By Damiete Braide
On May 10, 2025, the MUSON Centre in Lagos came alive as friends, family, dignitaries, colleagues and members of the Christian community gathered to honour a remarkable man, Dr. Dan Okehi, on the occasion of his 70th birthday. Themed “The making of the insurance and risk management icon,” the event was not only a celebration of age but also of a life richly lived, deeply impactful and firmly rooted in purpose and faith.
The celebration was marked by elegance and emotion. The beautifully decorated hall played host to scores of well-wishers who had come from near and far to pay tribute to a man described as a pillar in both the corporate and spiritual spheres. The atmosphere was enlivened by the soul-stirring melodies of the Grace Band, which serenaded the audience with popular gospel songs. One of Dr. Dan’s favourite hymns, “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” by CeCe Winans, echoed powerfully.
The event was also used as a platform for launching four inspirational books authored by Dr. Okehi. The titles, “Looking unto Jesus: The Author and Finisher of Our Faith,” “Jesus: The Game Changer,” ” Transformational and Compelling Leadership”and “Realities of God’s Grace to Man,” reflect his unwavering devotion to faith and his commitment to spreading the message of God’s love and purpose.
A major highlight of the day was an exhortation delivered by Dr. Okey Enenama, a longtime friend of the celebrant. He recalled their journey that began in the 1970s and praised Okehi for his consistency in character and strength in times of trial. Quoting from Psalm 112:1-10, he spoke on the theme, “Oh, the joy of those who fear the Lord,” emphasizing that Okehi’s towering achievements are rooted in his reverence for God and his life of purpose.
Prayers were also lifted for the celebrant by Dr. Peace Okonkwo, wife of the founder of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM). Her words were filled with hope, declaring blessings of long life, strength, and joy for Okehi and his family.
Among the most moving tributes came from his wife, Audrey Okehi. She painted a portrait of a loving husband, devoted father and resilient leader. She said: “To you, my incredible husband. It’s 70 years of strength and grace, of a life well lived, with steady pace through trials faced and battles won.”
She praised his wisdom and tenacity through decades of leadership in boardrooms and in life, calling him “a builder of dreams, both big and small,” whose legacy lies not just in his achievements but in the lives he has touched.
Their daughter, Uchechi Okehi, also shared an emotional tribute. Reflecting on her father’s unwavering love and steadfast guidance, she described him as her “rock, steady, wise and full of strength.”
She thanked him for the lessons he had passed on through both words and actions, noting that his life had shaped hers in ways beyond words. Her prayer was simple yet profound: for continued blessings, health, and joy in the years ahead.
Lanre Aiyegoro, president of the Christian Men Fellowship at TREM’s International Headquarters, praised Okehi for his decades of service to the church. He described him as a man whose selfless leadership and unwavering faith had made a lasting impact on countless lives. “May your special day be filled with love, laughter, and the joy of knowing your labour of love has not been in vain,” he said:
Friends of Okehi from TREM also joined in the celebration, describing him as a warrior, a pathfinder, and a model Christian. “Your journey as a frontline leader within the church and the nation has been an inspiration to us all,” they said in a joint message, emphasizing his dedication to family, faith and community.
The management of KBL Insurance, where Okehi once served as executive vice chairman and managing director/CEO, also lauded his legacy. “Your unwavering commitment to excellence continues to guide our organization,” their message read. “You laid a foundation of integrity and professionalism that remains the DNA of KBL Insurance today.”
The event also featured goodwill messages from prominent individuals, including Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, former governor of Imo State, and his wife, Chioma. They described Dan as a beacon of inspiration and prayed for many more years of joy and good health.
Tope Adaramola, executive secretary of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, captured the essence of Dan’s career in glowing terms. “Your journey has shaped the insurance industry, broken barriers, and redefined excellence. Your legacy is a tapestry of triumphs, lessons, and memories that will endure,” he stated.
Okehi’s professional accomplishments are as impressive as his character. A distinguished consultant, banker, insurer, and management expert, he is fondly referred to as the “Big Fish” in Nigeria’s insurance industry.
With over 40 years of experience, he has played a key role in transforming risk management systems and driving innovation in both banking and insurance. He holds a doctorate degree, a fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, and is also a dedicated researcher, lecturer, author and philanthropist.
As the curtains drew on the celebration, what remained in the hearts of all who attended was not just admiration for his accomplishments, but deep appreciation for the man, Okehi, a man of faith, purpose, and enduring legacy.