PROTOCOLS
It is my utmost pleasure to welcome you all to the 2018 Graduation and Fellowship Awards Ceremony of our great Institute. Since 1992, the Institute’s professional examinations have become the take-off board for outstanding professionals who have grown through the ranks to distinguish themselves in their various endeavors.
As a body tasked with providing the human capital needs of the Nigerian Insurance industry, the institute is dedicated to promoting the ideals of professionalism and will continue to exercise its statutory responsibilities as provided in Act NO. 22 of 1993 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
I would like to specially congratulate the principal celebrants of today, (138 associates and 3 fellows) it is my fervent wish that this achievement will urge you all to show greater commitment to the institute in the propagation of the Insurance and all its offerings. My congratulation is also extended to the prize winners in the selected examination categories. The award of prizes remains a permanent feature of this ceremony and I would like to extend my appreciation to the prize donors for our examinations.
We are ever conscious of the demands of the dynamic business environment and the role that technology is playing in the evolution of current business trends. Consequently, there is a need to substantially adopt a creative approach to improving the skill set of insurance practitioners. There is considerable effort being put into constantly retooling the examination system through regular review of the syllabus and examination structure in order to make it relevant to addressing modern day business challenges. The goal is to ensure that Insurance practitioners retain the competitive edge and are well equipped to perform to optimal levels in order to tackle the current challenges in the business landscape and to stand out successfully.
The completion of the Institute’s examination and your induction as Associates of the institute does not put an end to the quest for knowledge. You are admonished to develop yourselves in order to keep abreast of developments that will ensure you stay relevant in the ever-changing business environment. I urge you all to take advantage of the Mandatory Continuous Professional Development (M.C.P.D) programmes offered by the institute in addition to other post-qualification training courses.
Once again, congratulations to the inductees and awardees here present. This is no mean feat and should give you, joy and a sense of achievement. I feel a sense of fulfilment knowing there is continued enthusiasm for the acquisition of professional insurance qualification and the willingness to embrace professionalism in the business and practice of insurance. The professional qualifications are a source of pride to the institute and as I stated earlier, it should be the same for all holders.
It is extremely important to point out that by attaining our professional qualification, you have become custodians of the ethics and codes of practice of our noble profession. The institute has recently introduced a new code of ethics for insurance practitioners in Nigeria and this will be distributed amongst you all today. The purpose of the Institute’s code of ethics is to set forth the values, principles and standards that will guide the conduct of all insurance practitioners. Instilling ethical behavior among insurance professionals is the principal way to improve corporate governance and ultimately improve the public image of the insurance business. The mantra of the Institute remains focused around repositioning and reinforcing the integrity of our profession.
Please note that that all certificates issued by the Institute remain the Institute’s property and could be withdrawn from the holders if the Institute has good reasons to do so. Please note that a further reason for such withdrawal of certificates could emanate from acts unexpected of a holder of the Institute’s professional qualification and unethical behavior. This policy remains in force. It is my hope and that of all associated with the success of all the inductees here today that there will not be an occasion where the institute is required to do so.
In conclusion, I would like to appreciate and welcome our guests who have made significant journeys to be with us for the duration of this ceremony. I also wish to convey the warmest wishes and the congratulations of our Council to all awardees and graduands.
Thank you for your attention.
MR. EDDIE EFEKOHA FCII, FIIN
President/Chairman of Council
CHARTERED INSURANCE INSTITUTE OF NIGERIA
