Thought leaders plan literary work to advance insurance agenda

Cynthia Ezekwe

A group of insurance thought leaders is working on a groundbreaking new literary endeavour: a collection of fictional stories about the banking industry. Aimed at driving awareness and growth in the insurance sector, these fictional stories will explore a range of banking-related topics, including risk management, customer service, and ethical dilemmas.

The highly anticipated public unveiling of the “When Life Happens” series will take place on March 16th, at the Afe Babalola Auditorium in the University of Lagos (UNILAG). This will mark the first time that bank insurance-related literary fiction will be presented in the African creative space, with Edwin Igbiti serving as the chairperson of the event.

The “When Life Happens” fiction series, written by Chima Nwachukwu, a staunch believer in the development of Africa, is a collection of six volumes that creatively weave together entertaining and inspiring stories with the goal of educating, enlightening, and persuading Africans from all walks of life to embrace insurance as a means of escaping family poverty and national underdevelopment.

The author believes that fiction can be a powerful tool for exploring new ideas and possibilities in the insurance industry, which can ultimately lead to a more resilient and secure financial future. In the book, Nwachukwu integrates many profound artistic writings and poems to reflect the tenacity and determination of women in the risk management sector, who are working tirelessly to help ordinary people understand the value and benefits of insurance products.

In his sweeping and powerful novel, Nwachukwu highlights the often heartbreaking stories of men, women, and even young girls who have been left without financial protection after the death of a family member. Through these poignant stories, Nwachukwu hopes to raise awareness about the importance of having an insurance plan in place to protect loved ones in the event of a tragedy. The book also serves as a wake-up call to the dangers of going through life without protection, emphasising the need for financial security and stability.

Commenting on the series, the author said, “It is a known fact that historically, Africans communicate effectively through storytelling. The concept of these fictional novels is therefore based on the urgent need for insurance operators to deploy the art of storytelling to take back their industry from the lips of those who spread falsehood about what the present-day insurance industry in Nigeria and Africa is not, win back the public trust, and gain the interest of the young people.”

The fictional stories in the “When Life Happens” series are not only intended to raise awareness and educate readers about the benefits of insurance, but also to stimulate creativity and problem-solving in the insurance industry. The author believes that by exploring new and innovative solutions to the challenges presented in the stories, the industry can become more effective at addressing the needs of its customers.

By using fiction as a medium for addressing real-world issues, the authors hope to spark discussion and debate around the role of insurance in our society and the future of the industry.