In a recent media parley held in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of Leadway Capital & Trust Limited, Mr. Ayodeji Wuraola, emphasized the crucial need for Nigerians to adopt the practice of writing their Wills early in life. This call aims to mitigate the often complex and contentious inheritance disputes that arise posthumously.
Mr. Wuraola articulated that the act of writing a Will is more than a legal formality; it’s a way to ensure that one’s wishes are respected and executed upon their passing, thereby offering peace and financial security to the bereaved family. He highlighted that a Will, or testament, is a legal document by which a person, the testator (or testatrix if female), expresses their wishes as to how their property is to be distributed at death, and names one or more persons, the executor, to manage the estate until its final distribution.
During his presentation, Wuraola introduced various products offered by Leadway Capital & Trust, tailored to meet the diverse needs of clients. These include Corporate Trust, Testamentary Trust, Charity/Welfare Trust, Living Trust, and I Will Products, each designed with specific features to cater to different aspects of estate planning and asset protection.
Aisha Navi-Ogene, the Head of Trust Services at Leadway Capital & Trust, provided further insights into the company’s offerings. She explained the details and pricing of various Will products, such as the Retirement Saving (RSA) Trust, iWill + (Simple Will), iWill Extra (Comprehensive Will), iWill Premium (The Creation of Testamentary Trust), and Mirror Wills for couples. These products, according to her, are structured to accommodate everyone irrespective of their social or economic status, ensuring that individuals have the right tools to secure their legacy.
The company, in its commitment to service excellence and innovation, has outlined several strategic plans for the future. These initiatives include investing in digital customer experiences, focusing on the youth demographic, developing products for technology and venture capital companies, creating affordable retail products for the mass market, and catering to the rising diaspora population with ties to Nigeria. Additionally, there is a focus on being a part of the government’s increased investment in agriculture.
The event also saw contributions from other key members of the Leadway Capital & Trust team, including Funmi Dosunmo-Ayoola, Head of Business Development; Aishat Bello-Garuba, Head of Corporate Services at Leadway Holdings; and Oliver Obi, Head of Trust Services. Each member reinforced the company’s dedication to providing comprehensive and customer-centric trust and estate planning services.
Founded in 1999 and registered with the Securities & Exchange Commission in 2000, Leadway Capital & Trust is a member of the Leadway Group. The group is renowned for its exemplary services across various sectors, including insurance, pension fund administration, health management, investment services, trust services, asset management, and hospitality. The company, which became commercial in 1999, changed its name to Leadway Capital & Trusts Limited in 2009, marking a significant milestone in its journey.
Leadway Capital & Trust’s initiative in educating and encouraging Nigerians to engage in Will writing is a critical step towards fostering a culture of financial planning and legacy building. This move is not just about avoiding disputes; it’s about ensuring that the wealth and assets accumulated over a lifetime are distributed according to the individual’s wishes, thus securing their family’s future and maintaining harmony among survivors.
The call by Mr. Wuraola and his team at Leadway Capital & Trust is a timely reminder of the importance of planning for the inevitable. It underscores the need for individuals to take proactive steps in safeguarding their legacy and providing for their loved ones, even in their absence. The comprehensive range of products and services offered by the company reflects its commitment to empowering Nigerians in making informed decisions about their estates, thereby contributing to a more financially secure and harmonious society.
