VG Pensions, a prominent player in the Nigerian pension industry, has strategically broadened its outreach by appointing lifestyle influencer Hannah Usman as its newest Brand Ambassador. This move signifies a concerted effort by the company to connect with a wider audience, particularly within the informal sector, and amplify the message of financial security through retirement planning. Usman joins Nollywood actor and producer Femi Adebayo, who has served as a VG Pensions ambassador for over five years, in representing the company’s commitment to accessible and inclusive pension solutions. The selection of Usman underscores VG Pensions’ recognition of the power of influencer marketing in reaching diverse demographics and promoting financial literacy. Her significant following, particularly in Northern Nigeria, aligns strategically with VG Pensions’ goals of expanding its reach and ensuring that the benefits of retirement planning are understood and adopted across all regions of the country.
The announcement of Usman’s ambassadorship coincides with VG Pensions’ intensified campaign promoting the Personal Pension Plan (PPP), a retirement savings product specifically tailored for individuals working in the informal sector. This demographic, which includes self-employed individuals, artisans, traders, entrepreneurs, and professionals not covered by traditional pension schemes, represents a significant portion of the Nigerian workforce. The PPP, formerly known as the Micro Pension Plan, underwent a rebranding in May 2025 during the Pension Industry Leadership Retreat organized by the National Pension Commission. This rebranding reflects a broader industry effort to make pension plans more appealing, relatable, and accessible to a wider range of Nigerians. By simplifying the language and imagery associated with pensions, the industry aims to demystify the concept of retirement savings and encourage greater participation, particularly among those who may have previously viewed pensions as complex or irrelevant.
The selection of Hannah Usman as Brand Ambassador is viewed by VG Pensions as a pivotal step in achieving its strategic objectives for the Personal Pension Plan. Mr. Tochukwu Esejindu, Head of Corporate Development and Strategy at VG Pensions, emphasized Usman’s influence and dedication to financial empowerment as key factors in her appointment. He expressed confidence that her advocacy will significantly enhance the brand’s visibility across Nigeria, particularly in the North, and contribute to the overall success of the PPP. Usman’s established credibility as a lifestyle influencer, combined with her focus on financial literacy, positions her as a highly effective communicator for the PPP’s benefits. This partnership leverages Usman’s existing platform to reach individuals who might not otherwise be exposed to information about retirement planning and encourage them to take proactive steps toward securing their financial future.
The importance of Usman’s role in promoting the PPP is further underscored by Mrs. Peninnah Omisade, Head of the Personal Pension Plan at VG Pensions. Omisade highlighted Usman’s strong profile and extensive reach within Northern Nigeria, a region where awareness and adoption of formal pension plans have historically been lower. By partnering with Usman, VG Pensions aims to bridge this gap and ensure that individuals in the informal sector across all regions have access to the information and resources they need to participate in the PPP. The objective is to personalize the concept of pension planning, making it less abstract and more relevant to the daily lives of informal sector workers. Usman’s relatable approach, coupled with her understanding of the specific financial challenges faced by this demographic, is expected to resonate deeply and inspire greater engagement with the PPP.
Hannah Usman herself has expressed enthusiasm for her new role as a Brand Ambassador for VG Pensions. She views her involvement as an opportunity to advocate for proactive financial planning and encourage individuals, especially young professionals and entrepreneurs, to secure their financial future through the Personal Pension Plan. Usman’s commitment to using her platform to promote retirement savings reflects a broader societal shift towards greater financial awareness and responsibility. Her message resonates particularly strongly with younger generations who recognize the importance of long-term financial security in an increasingly uncertain economic landscape. By highlighting the benefits of starting early with retirement planning, Usman aims to empower individuals to take control of their financial future and build a more secure foundation for themselves and their families.
In essence, the collaboration between VG Pensions and Hannah Usman represents a strategic alignment of values and objectives. VG Pensions seeks to expand access to its Personal Pension Plan and foster a culture of retirement savings within the informal sector, while Usman is passionate about promoting financial literacy and empowering individuals to take control of their financial well-being. This partnership leverages Usman’s influence and reach to amplify the message of financial security through retirement planning, while also underscoring VG Pensions’ commitment to providing accessible and inclusive pension solutions for all Nigerians. The appointment of Usman as Brand Ambassador is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of influencer marketing in reaching diverse audiences and driving positive social change, particularly in the realm of financial literacy and retirement planning.
