AIICO Insurance Plc 1963 – 2023: 60 Years Of Touching Lives Through CSR
Managing Director/CEO AIICO Insurance PLC, Mr Babatunde Fajemirokun
In today’s business landscape, consumers and customers are increasingly aware of the importance of corporate social responsibilities (CSR) and are demanding more from corporate entities. It is now one of the metrics for choosing, rating, and staying loyal to brands, in this article, EDET UDOH Highlights AIICO’s CSR activities over the years.
Over the years, AIICO Insurance Plc, a leading insurer in Nigeria, through its CSR initiatives, has been able to create better relationships and connect deeply with the community and its people via several socially impactful programmes and activities.
AIICO Insurance is a leading composite insurer in Nigeria, with a 60-year record of accomplishment in delivering quality service to its clients. Founded in 1963, AIICO provides life & general insurance, health insurance, and investment management services to create and protect wealth for individuals, families, and corporate customers.
AIICO’s Corporate Social Responsibility is focused on health and well-being among others. The company has established relationships with partner agencies, government establishments, and non-profit organizations through which it touches many lives more meaningfully.
Although AIICO Insurance has done a lot for humanity through its CSR programmes and activities since its establishment in 1963, because of space constraints, this article will feature the company’s most recent CSR activities and programmes.
Annually, AIICO commemorates World Blood Donor Day with an internal blood donation drive in partnership with the Lagos State Government through its agency, the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service where AIICO’s employees troop out voluntarily to donate blood. This intervention is in response to the enormous supply gap and the continuous rise in the demand for blood in local health institutions.
AIICO is also helping to fight and end infant homicide (infanticide) in Nigeria. Unfortunately, this barbaric practice is still in practice in some local communities.
Financially supporting the cause, AIICO donates N100 from every sale of its Travel and Automobile insurance products to this cause yearly. This is done in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria and Vine Heritage Home, who are at the forefront of the campaign to rescue these children. They provide them with shelter and access to quality education and ensure they reintegrate into society without harm.
Kundan Sainani,Chairman
Discussion on health issues in sub-Saharan Africa is incomplete without touching on malaria and its impact on public health in the region. Malaria accounts for up to 30 percent of all childhood deaths and 11 percent of adult deaths. In 2022, AIICO partnered with HACEY, distributing treated mosquito nets to many households through Primary Healthcare Centers in local communities across Lagos, Rivers, and Oyo States. Over 500 women benefited from the enlightenment programme on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, besides over 3,000 who were engaged online.
The company has consistently driven awareness of breast cancer. It recently partnered with CancerAware Nigeria to continue the awareness effort and go one step further. As a result, AIICO sponsored the treatment of 30 women with triple-negative breast cancer. It also supported 100 employees and their spouses for breast cancer scans, mammograms, and other public enlightenment campaigns.
Also, recently, AIICO co-sponsored free eye surgeries through a partnership with the Indo-Eye Care Foundation in Lagos. As a result, 2,000 Nigerians benefited from the project and had their eyesight fully restored.
These commitments to a meaningful impact on people and communities leveraging result-focused partnerships continue to endear the AIICO brand to the Nigerian marketplace. It is one of the factors that keep many individuals and corporate customers as long-term customers while attracting new ones.
AIICO Employees’ Voluntary Blood Donation
AIICO Insurance every year marked World Blood Donor Day with an internal blood donation initiative. Over 50 volunteers that cut across all cadre of staff successfully participated. The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service, facilitated the blood donation.
The event which usually took place within the Company’s premises, commenced with blood screening of volunteers to determine their eligibility while the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service officials conducted it under the most hygienic conditions and strict adherence to applicable safety guidelines.
In his remarks, the MD/CEO, AIICO Insurance Plc., Mr Babatunde Fajemirokun, stated, “Global and local data has revealed that there may never be equilibrium in the demand and supply of blood. Locally, we have seen a huge supply gap, especially with the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuous rise in the demand for blood in our health institutions to keep others alive; this prompted our intervention. We run an all-inclusive approach to corporate responsibility and sustainability; our employees are also given the space and opportunity as key stakeholders to volunteer as participants.”
According to Mrs Abimbola Shobanjo, Head, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, “Saving lives is everybody’s business; you do not have to be a doctor to do that. At AIICO, we value the health and well-being of our people and those in our community. Giving back in this manner was an exhilarating endeavour for our staff.”
Adewale Kadri, Executive Director, Technical
She stated further, “The large turnout is because we kicked off some weeks back with internal awareness campaigns, which generated a high interest among our people.”
