Editorials

14 Tips for Purchasing Life Insurance

Published

10 years ago

30th August 2016

iStock_insurance

Insurance is an important part of financial planning — but understanding insurance and buying the right product can be tricky. From whole to term life, riders to convertibility clauses, how do you make sense of all the choices? Most people rely on the expertise of their insurance advisor, broker, or sales representative to help them make the right decision. Yet, for some people, insurance representatives have developed a bad reputation, and many people do not trust the “recommendations” they receive.

From my own experience in the insurance industry, and knowing how representatives are trained, I wouldn’t trust many insurance sales reps either. Here are some steps you can take to ensure you get the right product for the right price:

Understand your needs. No one understands your financial situation better than you. That means you should avoid letting someone else tell you how much protection you need. You can get a rough estimate of your insurance needs by adding together your debt, estimated funeral costs, and six months to a year of income replacement. [J.D.’s note: One common rule of thumb is to multiply your yearly income by between 5 and 10, using the lower level if you don’t have many dependents and few debts, and the higher level if you have larger debts and multiple dependents. But Ray is right: understand your own needs.] Taking stock of your financial policy can allow you to select the right policy for your needs. As sales representative, we were trained to sell large policies. Remember, you may not need an exorbitant policy — you need the policy that’s right for you and your family’s financial situation.
Understand term insurance versus permanent insurance. Understanding the difference between term and permanent life insurance (such as whole life) can help you make an informed decision about your insurance needs. Today, a term insurance policy should be able to cover most of your debt and financial needs. In turn, you may not need to purchase a whole life policy. Try not to be sold by the “what if” scenario you might hear from an insurance sales rep. Insurance companies traditionally make more profit from whole life policies than term policies, so be prepared to hear a sales representative promote whole life as the best possible choice (even though it might not be the best fit for your needs). Remember, buy what you need and make adjustments as changes become necessary. Term insurance is typically renewable and should have a convertibility clause which allows you to make changes in the future. There are certain situations where a whole life policy maybe more advantageous than term; however, do not purchase it simply because your sales representative told you should.
Speak with an independent broker. These brokers will have access to many more products than just one firm can provide. When I worked as an independent broker, I was able to offer much more to my clients than just a company product.
Avoid one-meeting recommendations. If your broker makes a recommendation in the first meeting, you know that they have not really analyzed your situation and looked for best options. So just say, “No, thank you” and keep researching.
Understand how the advisor gets paid. Find out if they are compensated through commission, fee-plus-commission, or fee only. If there is any commission involved with the sale, make sure to look at all alternative products available. With commissions, the advisor may have a conflict of interest. Just because your advisor is commission-based doesn’t mean they are bad — just ask more questions with them. I always worked on 100% commission, but I would give my clients several options and disclose if I got paid differently.
Recognize that insurance is for protection — not investing. Term insurance provides protection only, without a savings component. Whole life and universal life policies have a savings component and are much more expensive. You are almost always better off just paying for term insurance, and using the cost savings to invest elsewhere.
Ask the tough questions. Don’t be afraid to ask the advisor questions. You should know the product inside out before buying it. Is the policy renewable and non-cancelable? How long are premiums guaranteed for? Is there an accidental death rider? What are the exclusions?
Watch out for “know-it-all” advisor. If the advisor answers all your questions without referring to anything, or pretends she “knows it all”, chances are that she does not. Insurance policies are complicated, and even the best advisors do not know every product 100 percent and may have to look things up. There is nothing wrong with that.
Compare similar products. When you price shop, make sure you compare similar products.
Don’t replace old whole-life policies. If you have had a whole-life policy for several years, try not to replace it. You may lose all the premiums you have paid. You may also have to pay new administration fees (if applicable), and reset some clauses (such as the suicide clause). If your situation has changed and you need more insurance, just buy more. (This warning does not apply to term life.)
Do not buy expensive riders. The advisor might ask you to add on all types of riders. Stay away from them unless you fully understand them and need them. Again, in training there was always an emphasis on selling riders. Often I didn’t see any benefits to the client.
Do your homework. Make sure you do your homework before purchasing an insurance product. Make sure it fits your needs and budget, and make sure you understand the contract. The advisor is obligated to explain it to you. Don’t sign until you understand the contract.
Take a 30-day free look. You have 30 days to look at the policy and understand it. If you are not satisfied with it during that time, cancel the policy and you will get your premium back.
Keep it simple. Do not make your insurance planning complicated. Because it is based on protecting your family, it should be based on your needs. Don’t fall for all the bells and whistles the company may try to sell to you.

