Ahmed made this known in his welcome address at the 2026 NIA Awards and Recognition Ceremony held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, where key stakeholders across Nigeria’s insurance sector gathered to celebrate excellence and service.

The event was attended by the Commissioner for Insurance, veteran industry figures, heads of key insurance-related bodies, chief executive officers of insurance firms, members of the NIA Governing Council, and other distinguished guests.

Welcoming participants, Ahmed expressed delight at the presence of former leaders of the association, noting that the ceremony also served as an opportunity to reflect on the organisation’s long-standing journey and achievements.

He commended past chairmen and council members for their selfless service, highlighting that their leadership came without financial reward but laid a solid groundwork for the association’s continued progress.

According to him, their decisions during challenging periods helped preserve professionalism, integrity, and stability within the industry, thereby strengthening confidence in the Nigerian insurance sector.

Ahmed disclosed that he had continued to seek guidance from some of the association’s past leaders since assuming office, adding that their counsel had influenced key decisions and reinforced his respect for their service.

He also revealed that the Governing Council had approved a proposal to institutionalise the recognition of former leaders, making it a recurring feature of the association’s programmes at intervals yet to be determined.

Reaffirming the association’s role as the unified voice of the insurance industry, Ahmed noted that the NIA has, over the decades, driven professionalism, innovation, and collaboration among stakeholders while contributing to national development.

While acknowledging progress made in the sector, he said there was still room for improvement, stressing the need for continued unity, resilience, and strategic vision to advance the industry further.

He further encouraged past leaders to document their experiences in published works, noting that such records would serve as valuable references for future decision-making and extend their influence beyond the insurance sector.

Ahmed concluded by welcoming guests to the ceremony, describing the event as a celebration of excellence, service, and legacy, while urging stakeholders to build on the foundation laid by industry pioneers.

The ceremony feature 56 awardees including the Commissioner for insurance,National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin.

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This initiative underscores the Association’s deep appreciation for the visionary leadership, dedication, and selfless service of those who have steered the affairs of the NIA over the years. Their efforts have laid a solid
foundation for the Association’s achievements and strengthened its role as the collective voice of the insurance industry.

The event is scheduled to take place on Thursday,30 April 2026, at the Insurers House, 42 Saka Tinubu Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, under the theme, “Service as the Cornerstone of Leadership and Institutional Legacy.”

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the Chairman of the NIA, Mr. Kunle Ahmed, noted that honouring past Governing Council Members and Director Generals is not only a mark of respect but also a way of preserving the Association’s rich legacy.

He said that their guidance and commitment have been instrumental in shaping policies, fostering industry collaboration, and promoting public confidence in insurance as a tool for national development.

Kunle emphasized that the structures laid down by the past leaders, the values they upheld, and the sacrifices they made continue to resonate in the Association’s present achievements.

He noted: “Institutions are built over time, but their true strength lies in the people who devote themselves in service.

“This event is our way of pausing to honour those whose leadership and sacrifices created the pathway we now walk. Their legacy is not confined to history—it lives on in every milestone we celebrate today.”

The NIA Chairman further stated that by celebrating the Association’s past leaders, the NIA preserves its history, reinforces its values, and set a clear benchmark for future leadership.

According to him, the progress the Association enjoy today is firmly anchored in the foresight and dedication of its past leaders.

“Without question, they remain the bedrock of the NIA’s enduring relevance and success, he said.”

The ceremony will bring together industry stakeholders, regulators, and partners to celebrate these distinguished leaders and reaffirm the Association’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth.

The NIA looks forward to this memorable occasion as it continues to build on the foundations laid by its past leaders while charting new paths for the future of insurance in Nigeria.

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Ahmed, who is also the CEO of AXA Mansard Insurance, joins a high-powered lineup of leaders from key insurance institutions, who have now confirmed their participation in the leading conference.

They include Prince Babatunde Oguntade, President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB); President of Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Mrs. Yetunde Olubunmi Ilori; (Mrs.) Abimbola Onakomaiya, President, Professional Insurance Ladies Association (PILA), and the Commissioner for Insurance/Chief Executive Officer, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin.

Odion Aleobua, Convener of the conference and CEO of Modion Communications, warmly welcomed the Chairman of NIA Kunle Ahmed.

“Having the Chairman of the NIA on board is a monumental buildup to this event. Kunle Ahmed is not only a respected leader in the industry, spearheading the premier umbrella body, but he is also a dedicated advocate for the digitalisation and tech-led innovations within the Nigerian insurance sector.

“There couldn’t be a better time for him to join us at the IMT, especially following the passage of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) and the launch of the NIA Innovation Lab. His insights and perspectives will undoubtedly enrich the discussions at the conference.”

With key institutions such as NAICOM, CIIN, NIA, NCRIB, and PILA fully involved in this year’s edition, it affirms that IMT is the most critical convening ground for Nigeria’s insurance ecosystem —a coalition of leadership voices ready to write a new chapter for the industry.

The 2025 edition of IMT will feature Per Lagerström from South Africa as the Headline Speaker. He is a global thought leader in insurtech, behavioural science, and innovation.

He was a former Partner at McKinsey & Company, with deep expertise in financial services, FMCG, and strategy consulting and Founder of BehaviorTech. This pioneering field combines behavioural science, AI, and innovation to produce transformative results for individuals, businesses, and societies.

He is also the CEO of Yellowspot, an Ireland-based venture studio focused on developing disruptive ventures in financial planning, education, longevity, and human-centred digital transformation.

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