Keynote

Niyi Onifade’s Opening Remark at the 2024 Heirs Insurance Essay Championship

Delivered by Niyi Onifade, MD/CEO Heirs Life & Sector Head, HIG

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Transcorp Hilton, Abuja

  • Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, parents, school administrators, my dear colleagues, and of course, our brilliant young finalists.
  • You are most welcome to this great event – the Grand Finale of the 3rd edition of Heirs Insurance Essay Championship.
  • I congratulate and commend all our finalists who made it this far.
  • Out of almost 5,000 entries nationwide, you emerged top three. This is a remarkable feat, and a recognition of your brilliance and hard work.
  • Well done!
  • And thanks to everyone who supported you in one way or the other – your parents, teachers, schools, and even your friends.
  • We appreciate everyone’s support.
  • At Heirs Insurance Group, we understand the vital role that education plays in shaping the future of a nation, and this competition is one of our contributions toward that goal.
  • Nigeria is a country of immense promise with a vibrant and youthful population. We will continue to harness this potential.
  • As our Chairman, Tony Elumelu, always says: “The future of Africa lies in the hands of our young ones.”
  • For us, we are not just in the business of insurance, we are in the business of improving lives and transforming the society. This is our purpose.
  • Allow me to quickly introduce Heirs Insurance Group to you properly.
  • We are a family of three (3) insurance businesses: Heirs General, our non-life insurance arm; Heirs Life, our life insurance arm; and Heirs Insurance Brokers, our insurance broking arm.
  • We are a leading digital insurance Group, and a trusted ally to many.
  • We serve hundreds of thousands of customers across the country – from individuals to families, and from small businesses to corporate bodies.
  • We provide solid financial security against risks to our customers.
  • From financial protection for assets such as cars and homes, to personal investments and children education plans.
  • From peace of mind for employees, to financial security for retirees.
  • We help people to live their dreams without worrying about the future.
  • We make all our products and services available to everyone, and we make insurance a lifestyle.
  • We deliver our services through various offices across the nation, and through different digital platforms – democratizing access to insurance in Nigeria.
  • We do all these because of our belief.
  • We believe that insurance is about planning for the future, ensuring that no matter the challenges faced, people can recover, rebuild, and thrive.
  • Education does the same.
  • It empowers individuals to think critically, solve problems, and innovate.
  • Specifically on education financing, our two popular education insurance products, namely, My Heirs Plan and Heirs Smart School Plan are renowned for their suitability, simplicity and affordability.
  • In this room today, I see Nigeria’s future leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and policymakers; each armed with the intellectual tools that will guide us toward prosperity.
  • The Heirs Insurance Essay Championship is not just a competition. It is a platform for young minds to express their ideas, to think creatively, and to articulate their visions for the future.
  • For three years, we have been on this journey.
  • In Year 1, Princewill Ugbomyke from Gateway Schools in Enugu State emerged as the winner.
  • In Year 2, Kentimfon Ndanyongmong from Beulah International School in Akwa Ibom State emerged as the winner.
  • Both winners also secured grants for their schools.
  • Today, in our third edition, there will be one winner and two runners-up.
  • One school will also be celebrated.
  • Apart from the winners, we also recognize the hard work of all the students who applied. We commend their efforts and interest.
  • This competition serves as a reminder that the journey of learning does not end in the classroom:
  • It is about how we apply what we learn;
  • How we think critically about the issues that face our society;
  • How we offer solutions that will have lasting impact;
  • And how we foster creativity to dream big, and fix our nation’s greatest challenges.
  • This is the mindset that we hope to instill in every young Nigerian who participates in this competition.
  • Our goal at Heirs Insurance Group is to ensure that the next generation is not only well-educated, but also empowered to make a difference.
  • We believe that every young person in Nigeria deserves the opportunity to dream big, to learn, and to succeed.
  • We believe that education should continue, despite life’s challenges.
  • This is why we invest in initiatives like the Heirs Insurance Essay Championship, to provide platforms that encourage young Nigerians to step forward, share their ideas, and showcase their talent.
  • So, to all our young ones – your voices, your ideas, and your passion are needed now more than ever. Our country is evolving, so your courage, boldness, creativity, and innovation will define our future.
  • We are committed to walking with you, partnering with you and providing the support you need to succeed – ensuring that you have the tools to face tomorrow with confidence.
  • To our finalists – you are already winners in our eyes. You have demonstrated the courage to put your thoughts on paper and share your ideas with the world. That, in itself, is a significant achievement.
  • As I conclude, let me remind you that the future of Nigeria is bright, and it is in the hands of talented young individuals like you.
  • We at Heirs Insurance Group are incredibly proud to champion this initiative, and to be a part of your journey.
  • We wish you success in all your future endeavours.
  • Thank you all.
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