BY NGOZI ONYEAKUSI

Mrs Olayemi Edu, wife of the late Oluwarotimi Edu flanked by family members at the service of songs

The Nigerian insurance industry gathered in solemn reflection for a Service of Songs and Night of Tributes in honour of the late Barrister Oluwarotimi Oladipupo Edu, mni, FCIB, the 21st President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB).

 

L-r: Oluwarotimi Adewole, Vice President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB); Olufunke Adenusi, Deputy President, NCRIB; Julius Odidi, Head, Lagos Control Office, National Insurance Commission/representative of the Commissioner for Insurance; Fatai Kayode Lawal, past President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, and Prosper C. Okpue, past President, NCRIB during the service of songs/night of tributes by the Insurance industry, anchored by NCRIB in honour of late Oluwarotimi Edu, in Lagos.

The event, organised on behalf of the late industry leader, drew key stakeholders who paid glowing tributes to a man widely remembered for his visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to professionalism, and enduring contributions to the growth of insurance broking in Nigeria.

Delivering a deeply moving eulogy, the President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mrs. Ekeoma Ezeibe described Mr. Edu as a man whose leadership inspired confidence, and whose departure has left a void words could scarcely capture added that he came with purpose, passion, energy, vision and ideas — above all, to serve.

Tracing his nearly 17-year journey on the NCRIB Governing Board, Mrs. Ezeibe highlighted his progressive rise through the ranks as Honorary Auditor,

Honorary Treasurer, Vice President, Deputy President, and ultimately the 21st President and Chairman of the Governing Board from 2021 to 2023.

According to her, even after leaving office, Mr. Edu continued to serve with distinction as a Life Governing Board Member, Chairman of the Legal Committee and Chairman of the Public Sector Committee, offering wisdom and counsel until the end.
Central to her tribute was Late Edu’s leadership of the Council’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2022. Under the philosophy of “Brokercentrism,” which placed the insurance broker at the centre of professional development, public engagement and institutional relevance, noting that he transformed the 60th anniversary into a landmark series of events.

Mrs. Ezeibe paid special tribute to Edu’s courage in the face of failing health. Despite illness that limited his physical presence in his second year in office, She noted that he continued to provide virtual leadership, joining key events and personally attending the investiture of his successor, Prince Babatunde Oguntade, to hand over the Chain of Office on 19 October 2023 — a moment she described as the act of a gallant soldier completing his assignment with dignity.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, joined other industry leaders in extolling Edu’s virtues. Consistent with earlier tributes from the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), he recalled Mr. Edu as an illustrious past president whose brilliance, foresight and uncommon dedication left an indelible mark on the insurance profession.

The Commissioner who was ably represented by Dr. Julius Odidi, Head, Lagos Office, NAICOM, described the late leader as a man of uncommon intellect and boundless energy, a cauldron of ideas and a passionate advocate for reform and innovation whose vacuum would be deeply felt across the industry and the wider financial services sector.

The Chairman, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Mrs. Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu paid tribute to Edu as an exceptional leader, distinguished legal practitioner and visionary who dedicated decades to promoting professionalism, ethical standards and stronger collaboration between brokers and underwriters.

Echoing the Association’s earlier description of him as a “titan,” the Chairman, who was ably represented by Mr. Soji Oni, Assistant Director, NIA noted that Edu’s initiatives during his NCRIB presidency deepened industry unity and that his commitment to ethical standards and institutional development would remain an enduring legacy.

The President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Mr. Jide Orimolade also delivered a profound presentation, celebrating Edu’s contributions to professional excellence, capacity building and the broader advancement of insurance practice in Nigeria.

The Institute’s tribute underscored Edu’s role as a bridge-builder across industry bodies and his lasting impact on professional standards and education within the sector.