FCB Nyasa Big Bullets coach Peter Mponda has appointed Lloyd Aaron as the team’s captain replacing Kenyan defender Clyde Senaji who has been stripped of the captain’s armband.
Bullets’ new captain Lloyd Aaron
Initially Mponda had appointed Senaji as the team’s captain but in their match against Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos on Wednesday, Aaron was seen wearing the armband instead of Senaji who was also in the playing field.
Speaking in a press conference on Friday, coach Peter Mponda said he has appointed Aaron as the team’s captain replacing Senaji but could not explain more saying it was in-house matter.
Meanwhile Mponda has also appointed Yankho Singo as the team’s vice captain.
United General Insurance (UGI) Limited has made a significant financial turnaround with profit after tax rebounding strongly to K2.168 billion from a loss of K0.326 billion in 2023, representing a 764% improvement.
In the just-released 2024 financial statement, signed by Chairperson Harold Jiya and Director Lester Tandwe, the company, also made substantial growth in insurance revenue, which increased by 33% to K10.628 billion, up from K7.991 billion in 2023.
The statement said the growth was driven by the successful acquisition of new business, reflecting the effectiveness of strategic initiatives aimed at expanding market reach.
Harold Jiya
“As a result, total equity rose by 143%, from K3.523 billion to K8.549 billion, bolstered by a new capital injection of K 2.795 billion.”
“Net investment income improved significantly, growing by 38% to K2.773 billion from K2.013 billion in the previous year. This was largely attributed to a more diversified and strategically optimized investment portfolio, which delivered enhanced returns.”
“Operational efficiency gains were evident in cost containment measures. Insurance service expenses declined by 26%, decreasing to K7.281 billion from K9.882 billion in 2023, underscoring the Company’s commitment to prudent cost management,” reads the statement in part.
According to the statement, UGI’s total assets increased by 41%, reaching K20.343 billion from K14.453 billion, while cash balances rose sharply by 129%, from K2.676 billion in 2023 to K6.120 billion.
The statement added that despite these positive developments, the company also faced cost pressures, with other and management expenses increasing by 47% to K1.387 billion, compared to K0.946 billion in the previous year.
“This was primarily driven by rising commodity prices, which placed considerable strain on the cost base,” reads part of the statement.
UGI, which transitioned from an associate to a subsidiary company of National Bank of Malawi (NBM), said it restructured its business model to be more sales-driven and customer-centric, positioning itself for sustainable long-term growth.
Gold Mountain Music, led by veteran producer Tapps Bandawe, has partnered with Universal Music Group to sign a four-year deal for the rights to legendary musician Soldier Lucius Banda’s albums and music catalog.
This landmark agreement also includes a seven-year administration deal, marking a significant milestone in Malawian music history.
Tapps Bandawe emphasizes the importance of this deal, highlighting that it will open doors for Lucius’ music and Malawian music to reach international markets, including potential use in movies and other outlets.
Tapps Bandawe and Lucius Banda
The partnership aims to preserve Lucius’ legacy and promote his work globally.
Lucius’ son, Johnny Zembani, expresses gratitude to Gold Mountain Music and Universal Music Group for their role in preserving his father’s musical heritage.
Lucius Banda was a pioneering figure in Malawi’s creative sector, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of albums such as “Down Babylon,” “Cease Fire,” “Cell 51,” and “Unity.”
This deal not only honors Lucius’ contributions but also paves the way for Malawian music to gain more international recognition.
Gold Mountain Music, led by veteran producer Tapps Bandawe, has partnered with Universal Music Group to sign a four-year deal for the rights to legendary musician Soldier Lucius Banda’s albums and music catalog.
This landmark agreement also includes a seven-year administration deal, marking a significant milestone in Malawian music history.
Tapps Bandawe emphasizes the importance of this deal, highlighting that it will open doors for Lucius’ music and Malawian music to reach international markets, including potential use in movies and other outlets.
Tapps Bandawe and Lucius Banda
The partnership aims to preserve Lucius’ legacy and promote his work globally.
Lucius’ son, Johnny Zembani, expresses gratitude to Gold Mountain Music and Universal Music Group for their role in preserving his father’s musical heritage.
Lucius Banda was a pioneering figure in Malawi’s creative sector, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of albums such as “Down Babylon,” “Cease Fire,” “Cell 51,” and “Unity.”
This deal not only honors Lucius’ contributions but also paves the way for Malawian music to gain more international recognition.
Former President and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, has warned that the suspension of the $175 million Extended Credit Facility (ECF) by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) signals looming disaster for Malawi’s fragile economy.
Speaking during a press briefing, Mutharika described the IMF’s decision as a major blow that could plunge the country deeper into financial instability and worsen the lives of ordinary Malawians already facing economic hardship.
He emphasized that the suspension of the ECF reflects not just the government’s fiscal mismanagement but also a broader loss of international confidence in Malawi’s economic governance.
Beyond the ECF suspension, Mutharika revealed that he would also address rising political violence, which he claims is being perpetrated by supporters of the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
He expressed deep concern over the growing culture of intolerance and intimidation, warning that such actions threaten Malawi’s democracy and the integrity of the upcoming general elections.
Mutharika said the DPP remains committed to ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections, and he called on all political players to respect the rule of law and democratic values.
He concluded by stating that Malawians deserve better leadership and governance that inspires confidence both locally and internationally.
