Igbiti outlines three-points agenda for his Presidency

The new President/Chairman of the Governing Council of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Edwin Igbiti, has outlined a three-point agenda for building and strengthening the Institute for efficient professional services to the insurance industry.

In his acceptance speech during his investiture as the 51st President of the Institute in Lagos on Friday said specifically that his two-year administration will build a sustainable legacy to ensure continuity of the laudable policy of the past leaders of the Institute.

Besides, he said the theme of my tenure “Building Sustainable Legacy” will be through a Digital Reinforcement of the Institute’s operations, Insurance Awareness for all – grass-root, youths and insuring public, infrastructural development. He explained that the choice of the theme was borne out of the need for continuity to sustain and build on the works of the past Presidents of the Institute.

“This will guarantee that despite current global uncertainties, the Institute will continue to meet the needs and aspirations of its members efforts have been made by my predecessors to revamp the digital operations of the Institute. However, we need to continuously upgrade and innovate our processes to deliver excellent customer experiences and members’ satisfaction.”

“My projection is that my tenure as President of the CIIN will facilitate the transformation of the CIIN Secretariat with the state-of-the-art facilities that would stimulate digital operations and processes, enhance excellent work culture which results in quality customer experiences in all our deliverables. Smart Technologies and digital solutions would be deployed to achieve this together with a viable business model.”

He recommended that the institution must have strong partnership to move the profession and the industry forward and this he opted can only be successfully executed collectively.

“The Institute has many programmes in place aimed at creating insurance awareness and training members to be world class insurance professionals, but I cannot achieve the success on my own. Hence, I want to seize this opportunity to appeal to you for your support to help drive the Institute to lofty heights,” he said.

He promised that Smart Technologies and digital solutions would be deployed to achieve The institute’s goal with a viable business model.

The Chairman of the Investiture Ceremony, Chief (Dr) Oladele Fajemirokun, said this in his speech at the occasion, described Edwin Igbiti as a man with the right character, competence, experience and a professional to give progressive leadership to the CIIN.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Edwin, who I can rightly refer to as my son, having worked at AIICO Insurance Plc for a considerable number of years at a very top management cadre, specifically as the Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, has the character, competence and experience to give progressive leadership to the CIIN”.

“I must say that in the course of our intimate relationship, I found Edwin to be a professional to the core, a humble personality, always willing to learn and also someone who puts a lot of practical life to what he believes in as a Christian and also as a Church Leader.

“It is most heartwarming for me that a person in the mould of Edwin is taking over the mantle of leadership of the Institute at this crucial period. We all know the pivotal position the Institute occupies in the financial ecosystem and the economy of this country.”

Commenting on the contribution of the CIIN to the growth of insurance business in Nigeria and the way forward for the industry, Chief Fajemirokun said “There is no doubt that over the years, the Institute has distinguished itself as one of the foremost professional bodies that has given cutting edge training to insurance professionals, who in turn are adding significant value, not only to the insurance industry, but the general financial ecosystem.

Suffice it to say that it is not all uhuru for the insurance industry in Nigeria today, in spite of all the stringent efforts being made by the operators as well as professionals. Insurance, regrettably is still at the back waters of national economy contributing a paltry one per cent to the Gross Domestic Product of the nation.

“Pointless to rehash some problems that have led to the recession of the industry bordering on poor image, low public acceptance and inadequate professional training impacting on the quality of professional insurance practitioners who interface with members of the public. But be that as it may, the industry has continued to make huge strides towards ensuring that this narrative is changed and permanently too.”

“Besides the Council pushing forward the likes of Edwin Igbiti to change this narrative for which I know he has the capacity, considering his professional standing and long years of experiences in the industry, it is very apposite for me to say that the industry has been making giant strides in the area of embracing information technology which ultimately as we all know is the driver of global economy and there is no actor in the global economy, including insurance, that should lag behind when it comes to information technology.

While commending the past leadership of the institute for laying a solid foundation, the former Chairmen of AIICO Insurance PLC stated, “I must not miss to appreciate the dynamism that has been infused into the leadership of the Institute since its inception. We have had 50 Presidents and all of them without exception laid the moulding blocks upon which Mr. Edwin Igbiti is starting to build on as the 51st President today.

In his remarks, the immediate past President of CIIN, Sir Muftau Oyegunle, said “Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, today is a beautiful day and I am delighted to welcome you to this auspicious occasion; the investiture ceremony of Mr. Edwin Igbiti as the 51st President/Chairman of Council of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria.

Indeed, time flies, on the 21st of July 2020, I was invested as the 50th President/Chairman of Council of the Institute. It is therefore with gratitude to the Almighty God and a privilege to address these dignitaries on this occasion of handing over to my successor.

I am happy to have Mr. Edwin Igbiti; a professional colleague and friend as a successor after two years of service as my Deputy President. He has proven to be a man of ethics and professionalism and I am immensely grateful to God who has preserved us to witness this day and this remarkable occasion.

During my tenure as the 50th President, Mr. Igbiti’s comradeship and understanding is one worth applauding, he exhibited professionalism and integrity which made the administration a sensation and with good memories for the future.

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, I appreciate you for being part of our history today. Mr. Igbiti is a tenacious and resilient leader and his reign will be beneficial to the Institute. I can confidently say this because of his trajectory of success in various positions and capacities occupied in the industry.

Mr. Igbiti, as you embark upon your new responsibilities, I urge you not to rest on your oars. The reward for success is more hardwork. This office provides you another opportunity to employ your wealth of expertise to broaden the scope of the Institute and contribute hugely to the growth of the insurance industry.

Please accept my warm congratulations and my best wishes as you take up this mantle of leadership.