L:R- Charles Odii DG, SMEDAN; Alhaji Misbau Umar Yola, Non-Executive Director, Heirs General Insurance; Niyi Onifade, MD/CEO, Heirs Life Assurance and the Group’s Sector Head; Hephzibah Chidi, Winner, 2024 Heirs Insurance Essay Championship; Tony Aniemeke, MD/CEO, Heirs Insurance Brokers and Ifesinachi Okpagu, Chief Marketing Officer, Heirs Insurance Group.

Heirs Insurance Group, Nigeria’s fastest-growing insurance Group, has announced the winners of its 2024 Essay Championship, who will be awarded N8million scholarship. The winners were announced at a grand ceremony at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, as part of an all-expense paid event hosted by the Group for the finalists, their parents and school representatives.  

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The winner, Hephzibah Chidi from Seacrest Preparatory in Rivers State, who won the first-place position and a N5million scholarship, captivated the judges with her winning essay and presentation of “The Story of My Hero”. In addition to her N5M Scholarship, Hephzibah Chidi’s school, Seacrest Preparatory was awarded a N1M grant to support an educational project.

The other winners include Pemisire Owolabi from Quest College in Oyo State, who won second place with a N2million scholarship, and Mariam Raheem from Isador Model School in Lagos State, who won the third-place position with a N1million scholarship.  

All winners received their awards in the presence of their parents and school representatives, distinguished guests, including, Director General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Charles Odii, and hosts of the event – Niyi Onifade, MD/CEO, Heirs Life Assurance and the Group’s Sector Head; Tony Aniemeke, MD/CEO, Heirs Insurance Brokers, among others.  

This year’s Championship attracted nearly 5,000 participants from Junior Secondary Schools nationwide, all showcasing exceptional creativity and innovative ideas. The Championship highlights Heirs Insurance Group’s unwavering commitment to supporting education and promoting financial literacy.  

Speaking at the event, Niyi Onifade, MD/CEO, Heirs Life Assurance and Sector Head, Heirs Insurance Group, said: “At Heirs Insurance Group, we understand that education is not only a pathway to a better future but also a catalyst for financial empowerment. Through this Championship, we are nurturing young talent and bridging the financial literacy gap, fulfilling our purpose of improving lives and transforming Nigeria”.  

Speaking further, Onifade praised the outstanding efforts of all participants, “I am proud of the creativity and critical thinking displayed by our finalists, as well as every student who submitted an essay. These young minds are shaping the future of our country, and we are proud to support them.”

A distinguished panel of academic professionals, led by a Professor of English, rigorously evaluated each entry.  The top 15 essays advanced to the next round of assessments, from which the top 3 finalists were chosen to compete in the grand finale. To ensure the highest standards of fairness and transparency, Deloitte & Touche was engaged as an independent Quality Assurer throughout the grading process, guaranteeing a free and fair evaluation for all participants.

The Heirs Insurance Essay Championship is a key component of Heirs Insurance Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, geared towards enhancing the quality of education for the next generation. The Championship also highlights emerging talent, bringing parents and children closer to insurance through extended financial literacy workshops.

The African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) has announced a financial contribution of $40,000 to Street Child in Burundi. This contribution is aimed at improving educational opportunities for displaced children in Gatumba and reflects ATIDI’s dedication to tackling critical social issues and promoting sustainable development. Through its CSR programs, ATIDI is committed to advancing sustainable development, addressing pressing social challenges, and fostering economic stability across Africa.

Burundi has recently experienced severe climate change-related disasters, including heavy rains, strong winds, hail, and rising Lake Tanganyika waters, causing frequent flooding. This has led to repeated displacement of families, particularly affecting children and adolescents who represent over 60% of internally displaced persons. The education sector has been severely impacted, with at least 80% of schools in Gatumba suffering from flooding, damaged classrooms, and lost educational materials, putting over 30,000 children at risk of not completing their school year.

Commenting on the donation, ATIDI CEO Manuel Moses said, “Education is the cornerstone of sustainable development, and we at ATIDI are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children in Burundi. By supporting the construction of these classrooms, we are investing in the future of these young minds and fostering long-term growth across the continent. We are proud to partner with Street Child Social Action for Development (S.A.D.) for this vital project.”

ATIDI’s support has therefore facilitated the successful construction and equipping of six permanent classrooms in two primary schools, “Kigwati” and “Village du Développement.” This initiative now provides educational access to at least 300 children affected by the Gatumba floods. The project aligns with Burundi’s National Development Plan for 2018 -2027 and the Ministry of National Education and Scientific Research’s Sectoral Plan for 2020 – 2023.