World Blood Donor Day is celebrated annually on June 14 to raise global awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion. Additionally, it highlights the critical contribution voluntary, unpaid blood donors make to national health systems.
Cancer Treatment for 30 women, Mammogram Testing for 100 Others
AIICO Insurance Plc in October 2022 sponsored the chemotherapy treatment of 30 women diagnosed with triple negative cancer, as part of its activities to mark the 2022 World Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Additionally, the company also sponsored mammogram testing for 100 of its people; female staff, female agents and wives of employees.
October is globally marked as Breast Cancer Awareness Month to draw attention to the scourge and take proactive steps to control and prevent it.
AIICO sponsored the chemotherapy treatment of the 30 women who are members of the public and who had reached out for support from its NGO partner – Cancer Aware Nigeria, a Nigerian-based cancer intervention charity. The company has undertaken to alleviate this financial burden.
In order to ensure wider reach and coverage of its healthy breast advocacy, AIICO entered into a partnership with Cancer Aware Nigeria on their public enlightenment programme which was held virtually, with seasoned professionals speaking to the public.
Besides these speakers, the programme also featured a breast cancer survivor, Zainab Okafor, who narrated how she overcame breast cancer. She attributed her recovery to early detection and the intervention of Cancer Care which took up her treatment and rehabilitation.
Commenting on the company’s breast cancer action advocacy plan and its initiatives, the Managing Director/CEO of AIICO Insurance Plc, Mr. Babatunde Fajemirokun said “It was predicated on the need to prioritize the health and well-being of all people, especially the company’s internal stakeholders. This speaks to our sustainability efforts in alignment with Goal 3 of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals which addresses healthy living and promoting well-being.”
On why the company commits substantially to the well-being of its people, he stated, “A healthy workforce is a harbinger of productivity and efficiency. People are at their best when they are healthy and happy. We shall continue to prioritize their well-being at all times.
AIICO gave palliatives to the people during COVID-19
Also commenting on the partnership with Cancer Aware, the Head, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at AIICO, Mrs. Abimbola Shobanjo, said the company seeks and works with trusted partners who are experts in their field of endeavour, passionate about their cause and have consistently delivered on their mandate. “Cancer Aware Nigeria has proven to be one of such organizations with proven track records. We will continue to work with them to impact society,” she said.
There is no doubt that AIICO has been observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month for years and has facilitated initiatives to screen staff for breast cancer, provide healthy breast education and assist in taming the scourge of breast cancer nationally.
AIICO Tackles Malaria in Vulnerable Communities
Poised to eradicate the scourge of malaria in vulnerable communities of the country, AIICO in 2022 partnered with HACEY Health Initiative to tackle the menace through an awareness campaign in local communities spread across Lagos, Oyo and Rivers States in Nigeria as part of its activities in marking the year’s World Malaria Day in line with the theme for the year ‘Harness Innovation to Reduce the Malaria Disease Burden and Save Lives’.
The objective of the campaign was to improve women’s knowledge, attitude and practice, particularly among pregnant women, nursing mothers and mothers in vulnerable communities. 500 women, their families and community leaders in the most endemic communities were directly engaged and were beneficiaries of the donation of long-lasting insecticidal nets.
The campaign was executed leveraging the primary healthcare institutions in the communities. In Lagos State, the public health centers at Oke-Eletu – Ikorodu Local Government Area, Bola Tinubu – Alimosho Local Government Area and Agbowa – Epe Local Government Area were strategically targeted. The programme, which was run concurrently, also took place in two Local Government Areas each in Oyo and Rivers States. Door-to-door sensitization campaigns were conducted within the neighbourhood of the health centers with a reach of about 4,000 people.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the life-threatening disease had about 241 million cases worldwide in 2020. It has continued to be a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa which accounts for about 93% of global cases and 94% of all malaria-related deaths.
Mrs. Abimbola Shobanjo, the Head, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at AIICO Insurance Plc. stated “At AIICO, we believe that a healthy country is key to achieving the sustainable development goal. This is why we invest in the health of vulnerable people, especially women. Malaria can limit the ability of pregnant women and children to live to their full potential. We are implementing this project in line with our long-term strategy to support a healthy and productive country.”
Children’s Day Celebration for Less Privileged
As part of its activities marking World Children’s Day, AIICO Insurance Plc every year used the occasion to spread love, and hope and inspire the less privileged children to look beyond their circumstances whilst pursuing their dreams.
To this end, the underwriting firm every organized an event to mark the celebration with children under the care of Less Privileged Homs such as Vine Heritage Home in Abuja through ActionAid Nigeria to give the children a sense of belonging.
