Get Guardian on GoogleThe 2026 Almond Insurance Industry Awards has recognised outstanding individuals and organisations contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria’s insurance industry, with 796 nominees competing across various award categories.
Speaking at the fifth edition of the awards, held at the Stable Event Place on November 6, 2026, Chairman of the Awards Panel of Judges, Sir Ogala Osoka (MFR), said the event had evolved into a major platform for celebrating excellence, innovation and commitment across the insurance ecosystem.
Osoka, who disclosed that more than 2,000 people participated in the voting process, said the awards were designed to recognise the contributions of professionals and organisations demonstrating outstanding performance in the industry.
He explained that the initiative, which began in 2018 as a social platform to celebrate the can-do spirit of players across the insurance ecosystem through pop culture and entertainment, had grown into an annual event that industry stakeholders increasingly looked forward to.
According to him, this year’s edition, themed ‘The Reemergence’, reflects the transformation taking place in the insurance sector and the industry’s efforts to reposition itself for greater relevance in the Nigerian economy.
He noted that the industry was undergoing significant changes, driven by emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, as operators sought innovative ways to connect insurance products and services with everyday Nigerians.
Osoka, who expressed confidence in the integrity of the selection process, said the winners emerged through a transparent assessment framework designed to ensure fairness and credibility.
He explained that the final results were determined using a 20/80 assessment model, with the panel of judges’ assessment accounting for 10 per cent, public votes contributing another 10 per cent, while industry data carried the remaining 80 per cent.
He said the approach was adopted to ensure that the awards reflected measurable industry performance rather than popularity alone.
The award categories included Insurance Chief Executive Officer of the Year, General Insurance Company of the Year, Life Insurance Company of the Year, Takaful Insurance Company of the Year, Microinsurance Company of the Year and Insurance Broking Company of the Year.
Others were Insurance Broker of the Year, Insurance Woman of the Year and Most Valuable Insurance Customer of the Year.
Osoka commended the Almond Group for entrusting him with the responsibility of chairing the judging panel, alongside other prominent personalities who participated in the assessment process.
He also congratulated all 796 nominees, stressing that being shortlisted was itself a recognition of their contributions to the industry, irrespective of whether they eventually emerged as winners.
“Whether you take home an award tonight or not, your work has already earned recognition,” he said, while appreciating sponsors, partners, guests and other stakeholders for sustaining the initiative over the years.
He urged participants to continue supporting initiatives that promote excellence, innovation and greater public appreciation of insurance, adding that the awards provided an opportunity to celebrate individuals and institutions pushing the boundaries of the industry.