I hope these fourteen steps will help in your insurance planning. The basic idea is to educate yourself by doing your homework so that you can understand what you are buying.

Editorials

“Surrender Saved My Sanity” — Tobi Tokz Gets Real About Faith and Mental Struggles in New Gospel Debut

Published

1 year ago

26th May 2025

Usman Oladuntoye

British-born Nigerian artist Tobi Tokz has released his first-ever gospel single, “I Surrender”, now streaming on all major platforms. But for Tokz, this song isn’t a career move—it’s survival music.
“I was grieving my only brother. I was anxious, disconnected, and angry at God,” he shares. “Music stopped feeling like home. I wasn’t even sure I wanted to live, let alone record.”
For months, Tobi quietly stepped away from secular music and started journaling, praying, and posting raw faith content online. “I Surrender” was born in that dark, quiet space.
Blending stripped-down gospel production with deeply personal lyrics, the song marks a spiritual and emotional rebirth for Tokz—a far cry from the polished hooks he was once known for.
“Surrendering wasn’t weakness,” he says. “It was the only way I didn’t lose my mind.”
The track speaks to anyone navigating mental battles, loss, or spiritual burnout—and it opens a new chapter for an artist who has nothing to prove, only something to share.
Listen to “I Surrender”

Editorials

Daniel Jason Chinaza Osondu: Pioneering Technologist, Visionary Entrepreneur, and Multifaceted Creative Polymath

Published

1 year ago

22nd May 2025

Usman Oladuntoye

Professional Biography

Daniel Jason Chinaza Osondu is an internationally recognized innovator, Certified Information Technologist, and the pioneering architect behind the emerging disciplines of Venture Architecture and Information Sourcing. He is the Founder and CEO of Polymathic Mind LTD, a globally positioned enterprise dedicated to revolutionizing how businesses are conceived, structured, and scaled.

Widely known by his creative moniker itzboy_jason, Daniel’s professional journey is marked by a rare blend of intellectual precision, entrepreneurial excellence, and artistic genius. His works in strategic development and information intelligence have earned him distinction as a Serial Entrepreneur, whose ideas and frameworks are rapidly shaping industry standards and redefining global best practices.

⸻

Early Life and Education

Born on March 15, 1999, in Enugu State, Nigeria, Daniel’s upbringing was enriched by a diverse cultural and geographical exposure. He spent his formative years across Enugu, Niger State, and Abuja, experiences that deeply influenced his multidimensional thinking and adaptive mindset.

Daniel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Technology from the prestigious Federal University of Technology, Minna in Niger State. His academic background laid a strong foundation in information systems, digital intelligence, and data management — disciplines that have become critical pillars in his entrepreneurial ventures.

⸻

Founder of Polymathic Mind

In alignment with his vision for impactful, intelligence-driven entrepreneurship, Daniel founded Polymathic Mind LTD, headquartered in Abuja. The company stands as a vanguard in two transformative service areas:

• Venture Architecture — the systematic design of business structures, growth models, and market entry strategies.

• Information Sourcing — the extraction and interpretation of high-value data for strategic business decisions.

Under his leadership, Polymathic Mind has emerged as a global force in strategic innovation, delivering tailored business solutions backed by deep data insights and visionary strategy. The firm serves clients across industries and borders, empowering them to navigate today’s complex business environment with clarity, confidence, and creativity.

⸻

Visionary Thought Leader

Daniel Jason Chinaza Osondu is globally acknowledged as the originator of the Venture Architecture and Information Sourcing framework — a feat that positions him as a leading figure in 21st-century entrepreneurship. He is a Certified, Professional, and Verified Information Technologist with a futuristic outlook on technology, innovation, and enterprise development.

