Business
Future of insurance depends on quality leadership – Orimolade
By Rosemary Iwunze
President/Chairman of Council, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, CIIN, Mr. Akinjide Orimolade has said that the future of the insurance profession depends on the quality of leadership, innovation and professionalism that is cultivated today.
Orimolade made the assertion while giving his welcome address at the year 2026 Youth Mentorship Programme (Bootcamp 7.0) held at College of Insurance and Financial Management in Ogun State.
Orimolade said that the CIIN Youth Mentorship Programme has become one of the most impactful capacity-building initiatives of the Institute.
He said: “I am delighted to see such an impressive gathering of young professionals who have chosen to invest in their personal and professional development, demonstrating their commitment to excellence and their readiness to shape the future of the insurance industry. Your presence reflects our shared belief that the future of the insurance profession depends on the quality of leadership, innovation and professionalism that we cultivate today.
“The CIIN Youth Mentorship Programme has become one of the most impactful capacity-building initiatives of the Institute. It provides a unique platform for knowledge sharing, leadership development, career guidance and professional networking, while creating meaningful opportunities for experienced practitioners to nurture the next generation of insurance professionals.
“This year’s theme, “Innovate, Influence & Thrive: Young Professionals in a Digital Economy” is both timely and inspiring. It captures the realities of the world in which we live and the expectations placed upon emerging professionals who aspire to succeed in an increasingly digital, interconnected and knowledge-driven economy.
“The world of work is undergoing unprecedented transformation. Artificial Intelligence, automation, data analytics, digital platforms and emerging technologies are redefining industries and reshaping the skills required for success. Customer expectations continue to evolve, business models are changing rapidly and innovation has become the defining factor for organisational competitiveness and long-term sustainability.
“These developments present enormous opportunities for young professionals. However, they also demand continuous learning, adaptability and a willingness to embrace change. The question before us is no longer whether technology will transform our profession, but it is how prepared we are to lead and thrive within that transformation.
“Innovation therefore must become a way of thinking rather than an occasional activity. It begins with curiosity, creativity and the courage to challenge conventional approaches. As future leaders of our profession, you must continually seek new ways to improve customer experiences, develop innovative insurance solutions and leverage technology to create greater value for society.
“Equally important is influence. True influence is not determined by position or title but by competence, integrity, professionalism and the positive impact we make on those around us. Every young professional has the capacity to become an ambassador for the insurance industry by demonstrating excellence, ethical conduct and a commitment to lifelong learning.
“The final aspiration of this year’s theme is to Thrive. Thriving means remaining relevant in an environment of constant change. It requires resilience, emotional intelligence, adaptability and an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. It also demands that we continually develop new competencies that prepare us not only for today’s opportunities but for the future of work.
“At Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, we remain committed to developing competent professionals who will lead the transformation of the Nigerian insurance industry. Capacity development remains central to our strategic vision because we recognise that the future of our profession will ultimately be determined by the investments we make in our people today.”
