By Damiete Braide
Dan Okehi, widely revered in Nigeria’s insurance sector as the “Gold Fish” for his distinguished contributions, launched four compelling books last Saturday, on May 10 at MUSON Centre, Onikan Lagos.
Known for his deep knowledge in insurance, risk management, and leadership, Dr. Okehi’s newest literary venture marks a bold step into Christian literature, blending spiritual reflection with decades of professional wisdom.A seasoned professional, Dr. Okehi’s career began shortly after earning his B.Sc. in Insurance from the University of Lagos in 1981. From the moment he completed his National Youth Service, he immersed himself fully in the insurance industry, never deviating from his calling. Over the years, he accumulated rich experiences across various institutions, including a leadership role as Managing Director of the insurance subsidiary at Bank PHB. This immersion in the technicalities of insurance, particularly in oil and gas, shaped the foundation of his writing.
“I believe that at this stage of life, it’s crucial to leave a legacy for the next generation,” Dr. Okehi shared. “There are technical aspects of insurance, especially in oil and gas, that are not easily accessible to young professionals. Documenting these experiences is my way of giving back.”
A pivotal moment in his literary journey was winning the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) essay competition. The recognition opened numerous doors, speaking engagements, lecturing opportunities, and professional assignments, both within Nigeria and internationally. Encouraged by mentors like Chief Irigwu, Dr. Okehi transitioned from writing technical papers to authoring books. His first title, Strategic Marketing in Insurance, captured industry attention. Uniquely skilled in both technical and marketing aspects, he quickly became a sought-after voice in the field.
One of his most impactful works, Modeling Risk Management in Banks, explored the underlying reasons for bank failures through advanced risk modeling. The book achieved global recognition and continues to attract hundreds of readers online monthly. “People reach out to me from different parts of the world,” he said. “Some even assume I’m not Nigerian because of the models I introduced.”
His writing approach has always aimed at accessibility. Whether teaching at Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT) Business School or contributing to national newspapers, Dr. Okehi ensures that complex topics in insurance and risk management are relatable. He sees writing not as a separate endeavor from his professional work but as an extension of it, filling the knowledge gaps he encounters in practice.
His doctoral studies at Welden University played a vital role in shaping the trajectory of his recent work. As part of the Ph.D. requirements in Management, Dr. Okehi developed six Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs) covering critical areas such as credit risk, operational risk, and marketing risk. These modules later evolved into an extensive series of books now widely adopted in academic and professional circles.
However, this new phase of his writing, culminating in the launch of four Christian-themed books, signals a deeper, more personal chapter. “I’m now at a restful point in life where I can focus more on God’s work,” Dr. Okehi explained. “These books come from my spiritual reflections and understanding of divine grace.”
The first of the new releases, Looking Unto Jesus: The Author and Finisher of Our Faith, presents Jesus as the ultimate game changer in Christian theology. Dr. Okehi examines the transformative power of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, particularly emphasizing the shift from sacrificial traditions to grace through atonement.
The second, Jesus: The Game Changer of Our Faith, delves into the mystery of Christ’s dual nature as both man and deity. Dr. Okehi explores how Jesus defied traditional expectations of priesthood and kingship, aligning instead with the order of Melchizedek—a priesthood established by the spirit rather than lineage or law.
His third title, Realities of God’s Grace to Man, unpacks six core revelations about grace, culminating in a powerful chapter on the believer’s rest in Christ. According to Dr. Okehi, this rest symbolizes the spiritual peace that believers attain once they fully grasp the completed work of Jesus on the cross.
The fourth book in the series, centered on transformational leadership, draws directly from his personal journey leading organizations and mentoring the next generation. “Leadership is not just about position,” he emphasized. “It’s about creating vision, nurturing followership, and making a lasting impact.”
For Dr. Okehi, the absence of visionary leadership has been a significant factor in Nigeria’s struggles, especially in the insurance sector. “Years ago, insurance was ahead of banking. But today, one bank is bigger than the entire insurance industry. That’s the cost of leadership failure.”
Reflecting on his life’s work, Dr. Okehi hopes his books would serve as a beacon for future leaders, academics, and Christians alike. “Whether it’s through leadership insights, technical risk analysis, or spiritual reflections, my goal is to leave something enduring for generations to come,” he said.
Dr. Dan Okehi stands not just as a veteran of the insurance industry, but as a man who has woven together the threads of professional excellence and spiritual insight into a lasting literary legacy.