Stanbic IBTC Insurance Limited has been named the overall winner of the CRe Momentum Award at the inaugural CRe Insurance Awards for Africa 2026, announced during the Continental Reinsurance (CRe) CEO Summit held in Kigali, Rwanda on April 17, 2026.
The company was recognised for its consistent commercial performance, disciplined execution, and a highly effective bancassurance model, which the judges described as among the most effective on the African continent, with a clear strategic focus on life insurance growth.
In the same category, Cornerstone Insurance (Nigeria) came second; while La Générale des Assurances (Benin) placed third.
In the Emerging Champions category, Agrails Ltd (Kenya) won, while Britam Connect (Kenya) came second.
Continental Reinsurance Plc also announced winners of the 11th Pan-African Re/Insurance Journalism Awards, with journalists across Africa recognised for excellence in reporting the insurance and reinsurance sector. 184 entries from Anglophone and Francophone countries were reviewed.
Uganda’s Isaac Khisa of The Independent Publications emerged Overall Winner. He also won the English Print Category for his article titled ‘Keeping it home: Africa’s reinsurers in quiet bid to reclaim market’’. In the same category, Nigeria’s Josephine Ogundeji of Punch Newspaper was named first runner-up, while Ojeme Sunday of New Telegraph finished as second runner-up.
The English Online Category saw Henry Uche of Daily Sun (Nigeria) emerge winner with his article, ‘Reinsurance: Nigeria’s capacity question and propensity for expansion’. Isaac Khisa (Uganda) secured another podium finish as first runner-up, while Zimbabwe’s Tendai Makaripe of 263 Chat was second runner-up.
In the English Broadcast Category, Blessing Ifechukwude of Voice of Nigeria won the top prize with her story ‘From Policy to Practice: Mandatory Health Insurance and Its Impact on Healthcare for Nigerians’. She was followed by Mercy Tyra Murengu of Media Max Network (Kenya) as first runner-up, and Samuel Nana Effah Obeng of GN Media (Ghana) as second runner-up.
In the English Social Media Category, Taurai Museka was named winner.
For the French (Broadcast/Print/Online) Category, Burkina Faso’s SEDGO Adama of Les Editions emerged winner, while KONKOBO Estelle of C’Finance (Burkina Faso) was first runner-up and BIRBA Fleur of Sidwaya (Burkina Faso) came second runner-up.
In the Arabic Category, Egypt’s Zahraa Mustafa Al-Saeed Abdul Amid (Egypt) of Amwal Al Ghad magazine won the top prize. Eslam Abdelhameed Abdelmutlib Farhat of Amwalalghad (Egypt) was first runner-up, while Elshazly Gomaa Ahmed Ali of Al-Mal Newspaper (Egypt) finished second.
Additionally, Josephine Ogundeji clinched the Dr Femi Oyetunji Future Talent Award, while Mercy Tyra Murengu received Special Recognition.
Congratulating the winners and all entrants, Group CEO of Continental Reinsurance Holdings, Lawrence Nazare noted, “The inclusion of 10 new participating countries reflects the growing reach and impact of the awards across the continent.”
Chief Judge, Michael Wilson commented: “The entries continue to improve with each edition, making the judging process increasingly challenging.”
Winners received certificates, trophies and cash prizes, with the overall winner earning $2,000, category winners receiving $1,500, first runners-up $1,000, and second runners-up $500.
The Presidency has dismissed reports suggesting that the former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, was removed from office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, clarifying that he voluntarily resigned on health grounds.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was confirmed that Edun formally tendered his resignation before the President announced a replacement on Tuesday.
Similarly, the former Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, also stepped down from his position, expressing appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve in the Federal Executive Council.
Mr. Edun, who marked his 70th birthday on Monday and has recently experienced health challenges, submitted his resignation on the same day. In his letter, he thanked the President for the opportunity to serve the nation.
“It has been an honour to be part of your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he wrote.
“Under your leadership, Nigeria has become stronger, more stable, and more respected internationally.
“I wish you continued success in the years ahead.”
Before his exit was officially announced by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Edun paid a farewell visit to President Tinubu at the State House on Tuesday. He later left following a private meeting that lasted about an hour, indicating his intention to focus on personal engagements.
Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, a professional architect, previously served as Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank from 2015 to 2022 and as Secretary to the Katsina State Government before his appointment as minister in August 2023.
Edun, an economist and investment banker, served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance between 1999 and 2004 during Tinubu’s tenure as governor.
He earlier worked at Chase Merchant Bank in Lagos from 1980 to 1986 before joining the World Bank under its Young Professionals Programme, where he contributed to economic and financial projects across Latin America and the Caribbean.
In 1989, he co-founded Investment Banking & Trust Company Limited (now Stanbic IBTC) and later established Denham Management Limited in 1994, which evolved into the Chapelhill Denham Group. He served as chairman of the company from 2008 to 2021.
President Tinubu has commended both Edun and Dangiwa for their service and contributions to the administration’s economic reform agenda, and wished them success in their future endeavours.
The President has also directed the newly appointed Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and strengthen the administration’s fiscal and economic policies with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.
In addition, President Tinubu is expected to forward the nomination of Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina State, to the Senate for confirmation as Minister of Housing.
BY SUNDAY SAMUEL—-The accused persons in the ongoing proceedings in Abuja have denied all 13 charges filed against them.
After their plea, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, asked the court to order that they be held in the custody of the Department of State Services and urged that the matter be heard without delay.
However, counsel to the first accused, Mohammed Ndayako, requested guarantees that they would be allowed adequate access to their clients while they remain in detention.
In reply, the Attorney-General assured the court that the defendants’ rights would be upheld, emphasizing that there had been no previous issues concerning access.
He further noted that everyone involved agrees on the importance of a speedy trial.
A few days earlier, the Federal Government had fixed a date for the trial of those accused of plotting a coup, which investigators say involved plans for a violent takeover of government in October 2025.
Among those implicated is a former Governor of Bayelsa State and ex-Minister of Petroleum Affairs, Timipre Sylva, who is currently on the run. The suspects were arrested for their alleged involvement in the planned coup.
The coming days, along with witness accounts, are expected to provide greater clarity on what is considered one of the most disturbing incidents in recent times.