Street Child Country Representative in Burundi Jolien Van den Broeck thanked ATIDI for the generous support, adding that the donation was more than just building classrooms, but restoring hope and creating opportunities for displaced children in Gatumba.

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“At Street Child, we believe that every child deserves the chance to learn, no matter their circumstances. Together with ATIDI, we are committed to making a lasting impact on the most vulnerable communities in Burundi,” Broeck said.

Beyond constructing classrooms, the project emphasizes the promotion of education for all children, community mobilization, and active participation in regular and effective monitoring. The objective is to ensure that the local community, administration, and stakeholders understand the merits of the project, fostering a sense of ownership. This collaborative approach will engage all parties in monitoring the school’s functioning and maintenance, resulting in a sustainable impact and guaranteeing quality education for all.

LG Electronics, a leading innovator in consumer electronics and sustainable solutions, has generously donated a solar-powered borehole to Agba-Akin community in Ibadan. This groundbreaking initiative is set to address a critical need for a reliable source of clean water while simultaneously enhancing the quality of life for the community.

The Agba-Akin community, situated in the heart of Ibadan, has long faced challenges in accessing clean and safe drinking water. Recognizing the urgent need to alleviate this issue, LG Electronics has taken the initiative to provide a sustainable solution that harnesses the power of solar energy.

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A Commitment to Community Welfare

The donation of the solar-powered borehole is part of LG’s broader commitment to corporate social responsibility, focusing on sustainable development and community empowerment. By harnessing solar energy, this project not only provides clean water but also promotes the use of renewable energy, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Mr. Hari Elluru, Head, Corporate Marketing LG Electronics Nigeria, said, “At LG, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities we serve. Access to clean water is a basic human right, and we are proud to support the Ibadan community with this solar-powered borehole. This project reflects our commitment to sustainable solutions that improve lives and foster development.”

Three years ago, we opened a free laundry centre in Ibadan to cater for the washing needs of the people.  The free laundry center is equipped with state-of-the-art, hygienic facilities, and is operated free of charge to end-users. This initiative demonstrates LG’s commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth in Nigeria, aligning with their philosophy of understanding customers and offering optimal solutions to improve their lives.

Also prominently at the commissioning was the honourable Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Oyo State, Dr. Wale Olatubosun as the special guest of honor. Dr. Olatunbosun expressed his elation and commended LG Electronics for their dedication to community development in Nigeria. He urged the community members to take proper care of the project and emphasized the importance of sustainable solutions for long-term benefits

Dr. Olatubosun stated, “I commend LG Electronics for their dedication to community development in Nigeria, and I am particularly delighted that they have chosen to bring this project to Ibadan, Oyo State. We hope this gesture inspires more sustainable initiatives, reaching communities in dire need of clean water and benefiting both the environment and its people.

Improving Lives with Clean Water

The solar-powered borehole will provide the Ibadan community with a consistent and safe water supply, crucial for health, hygiene, and daily living. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce the burden on residents, particularly women and children, who often travel long distances to fetch water.

Community Leader, Alhaji Remi Olaibi Ojuolape, expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the residents, stating, “We are incredibly grateful to LG Electronics for this generous donation. The solar-powered borehole will make a huge difference in our daily lives, providing us with easy access to clean water. This project is a blessing, and we thank LG for their support and commitment to our community.”

A Brighter Future for Ibadan

The installation of the solar-powered borehole is a significant step toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for the Agba-Akin community, Ibadan. By ensuring access to clean water, the project will improve public health, reduce waterborne diseases, and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.

As LG Electronics continues to expand its impact through community-focused projects especially the Solar-powered borehole, the company remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote sustainability, enhance living conditions, and empower communities.

Attendees at the event includes; Mr. Inkyu Kim,  CFO, LG Electronics; Mr. Hari Elluru, Head, Corporate Marketing,  LG Electronics; Dr. Wale Olatubosun,Honourable Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism; Dr Aina Olugbemiga Ayoola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Jad Atwi, Ibadan Branch Manager, Fouani Nigeria. Limited, Alhaji. Remi Olaibi Ojuolape, Chairman, Landlord Association, Alhaji Raimi Ojolowo, Imam Central Mosque, Pastor Sunday Ekeite all of Agba-Akin  community,  among others.