohunmu. (29) Best Make-Up Artist in Islamic Music Video Shoot: Dammy Adams, Aminat Ganiu, Zainab Makeover. (30) Best Studio Engineer in Islamic Music Production: Mathew Samuel, Ola Akewusola, T Reign Adams. (31) Best Islamic Artiste’s Manager: Ore-Ofe Idowu (Ere Asalatu), Muritadho Sulaiman (Mistura Temi Ni Success), Popoola Kehinde (Aishat Ayopo). (32) Best Islamic Artiste’s Fans’ Club Exco: Sulaimon Owoiya (Saoty Arewa Fans' Club), Mujeedah Omo Imole (Ruqoyaah Gawat Fans' Club), Rufai Baseerat (Iyanghana Fans' Club). (33)Best Islamic Music Producer: Ariyo Producer, Taiwo Alimi, Kazeem Akogba. (34) Best Islamic Music Video Director: Big Doo, Dare Zaka, Lacadelly, Lukmon Anisere. (35) Best Islamic Music Instrumentalist: Alao Lateef, Wale Oshogbo, Kanamo Ganiu, Ademola Ayeloja, Elegun Akeem. (36) Best Supportive Corporate Organization to Islamic Music: Adron Homes and Properties, I.A.S. Unique Homes and Properties, Yoyo Bitters.

Top Rated Radio Station In Lagos, Jordan 105.5 FM, Set To Celebrate 2nd Anniversary

One of the leading radio stations in Lagos, Jordan 105.5 FM, has clocked 2 years of informative, educative and entertaining broadcasting. And in celebration of the 2nd anniversary of their enviable feat amongst the deluge of radio stations in Lagos, the management of the radio station located at 12/14 Musibau Ashaffa Street, off Agbe Road, Abule Egba, has decided to throw a party. According to the feelers reaching this writer, come Sunday, October 4th, 2020, the gate of the station would be thrown open to its teeming listeners, partners, business associates, sponsors, and indeed staffers, to have a ball on the anniversary. The celebration is reportedly planned to kick off with Red Carpet by 2pm. Meanwhile, the theme of the party which promises to be one to remember for every attendee is said to be "Celebrating Entrepreneurial Excellence". So, as a fan of the first Entrepreneurship and Value Radio Station in Africa, Jordan 105.5 FM, where would you rather be on that day?

Dafinone Family Promotes Culture of Tree Planting

In marking the first remembrance anniversary of the late Chief (Senator) David Omueya Dafinone, OFR, Chief Ede Dafinone, Chairman, National Executive Council of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) led his family in the tree planting exercise in Sapele today, 30th September 2019.

According to NCF NEC Chair, he said that “When a great man dies we typically say ‘an iroko has fallen’  so it is appropriate that to mark this day an Iroko tree will be planted in the garden of the crumb rubber exporting factory established by my father in Amukpe, Sapele, Delta State.”

The Chairman hopes to use this tree planting to draw attention to the need to improve on Nigeria’s dwindling forest cover which now stands at 4percent compared to the FAO recommended level of 25percent. He drummed support for the laudable conservation efforts of NCF.

He said further that tree planting to commemorate births and deaths is common in some Asian countries and if this trend is established in Nigeria, it will be one of the thrusts of NCF’s Green Recovery Nigeria (GRN) initiative will continue to flourish, where there is push to recover degenerated and degraded forests whilst establishing new forests.

He said “To plant a tree is to send signal to the rest of Nigeria that we need to preserve our land. This Iroko tree will be planted in my father’s memory. It will grow and be year 100 years, 200 years, even when we might have gone from this world. While some people are cutting trees, destroying forests, we will continue to plant trees”

Hon. Emmanuel Agbaje, the Finance and Admin Manager of Sapele Integrated Industries Ltd (SIIL) in his introductory remark revealed that Senator Dafinone established the factory in 1995 for the processing of rubber because Sapele is known back then for large rubber plantation and the founder of SIIL remained one of the largest employers of labour of the time.

Chief Ede Dafinone, who is the second son appreciated the support of the staff of SIIL and community people of Sapele, Amukpe especially as they have immortalized the Senator a day before.

Present at the event were, Chief (Mrs.) Cynthia Dafinone, widow of the Senator; Chief Godfrey Dafinone, deceased brother; Mr. Duvie Dafinone, deceased son; Mrs. Eyamba Dafinone and Mrs. Stella Dafinone, daughters in-law; management staff of SIIL, media, security agents among others.

Lagos Goes A Mile For Vultures

The nature enthusiasts, conservationists and environmentalists gathered in a cycling event organised by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in a bid to create awareness on vulture conservation in Nigeria on Saturday, 21st September 2019 tagged “A Mile for the Egyptian Vultures”.

Over 100 bike riders and others assembled at Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC) to rally for vultures through a project being executed by NCF called “Egyptian Vulture New-Life Project.”

The procession commenced at LCC at 8:30am through the Lekki-Epe Expressway way, to Sandfill bus-stop and back to LCC amidst pomp and pageantry to create an impactful awareness campaign, calling on people to stop vulture killing, use in traditional belief based use and sales in its parts.

The Director General of NCF, Dr. Muhtari Aminu-Kano in his welcome address, appreciated all the participants and urged them to carry on the campaign till the goal is achieved.

A Council Member of NCF, Dr. Ade Alakija gave a health pep talk. While the Director Technical Programmes of NCF, Dr. Joseph Onoja gave a motivating statement as the riders set out.  

The environmentalists through research revealed that, vultures will soon go into extinction if drastic efforts are not made to stop the threats against the species.

Vultures are Nature’s Sanitary Officers, carrion feeders that render clean-up services of the environment. They rid our environment of carcasses and rubbish. Thereby prevent the spread of diseases.

This cycling event is a follow-up to the International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) commemoration activities that NCF carried out in 4 cities in Nigeria, Sokoto; Jalingo; Enugu and Ibadan earlier in the month.

In attendance were Save Vulture Campaign Ambassadors, a movie actor; Yomi Fash-Lanso and a musician; Tito da fire.

Lekki Concession Company, the managers of Lekki Toll and Lekki-Epe Expressway lend their support through effective management of traffic flow and provision of security.

The event ended in the Family Park of LCC at 10:30am.

April Touches Set To Hold 2nd Edition of Art And Culture Festival In Abeokuta

*Obey, Haruna Ishola, Sefiu Alao, Odunlade Adekola To Be Honoured

April Touches, the organizers of Reviving Art and Culture Festival aptly termed RANC Festival, are set to stage the second edition of the event in Abeokuta on Thursday, 26th September, 2019.

According to the brain behind April Touches, Akanbi Damilola, the event which would be holding at the Cinema Hall, June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, starting by 11 am prompt, would be notches higher than the it's first edition.

He revealed that veteran film producer/dieector and custodian of culture, Mr. Tunde Kelani, would be the Key Note Speaker, Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, would be Special Guest of Honour, and HRM, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland (Okukenu IV), would be the Royal Father of the Day.

Akanbi stated further that Art Competition would be staged for 25 secondary schools in Ogun State at the event, and there would also be award presentation to distinguished personalities as well as skill acquisition launch. He listed some of the awardees penciled in as Juju  music legend, Evang. Ebenezer Obey, Apala music maestro, Alhaji Musiliu Haruna Ishola, Fuji music Star, Alhaji Sefiu Alao and movie star, Odunlade Adekola, to mention a few.

It would be recalled that the event started last year as FESTAC 17 but was later rebranded as RANC and this year's edition, according to the entertainment firm staging it, would be the talk of town when it is held.