Fatai Lawal appointed MD Nigeria of Continental Re, Nazare named GMD, other leaders emerge – Newstrends
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Fatai Lawal appointed MD Nigeria of Continental Re, Nazare named GMD, other leaders emerge

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L-R: Group Managing Director of Continental Reinsurance Holdings, Mr. Lawrence Nazare and Managing Director, Continental Re, Dr. Fatai Lawal (Nigeria entity)

Fatai Lawal appointed MD Nigeria of Continental Re, Nazare named GMD, other leaders emerge

Dr. Fatai Kayode Lawal has been appointed Managing Director/CEO of Continental Reinsurance Plc, Nigeria effective April 2025.

He replaced Mr. Lawrence Nazare who has been elevated as the Group Managing Director of Continental Reinsurance Holdings, headquartered in Botswana.

Other appointments were also announced in a statement expected to reinforce the group’s leadership as it executes the next phase of regional integration and strategic oversight.

Lawal, who will lead the Nigeria entity in charge of Anglophone West Africa operations, brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

He holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Insurance from the University of Lagos, an MBA from the same institution, and a Doctorate in Management (Leadership and Organizational management) from the University of Phoenix, AZ.

Dr. Fatai Lawal

He is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute of London & Nigeria (FCII, FIIN) the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria and Chartered Institute of Directors.

Dr. Lawal’s impressive career includes his most recent position as Managing Director/Chief Executive of Sterling Assurance Nigeria Ltd from January 2007 to December 2023, where he successfully integrated three merging companies and significantly grew sales.

Prior to this, he served as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Universe Reinsurance Co. Limited, where he improved profitability and expanded markets.

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His earlier career also included a leadership role at Refuge Insurance Company Limited and a pioneering management role at Continental Reinsurance Co. Ltd. Dr.

Lawal has a proven track record in leadership, strategic development, market expansion, and team building.

Strengthening the Nigeria Board

The Nigeria entity also welcomes three new Non-Executive Directors, whose appointments have received regulatory clearance from the National Insurance Commission:

One of them, Mr. Segun Adebanji – Chairman of the Board, Non-Executive Director, is a veteran finance professional and Fellow of both the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

His international career includes leadership positions within UAC, Unilever, Nigerian Breweries, and Heineken, with postings in South Africa, Ghana, Namibia, and the Netherlands. He currently chairs Fidson Healthcare Plc and Filmhouse Group Ltd.

Another is Mrs. Funmilayo Omokhodion – Non-Executive Director, a chartered Insurer with 36 years of experience in reinsurance.

Mrs. Omokhodion rose through the ranks at Africa Re, serving as Regional Director for West Africa and in other senior roles.

She holds a BA in English and Linguistics and an Executive MBA in Insurance, and is a member of the Council of the Africa Reinsurance Foundation.

The third is Mrs. Eno Atoyebi, CFA – Non-Executive Director. With over 25 years in investment management, Mrs. Atoyebi is a Chartered Financial Analyst and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

She is currently the Managing Director of ValuAlliance Asset Management and oversees strategy for two mutual funds.

Her earlier experience includes senior roles at Afrinvest and ExxonMobil.

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The elevation of Nazare, the statement noted, followed the completion of his tenure as MD/CEO of Continental Reinsurance Plc, Nigeria, in December 2024.

In this new capacity as GMD, Nazare will oversee the Group’s pan-African operations and long-term strategic direction.

Joining him on the Board of Continental Reinsurance Holdings are two distinguished Non-Executive Directors:

Mr. Paul Kokoricha, former Chairman of Continental Reinsurance Plc, now appointed Chairman of the Board at Group level

Mr. Steve Iwenjora, formerly a Non-Executive Director at Continental Reinsurance Plc, has now been appointed a Non-Executive Director at Group level.

Reflecting on his transition to the Group Board, Mr. Kokoricha said, “It has been an honour to serve as Chairman of Continental Reinsurance Plc, Nigeria, where we achieved significant milestones in growth and governance. “As we now pivot to a consolidated Group structure, I am excited to continue supporting the company at this higher level—working with the leadership team to sustain our pan-African momentum and long-term ambition.”

Nazare added, “It’s been a privilege to lead our Nigeria business and support the broader Group’s evolution. As I now focus fully on the Group-level role, I remain committed to driving Continental Re’s strategic vision across Africa.”

