Honour from abroad

•Excitement as Nigerian businessman, others receive garlands in UAE

By Ayobami Olajumoke

For many captains of industry around the world, Wednesday, November 17, 2017, would remain an indelible date.

On that day, many global business leaders assembled at the iconic Burj Al Arab in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for an award ceremony, tagged “The Buzz,” which was organised by the World Confederation of Businesses (WORLDCOB) to honour businesses seen to be doing well in different fields. No fewer than 100 companies from 50 countries were honoured with various awards during the ceremony.

It was a beautiful evening for Nigerians at the awards-dinner. Guests were feted with assorted cuisines and choice drinks and champagne. Before the dinner, there was a cocktail during which the guests and business leaders had ample time to interact and network. They were later invited to the expansive Marina Garden tucked inside the iconic building for the awards ceremony.

A Nigerian company, Standard Insurance Consultants Limited, a firm of insurance brokers based in Lagos, made the country proud when it clinched one of the most coveted business awards. The president/CEO of the company, Dr. Ahmed Olaniyi Salawudeen, went home with the Inspirational Award for his outstanding contribution to his insurance field. 

Standard Insurance Consultants Limited has consequently become a member of the elite WORLDCOB, which boasts of an impressive membership comprising many international firms. Some of these are Sohar Bank (Oman), Dubai Duty Free (UAE), Doha Bank (Qatar), Saudi Telecom Company (Saudi Arabia), BBK BSC (Bahrain), National Bank of Kuwait (Kuwait), Emirates Identity Authority (UAE), Ethiopia Airlines (Ethiopia), Karabuk  University  (Turkey), Credit Libanais (Lebanon), Al Sulaimi Group Group, (Oman), and Union National Bank (UAE).

Salawudeen was all smiles as he walked to the podium to receive the award, his wife at his side. He thanked the global organisation for bestowing the honour on him and by extension, his country.

His words: ““I am elated today that I am being honoured by a global organization. This is the peak one can attain in one’s career and I am grateful for the honour bestowed on me.

“This honour is not for me, my company or my family but for my country Nigeria. This shows that Nigeria as a country has great potential. It shows that, despite our challenges in Nigeria, there are companies that are doing very well. I want you to come and invest in Nigeria in mining, agriculture and so on.

“The recognition, I believe, would enhance the company’s growth at the business level because it would increase capacity for business relationship, generate more businesses and revitalise our  corporate image,” he said.  

Among the dignitaries that accompanied him to the global ceremony were his wife, Mrs. Tolu Ahmed-Salawudeen, legal advisor, Standard Insurance Consultants Limited; Mrs. Zainab Bakare, managing director/CEO Standard Alliance Insurance; Plc, Mr. Bode Akinboye, Mr. Ajmal Khan and manager at Standard Insurance Consultants Limited, Mr. Oladele Zaccaeus.

Many people have applauded WORLDCOB for celebrating Salawudeen, noting that the man, a devoted Muslim, committed family man and an accomplished insurance broker of over 40 years eminently merited the honour.

Born in Iseyin, Oyo State, the septuagenarian has received several laurels from various local and international organisations and within the insurance community in Nigeria and beyond.

Salawudeen started his education in Nigeria but later travelled to the United Kingdom where he graduated from the College of Insurance, Surbiton, London. He qualified as a chartered insurance practitioner in 1976. He also holds a doctorate degree in management with specialisation in insurance from the Commonwealth University of Belize. He also acquired a certificate of professional studies in strategic leadership from the same university. 

He worked with the Royal Insurance Group at Chancery Lane in London, British Engine in Manchester and the Royal Marine Insurance Department in Liverpool. He later started the Standard Insurance Consultants Limited, which specialises in energy insurance placement, aviation and space, marine and general insurance, among others.

Founded on September 9, 2004, in Houston, Texas, United States, the World Confederation of Businesses was first incorporated under the name MPBM, Co. The founders’ aim, it was learnt, was to create  an international organisation that would assemble and reward companies that were leaders  in their field and boosting the economies of their countries as well as promote a socially responsible business culture around the world through WORLDCOB-CSR standards and certification.

“Currently, WORLDCOB’s primary mission is to promote business development worldwide, recognizing and boosting the growth of leading businesses and business people in every country through the special tools and services that it offers its members. It has over 3,000 members, representing more than 100 countries. And its vision is to be the business organiation with the greatest worldwide presence, covering five continents, with over 20,000 member companies around the globe,” the reporter was told.

WORLDCOB CEO, Mr. Jesus Moran, while congratulating the winners, noted that the award was an opportunity “to honour the power of vision, business performance of excellence, success of the company and the driving force behind the company success.” These, he said, include clients, staff and others who have kept the vision of the company alive through hard work and commitment to duty. He implored the awardees to continue to adhere to the tenets

of the corporate world so as to continue to be shining lights.

A leadership workshop was held at Jumeirah Creekside Hotel and coordinated by WORLDCOB’s Human Development Director, Nancy Branger before the awards. At the event, Branger said leadership requires action and examples, noting that motivation and passion are the vehicles that lead to career fulfilment even as commitment to duty, recognition, hard work, welfare and communication are key attributes to achieving success in an organisation.