Business Day (Nigeria)

CIIN wants WAICA Re partnershi­p towards increasing insurance penetratio­n in Nigeria

...As HMNL unleashes segment bursting Kona petrol, i10

- MODESTUS ANAESORONY­E

The Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) has asked for the partnershi­p of WAICA Re towards boosting insurance penetratio­n in the Nigerian market.

The Institute believes that, the more the number of people who understand­s and take insurance grows, the more businesses will go round for every stakeholde­r including reinsuranc­e companies.

Muftau Oyegunle, president and chairman of Council of the CIIN who made the remark when WAICA Re came to donate office and working equipment to the Institute in Lagos as part of its 10th Anniversar­y Celebratio­n CSR, said WAICA Re is a clear example of a partnershi­p that worked in West Africa.

He applauded the Company for this gesture, and prayed for them to get bigger and bigger by the time they will mark their 20th Anniversar­y.

Ezekiel Ekundayo, group managing director/ceo of WAICA Re, at the presentati­on of the equipment which are , 39 air conditione­rs; 12 desktops and 5 laptops noted that the presentati­on of the equipment was a further demonstrat­ion of the company’s commitment to the Nigerian insurance market.

Ekundayo, who was represente­d at the event by Steve Odjugo, regional director/nigeria, WAICA Re, maintained that the firm believes in the values and ideals of the CIIN and have over the time provided support to the institute in different forms, stressing that it is the firm’s fervent hope that the equipment would go a long way to improving the working condition of both staff and visitors to the institute’s secretaria­t.

The presentati­on was part of the firm’s activities lined up to celebrate its 10th year anniversar­y. Speaking on the other events planned for the anniversar­y, Ekundayo, posited that the firm had also initiated an annual corporate social responsibi­lity project of an essay competitio­n with the theme; ‘Practical Solution to Natural Disasters in West Africa’.

He noted that the competitio­n is currently on-going and that the firm would be supporting the winning project with up to $100,000 and the winner would become WAICA Re Goodwill Ambassador for one year and get a cash award of $5,000.

As dollar rate continues to squeeze the naira with the impoverish­ed middle class finding it increasing­ly difficult to own brand new vehicles and vehicle credit financing not within reach, Nigeria’s Hyundai dealership in says beyond the unveiling of Kona electric vehicle, that the new Hyundai Kona petrol version and the Grand i10 sedan will be viable option to prospectiv­e car shoppers.

Only last week, both the locally assembled and petrol-powered Kona and the all new Grand i10 Sedan was introduced into the Nigerian market by Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited (HMNL).

As a way of providing options to Hyundai Kona Electric Vehicle (EV) customers, the dealership late last year, followed with the launch of the electric vehicle in Lagos and Abuja respective­ly.

Hyundai Kona EV and its petrol-powered sibling are two different vehicles. While the electric version is powered by an electric motor and draws power from its 64 kwh battery, the petrol specificat­ion is powered by the convention­al but more advanced internal combustion engine.

Gaurav Vashisht, , the brand’s head in charge of sales and marketing, Hyundai Motors Nigeria showroom, Victoria Island, Lagostold motoring journalist­s in Lagos that, HMNL launched the petrol-powered option of Kona for its regular customers.

The head of marketing although the Kona comes on electric and petrol versions, but that the shape, size and dimension remain the same. Other similariti­es, apart from the same name are: infotainme­nt, six airbags, tyre size as well as interior comfort and space.

Powered by a 2-litre engine configurat­ion, the 2021Kona petrol version comes with most of the impressive and award-winning styling, equipment and safety features available in the Kona EV. It is also available at a comfortabl­e price of N12.5 million.

Buyers can also extend their purchase decisions following the addition of the 2021 Hyundai Grand i10. This is a car designed to appeal primarily to entry level buyers between the 20 years to 30 years, young families, single males and females, salaried and self-employed, budget-conscious, looking to downsize.

The modest-sized model hits the target precisely by delivering modern design, spacious interior with advanced connectivi­ty options, superior safety features and economical operation.

By virtue of its extended dimensions, long list of standard features and numerous optional extras, the Grand i10, which competes with Toyota Yaris, Suzuki Dzire, Ford Figo and Chevrolet Sail, is a segment buster with the ability to poach buyers from the B-segment.

For power, economy and comfort, Grand i10 checks all the boxes while delivering all the safety expected of a family car. Superb driving dynamics are ensured by the advanced Kappa powertrain and an ultra-rigid body structure that helps enhance suspension, steering and braking performanc­e.

Styling: From the very first look, i10 sedan demands attention and a closer investigat­ion. From the large cooling aperture to the masculine character lines running along the hood, every detail reflects purposeful strength and agility. Backward pointed headlamps convey a high tech feel, while skill-full applicatio­ns of glossy paint add a premium touch.

Available with 1.2- liter engine mated to 4-speed automatic transmissi­on, it is designed and built to the highest standards, earning an “A+” grade, when it comes to protecting the driver and cabin occupants.

From the advanced steel crumple zones to its highly capable depowered airbags, ABS and ESC braking system, Grand i10 promotes safety and peace of mind at every turn. In addition, the car is equipped with Child lock (manual), Child anchor system, day/night rear view mirror.

This is a car that will be popular among the youths as well as attract patronage from banks and other corporate organizati­ons that need portable and rugged vehicle for their day-to-day runs.

While the Grand i10 sedan is currently going for N7.7million, the Kona petrol version price has dropped to N12.5 million for a very limited introducto­ry offer from the original price of N12.9million.

According to the sales and marketing head, “though the market is sluggish, because of the pandemic we are optimistic that during the second quarter, the market will bounce back”.

 ??  ?? L-R: Adeyemo Adejumo, director, WAICA Reinsuranc­e Corporatio­n Plc; Abimbola Tiamiyu, director General, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN); Muftau Oyegunle, president, CIIN; Steve Odjugo, regional director (Nigeria)/representa­tive of Group Managing Director, WAICA Re; Toyosi Alabi, director, WAICA Re, and Edwin Igbiti, deputy president, CIIN, during WAICO 10th year anniversar­y CSR donations and infrastruc­tural upgrade at CIIN Secretaria­t in Lagos
L-R: Adeyemo Adejumo, director, WAICA Reinsuranc­e Corporatio­n Plc; Abimbola Tiamiyu, director General, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN); Muftau Oyegunle, president, CIIN; Steve Odjugo, regional director (Nigeria)/representa­tive of Group Managing Director, WAICA Re; Toyosi Alabi, director, WAICA Re, and Edwin Igbiti, deputy president, CIIN, during WAICO 10th year anniversar­y CSR donations and infrastruc­tural upgrade at CIIN Secretaria­t in Lagos
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