Operators in the insurance sector have been advised to have a rethink on their traditional approaches to business and embrace change with agility and the wave of digital transformation in modern business. Doing so, he stated, will enable them remain relevant and competitive in the business world.

The Chairman, Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA), Mr Kunle Ahmed, gave the advice at the 2025 Insurance Chief Executives’ retreat organised by the insurers in Lagos.

Speaking on the relevance of the theme of the year’s retreat, “Digital Disruption and Social Innovation: Reshaping Our Traditional Models,” Ahmed said, “As we discuss digital disruption, I urge you to consider the following questions: how can we leverage technology to better understand and serve our customers, how  can we harness the power of data to drive decision-making and innovation, most importantly, how can we create a seamless and integrated digital experience that not only meets but exceeds customer expectations?”

He said equally important was the role of social innovation in reshaping the insurance industry, adding that as insurers, operators have responsibility to address the evolving needs of their diverse communities and ensure that their services were inclusive, accessible, and beneficial to all.

“Social innovation challenges us to think beyond profit margins and focus on creating positive social impact. Inclusive insurance, for instance, aims to provide financial protection to underserved and vulnerable populations. By developing products that cater to the unique needs of these communities, we can foster financial inclusion and resilience. Similarly, sustainable insurance practices can help mitigate the impacts of climate change and promote environmental stewardship,” he said.

He urged the insurers that as they explore the concept of social innovation, they should reflect on how to design insurance products that were not only profitable but also socially impactful.

He further said they should think about how to engage with stakeholders to drive collective action towards sustainability as well as how to measure and communicate the social and environmental benefits of their initiatives.

Ahmed told the insurers that the journey of digital disruption and social innovation was not one that they could embark on alone, adding that it required collaboration, partnership, and a shared vision for the future.

He said as industry leaders, they must work together to foster a culture of innovation, openness, and continuous learning.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced CBP Home, a mobile application designed to facilitate the voluntary departure of undocumented immigrants.

The initiative, part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration strategy, aims to encourage self-deportation while conserving enforcement resources.

The app, an evolution of the CBP One platform previously used for asylum applications, allows users to declare their intent to leave the U.S. voluntarily.

By opting for self-deportation, individuals may avoid the legal consequences of forced removal, potentially preserving their eligibility for future legal entry.

Users must submit personal information, including a photograph, biographical details, and proof of financial means to leave.

DHS officials state that this digital tool will streamline departures, reducing the burden on U.S. immigration enforcement agencies.

Kristi Noem, homeland security secretary described the app as an opportunity for individuals to exit on their own terms, saying, “The CBP Home app gives aliens the option to leave now and self-deport, so they may still have the opportunity to return legally in the future and live the American dream.”

To promote the initiative, the U.S. government has launched a $200 million domestic and international advertising campaign urging undocumented migrants to “Stay Out and Leave Now.” The campaign aligns with the administration’s goal of restoring integrity to the immigration system and prioritising enforcement against individuals deemed security threats.

While the administration presents CBP Home as a humane alternative to detention and forced deportation, immigration experts remain cautious about its potential impact.

Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh of the Migration Policy Institute stated that the program’s success depends on public awareness and individuals’ willingness to participate.

The app is now available for free on mobile application stores, with automatic updates provided to existing CBP One users.

As the U.S. government continues to refine its immigration policies, the CBP Home app marks a significant shift toward technology-driven enforcement measures.

The IgniteHer Bootcamp, a flagship initiative by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), concluded successfully on Friday, March 7, 2025.

Over the course of five impactful days, the program empowered 90 female entrepreneurs with essential knowledge, skills, and networks to build and scale successful businesses. Through expert-led sessions and hands-on learning, participants gained practical insights into business development, financial management, and digital transformation.

The IgniteHer Bootcamp was specifically designed to foster digital literacy, market opportunities, and the use of technology while addressing systemic barriers limiting women’s participation in entrepreneurship.

It aimed to bridge the gender gap in business and technology, equip women with critical business knowledge in financial management, business planning, and sustainability, provide access to mentorship opportunities and industry experts to support business growth. Each day of the bootcamp delivered high-impact value, ensuring participants left with actionable strategies to strengthen their entrepreneurial journey.

The first day focused on understanding gender disparity in business. Participants explored systemic barriers limiting women in entrepreneurship, including funding gaps and societal biases, while gaining strategies to overcome these challenges.

The second day delved into the fundamentals of a business plan, break-even business analysis, and the Lean Business Model Canvas, along with a practical session on setting SMART goals, enabling participants to develop structured business plans.

On the third day, the focus was on digital literacy, the use of cloud storage, online communication, internet safety, and human resource and financial management. In addition, there were practical sessions on the use of digital tools for content creation, bookkeeping, and business management.

The fourth day explored digital transformation and business growth, where entrepreneurs learned how to leverage technology and artificial intelligence to scale their businesses, covering digital branding, digital marketing, and essential digital tools for operational efficiency.

The final day featured a panel discussion with industry experts—a business hub manager, an entrepreneur, and a venture capitalist—moderated by an ecosystem accelerator who shared insights on business growth, funding opportunities, and overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship.

The session concluded with an open discussion, allowing participants to reflect on their learning and plan their next steps. The bootcamp was highly interactive, with participants engaging in discussions, practical exercises, and real-world case studies.

Many participants shared their key learnings on LinkedIn and other platforms, demonstrating the program’s lasting impact.

One participant, Imaobong Edukere, shared her experience, stating: “The IgniteHer Bootcamp has been an incredibly transformative experience for me.

It’s my first time being in a strong network of like-minded women entrepreneurs and drinking from their knowledge… I now feel more prepared to implement what I’ve learned and make a lasting impact in society.

Thank you, NITDA and JICA, for this valuable growth, timely support, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—I have just been IGNITED!” Another participant, Hadiza Isah Mohammed, wrote: “Hello, good morning everyone. This is one of the most inspirational bootcamps I’ve ever attended. I was at the point of dropping my dreams because everything seemed not to work, but I’ve been ignited and ready to continue my journey. Kudos to the organizers.”

The initiative fostered a strong network of women entrepreneurs, promoting mentorship and long-term collaboration. The session ended with a vote of thanks from the Special Assistant to the Director General of NITDA, stressing the open opportunity for a tour to Japan for select businesses and startups who will have the opportunity to participate in a startup event in Japan scheduled for August 2025.

This event provides a unique opportunity to network and partner with Japanese companies. Participants have been provided a link to apply their learnings and submit a pitch deck or business plan on their respective and prospective companies. Indeed, NITDA is ready to handhold these businesses to make an impact in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on economic growth.

With overwhelmingly positive feedback, the IgniteHer Bootcamp stands as a transformative program, driving progress in bridging the gender gap in business and empowering women to thrive in the digital economy.