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 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has commenced a fresh operation targeting vehicles with illegal tinted windows, concealed number plates and improper registration across Abuja.
FCT Commissioner of Police Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi disclosed the development during a media briefing on Friday.
He said security reports indicated that criminal suspects often use such vehicles to avoid identification and carry out unlawful activities.
According to the police chief, cases of kidnapping and the notorious “one-chance” robberies have been linked to vehicles operating with hidden identities.
Sanusi noted that tinted windows and covered registration plates make it difficult for security agencies to track offenders and investigate crimes.
He stated that enforcement teams have already been deployed across the territory to ensure compliance with existing regulations.
The commissioner clarified that the exercise is aimed at motorists violating the law and not those with valid approvals for tinted glass.
He revealed that more than 30 vehicles have so far been impounded for breaching the regulations and that offenders would face prosecution.
Sanusi urged residents to report suspicious persons, vehicles and activities, stressing that the operation is part of broader efforts to improve security and curb crime in the nation’s capital.
Nigeria has received multiple funding offers from investors and institutional lenders, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has said.
Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg TV, Mr Oyedele said the current market environment presents an opportunity for the country to refinance some of its existing debt while mobilising additional resources for development.
“We think that the timing is good for us to be able to maybe even refinance some of our expensive past debts, but also to raise more funding for our development at this critical time,” he said.
Responding to questions on whether Nigeria would pursue a Eurobond issuance or other commercial financing options, the minister said any decision would depend on prevailing market conditions, the amount of funding required and the speed at which the government intends to access the funds.
He noted that the country currently has several financing options available.
“We have a lot of offers, there is a lot of interest in Nigeria by investors, which is good for us,” Mr Oyedele said.
He added that Nigeria is also engaging with institutional lenders, including the African Finance Corporation (AFC), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Afreximbank, alongside financing arrangements involving other countries.
Mr Oyedele explained that the government would carefully evaluate the cost, risks and suitability of available funding sources before deciding on the most appropriate financing strategy.
According to him, the objective is to ensure efficient use of resources while supporting the country’s development priorities.
“The goal is to get the best results from every dollar or every naira that we spend,” he said.