By Henry Uche
In a renewed hope to boost insurance penetration, foster its education and create awareness of risk management, the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) has wooed the support of insurance elder statesmen to achieve its stated objectives.
Speaking at the 2024 Insurance Elders’ Forum in Lagos, the President /Chairman of Council of CIIN, Mr. Edwin Igbiti, implored the insurance czars to pass on the knowledge of insurance business and operations by way of mentorship, and tutoring to the younger generation in the insurance profession.
Elders’ Forum is a meeting of the aged and experience insurance Professionals some of whom are retired insurance companies CEOs, Directors, Risk Managers, brokers, loss Adjusters, renowned insurance agents, actuaries and other players.
Mr Igbiti said he recognize the invaluable contributions of insurance elders, noting that their experiences have helped in shaping the fabrics of Insurance sector, while their guidance has been a beacon of hope for the present and up-coming insurance professional that have followed. “In a constantly evolving
world, your wisdom provides a steady anchor, reminding us of our roots and guiding us towards a brighter future.
“In our pursuit of progress, let us not forget the lessons of the past. The stories you carry, the struggles you’ve overcome, and the triumphs you’ve witnessed offer profound lessons for us all. It is through understanding our history that we can chart a course towards a more harmonious and inclusive future”
He urged them to actively bond together, share insights and experiences, adding “your voices are essential in shaping policies and initiatives that reflect the values and aspirations of our community. Together, we can build bridges of understanding, foster intergenerational connections, and create a society that values and cherishes the wisdom of its elders.
“Your contributions are a source of strength and inspiration for us. Let us continue to work hand in hand, honoring the past, navigating the present, and shaping a future that we can all be proud of”
At interactive session, some of them took time to reminisce their past experiences, expressed satisfaction over their sojourn in their insurance industry.
A female insurance expert, Mrs. Olubusi Elizabeth, said, “The head cannot stand without the neck. Please give women in insurance maximum support. We sell our personalities not our bodies. Let’s celebrate our efforts so far” she urged.
Other elder statesmen in a similar tone maintain that they have made impact in the industry under review and have no regrets, though some of them never planned to work in the insurance industry, however they became proud ambassadors of the insurance sector.
“I joined insurance by accident; I joined the insurance industry in 1964, I willingly joined insurance business in the 70s; mine was because of dearth of job after youth service; we had sweet – sour experience, I’m glad to see that the trend have changed. technology has taken the center stage, the work is made easier now unlike our days; insurance has been professionalized;
“We are ready to share knowledge with this crop of insurance personnel, so we’re not just resting, some of us are consulting now, so we can are ready for cross pollination and fertilization of ideas with whoever is ready to drink from our fountain of knowledge; we are too conservative;, we should instill discipline in the profession; the business is getting better; NAICOM should, operators and other stakeholders should work harmoniously to make insurance in Nigeria stand competitively with insurance business in other climes” some of the insurance elders shared insight.
High point of the event was minute silence observed in honored of their departed colleagues, and dance galore that spice up the ambience.