Octogenarian and Doyen of the Nigerian insurance industry often described by the brokerage fraternity of the market as their living ancestor, Olola Olabode Ogunlana has charged practitioners to make insurance impact on the lives of citizens.
“Go out there and sell not only to increase your profits but to improve the welfare of Nigerian’s and the well being of Nigeria, says Ogunlana during the ‘Celebrating our Heroes’ ceremony organized by the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers(NCRIB) in Lagos.
Ogunlana who was celebrated with late Talabi Adebayo Braithwaite, first Nigerian chartered insurer and icon too, said the insurance industry of which NCRIB is an important arm is called upon to assist in this endevour of nation building.
“Our own part is to protect and to conserve the wealth of this nation, and so the industry must never underrate its relevance and importance, which appears to be the case now”.
He said that the challenges facing the country is huge, and requires that insurance which is in the business of risk management and risk taking play their part actively, rather than folding its arms.
“I repeat, our duty as insurance industry to the nation is to protect and conserve her wealth, while at the same time providing the catalysts for increasing the national wealth.”
Go out there and explain to individuals how they can use insurance products that have proved useful over centuries in this and other economies, Ogunlana charges operators.
Shola Tinubu, president of NCRIB said the event ‘Celebrating of Our Heroes’ was aimed at giving due recognition and honour to past leaders who toiled unselfishly to lay the moulding blocks upon which insurance profession has been built till date.
The conception of the idea under my leadership he noted, is buoyed by the realization of the missing link in our history as a profession and a people.
Tinubu noted that these great men and women are symbols of what makes our profession great, and we must never forget all they have done to ensure we have a profession we could call our own. “There is no duty more urgent than that of returning thanks to these heroes as we are all gathered here to do today.”
He further stated, it’s a thing of joy that the inaugural edition of the programme was starting with the celebration of two iconic figures of our profession, Late T.A Braithwaite and Olola Olabode Ogunlana.
Tinubu comments on T.A Braithwaite: T.A Braithwaite is the first Nigerian to become a chartered insurer. He was also the pioneer President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers. His foresighted leadership and selfless commitment to the growth of the insurance industry is legendary. He was one of those who gave us our identity in the comity of other professions. He is being celebrated post humously. We pray God to continue to grant his soul eternal rest.
On Olola Olabode Ogunlana, Tinubu said Baba is the pride of our profession and the Doyen of the Nigerian Insurance Industry. The first indigenous Managing Director of the defunct National Insurance Corporation whose charismatic leadership paved the way for other Managing Directors and leaders of the industry.
His adroit, ethical and quintessential leadership made NICON the breeding ground for legion of quality insurance professionals that the country has produced till date.
He is a “fountain” of several professional bodies and worthy Associations, bringing insurance image to the front burner of national and international reckoning.
Modestus Anaesoronye
