Mr. Edwin Igbiti, President CIIN
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR— Digital reinforcement of Institute’s operations, insurance awareness for all – grassroot, youths and insuring public infrastructural development are top priorities for the newly elected President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Mr. Edwin Igbiti, pursuits which will serve as benchmarks of his two-year tenure in office.
Igbiti made this known in Lagos on Friday during his investiture held July, 15th as the 51st President of the Institute.
Igbiti in his acceptance speech revealed that the theme of his tenure as “Building A Sustainable Legacy” stated that the choice of the theme was borne out of the need for continuity to sustain and build on the works of Past Presidents of the Institute.
“This will guarantee that despite current global uncertainties, the Institute will continue to meet the needs and aspirations of its members efforts have been made by my predecessors to revamp the digital operations of the Institute. However, we need to continuously upgrade and innovate our processes to deliver excellent customer experiences and members’ satisfaction.”
“My projection is that my tenure as President of the CIIN will facilitate the transformation of the CIIN Secretariat with the state-of-the-art facilities that would stimulate digital operations and processes, enhance excellent work culture which results in quality customer experiences in all our deliverables. Smart Technologies and digital solutions would be deployed to achieve this together with a viable business model.”
He recommended that the institution must have strong partnership to move the profession and the industry forward and this he opted can only be successfully executed collectively
“The Institute has many programmes in place aimed at creating insurance awareness and training members to be world class insurance professionals, but I cannot achieve the success on my own. Hence, I want to seize this opportunity to appeal to you for your support to help drive the Institute to lofty heights.”
He promised that smart technologies and digital solutions would be deployed to achieve The institute’s goal with a viable business model.
In his remark, Chairman of the occasion, Dr Oladele Fajemirokun, congratulated Igbiti on his investiture as the president of the institute and promised to support him throughout his tenure.
Fajemirokun who also doubles as the Chairman of AIICO Insurance PLC, gave assurance that Igbiti had the character, competence and experience to give progressive leadership to CIIN, having proven so while working at AIICO Insurance, specifically as its former Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.
“It is most heartwarming for me that a person in the mould of Igbiti is taking over the mantle of leadership of the institute at this crucial period.
“We all know the pivotal position the institute occupies in the financial ecosystem and the economy of this country.
“There is no doubt that over the years, the institute has distinguished itself as one of the foremost professional bodies that has given cutting edge training to insurance professionals.
“These professionals in turn are adding significant value, not only to the insurance industry, but the general financial ecosystem,” he said.
According to him, it was regrettable that the Nigerian insurance industry was still at the back waters of national economy, contributing a paltry one per cent to the Gross Domestic Product of the nation.
He highlighted some of the problems bordering the industry to include poor image, low public acceptance and inadequate professional training impacting on the quality of professional insurance practitioners who interface with members of the public.
“Be that as it may, the industry has continued to make huge strides toward ensuring that this narrative is changed and permanently too.
“I must not miss to appreciate the dynamism that has been infused into the leadership of the institute since its inception.
“We have had 50 presidents and all of them without exception laid the moulding blocks upon which Igbiti is starting to build on as the 51st President.’’
In his welcome address, Oyegunle expressed delight that Igbiti, also a professional colleague and friend, succeeded him after two years of service as his Deputy President.
The immediate past CIIN president said Igbiti’s comradeship, understanding, professionalism and integrity made his administration a sensation and with good memories for the future.
“Igbiti is a tenacious and resilient leader and his reign will be beneficial to the institute.
“I can confidently say this because of his trajectory of success in various positions and capacities occupied in the industry.
“This office provides you another opportunity to employ your wealth of expertise to broaden the scope of the institute and contribute hugely to the growth of the insurance industry.”
