Latest news with #PZL
The Star
22-05-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Firefighters test readiness as Greece enters wildfire season
A PZL firefighting plane drops water, during a wide scale readiness training exercise, as the country enters its peak fire season, in Lavrio, Greece, May 22, Gouliamaki LAVRIO, Greece (Reuters) -On a hillside outside Athens, firefighters, rescuers and the army stand ready to tackle an encroaching wildfire near a summer camp - a scenario all too familiar in Greece, where climate change has made blazes more frequent and devastating. With Greece well into its wildfire season, Thursday's exercise near the seaside town of Lavrio some 70 kilometres south of the capital was held simultaneously across the country. Fire trucks raced to the scene and aircraft dumped water on a simulated flame. Authorities described the drill's weather conditions as "realistic" - hot and windy after weeks of drought. Greece, whose Mediterranean climate makes it more vulnerable to climate change, recorded its hottest summer last year as well as prolonged periods of drought that led to water shortages and damaged crops. This June is forecast to be warmer than usual across southern Europe. The government is planning to deploy a record number of firefighters this year - around 18,000 from 15,500 in 2022 - backed by volunteers. It will spend around 2 billion euros on new aircraft and will use nearly twice as many thermal camera drones to catch fires early. "Our goal is to not mourn human lives and to protect property and the environment," Kefalogiannis said. Some 9,777 wildfires broke out across Greece last year according to the fire brigade, up from 8,257 in 2023. One of Europe's biggest wildfires on record burned for weeks in northern Greece in 2023, killing at least 20 people. Last summer, a wildfire fanned by gale force winds reached Athens's northern suburbs, forcing hundreds to flee. (Reporting by Karolina Tagaris, editing by Ed Osmond)
Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Straits Times
Firefighters test readiness as Greece enters wildfire season
Firefighters fly a drone, during a wide scale readiness training exercise, as the country enters its peak fire season, in Lavrio, Greece, May 22, Gouliamaki A McDermott firefighting helicopter drops water, during a wide scale readiness training exercise, as the country enters its peak fire season, in Lavrio, Greece, May 22, Gouliamaki A McDermott firefighting helicopter fills water at the sea, during a wide scale readiness training exercise, as the country enters its peak fire season, in Lavrio, Greece, May 22, Gouliamaki Firefighters conduct a wide scale readiness training exercise, as the country enters its peak fire season, in Lavrio, Greece, May 22, Gouliamaki A PZL firefighting plane drops water, during a wide scale readiness training exercise, as the country enters its peak fire season, in Lavrio, Greece, May 22, Gouliamaki LAVRIO, Greece - On a hillside outside Athens, firefighters, rescuers and the army stand ready to tackle an encroaching wildfire near a summer camp - a scenario all too familiar in Greece, where climate change has made blazes more frequent and devastating. With Greece well into its wildfire season, Thursday's exercise near the seaside town of Lavrio some 70 kilometres south of the capital was held simultaneously across the country. Fire trucks raced to the scene and aircraft dumped water on a simulated flame. Authorities described the drill's weather conditions as "realistic" - hot and windy after weeks of drought. Greece, whose Mediterranean climate makes it more vulnerable to climate change, recorded its hottest summer last year as well as prolonged periods of drought that led to water shortages and damaged crops. This June is forecast to be warmer than usual across southern Europe. The government is planning to deploy a record number of firefighters this year - around 18,000 from 15,500 in 2022 - backed by volunteers. It will spend around 2 billion euros on new aircraft and will use nearly twice as many thermal camera drones to catch fires early. "Our goal is to not mourn human lives and to protect property and the environment," Kefalogiannis said. Some 9,777 wildfires broke out across Greece last year according to the fire brigade, up from 8,257 in 2023. One of Europe's biggest wildfires on record burned for weeks in northern Greece in 2023, killing at least 20 people. Last summer, a wildfire fanned by gale force winds reached Athens's northern suburbs, forcing hundreds to flee. REUTERS Find out more about climate change and how it could affect you on the ST microsite here.
Business Insider
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Prudential Zenith Life ushers in new era with key leadership announcements
The appointments of Ishmael and Omo signify a clear focus on leveraging strong leadership to drive the introduction of innovative and value-added insurance solutions and services to Prudential Zenith Life clients. It is expected to significantly bolster the company's growth ambitions and solidify Prudential's mission to be the most trusted partner and protector for today's generations and the generations to come. 'We are delighted to welcome this exceptional leadership team at Prudential Zenith Life,' said Emmanuel Mokobi Aryee, CEO, Africa, Prudential. 'The appointments of both 'Tokunboh Ishmael as Board Chair and Funmilayo Abimbola Omo as Managing Director/CEO demonstrate our commitment to investing in top-tier talent to realise our ambitions in Africa. We are confident that their combined expertise and strategic vision will drive PZL to new heights, delivering impactful and tailored insurance solutions that protect lives and empower futures across Nigeria.' 'Tokunboh Ishmael, the newly appointed Board Chair, is a distinguished impact investor with over 20 years of extensive experience spanning investment banking, private equity, technology, and business development across Africa, Europe, and North America. As a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a member of the CFA Institute, her financial acumen and strategic insight will be invaluable in guiding PZL. Sharing her enthusiasm, Ms. Ishmael stated: 'I am honoured to chair the Board of Prudential Zenith Life at this pivotal time. I look forward to working alongside the management team to provide strategic oversight and contribute to the company's continued growth and success in the Nigerian market.' Funmilayo Abimbola Omo, the new Managing Director/CEO, brings a wealth of experience in the insurance and financial services sectors. Her proven expertise in business transformation, customer-centric innovation, and operational excellence positions PZL for accelerated growth and enhanced market impact. Expressing her perspective on her new role, Mrs. Omo stated: 'I am privileged to lead Prudential Zenith Life at such a pivotal time. The company's strong foundation, coupled with Prudential's global strength and commitment to Africa, presents a unique opportunity to redefine the life insurance landscape in Nigeria. I am eager to collaborate with our talented team and valued partners to foster innovation, broaden our reach, and make life insurance more accessible and impactful for all Nigerians.' Under Prudential's full ownership and this robust leadership, PZL will leverage global expertise, technological advancements, and its strong bancassurance partnership with Zenith Bank to enhance the accessibility and reach of its insurance products. This strategic direction aligns with Prudential's broader ambition to bridge the insurance gap in Africa and accelerate financial and health protection for millions. Prudential Zenith Life Insurance Ltd (PZL) is a fully owned subsidiary of Prudential plc, following Prudential plc's acquisition of a 100% shareholding as of September 26th, 2024. It has become one of the most capitalized companies in the Nigerian insurance industry. With a gross written premium of N6.3Bn as of December 2022, PZL offers a wide range of individual products, including savings and investment-linked products, endowment, and protection plans designed to meet the needs of individuals and their families. For corporate clients, the company provides Group Life, Key-Man Assurance, Credit Life, School Fees Protection, and Mortgage Protection, ensuring comprehensive coverage for the welfare of clients' employees and families. About Prudential plc Prudential plc provides life and health insurance and asset management in 24 markets across Asia and Africa. Prudential's mission is to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come, by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions. The business has dual primary listings on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (2378) and the London Stock Exchange (PRU). It also has a secondary listing on the Singapore Stock Exchange (K6S) and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange (PUK) in the form of American Depositary Receipts. It is a constituent of the Hang Seng Composite Index and is also included for trading in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme and the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme. Prudential is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc. a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America, nor with The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom.
