Strong leadership drives CIIN growth, strengthens insurance profession

Strong, value-driven leadership has emerged as a critical factor in strengthening professionalism and rebuilding public confidence in Nigeria’s insurance industry, as stakeholders reflect on Yetunde Ilori, immediate past president of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN)’s transformational impact.

Industry leaders, who spoke at Ilori’s valedictory ceremony in Lagos, said her two-year tenure demonstrated how purposeful leadership can reposition institutions for sustainable growth by investing in education, ethics, capacity building and public engagement.

They argued that while financial strength remains important for the insurance industry, long-term growth depends largely on building competent professionals, promoting ethical standards and deepening public understanding of insurance.

Eniola Ajayi, an ambassador and chairman of the valedictory ceremony, described Ilori as an exceptional professional, mentor and transformational leader whose administration strengthened the institute’s foundation and expanded its relevance within and beyond the insurance industry.

According to Ajayi, leadership goes beyond managing an organisation to creating systems that outlive individual office holders.

“Leadership is not about managing an institution alone; it is about strengthening its foundations, expanding its horizons and creating confidence in those who will carry the vision forward,” she said.

She noted that Ilori’s administration demonstrated that institutional growth is driven by deliberate investment in knowledge, professionalism and people.

“Ilori’s administration has indeed been nothing short of epic because she demonstrated that sustainable growth in insurance begins with education, professionalism, institutional recognition and capacity building,” Ajayi said.

One of the initiatives that received particular commendation was the expansion of Insurance Week, which stakeholders said evolved from an annual industry programme into a national awareness campaign that brought insurance closer to the public.

“If there is one thing that must continue in the insurance industry, it is the spirit behind Insurance Week. Regardless of who assumes leadership, we must sustain what has been built,” she said.

She added that “Insurance confidence is built when people understand the value of protection. Through Insurance Week, she transformed a routine industry event into a national platform for public enlightenment, advocacy and engagement.”

Ajayi also credited Ilori with reinforcing ethical values within the institute, saying stronger professional standards ultimately translate into greater public confidence in insurance practitioners.

“Competence without character is incomplete. By reinforcing ethics, integrity and accountability, Ilori strengthened public confidence in both the institute and the insurance profession,” she said.

She further argued that Ilori’s enduring legacy would be measured less by the projects executed during her tenure than by the calibre of professionals and future leaders she inspired.

“Her greatest contribution may not only be the programmes she introduced, but the professionals she inspired, the leaders she nurtured and the confidence she created for the next generation of insurance practitioners,” Ajayi said.

Delivering the keynote address, Abiodun Fijabi, chief executive officer of Lord Princely Associates, said lasting leadership must be anchored on values and purpose rather than professional achievements alone.

Fijabi, who is a Nigerian-born, US-based leadership coach, warned that experience, intelligence and professional networks, while important, cannot sustain leaders during difficult periods unless they are supported by strong personal convictions.

“Experience, intelligence, relationships and networks are valuable, but they are not enough. Sometimes they fail and falter. When they do, we must draw strength from our deepest convictions,” he said.

According to him, every leader requires a moral anchor capable of sustaining sound judgement and resilience.

“Each of us needs an anchor. The question is: how strong is that anchor?” he asked.

Fijabi cautioned against pursuing career success at the expense of personal fulfilment and values.

“A successful career should never become an expensive substitute for a meaningful life,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of relationships in leadership, noting that professional success becomes hollow when achieved in isolation.

“The strongest leaders among us sometimes stand alone, but no professional can truly succeed without relational support. Otherwise, success becomes a lonely achievement,” he said.

Reflecting on Ilori’s tenure, Fijabi said her greatest contribution lies in shaping the character and aspirations of insurance professionals.

“Ilori’s greatest legacy may not simply be the programmes she introduced, but the kind of professionals she challenged the industry to become,” he said.

He added that the future of the insurance profession depends on individuals whose leadership is rooted in integrity and purpose.

“In your becoming lies the foundation of your inner peace, the confidence that comes from integrity, purpose and the moral authority to transform your life, the insurance industry and the nation,” he said.