The company said these appointments coincided with Continental Re’s 40th anniversary, a milestone reflecting the Group’s enduring legacy, resilience, and readiness for the future.

“With a strong leadership team in place across both Group and operational levels, Continental Reinsurance is well-positioned to deepen its impact across Africa’s reinsurance landscape,” it stated.

Fatai Lawal appointed MD Nigeria of Continental Re, Nazare named GMD, other leaders emerge

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Continental Reinsurance Commissions ₦70m ICT Lab to drive digital learning at CIFM

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L-R: IT Infrastructure Manager, Continental Reinsurance, Kayode Faseyitan; Chief Finance Officer, Jane Mberia; Executive Director (Technical), Continental Reinsurance Plc, Chukwuemeka Akwiwu; Managing Director, Continental Re, Dr. Fatai Lawal, President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Mrs. Yetunde Ilori; Deputy President, Mr. Jide Orimolade; Rector, College of Insurance and Financial Management (CIFM), Dr. Chizoba Ehiogu; Former CIIN President, Mr. Edwin Igbiti; and Treasurer, Mrs Adetutu Arusuika,

Continental Reinsurance Commissions ₦70m ICT Lab to drive digital learning at CIFM

Continental Reinsurance has reaffirmed its leadership role in advancing digital transformation and human capital development within Africa’s insurance industry through the inauguration of a ₦70 million ICT facility at the College of Insurance and Financial Management (CIFM) in Lagos.

The new “M.H. Koguna IT Lab”, named in honour of the company’s first Chairman, was conceived in December 2024 by Group Managing Director, Mr. Lawrence Nazare, and completed under the leadership of Managing Director, Dr. F.K. Lawal. The project reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to promoting technology-driven learning and building capacity among future insurance professionals.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Dr. Lawal said the initiative aligns with Continental Reinsurance’s vision to enhance the digital readiness of Nigeria’s insurance sector. He noted that the facility would provide students and practitioners with hands-on exposure to modern ICT tools critical to the industry’s evolution.

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The event drew key figures from the insurance community, including Executive Director, Mr. Emeka Akwiwu; Regional Director (Lagos), Mr. Ogadi Onwuaduegbo; President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Mrs. Yetunde Ilori; and Chairman of the CIFM Board, Mr. Jide Orimolade.

In her remarks, Mrs. Ilori commended Continental Reinsurance for its sustained investment in professional development, describing the ICT lab as “a timely contribution that will bridge the digital skills gap in the industry.”

Mr. Orimolade also lauded the project as a model for corporate–academic collaboration, emphasizing that the lab would help reposition the college as a centre of excellence in insurance and financial management training.

With the M.H. Koguna IT Lab, Continental Reinsurance continues to set the pace in corporate social responsibility, education support, and digital empowerment — reinforcing its vision of a smarter, more innovative African insurance landscape.

Continental Reinsurance Commissions ₦70m ICT Lab to drive digital learning at CIFM

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Regency Alliance posts strong 2024 earnings, eyes N15bn capital raise

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L-R: Non-Executive Director, Regency Alliance Insurance Plc, Dr. Sammy Olaniyi; Company Secretary, Mrs. Anu Shobo; Chairman, Mr. Clem Baiye; and Managing Director, Mr. Bode Oseni, at the company’s 31st annual General Meeting in Lagos on Thursday

Regency Alliance posts strong 2024 earnings, eyes N15bn capital raise

Regency Alliance Insurance Plc has reported a solid financial performance for the 2024 financial year, with total assets rising by 15.96 per cent to ₦21.86 billion, up from ₦18.85 billion in 2023.

The company’s Chairman, Mr. Clem Baiye, disclosed this while presenting the 2024 financial results at its 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Thursday.
He attributed the growth to the insurer’s disciplined investment strategy, prudent risk management, and sustained operational resilience amid a volatile economic climate.

L-R: Non-Executive Director, Regency Alliance Insurance Plc, Dr. Sammy Olaniyi; Company Secretary, Mrs. Anu Shobo; Chairman, Mr. Clem Baiye; and Managing Director, Mr. Bode Oseni, at the company’s 31st annual General Meeting in Lagos on Thursday

According to Baiye, shareholders’ funds also recorded a healthy increase of 19.24 per cent, reaching ₦13.97 billion in 2024 compared to ₦11.72 billion in the previous year.
The equity attributable to the company likewise rose to ₦14.04 billion from ₦11.78 billion.

