Adeosun
ADDRESS BY ENGR JACOB ADEOSUN, PRESIDENT, RISK MANAGERS SOCIETY OF NIGERIA AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 2017 NATIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE SOCIETY ON WEDNESDAY 3RD MAY, 2017 AT DE RENNAISANCE HOTEL, IKEJA, LAGOS, NIGERIA
ALL Guests of Honour & Distinguished Invitees
All Delegates & Participants
The Trustees of RIMSON
The Board & Members of The Society of Fellows
Officers & Members of RIMSON
Members of the Press
Ladies and Gentlemen
I am elated and very delighted to welcome you all to the 2017 National Conference of the Risk Managers Society of Nigeria. In many respects, the annual conference has continued to be part of the Society’s quest in the propagation of knowledge about risk management in Nigeria, whilst also engendering an opportunity for the empowerment of our membership with the latest risk management skills for their practice.
The knowledge sharing, no doubt, enhances the expertise and experience of risk management professionals which has become more imperative for managing risks in our ever dynamic environment.
The Risk Managers Society of Nigeria has come a long way. Established in 1985 as an association of corporate bodies dedicated to the advancement of risk awareness in Nigeria, the Society has remained self financing, with its membership cutting across and open to all professions in all facets of the economy: banking & finance, insurance, oil and gas industry, mining, power , infrastructure, manufacturing, commerce, government ministries, agencies and institutions etc. RIMSON is the only registered Nigerian member of the International Federation of Risk Management Associations (IFRIMA), a global body with presence in over 20 developed economies. This places RIMSON in a vantage position of having access to international facilities in addition to those available locally.
We are consolidating on our strategic goal of broadening the practice of risk management in Nigeria. Today in our membership fold are risk management practitioners from both public and private sectors, including but not limited to Chief Risk Officers, Enterprise Risk Managers, Risk Control Engineers, Risk Surveyors, Legal and Compliance Managers, Insurance Professionals, Security Professionals, ICT Managers, Finance and Investment Managers as well as Oil and Gas Experts and Practitioners from both State and Federal Government Ministries and Parastatals.
In recognition of the increasing relevance of risk management in Nation Building, RIMSON strongly believes and will continue to implement programmes and policies that will drive Nigeria into global reckoning. We will strengthen our relationship with strategic alliance stakeholders such as the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, the National Insurance Commission and others bodies with similar goals and objectives to move Nigeria forward.
Our Society is not resting on its oars in professional development initiatives. The latest is the successful establishment of the Centre for Risk Management Development ( CRMD) which was approved by the Federal Government. Its certificate course in Risk Management is being applauded. With our international affiliations e.g. with the Institutes of USA, the purpose of enhancing international qualifications for our Associates, is guaranteed.
THE 2017 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
The 2017 conference theme: RISK MANAGEMENT AND THE CHANGING GLOBAL PARADIGMS is an apt choice for providing the opportunity to periscope the reality of several emerging risks in the rapidly evolving global space as well as provoking our thoughts through paper presentations and discussions, on how these risks might impact individuals, corporate entities and our dear country, Nigeria. The theme is supported by a Special Focus Presentation on Disaster Management and Business Continuity. The Technical Papers complete the bouquet of extended risk management issues of practical interest and education to all and sundry. You have all seen in the publications, the array of experts lined up as facilitators and discussants. We want to specially thank each and every one of you for accepting the requested roles happily and unconditionally, not for any personal rewards but towards the upliftment of risk management practice in our Country. The Lord will reward you mightily.
Permit me to add that the two day conference will end with an Awards Ceremony, a major effort at recognising professionals whose contributions to risk management are outstanding, especially in their respective spheres of operation. Details of these distinguished professionals are in the Conference Programme. In my speech last year, I stated that ‘The commitment of RIMSON to professionalism and professional development has no limit. We are determined to spread the gospel of Risk Management amongst students and to catch them young. RIMSON will from next year institute Awards for Best Post Graduate student in Risk Management at the University of Lagos and also at undergraduate and professional levels. Today, RIMSON is fulfilling the promise as the first recipients of these RIMSON’s Awards will be celebrated during the Induction of New Members.
Before I conclude this speech, in my personal capacity, and as a matter of personal opinion, I want to call the attention of The Federal and State Governments throughout Nigeria to one major risk which I seem not to understand what is being clearly done. This is about THE IDENTIFICATION OF ALL AND EVERY HUMAN BEING IN NIGERIA. At the moment, only those with international passports, drivers licence and national ID Card can be identified. This is not acceptable. Nigeria cannot solve her security, social and economic development challenges without this BASIC DATA under the secure control of government. This should not be treated from political consideration. In my view, this IDENTIFICATION EXERCISE is more important than the population headcount. And it can be efficiently and effectively done without disruption of activities over a reasonable period of time. RIMSON is available to discuss this further with the Governments.
Once again, I welcome you all to the 2017 National Risk Management Conference and wish you a rewarding experience from your participation.
Thank you for your attention. Once again, I want to thank you all for coming. I wish you all a delightful Conference.
ENGR.JACOB ADEOSUN
President,
RISK MANAGERS SOCIETY OF NIGERIA
