Yemisi Izuora
The 2026 annual Almond Insurance Industry Awards has kicked off with the Chairman of the programme Sir Ogala Osoka, noting that the 2026 edition #TheReemergence will hold on Friday November 6th at The Stable Event Place, 45 Bode Thomas Street Surulere, Lagos. Starting at 4pm (Red carpet).
As always, the event will bring together Policymakers, Insurance Professionals, entertainers and the Insuring Public (Corporate & Individuals to celebrate the innovators and change makers in the industry, Osoka said.
He explained during a press conference in Lagos heralding the commencement of the programme, that the purpose of the Awards remains unchanged – recognizing and rewarding the outstanding efforts of the men and women across the different arms of the industry who work tirelessly to promote and sell insurance, often in challenging circumstances, as well as companies leading the change categories for 2026 in their operations and delivering are list value to all shareholders.
The categories were streamlined last year to meet with International Standards of similar Awards in other Jurisdiction. Some categories were dropped across the entire spectrum,
SHORTLISTED CATEGORIES FOR 2026:
(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
Insurtech Company of the Year
(Non-Voting Categories)
Insurance Life Achievers Award (Insurer or Broker)
Special Recognition AWARD 2026 (Within and Outside the Industry)
The 2026 edition will continue and reinforce these standards. We have introduced a new category this year, Insurtech Company of the Year to reflect the current dynamics of technology in insurance business.
“I have been called upon to chair the Award Panel of Judges this year with a team of other throughtbred professionals. Let me acknowledge our newest member Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran a Real Estate Guru and a Corporate Insurance Consumer for years. Not forgetting also the returning members.
“The duty of the Panel is to ensure fairness and integrity of the process. As such, I can say my members and I will do our utmost best.” he said,
He announced that nomination officially opened on 26th of May, and will run through 30th June 2026. Details are on the website and the nomination process will be shared by the consultant Prof. Olajide Fadun. After nominations are received, the Panel of Judges will review, shortlist and oversee a transparent voting process that will lead up to the announcement of winners at the grand Award Nite on Friday November 6th. Be rest assured that you will be carried along the entire process.
The 2026 Panel members are Sir. Ogala Osoka MFR
Mr. Rotimi Okpaise, Foremost Actuary and Executive Chairman, Zamara Consulting Actuaries Nigeria who is vice chairman.
Dr. Obinna Chilekezie, Insurance Expert & Former Head of Research & Statistics Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA)
Chief (Mrs.) Jean Chiazor Anishere SAN of Jean Chiazor and Partners & member of the International Chamber of Commerce’s Internal Court of Arbitration (ICC Arbitration)
Mr. Rasaaq Obomeile Salami, Director Human Resources & Administration, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM)
Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran Founder & Chief Executive Officer Eximia Realty Co Ltd