Linkage CEO listed among capital market performers

Underwriting firm, Linkage Assurance Plc, through its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Pius Apere, has been listed among Top 25 (CEOs) in the country, who delivered the value to stakeholders, and contributed to the stellar performance in the Nigerian capital market in 2017.

Last year, listed stocks gained N4.36trillion in market capitalisation, a development that made the Nigerian capital market one of the best in the world.

The 25 CEOs, who were celebrated during the Top 25 CEO Awards, held in Lagos, accounted for over 60 per cent of the success recorded on the NSE by adding some N2.6trillion to market value in 2017.

Apere’s new management at Linkage Assurance, with the support of the board recorded significant achievements in 2017, leading to being awarded as one of the Top 25 CEOs.

In the 2017 financial year, the company recorded gross premium income (GPI) of N4.102billion against N4.032billion in 2016, and was able to beat negative market sentiments that affected the company before the new management came in early 2017.

“From 2017 the company share price has rose above 90 kobo and we were in a position to carry out half year 2017 Accounts audit exercise successfully within two months to pay interim dividend, having wiped out the negative retained earnings which existed for over 10 years.

The Company is also in a position to pay final dividend from 2017 audited Accounts which awaits NAICOM’s approval.”, according to senior official in the company.”

Linkage Assurance experienced improved investment performance and profitability in 2017, despite the challenges in the market environment leading to better investment returns to shareholders in terms of payment of dividend, and increased shareholders’ fund.

It also in 2017, brought in a new marketing strategy that focused on client/insured, with the ultimate aim of deepening the company’s marketing outreach which will enable growth of gross premium income, which is expected will manifest from 2018.