NEM Insurance Chairman tasks CIFM to attract professionals from oil and gas, banking, agriculture, other sectors
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Chuks Udo Okonta
The Chairman of NEM Insurance Plc, number one general insurance company in Nigeria, Tope Smart, has tasked the management of College of Insurance and Financial management (CIFM) to actively target professionals from sectors such as oil and gas; banking; agriculture; manufacturing, construction and others for training.
Smart, who was the Special Guest of Honour gave the charge at the graduation ceremony organised by the College for Diploma in Insurance graduates in Asese, Ogun State, stating that the participation of the professionals would not only elevate insurance industry recognition—similar to the stature of ICAN—but also broaden insurance brand awareness across Nigeria and internationally.
Represented by the Executive Director NEM Insurance Plc, Adeyemi Mayadenu, he noted that it is imperative for the college to expand its reach beyond the insurance sector, stressing that every economic sector benefit from insurance knowledge, and professional certification in this field enhances risk mitigation capabilities and deepens understanding of insurance products among partners outside the industry.
The Chairman encouraged the management of CIFM to intensify efforts towards creating awareness about the noble course, stating that building robust partnerships with insurance companies should be a priority.
He maintained that just as many organisations send their middle managers and management staff to Lagos Business School as part of their professional development plans, similar collaborations can be forged with CIFM for the Executive Professional courses.
Such partnerships, he said would increase participation and add greater credibility to the program. “Additionally, it may be prudent to review the curriculum periodically, ensuring it incorporates best global practices in teaching, learning, and operations to keep it relevant and impactful,” he said.
He submitted that in today’s world, technology has transformed the globe into a connected village and integrated various professions into a unified ecosystem, noting that the insurance industry must therefore be agile enough to embrace cross-disciplinary professionals to maintain its active participation in the global economic ecosystem. “This is where the Executive Insurance Professional course plays a critical role—it equips both new entrants and existing professionals transitioning from middle management to top management or the C-suite with the requisite skills and certifications,” he posited.
The Chairman of NEM Insurance Plc, which was recently upgraded by GCR to AA+(NG) congratulated the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) Council and the Board of the College of Insurance and Financial Management for the remarkable achievement.
He submitted that placing the college on the global ivory tower alongside prestigious institutions such as Lagos Business School and University of Lagos Business School, is a giant stride indeed. “This is only the beginning of greater accomplishments in the history of the college, and the entire team deserves our applause for this visionary project. I am truly pleased to witness the fruits of this initiative, which is well-aligned with the college’s objectives.
“We all agree that the era when professionalism was given little importance for executive roles in the insurance industry is long gone. With the dynamic nature of regulatory requirements, there is now a heightened emphasis on professional certification as a prerequisite for leadership positions in the insurance sector,” he said.
He commended the exceptional efforts of President Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria Mrs. Yetunde Ilori; the Chairman of the CIFM Board Committee, Akinjide Orimolade; and most importantly, the Rector of the esteemed College, Dr. Chizoba Ehiogu.
He urged the college to sustain the excellent work, noting that it is not only contributing meaningfully to professional development but also making history for future generations.
To the new graduates he said: “You are not merely holding certificates—you possess professional certifications that define executive leadership. If you have yet to do so, begin to think like executives, act like executives, and carry yourselves as true executive professionals from this day forward.
“Be proud ambassadors of this college, wherever your journey takes you. Uphold its values in ethics and professionalism and be advocates, who encourage others to pursue this invaluable knowledge,” he posited.
