May 15, 2023

Duck Creek Technologies Recognizes Argyle Insurance and Coforge with its Standard of Excellence Award

The delivery of a record-breaking, full end-to-end small and medium-sized enterprises commercial line in under 60 days for Argyle Insurance was enabled by remarkable teamwork and technology

Boston, May 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duck Creek Technologies, the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance, is pleased to recognize Argyle Insurance and Coforge as winners of this year’s Duck Creek Standard of Excellence Award. Team members from Argyle Insurance and Coforge received the award during Formation ’23 in Orlando, Florida, which was earned for achieving the highest level of excellence through the implementation of Duck Creek solutions.

Argyle Insurance achieved a successful, sub-60-day go-live of Duck Creek Policy, Duck Creek Billing and Duck Creek Rating. The swift implementation was enabled by the deep domain expertise of Duck Creek’s team, combined with a skilled partner in Coforge being able to resource and support delivery end-to-end. Argyle Insurance selected Duck Creek’s full suite to enable their small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) broker clients more choices and competition through a wider range of insurers and products. Argyle’s story of a scalable, enterprise-grade system, which allowed rapid design and delivery of products into the market, demonstrated the impressive power and flexibility of the Duck Creek platform. The sub-60-day execution was achieved using an innovative Australian SME template built by the Duck Creek APAC regional product development team and made available on our content exchange.

“I am proud to say the unparalleled teamwork between Argyle Insurance, Duck Creek and Coforge enabled us to stand up a full end-to-end product with Duck Creek’s policy, billing and rating solutions in under 60 days,” said Matt Morgan, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Argyle Insurance. “This capability is critical for both start-ups like Argyle Insurance and incumbents to adjust and adapt to the rapid changes happening across the insurance landscape driven by regulatory changes and customer market dynamics, which can have a big impact on insurer success.”

“As a Premier Delivery Partner for Duck Creek Technologies, with 800+ Duck Creek SME’s globally, Coforge is proud to be a part of Argyle’s record-setting go-live journey. This partnership between Coforge, Argyle and Duck Creek Technologies is an outstanding case of seamless collaboration and has set a new benchmark in the industry,” said Rajeev Batra, EVP, Insurance, Coforge.

“Right from the beginning, to achieve the goal of going live in such an accelerated timeline meant remarkable teamwork was going to be critical,” said Mike Jackowski, Chief Executive Officer, Duck Creek Technologies. “All parties were hyper-focused on Argyle’s success during implementation and committed to helping the startup achieve its goals of partnering with brokers to build products that can capture profitable, large market share in a mature, stable market with the agility the Duck Creek platform provides. We focus on driving better, easier-to-understand insurance products tailored to policyholders’ needs and adaptable to their changing priorities.”

About Argyle Insurance
Argyle Insurance is a true digital underwriting agency with technology to meet customers changing insurance requirements. Argyle’s strength comes through innovation. It has delivered a new way to connect customers to their brokers digitally that comes with a suite of tools to interact in more meaningful ways.

About Coforge
Coforge is a global digital services and solutions provider, that leverages emerging technologies and deep domain expertise to deliver real-world business impact for its clients. A focus on very select industries, a detailed understanding of the underlying processes of those industries and partnerships with leading platforms provides us a distinct perspective. Coforge leads with its product engineering approach and leverages Cloud, Data, Integration and Automation technologies to transform client businesses into intelligent, high growth enterprises. Coforge’s proprietary platforms power critical business processes across its core verticals. The firm has a presence in 21 countries with 25 delivery centers across nine countries.
Learn more at www.coforge.com

About Duck Creek Technologies
Duck Creek Technologies is the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance industry. We are the platform upon which modern insurance systems are built, enabling the industry to capitalize on the power of the cloud to run agile, intelligent, and evergreen operations. Authenticity, purpose, and transparency are core to Duck Creek, and we believe insurance should be there for individuals and businesses when, where, and how they need it most. Our market-leading solutions are available on a standalone basis or as a full suite, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. Visit www.duckcreek.com to learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information – LinkedIn and Twitter.

Carley Bunch
Duck Creek Technologies
+1 201 962 6091
carley.bunch@duckcreek.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8839514

May 15, 2023

ENA Striving Hard to Promote Ethiopia’s Image

Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), the sole wire service in Ethiopia said that it has been working hard to promote national consensus and the image of the country.

