Ime Akpan
While insurance is not the sole driver of an economy, it plays a crucial role in stabilising and facilitating economic activity by helping individuals and businesses manage risks, reduce the financial impact of unexpected events and allow them to continue operating and investing.
This role was emphasised at the capacity building and empowerment programme hosted by the Finance and Business Online Publishers (FiBOP) at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
The event held under the theme ‘Empowering Nigerian youths with knowledge of insurance, digital payment and investment to drive financial inclusion,’ was done in collaboration with leading insurance companies and agencies, with youths and students in Lagos as the target.
In a keynote address entitled ‘From Egbeda to the world’ insurance expert and strategist, Mr Witness Godwin-Usoro charged the participating youths and students to take insurance seriously.
According to him, his late father’s little investment in insurance grew and saw him and his three siblings through school.
“I was born and raised in a humble part of Lagos — Egbeda. Nothing fancy. We weren’t rich, and we weren’t poor either — we were just there… like the “average garri that never saw sugar.”
“When I was just eight years old, I lost my father. Life changed overnight. My mum, who couldn’t read or write, was left with four children to raise.
“My dad had bought insurance, and that small decision became the bridge that carried us through school.
“It wasn’t until much later that I understood what insurance really meant. It wasn’t just a policy — it was love in advance. My father died, but his love kept paying school fees.
“That’s when I started paying attention to what this industry was all about,” he said.
Godwin-Usoro announced that he had served in big insurance firms, “managed strategies, led teams, received global awards — but more importantly, helped people sleep better at night because of one word: protection.”
He told the participants that insurance is not just a job but also a ministry.
“Every time someone buys a policy, they are planting peace into their future. You’re not just making money — you’re solving problems, saving families, and building nations,” he added.
However, he said insurance is not a be all and end all, stressing that one could do some other things and still thrive in the insurance industry.
“Insurance may not be the most glamorous-sounding career — it’s not acting, banking, or tech.
“Behind this industry is wealth, impact, stability, and massive global relevance. In fact, without insurance, economies will collapse. From planes to power plants, schools to surgeries — everything needs protection.
“Insurance is influence. It is quiet, but powerful. And the beauty? You can be a data analyst, a lawyer, a tech person, a product manager, a sales guru — and still thrive in this industry,” he added.
He advised the participants to chase not only money but also meaning.
“The future belongs to those who understand purpose and timing. Don’t just chase money — chase meaning.
“If insurance speaks to your soul — follow it. If another path calls you — follow it with integrity and faith.
“You are not a mistake. You are not too young; you are not too poor. You are chosen, anointed, and equipped for greatness. Go forth and conquer.”
