By Taiye Olayemi
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the West Africa Insurance Companies Association (WAICA) Education Conference says no fewer than 250 delegates are expected at the 2025 edition of the conference.
Mrs Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, Chairperson of LOC, disclosed this on Tuesday at a news conference held in Lagos.
She said the conference, scheduled to hold in Lagos, would focus on the theme: “The West African Insurer in the Face of Climate Change”.
According to her, the gathering will provide a platform for deliberations on climate risks, rising claims, and innovative strategies to strengthen the preparedness and competitiveness of insurers in the sub-region.
Nwachukwu said delegates from WAICA member countries, Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia and The Gambia, would participate in the conference, alongside regulators, policymakers and other stakeholders across Africa.
“It is particularly important for African insurers to engage in robust discussions on climate change, as the continent faces unique vulnerabilities.
“These include extreme weather events, flooding, drought, and agricultural disruptions that directly impact businesses, communities and livelihoods.
“For insurers, these challenges translate into rising claims, increased risk exposures, and the urgent need for innovative products and risk management strategies.
“By coming together at the WAICA conference, African insurers will strengthen their collective preparedness and position themselves to engage competitively with their global counterparts in shaping sustainable insurance practices and climate resilience solutions,” she said.
Nwachukwu added that eminent local and international insurance industry leaders, dignitaries and technical experts had been lined up to speak on the theme and sub-themes of the conference.
She listed some of them to include: Dr Abiba Zakaria, Acting. Commissioner of Insurance, Ghana; Mr Wole Oshin, Group Managing Director, Custodian Investment Plc; Mr Bockarie Kaloko, Deputy Minister of Finance, Republic of Sierra Leone; and Ms Tola Adegbayi, Managing Director, Mutual Specialist.
According to her, the conference will kick off on Sunday, Oct. 12, with a cocktail reception at the Insurers House, while the official opening ceremony will hold on Monday, Oct. 13.
“The Minister of State, Ministry of Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, will deliver the keynote address, while Mr Olusegun Omosehin, Commissioner for Insurance, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), will be the chief host,” she said.
Also, the Chairman, Publicity and Mobilisation Committee of the WAICA LOC, Mr Austin Ebose, assured that adequate transport and security arrangements had been made for delegates to ensure a smooth stay in Lagos.
Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of WAICA, Mr Davis Iyasere, said the association was exploring partnership with the African Insurance Organisation (AIO) on capacity building in various aspects of insurance during the conference. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
