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UK organization praises alumnus appointed as Nigeria’s insurance
The United Kingdom based leadership development organisation TEXEM UK, has applauded one of its alumnus, Dr. Usman Jankara, on his appointment as Deputy Commissioner for Insurance (Finance and Administration) at the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).
In a statement on its website www.texem.co.uk, TEXEM’s Director Special Projects, Caroline Lucas said Jankara’s journey stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication, exemplary leadership, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Lucas said that having participated in the TEXEM programme titled “Strategic Leadership for Success in an Unknown Tomorrow” in August 2021; Jankara has demonstrated a profound commitment to continuous learning and development.
“His expertise in strategic leadership will undoubtedly propel NAICOM towards unprecedented success as it navigates the dynamic landscape of the insurance industry.
“With a tenure spanning over eight years and four months at NAICOM, Dr. Jankara brings a wealth of experience and insight to his new role.
“As the former Assistant Director of Corporate Strategy and Special Duties, he played a pivotal role in shaping the commission’s strategic direction and enhancing its operational efficiency,” she said.
Lucas recalled that prior to his new appointment, Jankara held various esteemed positions, including his tenure as the Assistant Director/Head of Corporate Strategy and Special Duties.
“His extensive background in general administration and executive assistance underscores his versatile skill set and multifaceted approach to problem-solving.
“As the former Assistant Director of Corporate Strategy and Special Duties, he played a pivotal role in shaping NAICOM’s strategic direction and enhancing its operational efficiency.
“As Dr. Jankara assumes his new role as the Deputy Commissioner for Insurance (Finance and Administration), he stands at the precipice of a transformative era in the Nigerian insurance industry,” she said.
Lucas added that Jankara’s visionary leadership, coupled with his unparalleled expertise and unwavering dedication, will undoubtedly chart a course towards greater innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability within the Nigerian insurance sector.
“In the helm of strategic leadership, Dr. Usman Jankara illuminates the path towards a brighter, more inclusive future for Nigeria’s insurance sector,” the director said.
In his own statement, TEXEM’s founder, Dr Alim Abubakre said Jankara’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring leaders across the globe, reaffirming the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose in driving meaningful change.
“He has honed his expertise as an astute insurance regulator committed to upholding the highest standards of market conduct supervision and ensuring the safety and soundness of the Nigerian insurance industry.
“TEXEM UK extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Usman Jankara on his well-deserved appointment and wishes him continued success in his endeavours to reshape the future of insurance leadership in Nigeria,” Abubakre said.
Gunmen have abducted some female students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University in Makurdi, Benue state.
The students, reportedly numbering up to four, were abducted on Tuesday evening at the university’s North Core campus.
The students were said to have been headed for “night class”, a practice of late-night studying in Nigerian campuses.
The gunmen were said to have invaded the hotel area of the campus before abducting the four students.
Some moments after the incident, operatives of the Nigerian army arrived at the school.
Sewuese Anene, Benue police spokesperson, told TheCable on Wednesday that a report received by the police indicated that only two students were kidnapped during the incident.
Anene added that the police have launched an investigation into the matter.
The Markurdi incident is the latest in a series of abductions targeted at Nigeria’s tertiary school students in recent years.
In August 2024, at least 20 medical and dental students were kidnapped in Benue State while travelling to a convention in Enugu.
In September 2023, gunmen abducted approximately 20 students from a university in Zamfara state.
At Greenfield University in Kaduna State, at least 20 students and two staff members were kidnapped in April 2021.
Tragically, five students were killed during captivity before the remaining hostages were released after a month.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Jude Okoye, the elder brother and former manager of Paul and Peter Okoye of the defunct music group, P-Square, on charges of laundering ₦1.38billion, $ 1 million and £34,537.59.
Jude was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd, before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on a seven-count charge
One of the counts read: “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did directly acquire a landed property known as No 5, Tony Eromosele Street Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos worth ₦850,000,000.00 (Eight hundred and fifty million naira) only, which money you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
Another count read: “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did indirectly using bureau de change convert the sum of $1,019,762.87 (One million nineteen thousand, seven hundred and six-two dollars eighty-seven cents), domiciled in Access Bank Plc operated by Northside Music Lid to the naira equivalent and remitted into various bank accounts with the intention of concealing that the said fund form part of the proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2)(a) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Larry Peters Aso, applied for a date for hearing as well as for the remand of the defendant in the correctional facility pending trial.
The defendant’s counsel, Inibehe Effiong, informed the court of a pending bail application. He asked for a short date for the hearing. Effiong also asked that the defendant be remanded in the EFCC’s custody pending the hearing of the application.
Aso objected to the request for the defendant to be remanded in the EFCC custody. He argued that the EFCC custody was already congested with suspects awaiting arraignment. He urged the court to remand the defendant to the correctional facility since he had taken his plea.
Justice Owoeye adjourned the matter till February 28 for bail hearing and April 14 for trial.
He also ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Ikoyi correctional facility.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested Kogi-born political activist and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Austin Okai, in Abuja.
The arrest, which took place on Wednesday morning, was reportedly carried out on the directive of Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Video footage obtained by Elanza shows heavily armed security operatives storming Okai’s residence in the Federal Capital Territory before taking him away.
While no official reason has been given for his arrest, sources suggest it may be connected to his outspoken criticism of the Kogi State government.
Okai, a well-known opposition figure, has frequently condemned the administration’s policies and governance.
His wife, speaking to reporters, claimed that the DSS operatives did not present an arrest warrant before detaining him.
“They came to arrest him at our home in Abuja without a warrant,” she said.
“They ransacked our house, forced their way inside, and took him away. I asked for a warrant, but they had none.”
She further alleged that Okai’s personal gadgets were confiscated during the operation.
As of the time of this report, the DSS has not issued any official statement regarding Okai’s detention.