The agency added it has competent professionals to compile information and news production that would help to attain its aspiration by promoting the true version of Ethiopia.

The Standing Committee on Legal Affairs of the House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR) held a public hearing on the draft regulations of the agency’s staff today.

During the occasion, Chief Executive Officer of ENA, Seife Derebe the agency is intensifying a maximum effort to advance the national interest, build the image of the country, and create national consensus by establishing a common narrative for the wellbeing of the nation.

Seife further added the agency is also strengthening endeavors to be a primary source of reliable information in the country and beyond.

Ethiopian News Agency also aspires to become Africa’s leading and reliable news source by 2032, it was indicated.

To this end, the draft regulation has been prepared to modernize the working procedure and create a capable workforce in international and local languages to realize ENA’s mission, he indicated.

He said that ENA is developing the capacity to produce qualified professionals and employ the latest technology which is instrumental for the big vision of the news agency in creating national consensus.

As a result, the draft regulation will enable it to produce and manage professionals who are committed to executing the mission of the agency efficiently with special skills, knowledge, and disciplines, Seife added.

When the regulation becomes effective, it will enable the Ethiopian News Agency to create a workforce that understands the nature and dynamics of international and national media with determination to carry out the tasks and responsibilities given by the decree.

The Standing Committee raised questions and comments on some articles that need clarification and correction from the expression and meaning of the draft regulation.

While officials from the agency responded to questions raised by the standing committee members and explained them in detail.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

May 15, 2023

Higher Education Institutions Urged to Conduct Extensive Research to Expedite Dev’t in Ethiopia

Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide stressed the need for higher education institutions to carry out extensive research activities to accelerate Ethiopia’s economic development.

Addis Ababa University started today celebrating its Annual Research and Book Fairs Week with the main theme “Fostering Socioeconomic Development at the Core of Innovation and Entrepreneurship”.

The program was attended by members of the university community, Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, Planning and Development Minister Fistum Assefa and Minister of Innovation and Technology Belete Molla as well as other guests.

During the week, research findings and technological innovations will be presented, it was indicated.

At the opening ceremony of the event, Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide said; Ethiopia is achieving continuous economic growth by implementing homegrown economic reforms.

However, the progress is accompanied by many challenges he said, stressing the need for active participation of higher education institutions to address the challenges based on research.

“We have a lot of homework to do, especially in terms of increasing production and productivity,” he said, adding this will be solved through research.

To this end, he emphasized that higher education institutions should do more in generating ideas that can be used as policy inputs with the help of research.

From this point of view, Ahmed added that the research week organized by Addis Ababa University is very useful for disseminating ideas that can be used as policy inputs.

Minister of Planning and Development, Fistum Assefa said on her part that higher education institutions should play their part in the effort to addressing the challenges of job creation and food security in Ethiopia.

The Addis Ababa University should work on tailoring a sustainable solution for such problems using its extensive experience she said, adding the ministry is committed to work with higher education institutions to speed up the country’s economy.

The President of Addis Ababa University, Professor Tassew Woldehanna said that the university is working to fins solutions to the various problems of the society.

He stated that currently the university is preparing to become autonomous, which will help it strengthen its activities.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

May 15, 2023

DPM, FM Demeke Confers with US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen met with Molly Phee, the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs today.

The two sides have exchange views on bilateral and regional issues of common concern, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the occasion, Demeke briefed the Assistant Secretary about the expedited implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement.

The Assistant Secretary welcomed the Peace Agreement, the process to implement it, and expressed her country’s commitment to support it.

Discussing regional issues, particularly Sudan Demeke said the peace process should be Sudanese-owned and proliferation of parallel efforts will exacerbate the problem.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

May 15, 2023

CAR national arrested in possession of human bones, ammunition

The suspected armed robber who was intercepted in Douala, Littoral region by elements of the National Gendarmerie, was presented to the public on Saturday May 13 in the Douala IV sub-division, alongside two of his accomplices.

The suspects include 32 – year – old Clovis Max also known as Mascotte Clotaire from the Central African Republic known to be the gang leader, Mambingo Martial also known as Pacho, 32 years old (body guard) and Ekome Nteh Didier – 26 years old.

Apart from armed roberry, they are also accused of human bone trafficking, as during their arrest, they were in possession of human bones from Mamfe in the Manyu division of the South West region.