AIICO donated reusable face masks to the Red Cross Society.
Commenting on the occasion, the Head of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability AIICO Insurance Plc, Mrs Abimbola Shobanjo, said: “One of the fundamental principles guiding AIICO’s CSR initiatives is to support the well-being and development of children, especially those who are less privileged. The initiative is an investment in the future of our society and the nation. By creating a memorable and uplifting experience, we hope to spread love, joy, and hope and give them a sense of belonging. We aim to inspire them to look beyond their present circumstances and to find the strength to pursue their dreams.”
Over the years, AIICO Insurance has continued to support ActionAid in the fight against the obnoxious cultural beliefs that promote the practice of infanticide. In these local communities, it is believed that children born under certain circumstances are evil and are killed. These include twin children, albinos, children born with deformities, children whose mothers die during childbirth, etc. Vine Heritage Home provides shelter and livelihood for children rescued from the barbaric practice of infanticide in some local communities within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“We remain committed to supporting the cause in fighting against this heinous act. We firmly believe that every child deserves a chance at life, irrespective of their circumstances of birth – they should not be robbed of their rights to exist and be part of society”, Abimbola added.
Fights To End Infant Homicide in Nigeria
In order to tackle and put an end to infant homicide (infanticide) in Nigeria, AIICO has partnered with ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) to end the scourge just as it has pledged the donation of N100 for every retail Travel and Automobile policy sold to this cause. The Company recently presented a cheque of N1.47 million to AAN representing proceeds from half-year, 2021 sales.
Infanticide is in practice in some local communities in Nigeria. Around 57 communities across the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, are still actively involved in this barbaric act owing to some ancient traditional beliefs. Children with albinism, born with Down syndrome, born with various birth defects, among many others, are considered taboo and therefore become victims.
ActionAid Nigeria, a Non-Governmental Organization, has poverty eradication among local and excluded communities as one of its key areas of focus. Among other interventions to tackle infanticide, it is raising funds to build a home for the children and provide the much-needed education they need to thrive in life.
Mr. Olusanjo Shodimu, Divisional Head, Shared Services at AIICO, speaking during the joint briefing with AAN, stated “We have chosen to partner with ActionAid Nigeria, going by their track records of accountability and integrity, their impact in society and global recognition. We are impressed with their achievements and have no doubts this partnership will yield the expected results – ending the infanticide menace in the long run.”
According to Mrs. Abimbola Shobanjo, Head, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, “This is not a one-off project; we intend to continue for as long as necessary. We have tied proceeds from the sales of our retail Travel and Automobile insurance policies to it for sustainable funding.”
By this gesture, AIICO’s customers who purchase retail Travel and Automobile policies are now indirectly contributing towards saving innocent lives and impacting society.
Feeds Underprivileged Community
As part of providing palliatives for the needy in our society during COVID-19 in 2022, AIICO Insurance in partnership with We Stand Foundation organized a Feeding Relief Programme to cater to the needs of underprivileged people in Lagos.
Three hundred (300) families within the Iwaya community, Yaba benefitted from the relief packages which include a variety of food items and reusable nose masks.
Commenting on the programme, the MD/CEO, Mr. Babatunde Fajemirokun, stated, “This endeavour is reflective of our corporate culture of touching lives and impacting communities. These are challenging times and we are mindful of the impact. We have a long-term plan in place to ensure the sustainability of these efforts.”
According to Abimbola Shobanjo, AIICO’s Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Manager, “It was indeed a great delight to bring smiles to the faces of these people. Besides solving hunger, we also considered their well-being a high priority in view of the need to continue to keep them safe. We leverage on key partners to spot opportunities and drive these initiatives.”
Donates Reusable Facemasks to Curtail Spread of COVID-19
Contributing to the fight against COVID 19, AIICO Insurance in partnership with We Stand Foundation and the African Clean Up Initiative (ACI) donated reusable facemasks to the Nigerian Red Cross in demonstration of the Company’s relentless commitment to its corporate social responsibility causes.
AIICO Organised Children’s Day Celebration to Celebrate Less Privileged children
This was against the backdrop of the Federal Government’s directive for the compulsory use of facemasks in public places as a means to curtail the spread of COVID-19.
The Company’s Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability Manager, Abimbola Shobanjo, speaking on the donation said, “AIICO recognizes the need to impact society in meaningful ways such as this. Our hope is that by donating reusable facemasks, we join to help facilitate the adherence to this safety guideline from the government and the World Health Organization, WHO.”
