BY NGOZI ONYEAKUSI

The Annual Almond Insurance Industry Awards and Consumers’ Nite the biggest social platform of the Nigerian Insurance Industry is set to hold on the 6th of November at the Stable Event Centre Surulere, Lagos.

The Sole purpose of the Awards since it was instituted in 2018 remains unchanged – recognizing and rewarding the outstanding efforts of the men and women across the different arms of the Insurance Industry who work tirelessly to promote and sell insurance, often in challenging circumstances, as well as companies and Institutions in the Insurance Eco-system that are leading the change in their operations and delivering value to Nigerians.

While Insurance awareness and penetration is still low without doubt, players in the sector are putting in the work to make more Nigerians see and appreciate the value of Insurance through health Insurance, Life Insurance, Agricultural Insurance, Annuity and General Insurance products.

In line with the tradition of the Annual Awards to celebrate icons and Industry leaders in their lifetime, Mr. Opeoluwa Emmanuel Oredugba will be honoured with the 2026 Insurance Life Achievers Award for his over four decades of impact in the Insurance Industry. While the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) will receive the Special Recognition Award for 2026.

The organizers in a press release signed by the CEO of Almond Productions Limited Ms. Faith Ughwode said that Mr. Oredugba’s numerous contributions to the growth and development of the Nigerian and indeed the West African Insurance Space is incredibly vast and significant. Chief of them is his Introduction of Takaful or Islamic Insurance in the sector in 2002. While the NHIA is being recognized this year for the significant reforms and interventions under its current leadership that have contributed to the expansion of health Insurance coverage with over 20 million Nigerians reached within the last two years.

The leadership of the NHIA have demonstrated a strong commitment to expanding access to health Insurance, improving the effectiveness of the healthcare financing system and ensuring that more Nigerians can now benefit from financial protection against health-care related costs.

The 2026 edition of the Awards tagged #Reemergence will parade top rated performances from MC Asoro, Laugh Doctor, Sambadecomedian and a host of others. Music Headliner this year is Reminisce A.K.A Alaga Ibile and Marvellous Benjy. Awards host this year is Steve Onu popularly known as Yaw Naija.

Also expected as Guest Presenters at the Awards are Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, MD/CEO Bomarah Group, Hajia Bola Muse, President ICAN, Queensley Sofuratu Seghosime, Prof Jacinta Opara, Vice-Chancellor Dominican University and a host of other dignitaries.

The shortlisted categories this year.

(Voting Categories)

·       Insurance CEO of the Year

·       Insurance Woman of the Year (Insurer or Broker)

·       Life Insurance Company of the Year

·       General Insurance Company of the Year

·       Insurance Broker of the Year

·       Insurance Broking Company of the Year

·       Takaful Company of the Year

·       Micro Insurance Company of the Year

·       Most Valuable Insurance Customer of the Year

(Non-Voting Categories)

·       Insurance Life Achievers Award (Insurer or Broker)

·       Special Recognition AWARD 2026 (Within and Outside the Industry)

The unprecedented number of votes recorded this year is a growing testament to the Awards Integrity and Popularity amongst Stakeholders.