By Bisi Bamishe
Leadway Assurance, Nigeria’s leading insurance company, has announced the appointment of Mrs. Adebisi Lamikanra as the new Chairperson of the Board, following the tenure expiration and formal retirement of General (Rtd) Martin Luther Agwai, CFR, who has admirably served as Board Chairman since November 2016.
A Chartered Accountant and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mrs. Lamikanra brings nearly four decades of exceptional leadership and advisory experience to the role. She was a Partner at Andersen Nigeria and made history as the first female Partner at KPMG Nigeria, where she retired as Head of Advisory Services and Lead for the African Region Advisory Practice.
Her career has been defined by strategic consultancy to leading local and multinational organisations across sectors. A proud alumna of the University of Lagos and the Lagos Business School, she has also honed her leadership skills through advanced executive programs at Harvard Business School, INSEAD University, and the Kellogg School of Management.
Mrs. Lamikanra currently serves on the boards of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, Evercare Hospital Lekki, and Nestle Nigeria, where her governance acumen and cross-sector insights continue to shape corporate excellence.
Speaking on the appointment, the outgoing Chairman, General (Rtd) Martin Luther Agwai, CFR, expressed his confidence in Mrs. Lamikanra’s leadership, stating, “It has been a profound honour to serve Leadway Assurance, a company that continues to define trust and innovation in Nigeria’s financial services sector. As I pass the baton, I take pride in the enduring culture of excellence we have built together. Mrs. Lamikanra’s appointment represents a seamless continuation of this legacy; her integrity, professionalism, and wealth of experience will ensure that Leadway continues to grow stronger and advance firmly into its next chapter of success.”
Under General Agwai’s stewardship, Leadway Assurance achieved significant milestones, including restructuring into a holding company, expanding across West Africa, and solidifying its position as one of the West Africa’s most trusted financial services institutions. His tenure will be remembered for stability, innovation, and a commitment to governance excellence. His exit, after his successful tenure, reinforces Leadway’s penchant for uploading good governance principles.
Speaking on her appointment as the first female Board Chairperson of the Company, Mrs. Adebisi Lamikanra expressed gratitude and optimism about the company’s future. “I am deeply honoured to assume this responsibility at such a pivotal moment in Leadway Assurance’s journey. The organization’s legacy of trust and innovation, built over five decades, continues to inspire confidence in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem”, she said.
She expressed gratitude to her predecessor, Gen (Rtd.) Martin Luther Agwai, recognizing his outstanding leadership and mentorship skills in steering the affairs of the Board during his tenure as the Board Chairperson.
She further called on the Board, management, and all stakeholders to collaborate and work together in strengthening the Leadway legacy, driving sustainable growth, advancing digital transformation while reinforcing Leadway’s role as a catalyst for financial inclusion and economic development.
Mrs. Lamikanra’s appointment signals a continuation of this legacy, blending experience, foresight, and the dynamism required to navigate Nigeria’s evolving financial landscape. Her leadership is expected to strengthen further the organisation’s culture of excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth.
About Leadway Assurance
Leadway Assurance is one of Nigeria’s leading insurance companies, providing a wide range of financial protection services including life, general business, and agricultural insurance. With over 50 years of experience, Leadway is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions and superior service to its customers.
About Mrs. Adebisi Lamikanra
Adebisi Lamikanra is a Chartered Accountant and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). She was a Partner in Andersen Nigeria and the first female Partner at KPMG. She retired as Head, Advisory Services KPMG Nigeria and Lead, KPMG African Region Advisory Practice having worked with leading local, international and multi-national organizations. She currently sits on the board of a couple of companies.
