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By Taiye Olayemi
Ms Kesiena Ughwode, Chief Executive Officer of Almond Productions Ltd., says the Almond Insurance Industry Awards has improved prompt operational data updates among insurers.
Ughwode, convener of the awards, spoke during a news conference in Lagos, ahead of the fourth edition ceremony.
She said insurance firms now appreciate the importance of updating records promptly to avoid possible negative consequences during assessments and industry evaluations.
According to her, the awards panel relies heavily on operational data supplied by the National Insurance Commission and participating companies.
She said the awards had compelled insurers to remain proactive and ensure their records are regularly updated with the commission.
Ughwode said, “Insurance companies now operate with consciousness of the importance of updating their data promptly.
“The awards have put them on their toes because judges rely on NAICOM and company data during assessments.”
She announced that the fourth edition would hold on Nov. 6 at The Stable Event Place, Surulere, Lagos.
She said the initiative was established to celebrate the resilience, innovation and achievements of professionals across Nigeria’s insurance value chain.
According to her, many practitioners continue breaking barriers in spite of prevailing economic and social challenges confronting businesses in the country.
She said the awards website had been restructured and simplified to ensure seamless nominations and voting by stakeholders.
Ughwode explained that the redesign followed feedback received after previous editions of the awards programme.
She disclosed that nominations for the 2026 edition officially opened on Tuesday and would close on June 30.
She urged stakeholders to visit the awards portal early and nominate deserving candidates before the deadline expires.
Ughwode said, “All nominations must be submitted exclusively through the official awards portal.
“We noticed people often wait until the final moments before nominating or voting for favourites.
“Sometimes, requests for extension come in, but we have resolved not to extend deadlines again.”
Also speaking, Mr Ogala Osoka, Chairman of the Awards Panel of Judges, highlighted the significance of this year’s theme, ‘Reemergence’.
Osoka said the theme reflected major reforms and developments currently reshaping Nigeria’s insurance industry.
He explained that the theme symbolised the start of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act implementation and recapitalisation exercise.
According to him, both initiatives are expected to usher in a new era for the insurance sector nationwide.
In his remarks, Prof Olajide Fadun of the University of Lagos said the 2026 edition would feature 12 award categories.
Fadun explained that the categories would cover both voting and non-voting segments of the awards programme.
He said the awards structure had been streamlined further to align with recognised international standards.
Fadun said, “The 2026 awards will retain its streamlined structure to meet international standards of similar awards.”
He added that a new category, Insurtech Company of the Year, had been introduced for the forthcoming edition.
According to him, the category reflects the growing influence of technology and innovation within Nigeria’s insurance business environment.
Mrs Jean Anishere (SAN), a member of the jury, said public participation had improved significantly over the years.
She noted that stakeholders had continued responding positively to the awards initiative and nomination process.
Real estate expert, Mr Hakeem Ogunniran, joins the panel for the first time this year.
Ogunniran is the founder of Exima Realty Co Ltd. and Mercury Nominees Investments Ltd.
He brings extensive experience from years of purchasing insurance products and services for corporate organisations.
Returning panel members include actuary Mr Rotimi Okpaise, Mrs Jean Anishere SAN, Dr Obinna Chilekezie and Mr Rasaaq Salami.
Fadun will continue serving as consultant on the awards website and management processes.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
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