By Tope Adaramola
There is no doubt the history of insurance industry in Nigeria is rich with some personages who have trudged the profession since its foray into our nation. One of such finest and earliest insurance professionals is the highly respected Olola Friedrich Olabode Ogunlana, pioneer indegenous MD of Nicon Insurance Corporation, past president of the CIIN, founder and promoter of Scib Nig & Co. Ltd.
Olola’s influence traverses the shores of Nigeria, being one of the founders and promoters of the African Insurance Organiation over the years. A tireless reader, superb story teller and folkloric, Olola’s rich intellectual input into the literary world is legendary. Even at an advanced age he has retained his cerebral fecundity, with several books to his credit and by so doing acting as a touch light for the upcoming generation as his life speaks to the need for them to remain fresh and contemporary in their knowledge and mindset, in order to remain truly professionals in a rapidly changing global socio-economic milieu. Generally, Olola Ogunlana has perfectly acquitted himself as one of the leading fathers of the insurance industry, being a past President of the CIIN and a front line leader of the Broking industry where he serves till date as Chairman of the revered Elders Committee of the Council. He is no doubt a walking encyopaedia of the Nigerian insurance industry having been so graced to witness the unfolding of several events first hand as an actor and practitioner. It is my hope that the present and coming generation of practitioners would take advantage of this walking library while he is yet with us.
No doubt this is a great day for our Council’s President, Dr Mrs Bola Onigbogi FCIB to, on behalf of all Insurance Brokers in Nigeria, join numerous family members and friends to rejoice with this great gift to mankind and the broking profession. Wishing Baba many more years of grace in good health and value to our world . Amen. Congratulations sir.