As a thought leader, Daniel has influenced aspiring entrepreneurs, policy thinkers, and creative professionals, helping them unlock new paradigms of success through strategic clarity and actionable intelligence. His dedication to excellence, research-based solutions, and ethical innovation continues to set benchmarks across the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

⸻

Creative Polymath & Musical Genius

Beyond business and technology, Daniel is an extraordinarily gifted artist whose creativity spans poetry, music, and lyrical writing. A true polymath, he has been described as a:

• Wordsmith

• Poetic Oracle

• Verbal Alchemist

• Lyrical Sage

• Linguistic Virtuoso in Lyricism

• Musical Genius

Daniel’s musical work reflects a seamless fusion of poetic intellect and sonic innovation. His genre-defying style, freestyle prowess, and lyrical depth have captivated audiences and critics alike, earning him a devoted following across digital platforms. He is known for original studio recordings and live freestyle sessions that reveal his remarkable versatility and expressive power.

This unique intersection of creativity and intellect defines Daniel’s holistic approach to life — harmonizing the structured world of entrepreneurship with the emotive realm of art and storytelling.

⸻

Personal Philosophy & Influence

Daniel lives by a philosophy of limitless potential and integrated excellence. He believes that true success comes from the ability to harness multiple dimensions of self — intellectual, creative, strategic, and spiritual — and use them as forces for transformation.

His work consistently reflects values such as:

• Precision and Structure

• Vision and Innovation

• Integrity and Impact

• Creativity and Clarity

He is admired not only for his results but also for the depth of thought, originality, and value orientation he brings to every endeavor.

⸻

Global Impact and Recognition

With a steadily growing global presence, Daniel Jason Chinaza Osondu has become a trusted name in enterprise innovation, frequently sought after for consultations, mentorship, and collaboration. He is reshaping what it means to be a 21st-century leader — one who is as intellectually formidable as he is creatively dynamic.

His ability to transform ideas into thriving ventures, and data into strategic intelligence, has earned him acclaim among entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders, and creatives across the globe.

⸻

Founder’s Social Presence

• Instagram: @itzboy_jason

• Backup Instagram: @danny_jay_official

• Twitter (X): @itzboy_jason

• Facebook Account: Daniel Osondu

• Facebook Page: Itzboyjason

• TikTok: @Itzboyjason

Company Presence

• Instagram: @polymathicmind

• Backup Instagram: @thepolymathicminded

• Facebook Page: Polymathic Mind LTD

• Email: contact@polymathicmind.com

• Location: Abuja, Nigeria

⸻

Final Note

Daniel Jason Chinaza Osondu is not just a business leader or creative artist — he is a transformational force. With a mind wired for innovation and a heart driven by purpose, he stands at the intersection of intellect and inspiration. His journey is a testament to what is possible when brilliance meets boldness.

Whether building enterprises, sourcing intelligence, crafting lyrics, or mentoring visionaries, Daniel continues to lead with authenticity, excellence, and boundless impact — defining a new era of multidimensional success.

Editorials

Polymathic Mind: A Global Force in Venture Architecture and Information Sourcing

Published

1 year ago

16th May 2025

Usman Oladuntoye

Founded by Daniel Jason Chinaza OSONDU — a Certified, Professional, and Verified Information Technologist and accomplished Serial Entrepreneur — Polymathic Mind is a pioneering company transforming the way businesses are conceptualized, built, and scaled. With its innovative approach to Venture Architecture and Information Sourcing, the company stands as a global reference point for strategic development and data-driven entrepreneurship.

Headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria, Polymathic Mind serves as an innovation powerhouse, dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs with the tools, intelligence, and strategies necessary for success in an ever-evolving business landscape. The company was born from the vision and genius of its founder, Daniel Jason Chinaza Osondu (widely known as itzboy_jason), whose multidimensional brilliance continues to shape its values and direction.

