In a bid to make more Nigerians buy insurance products, insurance brokers have been urged to engage in more advocacy programmes. Speaking during the investiture ceremony of Rotimi Olukorede as the 10th chairman of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (Lagos Area Committee), Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Presiding Bishop, TREM who was the Father of the day at the event, said many losses could have been mitigated if the public knew more about insurance, adding that insurance brokers cannot continue to assume that everyone understands the benefits of insurance.
Okonkwo therefore urged insurance brokers to educate people thereby repositioning themselves to be leaders instead. He said insurance is fruitful and its roles cannot be overemphasised, as it helps to promote trade and commerce. He further noted that change is the only constant thing in life and the only way to stay relevant is to change the way things are done.
“The time to be proactive is now and one of the gains of leadership is being proactive. Leaders are several steps ahead. I challenge everyone to lead with vision and purpose,” Okonkwo said.
Bukola Ifemade, the outgoing chairman, NCRIB-LAC, in her welcome address said the day was a day of joy and accomplishment having completed her two-year tenure as chairman. She appreciated everyone who made her tenure a success.
According to Ifemade, leadership comes with a price and appreciates the support of the president of NCRIB and members of NCRIB-LAC who had worked with her and contributed to the growth of the chapter. “It takes one person to lead but success is based on collective teamwork.” She said under her leadership as Chairman, NCRIB-LAC they were able to conduct mentorship series, conducted annual lectures and awards as well as contributed in conducting programmes to empower members of NCRIB-LAC
Also speaking at the event Bola Onigbogi, President, NCRIB said the Lagos Area Committee is one of the areas she trusted in delivering value and giving the national body huge support. Onigbogi noted that the profession has not received the expected respect it deserved despite the roles the council plays in the nation’s economy. “Insurance brokers play a huge role in the insurance value chain.
She explained that the efforts to change the narrative have continued to yield positive results, adding that the retreat with Members of the House of Reps Committee on Insurance in Abuja was used to bridge the communication gap between the Council and the National assembly.
The event tagged “Towards Full Digitalization and Automation of Insurance Broking’ had Akin Banuso, Country Manager of the world leading and tech-giant, Microsoft Nigeria as a Guest Speaker. Ably represented by Wale Adeyemi of Wragby Business Solutions Ltd.
In his virtual presentation advised Brokers to embrace technology to enhance their operations and insurance penetration in Nigeria. He introduced the iBroka and shed more light on the All-in-One Solutions that can be accessed from a single platform based on Brokers’ subscription level.
The application according to Adeyemi is to assist Insurance Brokers deliver efficient and quality service at optimal cost.