Regency Alliance’s insurance revenue climbed 20.03 per cent to ₦7.30 billion, reflecting improved underwriting performance and business expansion.

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However, insurance service expenses — which include claims and other technical costs — rose by 46.37 per cent to ₦4.12 billion, up from ₦2.81 billion in 2023.

Despite higher operating costs, Baiye noted that management expenses increased only modestly by 7.66 per cent, underscoring the firm’s commitment to cost discipline.

The company’s investment income also improved to ₦1.17 billion, compared with ₦923 million in the previous year. A fair value gain of ₦170 million was also recorded from the revaluation of investment property.

These gains lifted Regency Alliance’s profit before tax by 19.49 per cent to ₦2.50 billion, while profit after tax grew by 16.73 per cent to ₦2.25 billion, compared to ₦1.93 billion in 2023.

To reward shareholders, the board approved a bonus issue of one new ordinary share for every three held, while also unveiling plans to undertake a rights issue and private placement to raise the required ₦15 billion minimum capital under the new Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025.

The Managing Director, Mr. Bode Oseni, assured shareholders that the new shares would be allotted and listed on the Nigerian Exchange upon completion of the capital raising exercise.

“The board is convinced that our company has the potential to become a leading force in the non-life insurance space,” Oseni stated.

Regency Alliance posts strong 2024 earnings, eyes N15bn capital raise

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Lasaco Assurance sustains growth momentum with ₦13.19bn claims payment, 25% revenue increase in 2024

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L-R: Deputy Managing Director, Corporate Service, Lasaco Assurance Plc, Mr. Rilwan Oshinusi; Executive Director, Technical, Ademoye Shobo; Director, Ademola Oshodi; Director, Biodun Dosunmu; Company Secretary, Mrs. Gertrude Olutekunbi; Chairman, Mrs. Maria Olateju Phillips; Managing Director, Razzaq Abiodun; Director, Fola Tinubu; and Non-Executive Director, Tobi Lawal, during the company’s 25th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos today, Thursday.

Lasaco Assurance sustains growth momentum with ₦13.19bn claims payment, 25% revenue increase in 2024

Despite Nigeria’s challenging macroeconomic landscape, Lasaco Assurance Plc has posted a strong financial performance for 2024, reaffirming its commitment to policyholder trust and prudent management.

Speaking at the company’s 25th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos, the Chairman, Mrs. Maria Olateju Phillips, disclosed that Lasaco paid out a total of ₦13.19 billion in claims during the year, reflecting its dedication to fulfilling obligations to customers even in difficult times.

“Our ability to settle ₦13.19 billion in claims despite prevailing economic headwinds underscores the strength of our balance sheet, disciplined risk management, and customer-first approach,” she said.

The company’s insurance revenue rose by 25 percent to ₦22.82 billion in 2024, compared to ₦18.29 billion in 2023, while Profit After Tax grew by 18 percent to ₦1.54 billion from ₦1.31 billion a year earlier.

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Phillips attributed the performance to deeper market penetration, stronger customer engagement, and effective cost optimization strategies.
She added that Lasaco’s total assets climbed 13 percent to ₦30.94 billion, further strengthening its liquidity and capacity to meet policyholder commitments.

To enhance competitiveness and strengthen its capital base, Lasaco successfully raised ₦11.1 billion through a private placement, issuing an additional 9.25 million shares to investors.

Looking ahead, Phillips said the company’s 2025 strategy would focus on innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability.
According to her, Lasaco is investing in advanced software systems and omnichannel customer engagement tools to enhance service delivery and expand its retail insurance portfolio through targeted products and partnerships.

“We are not merely adapting to the future; we are defining it,” she declared. “With a strong financial base, clear vision, and commitment to excellence, Lasaco Assurance Plc is poised to set new benchmarks in Nigeria’s insurance industry.”

She expressed appreciation to shareholders, regulators, employees, and clients for their continued trust and support, assuring that the company remains steadfast in its mission to create sustainable value and deliver on its promises.

Lasaco Assurance sustains growth momentum with ₦13.19bn claims payment, 25% revenue increase in 2024

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