News

Lalong pleads for forgiveness as Plateau marks Forgiveness Day

Published

3 years ago

February 6, 2023

vicky

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong pleaded with residents on Sunday to forgive government over the current hardships being experienced by the cashless policy and fuel scarcity.

Governor Lalong made the plea at an interdenominational service at St. Monica Catholic Church, Jos, the state capital to mark the 2023 Plateau Forgiveness Day.

Lalong said that the situation had been of concern to governors who were having a series of meetings with the president to address the situation.

“On behalf of all of us, we apologize for the pain being inflicted on the society and we ask for forgiveness,” the Governor said.

Lalong prayed that the Federal Government would look into the hardships and review the policy.

He said the Plateau Forgiveness Day celebrated annually on February 7 was conceived as part of efforts to continue the restoration of peace.

It was also conceived to remind the younger generation that the state is home to peace, hospitality, and tourism, he added.

The Governor explained that the day was marked to strengthen peace processes, using the Plateau Peace Building Agency to coordinate its initiatives.

Lalong said: “The Day of Forgiveness, which was unveiled and launched by Mr. President in 2018 has since then been implemented by the Plateau Peace Building Agency.

“We established it as the first in the country with the sole responsibility of coordinating and implementing all our efforts towards removing toxic narratives, crisis merchandising, violence and tackling root causes of disharmony and intolerance.

“The day is to appeal to our conscience and take us to the path of forgiving the past, and looking ahead to the future that will be devoid of ugly experiences.”

Lalong thanked the Church for supporting him in the discharge of his duties and for preaching forgiveness, which is one of its pillars, stressing that forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but of strength.

He dispelled rumors that many villages had been taken over by herdsmen.

“I can say authoritatively that there is no report on my table that any village has been taken over,” he said.

The Governor added that the Anti-Land Grabbing Law of 2020 was enacted to prevent such situations and urged communities to report such attempts instead of going to social media to politicize them.

In his remarks, the Catholic Archbishop of Jos Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Audu, thanked the governor for conceiving the Forgiveness Day and urged him to legislate it for continuity.

Audu advised the involvement of stakeholders, especially those in the rural areas affected by insecurity, to achieve the objectives of the Forgiveness Day.

The Archbishop urged Plateau people to vote for credible persons irrespective of their parties, saying that only the action would ensure good governance.

Audu in his homily also urged Christians to be the light of the world and to make a positive difference wherever they found themselves.

Related Topics:2023 Plateau Forgiveness Day.Lalong pleads for forgiveness

Up Next

Own goal hands Plateau United 1-0 victory against Kwara United

Don't Miss

Lalong gets commendation for paying Plateau workers’ salary arrears, pensions

Click to comment

News

Legends Return to the Pitch: IASC Above 45 Tournament 2026 Begins with Blockbuster Opening Fixtures

Published

1 hour ago

August 4, 2026

Preport

WhatsApp Image 2026 08 04 at 10.00.46 PM.jpeg

The stage is set for another memorable chapter in the history of the Island Allstars Sports Club (IASC) as the much-anticipated IASC Above 45 Tournament 2026 kicks off on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the LBS Sports Arena, Lekki, promising an exciting display of football, sportsmanship and camaraderie among veteran players.

The annual tournament, one of the club’s flagship sporting events, celebrates the enduring passion, fitness and competitive spirit of football enthusiasts aged 45 years and above. It has become a unique platform where experience meets talent, bringing together distinguished members of the club to compete while strengthening the bonds of friendship that define the IASC family.

According to the fixtures released by the Sports Management Committee (SMC), the opening match will see Team A take on Team D at 8:30 a.m., while the second fixture will feature Team B against Team C at 10:30 a.m. Both matches will be played at the LBS Sports Arena, with the tournament concluding on August 15, 2026, when the champions will emerge.

Beyond the excitement on the pitch, the Above 45 Tournament continues to promote healthy living, active ageing and community engagement, proving that football remains a lifelong passion capable of inspiring generations.

This year’s competition is proudly supported by Sure B Homes, Dinice Royal Investment Limited, Network Times Nigeria Limited, and Cartel Beach House Del Viento, whose sponsorship underscores the growing corporate confidence in the vision of the Island Allstars Sports Club.

