Staff of SUNU Group across Africa have paid tribute to the late founder of the pan-African insurance group, Pathe Dione, describing him as an institution builder whose vision continues to shape the company three years after his passing.

Employees of the group converged in churches and mosques across Nigeria and 16 other African countries where SUNU operates to mark the third anniversary of Dione’s death with thanksgiving services and special prayers.

Dressed in white at Christian services, while Muslim faithful observed separate prayers, staff reflected on the life, values, and enduring influence of the insurance pioneer.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Lagos commemoration, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc, Dr Samuel Ogbodu, said the continued remembrance of the founder was rooted in the depth of his humanity and his lifelong commitment to Africa’s economic development.

“Pathe Dione was a deeply humane man, passionate about people and about Africa,” Ogbodu said. “He believed strongly that Africa must be developed economically, and that conviction explains why all SUNU operations are located on the continent—creating jobs, supporting families, and contributing to local economies.”

According to him, thousands of families across Africa continue to benefit from the founder’s vision, making the annual remembrance both a moral obligation and a celebration of impact.

“So many people meet their daily needs through the mission he built. People earn livelihoods from his vision, and that is why we return every year to honour his memory and express our gratitude,” he added.

Ogbodu said the current management remains committed to sustaining and expanding the founder’s legacy through geographic growth, stronger financial performance, and deliberate investment in people.

“Since his passing, we have established a new company in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and we are working towards opening offices in other African countries,” he said, adding that management is also focused on growing gross written premium, profit before tax, and profit after tax across operations.

He stressed that people development remains central to the group’s strategy. “SUNU is driven by the quality of its people. In line with the founder’s love for humanity, we continue to invest heavily in training and capacity building to ensure sustainable growth,” he said.

On recapitalisation, Ogbodu reaffirmed the group’s commitment to meeting regulatory requirements set by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), describing it as critical to sustaining the founder’s vision in Nigeria.

He said SUNU Assurances Nigeria is seeking shareholders’ approval to raise ₦9 billion through a combination of rights issue and private placement, noting that the process is already at the regulatory approval stage.

“SUNU Group holds about 83 per cent of the company and is ready to inject over $500 million, which is close to ₦9 billion. Local shareholders will also participate, and where rights are not taken up, other investors are already lined up, reflecting confidence in our performance,” he said.

Ogbodu added that the company has consistently paid dividends to shareholders over the past three years, with payouts rising steadily.

Also speaking was the Executive Director, Control and Risk Management at SUNU Assurances Nigeria, and Regional Manager for Anglophone subsidiaries of SUNU Group, Elie Ogounigni, who described the late founder as a visionary who deliberately built institutions designed to outlive him.

“Three years after his passing, Pathe Dione remains unforgettable. In many cases, memories fade after one or two years, but this has not happened here,” Ogounigni said. “He built an organisation that was not meant only for his family, but one structured to endure and serve Africa.”

He said the annual remembrance helps reinforce the founder’s philosophy, particularly his vision of building a strong and credible insurance industry across the continent.

Ogounigni also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to recapitalisation, noting that SUNU Assurances Nigeria remains firmly on course to meet regulatory expectations. “SUNU came to Nigeria to stay. We are fully engaged in the recapitalisation process, and where there are gaps, the Group is fully committed to covering them,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of SUNU Health Nigeria Limited, Dr Patrick Korie, said the founder’s emphasis on service excellence, discipline, and people-centred leadership continues to guide operations within the health insurance arm of the group.

Staff members, both senior and junior, also shared personal testimonies of how the late Dione created opportunities that shaped their careers and livelihoods, describing him as a mentor, father figure, and visionary whose influence transcends generations.

Three years after his death, employees said the widespread remembrance across churches and mosques stands as a testament to a legacy anchored on building Africa through strong, enduring institutions.