By Ngozi Onyeakusi—The Insurance Industry Consultative Council (IICC)  has instituted an award for journalists covering insurance sector in the country.

Chairman of IICC, Sir. Muftau Oyegunle disclosed this at the recently held IICC 2021 Media retreat in Asese, Ogun State.

Oyegunle stated that the award will recognise one journalist that distinguishes himself or herself  in the reportage of the insurance sector within a financial year.

He stated that the award will focus on well researched and detailed write-up on issues in the insurance sector, adding that, such writeup will be developmental in scope.

He therefore charged insurance reporters to ensure that they churn out stories that can clinch the award going forward.

Oyegunle applauded the media for its immeasurable support, especially, the insurance correspondents, who have continued to demonstrate expertise and in-depth knowledge about the insurance industry as has been reflected in their objective reportage over the years.

“As the world continues to evolve, the expectation from you as a key blog in the turning wheels of economic growth equally changes.

“It is upon this notion that the theme for today, the Newsman in the Changing World, has been ably conceived.

“There is a need for knowledge and creativity to lead the way as well as the adoption of artificial intelligence in amplifying the contents that you create.

“The event of the year will no doubt put some mental or psychological strain on us and there is a need for us to deescalate some of those situations before we enter another year,” he submitted.

The IICC boss noted that one of the mandates of the Council was to promote insurance awareness and urged the media professionals to use their platforms and the reach they cover to promote the gospel of insurance and its offerings.

Responding to this gesture, the chairman, National Association Of Insurance and Pension Correspondents(NAIPCO), Mr. Chuks Okonta, applauded the council for this initiative, stating that, this will spur journalists to develop interest in well-researched reporting.

He advised other stakeholders to emulate IICC by instituting annual award for journalists who, through the year, covered the industry effectively, stating that, this will improve the quality of insurance reporting, thereby, raising insurance awareness , sensitisation and adoption in the long run.