Industry finds elderly wisdom, experience relevant for unity, growth

The need for industry elders to continually bring their experience, wisdom and professionalism to play in the struggle for a united insurance sector that would speak with one voice for the overall interest of all has once again come to the front burner.

These people, who have contributed their own quota either as past leaders of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) or leaders at other levels of the various industry arms are believed would not only serve selflessly, but would not find it difficult to present issues in the right perspective.

Inaugurating the Insurance Industry Consultative Committee where the elders have been commissioned to use their wealth of experience and wisdom to bring unity and a common front, stakeholders were certain that a new vista bonding is in the offing.

Fola Daniel, commissioner for Insurance said the Committee should fashion out ways to return the industry to its rightful place as a catalyst for economic growth and development, stating that industry and the public expect to see remarkable changes in the way insurance business operates.

In line with the objective behind its establishment, the committee has been entrusted with the following mandate: “To serve as a unifying voice for the industry; to represent the industry on national issues such as budget formulation; make input to national economic matters and any other issues affecting the industry; act as a body for resolution of intra and inter sector conflicts and take up and assume any other roles that will serve the best interest of the industry.” Daniel however urged the committee to take necessary steps towards uplifting the profile of the industry, improve public confidence in the profession and enhance the fortune of the industry, nothing further that the task before the committee is enormous, expressing optimism that they would engender robust and qualitative outcomes.

“Suffice to say that the unification of purpose and the cooperation of all players in the industry at this point in the history of the industry is not an option, but an imperative. From the composition of the committee, it is satisfying that every arm of the industry is adequately represented. This is expected to aid the achievements of the much needed unity so that the industry would be seen to always speak with one voice.

“Let me remind members of the committee that the industry expects so much from you. They expect to see remarkable changes in the way we do our business and the way we are perceived by not just members of the public, but by government at all levels. “They expect to see great improvement in the contribution of the industry to national discuss and its due recognition as a significant segment of the nation’s economy. I could go on and on, but the fact is the time has come for the industry to assume its rightful place as a catalyst for national economic growth and development,” he said.

Fatai Lawal, president, CIIN said the committee would give the industry a voice, guarantees a collective medium for dialogue, provides a clearing house for vital industry policies, engenders a firm anchorage for industry’s growth agendas, constitutes a powerful group for government relations and platform for resolution of conflicts.

He maintained that the success of the committee lies on the honest, open and sincere hearts of all arms of the industry to shed their individual toga for the benefit of the sector.

By: Modestus Anaesoronye