The legacies of late Pathe DIONE, founder of SUNU Group continues to live on three years after his passing, as testimonies trail his business exploits across 16 African countries.
From across the continent, staff and partners gathered in churches and mosques to mark the third anniversary of his passing, and celebration of his footprints in the African business ecosystem.
From Nigeria to other 16 African countries where the Group operates, SUNU employees converged for thanksgiving services and special prayers, clad in white at Christian services, while Muslim faithful also observed prayers, all united in gratitude for the life, vision and impact of the late insurance icon.
Samuel Ogbodu, managing director/CEO of SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc speaking at the event said the continued remembrance of the founder was driven by the depth of his humanity and his lifelong passion for Africa’s development.
“The founder was a lovely man, deeply passionate about humanity, Ogbodu said. “He showed so much love that we feel obligated to reciprocate. He believed strongly that Africa must be developed economically, and that is why all SUNU offices are located in Africa, creating employment and putting food on people’s tables.”
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According to him, thousands of families across the continent continue to benefit from the founder’s vision, making it imperative for staff to honour his memory year after year.
“So many people have been able to meet their earthly needs through his efforts. Many people eat from the man’s sweat, from his mission and vision. That is why we are obligated to remember him annually as a sign of appreciation,” he added.
On sustaining the founder’s legacy, Ogbodu said the current management remains committed to expanding the SUNU footprint across Africa and strengthening the Group’s financial performance.
“We feel obligated to carry on his vision, which is to set up insurance companies across Africa. Since his demise, one new company has been established in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and efforts are ongoing to open offices in other African countries,” he said.
He noted that beyond geographic expansion, management is focused on growing the business in terms of Gross Written Premium, Profit before Tax and Profit After Tax, while investing heavily in people development.
On recapitalisation, which he described as critical to sustaining the founder’s vision in Nigeria, the SUNU Assurances CEO reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to meeting the requirements set by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).
He recalled that the founder’s first son and heir had publicly assured stakeholders of the Group’s resolve to recapitalise, stressing that the promise remains intact.
Elie Ogounigni, executive director, Control and Risk Management, SUNU Assurances Nigeria, and Regional Manager, Anglophone Subsidiaries of SUNU Group described the late founder as an institution builder whose vision was deliberately designed to outlive him.
“Three years after his passing, the founder remains unforgettable. In many cases, after one or two years, memories fade, but this has not been the case here,” Ogounigni said.
“He created an organisation that was not meant only for his family. While his children can benefit from it, the company was structured to last beyond them. He built a business designed to endure,” he added.
