The President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Yetunde Ilori has urged Nigerians to embrace insurance to protect their future.

Ilori, who spoke at the Insurance Industry Awareness Walk, a flagship tradition of Insurance Week 2005 held in Lagos weekend said insurance is the backbone of the nation that empowers individuals for self-reliance, secures their future, and ensures recovery when loss occurs.

According to her, there’s nothing like ‘God forbid’ because risks are real, and for as long as they exist, insurance remains the only reliable safety net.

“Why wait until your shop catches fire or you are in an accident to realize that insurance is the protection you should have had all along?”

Ilori said insurance gives us confidence, protects what we value, and ensures that when losses occur, we can recover without dipping into our capital.

“The insurance of today is not the insurance of yesterday, as players pay claims, meet obligations, and serve the people with transparency and trust, she assured

Insurance she noted is for all individuals, businesses, and governments and our mission is to take it even to the slums and streets of Nigeria, imprinting it in every heart.

Read also: Yetunde Ilori led Institute draws Nigerians to insurance in bold step

In a colourful and energetic display of unity, advocacy, and industry pride, CIIN hosted its Insurance Awareness Walk to flag off the Year 2025 Insurance Week, bringing together a broad spectrum of professionals from across the insurance and financial service sectors.

The awareness walk kicked off at 7:00 am at the Lagos head office of NEM Insurance Plc, where participants from many Insurance institutions gathered in branded T-shirts and caps, waving banners with messages promoting insurance education and inclusion.

The walk followed a carefully mapped-out route through key parts of the city, attracting attention from commuters and onlookers as the procession moved with music, branded floats, and distribution of flyers educating the public on the benefits of Insurance. After nearly two hours, the energetic crowd arrived at the National Stadium, Surulere, where a well-organized funfair and mini carnival awaited.

Ilori said “This awareness walk is more than just a tradition it is a movement. A movement that reflects our commitment to demystify Insurance, promote trust in the industry, and connect with the public in relatable ways.”

This year’s Insurance Week is themed around deepening professionalism, fostering education, and empowering the next generation, and this walk is a powerful start to those conversations, Ilori noted.

She further unveiled the week-long agenda, which includes school outreach programs, a career fair, a public lecture, health screenings, a mentorship roundtable for young professionals, and the highly anticipated Insurance Industry Gala Night.

Modestus Anaesoronye is a leading Nigerian financial journalist with over two decades of experience reporting on the insurance and pension sectors across Nigeria and West Africa. He has held key editorial positions at major national media outlets, including The Comet, The Nation, and Financial Standard, and currently serves as a Senior Financial Analyst at BusinessDay Media Ltd. A widely travelled reporter, he has covered industry developments in more than 14 countries across Africa and Asia. Anaesoronye is a multiple award-winning journalist, honoured several times as Insurance Journalist of the Year and Pension Journalist of the Year by recognised industry bodies, including PensionScope and the Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp), among others.

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