It will be recalled that during the nationwide lockdown, AIICO organized a feeding relief programme to feed the less privileged and also donated post-natal hygiene kits to nursing mothers in poor communities in Lagos.
Feeds 130 People For 14 Days During COVID-19 Lockdown
As a socially responsible organization, AIICO Insurance during COVID 19 lockdown embarked on a Feeding Relief Programme to cater to the needs of underprivileged communities in Lagos to complement the Government’s efforts aimed at ensuring access to food supply while restricting movements to contain the spread of the virus.
During this period, the Company fed over 130 people daily for 14 days including women, children and young adults in collaboration with Dreams From The Slum (a Non-Profit Organization with a commitment to humanitarian causes) and Chicken Republic, a retail fast food company, for logistics and implementation.
Abimbola Shobanjo, AIICO’s Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Manager, in the statement stated “The movement restriction has affected the ability of these people to pursue their day-to-day livelihoods. These are mostly petty traders and artisans in impoverished communities who now find it extremely difficult to provide for their families and dependents. We aim to provide daily meals to support them during this challenging period.”
This was one of the ways the Company was using to encourage people to stay at home and to maintain social distancing to avoid the spread of COVID-19; the food was delivered to them at their various homes. The distribution was done under safe and appropriate hygiene conditions to protect both the officials and the beneficiaries.
The MD/CEO, Mr. Babatunde Fajemirokun, in a statement signed by the Company’s Head, Strategic Marketing & Corporate Communications, Mr. Segun Olalandu, stated, “We are prioritizing the needs of the vulnerable and less privileged in these extraordinary times in line with our commitment to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal on ‘Zero Hunger’. We will continue to pursue causes and drive initiatives to ameliorate the impact of the lockdown, through this season and beyond”.
Promotes Cause For Gender Equality
AIICO Insurance Plc is leaving no stone unturned in promoting gender balance and equal opportunity for women. To mark the 2020 International Women’s Day, the company organized a women’s conference themed “Women’s Visibility in the Workplace”, in Lagos.
The Company’s Head of Retail Life Operations, Mrs. Titilola Okunlola, while speaking at the event said that the company is committed to promoting women’s visibility, and providing the enabling environment for women to thrive and be their very best.
“Gender equality as one of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals is a priority area for us at AIICO; Management provides the necessary support for causes and initiatives that align with it. The company, in its bid to promote gender parity, has organized this conference to lend its voice to the global call for equality, empowerment and increased visibility for women,” she added.
“The guest speaker, Dr. Glory Edozien, a Public Speaker and a thought leader on women’s empowerment, challenged women not to rest on their oars but accomplish more, break limits, showcase their skills and capabilities and improve their careers.
She stated further that speaking out is one of the ways to promote visibility. “You can’t be visible if you don’t tell people about what you do or what you can do. You must be heard.” She advised women to pitch for opportunities, sell their value and network within and outside of the workplace.
“Participants, which cut across women of different social calibre, also had the opportunity to share their thoughts during the interactive session.
Supports Sustainable Education
Having known the importance of education to national development, AIICO has continued to provide support for sustainable education in Nigeria.
Over 400 schools were represented at EdFin’s Stakeholder Forum on Education which was held recently in Lagos.
Participants at the event which included school owners, PTA representatives among others, deliberated on issues affecting education with the aim of proffering solutions for the growth of the sector and a sustainable future for the Nigerian students.
The event featured several information sessions such as financial literacy training which was facilitated by Fate Foundation followed by an exhaustive interactive session between the company’s Board of Directors and all the participants.
Other sessions were live demos on Google Bolo (a speech-based reading tutor app to help children in rural regions with reading skills) by Google Nigeria and Wowbii Tap – a world-class interactive board preloaded with intelligent educational content to help teachers improve the quality of instruction in schools and enhance subject-matter understanding among students/pupils.
The bank which is dedicated solely to funding the education eco-space in Nigeria aims to positively disrupt the standard and quality of education in Nigeria, by providing the much-needed financial resources and services to the education sector.
In recognition of AIICO Insurance’s contributions to the humanitarian, social responsibilities initiatives and business best practices, the Company was honoured with a ‘Philanthropic Insurance Company of the Year’ by the CRS Reporters at its 2021 awards presentation ceremony.
The CSR Reporters awards is organized annually by CSR Reporters. The organization is composed of a team of journalists covering Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability and Humanitarian interventions across Africa.
According to the CSR Reporters, “AIICO Insurance was selected because over the years and particularly, in the course of the year 2021, the company demonstrated integrity and transparency while engaging in humanitarian, social responsibilities initiatives and business best practice.”