“On April 13 2023, an informant hinted us that one of them was preparing his automatic pistol for a robbery operation. We then hunted him down in a motel and brought him in for questioning. During interrogation, he acknowledged being in possession of human bones at his Bonaloka residence in Douala,” narrated Lieutenant Ngrewui Adolphe, Chief of Bureau in charge of the fight against high crime and criminality, Littoral Gendarmerie Legion.

Further interrogation enabled the investigators to trace down the said pistol and ammunitions in Buea, South West region.

“After Bonaloka, we moved to his permanent residence in Buea-South West region where he was in keeping of an automatic pistol and stock of bullets. Through him, we succeeded to arrest two of his accomplices. He also told us the bones were dug in Mamfe, Manyu Division of the South West region,” Lieutenant Ngrewui Adolphe added.

The crack down on the trio is part of the National Gendarmerie’s operation to rid the Douala City and the entire Gendarmerie Legion of criminals.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

May 15, 2023

Criticized, transport minister lifts suspension on Touristique Express

After slamming the Touristique inter-urban transport agency with a one-month suspension following the May 9 accident involving one of its buses that claimed 15 lives and 19 injured with material damage, the Minister of Transport, Jean Ernest Massena Ngalle Bibehe on Monday, May 15, 2023, signed a release, lifting the suspension.

According to the press release, Touristique Voyage can resume its transport activities normally across the national territory.

“Following the firm commitments made by the company “Tourique

Express SA” on the immediate implementation of a series of measures aimed at optimal security for its passengers, including: improving general working conditions; installation of the centralized intercity transport management and monitoring system, the medical check-up of driving ability with an emphasis on visual acuity to all its drivers; the regularization of the salary situation of the personnel as well as their affiliation to the National Social Insurance Fund (CNPS), The Minister of Transport has decided, on an exceptional basis, to raise effective this Monday, the suspension of the company “Tourique Express SA”.

Therefore, she is authorized to resume her activities”. The press release reads.

According to the Minister’s release, its decision to reverse the sanction is shaped by the demand for leniency by the Consumers’ Association of Cameroon, and from citizens who raised difficulties traveling to the northern part of the country, especially as vacation, HADJ and May 20, National Unity Day approach.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

May 15, 2023

Longest cooking time: Nigeria’s Hilda beats India’s Lata in Guinness Book of Records

It was until early Monday, May 15, 2023, that Nigerian-born, Hilda Baci hit 90 non-stop cooking to beat the record that was previously held by Indian-born, Lata Tondon, 87 hours and 45 minutes in 2019. She became the first woman to create a record that was previously made by men.

By Monday morning, Hilda hit 90 hours. The Nigerian foodpreneur, actress, and producer now hold the Guinness World Record for the longest Marathon cooking.

She started her record-breaking journey on May 11, 2023, at the Amre Gardens in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital. She cooked over 100 dishes and fed more than 3000 people who came to encourage her day and night.

People close to her said she embarked on the journey to showcase the beauty of cooking and diversity of the African cuisine.

Before breaking the new record, Lata congratulated Holda and encouraged her to keep up.

Nigerian chef, Hilda Baci breaks Guinness World Record for longest cooking time

Nigerian chef, Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, has broken the Guinness World Record for the “longest cooking marathon by an individual”

The Chef has been receiving a wide wave of support from top government officials and celebrities in Nigeria.

The Nollywood actor, Charles Okocha, actress, Kate Henshaw; singer, Tiwa Savage; media personality, Enioluwa, and many others were present at the event on May 14th, Punch reported.

The popular Filmmaker, Kevin Adetiba, wrote on Twitter, “REALLY rooting for HILDA BACHI. Don’t know her personally, but her drive, ambition, and resilience, inspires and motivate me IMMENSELY. Sending her prayers and the best vibes to PUSH THROUGH. She’s inspiring people she doesn’t even know. GO HILDA… YOU GOT THIS!!!” He stated.

Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, also lauded Baci for her determination and wrote on his Twitter page

“The efforts being made by Hilda Effiong Bassey (Hilda Baci) to beat the current Guinness World Record for cooking for 4 days nonstop shows the true Nigerian spirit of hard work and resilience. I applaud her determination and focus on the goal, which are inspiring many Nigerian youths to live their dreams through hard work and dedication.”

Reports reveal she is not new to cooking competitions as she was a participant in the maiden edition of the Jollof Face-off Competition and won a grand prize of $5000.

Source: Cameroon News Agency