Insurance agents return Gbadebo Olamerun as President

Association of Registered Insurance Agents of Nigeria (ARIAN) Thursday re-elected Mr. Gbadebo Olamerun as President for a second term in office.

The Insurance agents at the event in Lagos, tagged: 2015 ARIAN Annual National Conference, Election, AGM and 6th Award Ceremony crowned Professor Joe Irukwu, 2015 Man of the Year.

Gbadebo, during his acceptance speech assured members of the association that he will consolidate on the works already initiated aimed at positioning insurance agents for progress.

He thanked his colleagues for considering him fit to remain on the steering wheel of the association, while promising not to let them down.

He also promised to sustained the fight against fake agents, ethical practices and intensify membership drive.

He said Prof. Irukwu was honoured due to his contributions to insurance development in the nation and the entire globe. He also commended other winners for their contributions to insurance.

Other winners are, Custodian Insurance, which emerged Insurance Company of the Year, Naija FM, Radio Station of the Year and Mrs Omobola Tolu-Kusimo, Journalist of the Year.

Irukwu, who was represented by the President of Professional Insurance Ladies Association (PILA) Mrs Yetunde Adenuga, commended the association for its contributions toward insurance growth and pledged continued support in promoting growth and development in the industry.

Mrs Tolu-Kusimo said: “Insurance agents are regarded as the last son of the industry but I believe their role is critical to growing the Nigerian insurance industry. They have access to the grassroots and they should be encouraged by the regulatory body, NAICOM.

“I am excited that I have been recognized by ARIAN, this is an encouragement and it will go a long way in further strengthening our commitment to fair and accurate reporting.

“This award further testifies to quality insurance reporting that The Nation Newspaper is known for.”

Commissioner for Insurance Mohammed Kari, who was represented by Deputy Director National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) Faruna Monday, said the commission is poised at deepening insurance penetration, adding that in line with the change Mantra, operators must refocus and embrace new ways of doing things.