ADDRESS DELIVERED BY LADY ISIOMA CHUKWUMA, CHAIRMAN, INSURANCE INDUSTRY CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL (IICC) AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NATIONAL INSURANCE CONFERENCE ON MONDAY 11TH JULY, 2016 AT THE CONGRESS HALL, TRANSCORP HILTON, ABUJA.
PROTOCOLS
Today marks another significant day in annals of the Nigerian Insurance Industry with the commencement of the second National Insurance Conference, to be held under the auspices of the Insurance Industry Consultative Council (IICC). It is therefore my utmost delight and pleasure to welcome you all to the 2016 National Insurance Conference
You will recall that the 2015 edition of the event which was held in this same venue was a remarkable success as it attracted insurance professionals and delegates from other sectors of the nation’s economy. The discussions and conclusions reached at the Conference have become part of the action points or trajectory for the industry’s growth as well as its contributions to national economy. Suffice it to note that this year’s Conference is another actualization of the desires of the constituent bodies in the IICC to further strengthen and sustain the unity of the Insurance Industry in Nigeria a critical catalyst for enhancing national economic development
For the sake of reiteration, this Conference is, no doubt intended to amplify the cardinal objectives of the IICC which includes the following:
➢ Engender a platform for developing and achieving joint-industry agenda.
➢ Enthrone an intra-industry conflict resolution mechanism.
➢ Present and promote the Insurance industry as a united front and engender greater relevance in the consciousness of Government
➢ Act as an industry voice on National issues
➢ Promote the Industry’s image and articulate the growth agenda of the Industry
➢ Take up and assume any other role that may serve the best interest of the Insurance industry in Nigeria.
As we are all aware, the benefit of insurance to national economy cannot be overemphasized. But regrettably, these enormous potentials have been stultified, among others, by lack of intra industry cohesion. It is my utmost belief that a unified Conference of this nature would present the industry as a holistic sector, as well as enhance its image in the eyes of the various strategic publics and stakeholders.
I must therefore convey the goodwill and appreciation of the leadership of the IICC to all the Industry Elders and the various constituent bodies for their firm conviction in the need for us to remain united and indivisible.
Distinguished delegates, it is my privilege and honor to acknowledge and specially appreciate the National Insurance Commission, under the indefatigable leadership of the Commissioner for Insurance, Alhaji Mohammed Kari for the immense support the IICC has received from the Commission in sustaining this annual Conference. We must admit that under Alhaji Mohammed Kari the industry has become more ethical and professional, and we hope that things can only get better.
It is quite apposite to note that the theme of this Conference, “EXPANDING NATIONAL RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN CHALLENGING TIMES” is apt and timely as it was informed by the need for the Insurance Industry in Nigeria to key into the drive of the present administration towards re-building a virile national economy through diversification and expansion of national infrastructural resources.
We are living witnesses of the various efforts being made by the present administration to take our national economy out of the doldrums through the annexation of all latent national resources. This effort definitely calls for the support of all strategic stakeholders, of which the insurance industry is cardinal. That is why the Planning Committee has invited an array of distinguished speakers and discussants that would do justice to the subject matter. It is hoped that opinions canvassed at this national event would constitute a significant input into the renewed national economic revival plans.
Similarly, it is my pleasure to state that this Conference has also lined up notable theme papers such as
MANAGING RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH NON-OIL RESOURCES EXPLORATION
INSURANCE AS A VEHICLE FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
EXPECTED ROLE OF INSURANCE IN INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT
There will also be a Panel of Discussion on Compulsory Insurances amongst Insurance stakeholders as a follow-up to last year’s edition.
Permit me to at this juncture commend the National Insurance Conference Planning Committee for their painstaking efforts, especially in the choice and assemblage of the very high caliber speakers and sessions Chairmen. The choice of Speakers also underscores the importance of the Conference and guarantees quality time for all participants.
I cannot end my address without urging all delegates to participate actively and maximize the value of the Conference for their personal development as well as their contributions to the growth of the insurance industry and national economy
Wishing you all a delightful and rewarding Conference
ISIOMA CHUKWUMA, ACII, AIIN
Chairman
Insurance Industry Consultative Council
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