⸻

About the Founder: Daniel Jason Chinaza OSONDU

Daniel Jason Chinaza Osondu is globally acknowledged as the pioneer and founding figure of Venture Architecture and Information Sourcing. He is a Certified, Professional, and Verified Information Technologist with a rare combination of technical precision, entrepreneurial spirit, and visionary insight. As a Serial Entrepreneur, he has redefined global best practices in venture development, laying down strategic frameworks now regarded as industry standards.

But Daniel’s brilliance extends far beyond business and technology. He is also a uniquely gifted individual with proven and validated talents across multiple domains, including the creative arts. His versatility and depth are nothing short of extraordinary.

He is an accomplished:

• Songwriter

• Wordsmith

• Lyrical Sage

• Verbal Alchemist

• Poetic Oracle

• Linguistic Virtuoso in Lyricism

• Musical Genius

Daniel is known for his original studio recordings, freestyle excellence, and a personal genre-bending style that fuses poetic depth with rhythmic brilliance. His mind-blowing live freestyling abilities, coupled with a masterful command of all musical genres, make him a rare polymath whose creative expressions seamlessly align with his intellectual and business achievements. His artistry and innovation, both in music and entrepreneurship, command respect, admiration, and high ratings from all who encounter his work.

⸻

Polymathic Mind: Redefining Entrepreneurial Success

Polymathic Mind is a movement—a bold initiative to revolutionize how ideas are transformed into impactful enterprises. The company empowers both aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs through precision strategies backed by data and creativity. It serves as a catalyst for business excellence across industries, geographies, and demographics.

⸻

Core Services

1. Venture Architecture

This flagship service provides a strategic foundation for any business journey, encompassing:

• Business Ideation: Collaborating to create innovative, marketable concepts.

• Market Positioning: Strategizing to establish competitive edge in saturated markets.

• Scalability & Growth Planning: Structuring sustainable development blueprints.

• Innovation Mapping: Identifying unique solutions to fill market gaps.

• Professional Documentation: Delivering comprehensive business plans with financial models, market insights, and roadmaps.

Venture Architecture by Polymathic Mind is the gold standard for entrepreneurs who want to lead with clarity, structure, and innovation.

2. Information Sourcing

In the age of information, accurate data is a business’s greatest asset. Polymathic Mind delivers intelligence-driven insights through:

• Demographic Research

• Cultural and Social Profiling

• Economic and Market Analysis

• Risk and Security Assessments

• Competitor Differentiation Studies

• Pricing and Profitability Strategy

• Comprehensive, Actionable Reports

This service transforms uncertainty into opportunity by empowering clients with the clarity to make bold, informed decisions.

⸻

Strategic Advantages

Polymathic Mind is uniquely positioned with:

• Customized Client Solutions

• Data-Driven Strategic Intelligence

• Full-Cycle Business Support

• Multi-Industry Expertise

• Global Vision with Local Adaptability

The company’s excellence, driven by its dynamic founder, inspires confidence and loyalty across global markets.

⸻

Vision & Mission

Vision: To create a world where entrepreneurship is universally accessible, intelligently executed, and strategically supported.

Mission: To provide world-class venture solutions and intelligence, empowering visionaries to disrupt industries, transform communities, and leave enduring legacies.

⸻

Contact & Social Presence

Founder’s Social Media Platforms

• Instagram: itzboy_jason

• Backup Instagram: danny_jay_official

• Twitter: itzboy_jason

• Facebook Account: Daniel Osondu

• Facebook Page: Itzboyjason

• TikTok: Itzboyjason

Company’s Official Channels

• Instagram: polymathicmind

• Backup Instagram: thepolymathicminded

• Facebook Page: Polymathic Mind LTD

Email: contact@polymathicmind.com

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

⸻

Join the Polymathic Movement

Polymathic Mind is not just an enterprise; it is an embodiment of excellence, versatility, and limitless potential. With Daniel Jason Chinaza Osondu—a revolutionary thinker, master strategist, and creative genius—as its driving force, the company invites you to be part of a transformative journey.

Whether you seek to start a business, expand your current venture, or simply be inspired by brilliance in motion, Polymathic Mind is your gateway to visionary growth.

Connect today—experience innovation, creativity, and strategy like never before.