News

Peter Obi urges FG to end killings, return IDPs to their homes

Published

2 months ago

September 8, 2026

Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged the Federal Government to take decisive action against those behind the killings and kidnappings across the country, saying the attackers are known and should be stopped.

Obi made the call on Tuesday during a visit to an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, where he sympathised with thousands of people forced to flee their communities due to insecurity.

He said prayers were important in addressing the country’s security challenges but insisted that government action was necessary to end the violence.

“I listen to somebody who says we need prayers. Yes, we need prayers. But the prayers can be solved by government. The people who are coming to kill people are not from the moon. We know them. The Nigerian government should be able to deal with it,” Obi said.

News

‘My Mother Wanted Me Married, Not Playing Football’ — U-17 Captain Harmony Chidi

Published

22 minutes ago

November 13, 2026

PlateauReports

Nigeria U-17 captain Harmony Chidi has shared the personal challenges she faced while pursuing her football career, revealing that her mother initially opposed her decision to play the sport and wanted her to get married instead.

Speaking about her early journey in football, Chidi explained that her grandmother was the only person who encouraged her to keep pursuing her dream despite the lack of support at home, Sports247 gathered.

“When I started football, my mama didn’t allow me play. She didn’t want me playing football; she wanted me to get married. Only my grandma encouraged me, and now my grandma is no more. It’s just me and my mum now,” Chidi said.

Her revelation highlights the personal obstacles she had to overcome in order to pursue a career in football, with her grandmother playing a significant role in encouraging her ambition.

Despite the challenges, the young Nigerian captain remains determined to make her mark in the game and has set herself an ambitious target.

Chidi declared that she hopes to surpass the achievements of Super Falcons legend and former African Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala.

“My dream is to be greater than Asisat Oshoala,” she said.

Her ambition reflects the confidence and determination she carries as she continues her development in the game. Oshoala’s achievements have made her a reference point for aspiring Nigerian female footballers, and Chidi now hopes to carve out a legacy of her own.

For the U-17 captain, the journey is about more than playing football; it is also about pursuing a dream that was not initially supported by those closest to her.

Business

Veritas Kapital Assurance Records 54% Growth in Total Assets to ₦54.56 Billion, Strengthens Financial Position

Published

58 minutes ago

November 13, 2026

PlateauReports

Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc has recorded a 54 per cent increase in total assets to ₦54.56 billion as at September 30, 2026, compared to ₦35.40 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, reflecting growth in the company’s financial position.

The company’s unaudited financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, also showed a 60 per cent increase in total equity, which rose from ₦19.12 billion in 2025 to ₦30.59 billion.

This growth was supported by an increase in share capital from ₦6.93 billion to ₦14.43 billion and share premium from ₦663.6 million to ₦8.16 billion.

Further reflecting the growth in its financial position, cash and cash equivalents increased by 28 per cent, from ₦7.98 billion to ₦10.17 billion, while investment securities held at amortised cost more than doubled, rising from ₦12.45 billion to ₦25.64 billion.

The company also recorded a 34 per cent increase in net investment income, from ₦2.61 billion in the corresponding period of 2025 to ₦3.51 billion in 2026. This performance reflects the contribution of its investment portfolio to income during the period.

Commenting on the results, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adaobi Nwakuche, said: “Our nine-month performance reflects notable developments in our financial position, particularly the growth in our asset base, equity position and investment income.

“As we continue to build on these gains, our focus remains on strengthening our core insurance business, enhancing operational efficiency and improving overall business performance.

“Our commitment to meeting our obligations to policyholders remains central to our business as we work towards delivering sustainable value to all stakeholders.

The results also highlight areas requiring continued management attention within the company’s underwriting operations. Insurance revenue stood at ₦15.41 billion, compared to ₦16.31 billion in the corresponding period of 2025, while the company recorded a loss after tax of ₦3.84 billion, against a profit after tax of ₦4.12 billion in the previous year.

This performance was largely attributable to increased insurance service expenses and net expenses from reinsurance contracts held.

Overall, the results reflect growth in Veritas Kapital Assurance’s asset base, equity position and investment income, alongside areas for improvement in its insurance operations.

The company remains focused on strengthening its core business, enhancing operational efficiency and sustaining its commitment to delivering dependable insurance solutions and long-term value to its stakeholders.

About Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc
Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc is a Nigerian insurance company providing general insurance solutions to individuals and businesses. The company is committed to delivering reliable insurance services and building lasting relationships with its customers and stakeholders.

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