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Michael Abiodun Thomas Speaks on The Role of Trustees in the Probate Process.

Recently, Michael Abiodun Thomas, MD/CEO, United Capital Trustees featured as a Guest Speaker on a Webinar hosted by Africa Prudential Plc themed: “A simple guide to unlocking inherited wealth through probate process”.  The webinar aimed to demystify the probate process, often perceived as the complex process of claiming inheritance from a deceased benefactor. Probate is the legal process of validating a will and distributing a deceased person’s assets.

 

Speaking alongside other industry experts, Michael discussed the steps involved in probate, particularly when a will is available and when a person dies intestate (without a will). He emphasized the importance of estate planning, highlighting its benefits for both individuals and future generations. In addtion, he identified the common challenges faced in estate planning and recommendations for mitigating them.

Michael Abiodun Thomas Speaks on The Role of Trustees in the Probate Process.
Excerpts from his submissions at the session are noted below:
  • Drawing up a will is not a death warrant; it gives you control over your legacy, ensures that your loved ones are taken care of and helps avoid confusion and potential conflicts among beneficiaries.
  • Being a next of kin does not automatically guarantee inheritance from an estate.  You must be specifically mentioned as a beneficiary in the deceased’s will to be eligible.
  • Assets are not limited to money alone, it could include real estate, Investments (such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds), Intellectual property (patents, copyrights, trademarks), Retirement savings accounts, Personal belongings, etc. A comprehensive estate plan ensures that all your assets are accounted for and distributed according to your wishes. 
  • Select an executor or administrator with a proven track record of excellence and transparency. The executor/administrator is responsible for carrying out the instructions in your will. Consider selecting a professional executor, who can provide expert guidance and ensure that your estate is managed efficiently.
  • Develop a comprehensive estate plan that includes a will, trusts (such as education trust for your children or beneficiaries) medical power of attorney etc, and other relevant documents.  A well-structured estate plan can help minimize legal complexities and ensure that your wishes are carried out.
  • Be Intentional about life and growing your assets which can provide greater financial security for your beneficiaries. Take advantage of various strategies for growing your assets, such as saving, investing, and reducing debt.
  • Clearly plan and outline how the assets will be distributed amongst beneficiaries. If you have minor children, consider creating a trust to manage their inheritance until they reach adulthood.
  • Exploring the benefits of trusts gives you a wholistic view of your assets, protects your assets from creditors and lawsuits, keeps your affairs private, avoids probate which could be a time-consuming and costly legal process, and prevents disagreements among beneficiaries.
  • For business owners, a business succession plan makes provision for ownership and management upon demise. A well-crafted plan ensures a seamless transition and sustainability of the business. 

The webinar featured  other experts from Africa Prudential such as Joseph Jibunoh, Temitope Aiwerioba, Head of Operations, Africa Prudential Plc; and Muritala Afolabi:Regional Operations (PH), Africa Prudential Plc.

JOSEPH ONYEMA

Head, Group Enterprise Performance Management
Joseph Onyema
Joseph is the Head, Group Enterprise Performance Management at United Capital Plc.
Over the last 16 years, Joseph has worked with and led teams whose responsibilities cut across a major spectrum of technology transformational and retail growth projects and consultancy. Joining the group in 2017, Joseph started out leading the technology team for 5+ years in the position of the Group, Chief Information Officer, a role in which his focus on execution to reposition the business was exemplary, hence leading to increased digital presence, retail growth and improved revenues, with keen focus on our growth during the COVID-19 pandemic where the business was run totally virtual and saw outstanding growth in customers, revenue and profitability.​
Leveraging on his education, performance, experience and spirit of execution, Joseph transitioned to the Group Head, Enterprise Performance Management, where he brings his analytical and technological prowess coupled with his background in managing teams and businesses to bare in monitoring and tracking business units and employees performances, while helping them to improve in their performance and ensuring the group continues to win in all its endeavours.
Before joining United Capital, Joseph headed the Group Technology Operations at Cordros Capital Limited where he transitioned the business from a High Net-worth Individual (HNI) focused business to retail-focused business with total leverage on technology to drive B2C sales across verticals while exploring new markets and partnerships. Prior to Cordros Capital, he had led the Enterprise & Cloud Services team at Soft Solutions Limited, an IT Consultancy firm with a footprint across 15 Nigerian banks on enterprise security, cloud projects, and consultancy where he developed, deployed, and led support teams to manage several financial and FMCG application suites.
A Tony Elumelu entrepreneur from 2016 before joining the group, and a member of the prestigious Beta Gamma Sigma international business honor society, continues to reinvent himself and deliver exceptionally to the United Capital family.