Mrs. Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu
Chairperson
Local Organising Committee (LOC)
47th AIO Conference & General Assembly
The Nigerian insurance industry says it expects 600 physical delegates at the hybrid 47th African Insurance Organisation (AIO) Conference & General Assembly scheduled to hold in Lagos, Nigeria from September 4-8, 2021. The theme of the Conference is: Rebuilding Africa’s Economy: An Insurance Perspective.
Mrs. Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 47th AIO Conference & General Assembly said in a virtual media briefing that hosting ‘this AIO conference is significant to us in more ways than one. Apart from the opportunity to showcase our rich culture and hospitality, it will also be a great opportunity to correct some of the misconceptions about Nigeria and her people. There is no doubt that Covid-19 pandemic had left in its trail, very debilitating effects on many economies and there are efforts at addressing these challenges. This informed the decision of the LOC to use the opportunity of the 47th AIO conference to contribute to discussions around how insurance can contribute to on-going efforts at rebuilding economies seriously impacted by the pandemic.’
Nwachukwu stated that in planning this conference at this time ‘we have taken full cognizance of all the health protocols and restrictions on public gathering, hence the decision to make it a hybrid event. As you are all aware, Nigeria hosted the conference about 21 years ago and it is to the credit of the past leadership of the Association and the leadership of other arms of the insurance industry that we have the honour of hosting this 47th edition of the conference.’
She expressed gratitude to Mr. Olorundare Sunday Thomas, the Commissioner for Insurance/CEO, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM who has been working assiduously and liaising with various ministries and agencies to ensure full support from the federal government and also the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning who has been very supportive of ‘our efforts, and we owe her a lot of appreciation for the letter of comfort which was the first requirement from AIO as proof that we have the support of the government to host the conference.’
The AIO LOC Chair also sought the support of the media to ensure the success of the event.
“As our partners in the business of insurance, we see this conference as yet another golden opportunity to showcase the insurance industry and we trust that you will give this press conference, the preparations and the entire conference the publicity it deserves.”