To ensure supporters across Nigeria and beyond do not miss the action, selected matches will be streamed live on Sports247 YouTube Channel and website: sports247.ng, allowing football lovers around the world to follow every tackle, goal and dramatic moment as it unfolds.

Speaking on behalf of the Sports Management Committee, the committee’s Secretary, Ugochukwu Chukwudalu, assured members and supporters of a professionally organised tournament that reflects the values of excellence, unity and fair play for which the club is known.

As anticipation reaches fever pitch, all roads lead to the LBS Sports Arena this Saturday for what promises to be an unforgettable football spectacle. For the players, it is another opportunity to chase glory. For the fans, it is a celebration of football at its finest—where legends return to the pitch and experience takes centre stage.

Business

Coronation Insurance, Coronation Life Meet NIIRA 2025 Minimum Capital Requirements Following Successful ₦9.2bn Capital Raise

Published

2 hours ago

August 4, 2026

Preport

Coronation Insurance Plc and Coronation Life Assurance Limited have successfully met the new minimum capital requirements stipulated under the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025.

This marks the successful completion of the Nigerian insurance industry’s year-long recapitalisation exercise as announced by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

A statement released today by both underwriters, that the milestone follows the successful conclusion of a ₦9.2 billion private placement by both companies, which attracted strong participation from existing and new investors. The offer, comprising 4.2 billion ordinary shares, was oversubscribed, demonstrating strong investor confidence in the companies’ long-term strategy, sound corporate governance, and growth prospects.

Meeting the new regulatory capital requirements reinforces the financial strength of both Coronation Insurance and Coronation Life Assurance, positioning the companies to accelerate innovation, expand access to insurance solutions, and create greater value for customers, shareholders, and other stakeholders.

The strengthened capital base will support strategic investments in product innovation, digital transformation, customer experience, and the expansion of the companies’ distribution footprint. It will also reinforce their bancassurance partnership with Access Bank, enabling both companies to extend insurance solutions to customers across one of Africa’s largest banking networks.

Reacting on the milestone, Olamide Olajolo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Coronation Insurance Plc, said: “Meeting the new capital requirements under NIIRA 2025 is a significant milestone for our business and reflects the confidence investors continue to place in our strategy and long-term vision. The successful completion of our private placement is a testament to the strength of our governance, our business model, and our commitment to building a stronger, more resilient insurance company that consistently delivers value to customers, shareholders, and the wider economy.

“With our strengthened capital position, we remain focused on expanding our product offerings, deepening our distribution capabilities, investing in digital innovation, and delivering exceptional service across every customer touchpoint. We are well positioned to respond to emerging opportunities within Nigeria’s evolving insurance market while driving sustainable growth and operational excellence.”

Also Adebowale Adesona, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Coronation Life Assurance Limited, “said: The successful completion of this recapitalisation represents much more than regulatory compliance; it is a strong affirmation of our commitment to building a future-ready life insurance business that inspires confidence and delivers lasting financial security for our customers.

“This stronger capital base enables us to deepen our investment in innovative life insurance and wealth creation solutions, enhance our digital capabilities, strengthen our customer experience, and expand access to insurance through strategic partnerships. As Nigeria’s insurance industry enters a new era, Coronation Life Assurance is well positioned to help more individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most while creating sustainable long-term value for all our stakeholders.”

Both firms continue to strengthen their market position through customer-focused solutions spanning general insurance, life insurance, risk protection, savings, retirement planning, and wealth creation for individuals, businesses, and institutions.

The successful recapitalisation underscores growing investor confidence in the long-term prospects of Nigeria’s insurance industry while reaffirming Coronation’s commitment to building resilient financial institutions that create sustainable value.

With enhanced financial capacity, strong corporate governance, and a clear strategic growth agenda, Coronation Insurance and Coronation Life Assurance are well positioned to accelerate innovation, broaden market access, deepen customer relationships, and contribute meaningfully to the continued development of Nigeria’s insurance sector under the new regulatory framework.

The post Coronation Insurance, Coronation Life Meet NIIRA 2025 Minimum Capital Requirements Following Successful ₦9.2bn Capital Raise appeared first on Business Today NG.