By Taiye Olayemi
Organisers of the Almond Insurance Industry Awards on Friday said that the 2025 edition would celebrate and honour trailblazers in the insurance industry.
Speaking during a news conference in Lagos, Ms Prisca Soares, Chairman of the Awards Panel of Judges, said the award intends to celebrate the “Can Do Spirit” of the practitioners across the Nigerian insurance industry who have demonstrated resilience.
Soares emphasised the need to recognise these individuals for their dedication to advancing insurance, breaking barriers, and pushing boundaries in spite of economic and social challenges.
According to her, the award is also meant to bridge the gap between insurance awareness and the actual uptake by celebrating achievements and reigniting public interest in the insurance.
“The 2025 edition of the Almond Insurance Industry Awards has been slated to hold November 7 with the theme, “Recharged”.
“Ahead of the award ceremony, nominations is now open from today, May 30 to June 30.
“This would be done through the newly launched website for the award: https://almondinsuranceindustryawards.com.
“As the process unfolds, the judging panel will oversee the shortlisting and voting phases, ensuring transparency and integrity every step of the way.
“The 2025 Almond Awards is not just another industry event, it is a rallying call for recognition, celebration, and renewed commitment to an industry that quietly protects futures every single day.
“It is meant to honour the unsung heroes of the industry: the marketers, underwriters, customer service reps, and innovators who drive insurance adoption in challenging environments,” she said.
Soares explained that the award categories were refined last year to align with international best practices, with some categories being retired and new ones introduced to promote inclusivity and relevance across the industry.
She said that the theme of the awards was chosen to acknowledge the remarkable growth of Nigeria’s insurance industry, which achieved a gross premium income exceeding N1.2 trillion by the end of 2024.
She said that this reflected resilience and strategic innovation within the sector.
“To ensure credibility and fairness, the awards process will be overseen by a distinguished panel of judges of seasoned professionals from within and outside the Insurance Industry which I am privileged to chair.
“Also, we have Mr Rotimi Okpaise, a foremost Actuary and the Executive Chairman, Zamara Consulting Actuaries Nigeria and Dr Obinna Chilekezie, Insurance Expert and former Head of Research & Statistics, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) and two others.
Unveiling the official 2025 award website, Mr Olayinka Makanjuola, Chief Executive Officer of Twenty9th Media, noted that the website’s functionality is rated 100 per cent
Makanjuola, who was represented by Amarachi Jibulu, Public Relations Officer of Twenty9th Media, displayed the website
He said “Everything is not just about aesthetics here, everything is made so that it’s user-friendly for everybody. So, individuals can submit their entries now.’
Meanwhile, Ms Faith Ughwode, Chief Executive Officer, Almond Productions Ltd., urged individuals to visit the award website for eligibility criteria and nomination guidelines.
She highlighted the voting categories as: insurance CEO of the year, insurance woman of the year, life insurance company of the year, general insurance company of the year, insurance broker of the year and more.
