
Adedayo Arowojolu, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Unitrust Insurance Company Limited, has called for deliberate efforts to increase youth participation in Nigeria鈥檚 insurance industry. Speaking at the 2026 BusinessToday Annual Conference and Exhibition on Insurance and Pensions in Lagos, Arowojolu emphasized the need to reposition the sector to align with the realities of the younger generation. He noted that insurance is rarely seen as a preferred career option among young people, often ranking below sectors like oil and gas, fintech, and banking. Arowojolu, who entered the industry by chance, highlighted its opportunities and long-term value, explaining that while insurance offers future value, which may not immediately appeal to a generation seeking instant rewards, changing economic realities make financial protection more relevant for young people earning income through digital platforms. He pointed to the 10-Year Nigerian Insurance Industry Transformation Framework as an effort to drive growth and human capital development, with a focus on youth inclusion. Arowojolu proposed stronger advocacy and product innovation, stressing that young people should be involved in designing products that meet their needs. He also underscored the importance of rebuilding trust through prompt claims settlement and leveraging technology, fintech, and insurtech platforms to enhance accessibility. On the professional side, he mentioned that insurance companies are improving re
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe European Union has mandated that Google share data with other search engines and allow rival AI services access to its Android system. This directive, issued under the EU's Digital Markets Act DMA, aims to foster competition and provide users with more choices. Google is required to begin sharing search data by January 2027, with Android changes for users starting in July 2027. EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen stated that these measures are expected to encourage alternatives to Google Search and its AI services like Gemini, enabling users to choose their preferred AI chatbot via voice commands. Google, however, has expressed concerns, with its head of global affairs Kent Walker stating that the measures introduce "unprecedented risks to user privacy, device security, and national security." He argued that sharing search data could expose private searches to unfamiliar companies without adequate anonymization or user consent. A senior European official countered that the EU has prioritized integrity, security, and privacy, and the decision ensures anonymization of search data. This demand is legally binding but is not a formal probe that could lead to fines. Separately, sources indicate the EU might impose a fine on Google next week in another DMA investigation. The EU has previously fined Google a total of 8.2 billion euros between 2017 and 2019 under different competition rules, and a 2.95 billion euro fine in September last year in an antitrust case.

All Progressives Congress chieftain Farouk Aliyu stated that Christians are more comfortable with the party鈥檚 Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket now than before the 2023 general election. Speaking on Arise Television, Aliyu argued that President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 administration has alleviated fears of religious marginalization. He defended President Tinubu鈥檚 decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, asserting that the APC had gained Nigerians' confidence in the last election. Aliyu noted that the initial decision to field two Muslim candidates in 2023 drew criticism over concerns about Christian marginalization, but he believes this is now history, as no one is being marginalized along religious lines. He added that President Tinubu has governed without religious bias. The APC chieftain expressed satisfaction with retaining Shettima, stating that changing the ticket could create unnecessary political challenges. Aliyu is confident that Nigerians will support the Tinubu-Shettima ticket again in the 2027 presidential election. The APC鈥檚 choice of Tinubu, a Muslim from the South-West, and Shettima, a Muslim from the North-East, for the 2023 election sparked national debate, with Christian groups opposing it. However, the APC defended the decision as based on competence and strategy, not religion, and the ticket ultimately won the 2023 presidential election.
Must ReadNigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, called on the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS to strengthen regional cooperation against terrorism and transnational crimes. Speaking at the 56th Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Enikanolaiye emphasized the need for sustained dialogue with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to address security and governance challenges. He urged member states to promptly pay the ECOWAS Community Levy, highlighting Nigeria's consistent fulfillment of its obligations despite domestic challenges. The minister stressed a reinvigorated regional response to terrorism, piracy, banditry, and transnational organized crime, noting Nigeria's intensified military operations. On democracy, Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to credible elections, assuring the council of free and fair 2027 general elections and inviting observers. He also condemned rising Afrophobic violence in South Africa, urging ECOWAS to adopt a firm position for submission to the African Union. Furthermore, he advocated for sustained engagement with the Alliance of Sahelian States Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Guinea-Bissau, stressing dialogue and inclusive approaches for regional peace and stability.