Matthew Otoijagha
The Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) has kick started its mentoring program for young insurance professionals, with the aim of developing prodigies that will sustain and take the industry to lofty heights.
The President of the CIIN, Eddie Efekoha, at the opening of the program tagged, boot camp for young professionals, yesterday at the College of Insurance and Financial Management (CIFM), Asese, Ogun State, noted that with the program, the industry has taken one more step in the quest to groom a new set of leaders.
“I feel a sense of pride and fulfillment today on this occasion, the first boot camp for young professionals organized by the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria under the Mentorship program for young insurance professionals. Today, we take one more step as an industry in the quest to groom a new set of industry leaders,” he said.
He noted that the only thing constant about change is change itself, adding that the world is constantly changing, especially as it relates to the gadgets we use, social, economic trends, consumer behavior and so many other things that govern everyday lives.
Efekoha posited that as professionals, there is a need to stay relevant in the midst of all disruptions, stressing that the only way to do this is to create a reputation that is synonymous with excellence, ingenuity and professionalism. “To attain this profile is not easy, it takes a lot of sacrifice and today, you are making one of those sacrifices required to get to the top,” he added.
“Early in the year, the Institute hosted the elders forum a program regularly held to recognize elders of the insurance industry who have contributed to ensure we have the industry in which we practice our profession. In that room was so many I looked up to as industry mentors and who I modeled my life after.
“The potential that lies in each and every-one of you is enormous and the best part of it is that the key to unlock these potentials lies within you. This program was conceptualized to help you walk in freedom to find greatness.
“Men make history and not the other way round. Progress only occurs when you seize the opportunity to change things for the better. Only through hardwork, dedication and focus can you become the leaders that the industry and the society needs. I urge you all to learn from the distinguished resource persons that have offered their time and intellectual resources to help you grow. In the end I hope that you all continue to strive for perfection and ultimately attain greatness,” he posited.
Director-General, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Mrs. Yetunde Ilori, enjoined the participants to be well mannered and live to lay lasting legacies. She urged the participants to be good ambassadors by spreading the knowledge they acquired in the program amongst their colleagues.
She charged them to be ready to serve, adding that the growth of the industry lies in their hands. Mrs. Ilori submitted that going forward, participants would be giving the privilege to choose who they want to educate and interact with them in the program.