The Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), in partnership with key stakeholders in the insurance industry, began the 2025 Insurance Week with a public awareness walk in Lagos on Saturday, 28 June. The colourful event brought together top professionals, underwriters, brokers, and insurance enthusiasts from across the country, all united by one goal—to promote insurance awareness and boost penetration among Nigerians.
The walk, which started at the Lagos office of NEM Insurance Plc in Ikoyi, ended at the National Stadium in Surulere. It featured participants from various companies including Tangerine Insurance, STACO Insurance, AIICO Insurance, and Leadway Assurance, among others. Dressed in branded T-shirts and waving banners, participants marched through the city chanting slogans and sharing pamphlets to sensitise the public on the importance of insurance.
Speaking at the end of the walk, Mrs Yetunde Ilori, President and Chairman of Council of the CIIN, described the event as more than just a tradition. She said it was a movement aimed at making insurance more relatable to everyday Nigerians.
“This awareness walk is more than just a yearly ritual. It is a movement that reflects our commitment to demystify insurance, promote trust in the industry, and connect with the public in relatable ways. This year’s theme is focused on deepening professionalism, fostering education, and empowering the next generation. This walk is just the beginning of that important conversation,” Ilori said.
Mrs Ilori also used the opportunity to unveil the agenda for the rest of the Insurance Week. According to her, the week-long programme includes school outreach visits, career fairs, a public lecture, health screenings, and a mentorship roundtable for young insurance professionals. The climax of the activities will be the much-anticipated Insurance Industry Gala Night, which will bring together senior industry leaders, government officials, and stakeholders to celebrate achievements in the sector.
Saturday’s walk later transformed into a fun-filled carnival at the National Stadium. Activities included games, music, and friendly competitions. One of the highlights was a tug-of-war contest that saw major insurance firms go head-to-head. Teams from NEM Insurance, Tangerine Insurance, STACO Insurance, and others competed in the spirited contest, drawing cheers and laughter from the crowd.
A senior insurance executive, Mr Jide Orimolade, commended the planning committee and participating firms for their energy and commitment. Orimolade, a former managing director at one of Nigeria’s top insurance firms, said, “Today has proven once again that when we come together, we can achieve more—not just within the insurance industry, but for the Nigerian public we serve. This walk has worked, and the message is clear: insurance is for everyone.”
He further added that continuous public engagement is important for building trust in the insurance system, especially in a country where many people still do not understand how insurance works or see it as necessary.
At the close of the day, awards and certificates of participation were presented to outstanding teams and individuals who showed exemplary spirit during the event. CIIN noted that recognising participants was a way to encourage greater collaboration and participation in future editions.
The 2025 Insurance Week, according to stakeholders, comes at a time when the Nigerian insurance industry is working hard to improve its reputation, increase policy uptake, and attract more young professionals into the sector. The week is also seen as a way to showcase the relevance of insurance in protecting lives, businesses, and property, especially in an economy where risk management is becoming more important.
Organisers of the walk believe that bringing insurance to the streets, especially in a vibrant city like Lagos, is one of the most effective ways to spread the message to Nigerians who may not interact with insurance companies directly. They also stressed the importance of using informal events like this to humanise the industry and show the public that insurance professionals are approachable and invested in national development.
The Insurance Week will continue with several impactful sessions, and CIIN says it remains committed to driving awareness and professionalism in the sector, working closely with the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), and other regulatory and industry bodies.
