BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Barrister Rotimi Edu, mni, FCIB, describing him as a visionary leader and one of the insurance industry’s most influential figures.
In a condolence message signed by the Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of NAICOM, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, the commission said Edu made remarkable contributions to the growth and transformation of insurance broking in Nigeria.
NAICOM noted that during his tenure as President of the NCRIB, Edu demonstrated exceptional leadership, foresight, and unwavering commitment to advancing insurance practice in the country.
The commission described the late insurance expert as a man of rare intellect, innovation, and energy who consistently championed reforms aimed at strengthening the industry.
According to the statement, Edu remained dedicated to the insurance profession and the Council despite personal health challenges, reflecting his passion for service and commitment to the growth of the sector.
“The vacuum created by his passing is enormous, not only for his family and the Quicklink team, but also for the NCRIB and the entire insurance community,” the statement said.
NAICOM added that Edu’s legacy of integrity, courage, and progressive leadership would continue to inspire future generations of insurance practitioners.
The commission extended its condolences to his family, professional colleagues, and the entire insurance industry, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Barrister Rotimi Edu, describing his passing as a monumental loss to Nigeria’s insurance industry.
In a statement issued by the association, the NIA said the late Edu was an outstanding leader, accomplished legal practitioner, and a respected figure whose contributions significantly shaped the growth and regulatory development of the insurance sector in Nigeria.
The association noted that Edu, who served as the 21st President of the NCRIB, was widely admired for his commitment to professionalism, ethical standards, and industry unity. According to the NIA, he championed stronger collaboration between insurance brokers and underwriters, helping to deepen cohesion within the sector.
“Barrister Rotimi Edu was a titan whose dedication to professionalism and ethical conduct remained exemplary throughout his career. His passing leaves a huge vacuum that will be deeply felt across the financial services industry,” the statement read.
The NIA further highlighted his strategic contributions as a member of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, where he consistently advocated reforms aimed at aligning the insurance industry with evolving economic realities.
The association extended its condolences to the President and Governing Board of the NCRIB, the entire brokerage community, as well as Edu’s family, friends, and professional associates.
While mourning his death, the NIA said it takes solace in the enduring legacy of integrity, visionary leadership, and institutional progress he left behind.
The association prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and for strength for his family and the insurance industry to bear the irreparable loss.
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The Supreme Court has brought an end to the legal dispute over the status of the Action Peoples Party (APP), affirming that the party remains duly registered and eligible to take part in the 2027 general elections.
The apex court struck out Appeal No. SC/CV/248/2026 after the appellant, Mr Blessing Elujiuba, voluntarily withdrew the case, bringing the challenge to a close.
This decision leaves intact earlier judgments delivered by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, which had upheld the party’s legal recognition.
The ruling was delivered on May 12, 2026, by a five-member panel of the Supreme Court led by Justice John Inyang Okoro, who noted that the matter was withdrawn without objection from other parties.
The court subsequently dismissed the appeal following its withdrawal, formally ending the proceedings at the apex level of the judiciary.
The case involved the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Action Peoples Party (APP), and the party’s National Chairman, Uche Kingsley Nnadi.
The initial legal action had sought to force INEC to remove APP from its register on the allegation that it failed to meet constitutional requirements under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution.
However, earlier rulings had found that APP met the necessary legal conditions for continued registration, citing evidence of electoral participation and victories at local government level.
The courts also upheld the interpretation that fulfilling any of the conditions outlined in Section 225A is sufficient for a political party to retain its registration status.
With all tiers of the judiciary aligned in its favour, APP’s legal standing remains intact, clearing the party to continue preparations for the 2027 elections without any outstanding court challenge.
The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, said discussions on Nigeria’s nuclear power programme remain alive, amid continuous technical engagements with concerned authorities in the West African country.
Mr Grossi disclosed the progress made on the nuclear power arrangement with Nigeria while responding to a PREMIUM TIMES’ enquiry at an IAEA programme in Vienna, Austria.
The IAEA DG said the agency continues to work with Nigeria on its nuclear power plan and IAEA officials had held visits and technical meetings with relevant stakeholders to actualise the dream.
In May 2024, while on a visit to Nigeria for a seminar on ‘Promoting Cancer Awareness and Advocacy Programmes’, Mr Grossi expressed the agency’s readiness to support Nigeria’s efforts to develop a nuclear power programme during meetings with senior government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Speaking during the visit, he described Nigeria’s pursuit of nuclear energy as “a logical move for a country of your (Nigeria’s) size and importance.”
When this newspaper asked Mr Grossi about the progress of the discussions and technical meetings since the visit two years ago, the IAEA DG reassured that discussions are still ongoing.
“We have continued working with Nigeria, I have to tell you. It’s not that after that visit, things stopped. We have continued at technical levels, some visits, and technical meetings,” the IAEA DG said.
He noted, however, that no final decision has been taken on the programme, adding that Nigeria’s status as a big crude oil-producing nation makes its situation quite different from other economies.
“There hasn’t been a decision yet. There is like a pre-decision to explore the alternative. Of course, your country (Nigeria) is a big oil producer country, an exporter, etc. So the discussion in your country is different from that in other countries,” the DG said.
The IAEA boss insisted that the conversation around the programme is still alive, but Nigeria’s energy options are quite diversified.
“It’s a matter of diversification more than a matter of need, maybe. But the conversation space is pretty much alive, I must say,” Mr Grossi said.
Nigeria’s nuclear energy programme operates under the guidance and safety standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), aiming to add clean, stable nuclear electricity to the national grid. The programme is managed primarily by the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) and is said to be advancing through the foundational infrastructure phases and planning stages.
Earlier in September 2023, Nigeria signed its Country Programme Framework (CPF) for the period of 2024–2029 on the margins of the General Conference. A CPF is the frame of reference for the medium-term planning of technical cooperation between a Member State and the IAEA and identifies priority areas where the transfer of nuclear technology and technical cooperation resources will be directed to support national development goals.
Nigeria has been an IAEA Member State since 1957 and, according to the agency, its 4th CPF covering the period 2024 – 2029 identifies five priority areas, such as nuclear and radiation safety and security; food and agriculture; health and nutrition; water and environment; as well as energy planning and development.