IICC To Reward Professionalism In Insurance Journalism

The Insurance Industry Consultative Council (IICC) has announced the introduction of an award for journalists covering the insurance sector in the country.

The award will recognise one journalist that demonstrates high-level professionalism in his or her journalistic work in the reportage of the insurance sector within a financial year.

The award will focus on well researched and detailed write-up on issues in the insurance sector and such write-up will be developmental in scope.

This was disclosed by the Chairman of IICC who is also the President/Chairman, Governing Council, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, Sir Muftau Oyegunle, at the IICC 2021 Media Retreat in Asese, Ogun State.

He, therefore, charged insurance reporters to ensure that they churn out stories that can clinch the award going forward.

Oyegunle applauded the media for its immeasurable support, especially, the insurance correspondents, who have continued to demonstrate expertise and in-depth knowledge about the insurance industry as has been reflected in their objective reportage over the years.

“As the world continues to evolve, the expectation from you as a key blog in the turning wheels of economic growth equally changes.

“It is upon this notion that the theme for today, the Newsman in the Changing World, has been ably conceived.

“There is a need for knowledge and creativity to lead the way as well as the adoption of artificial intelligence in amplifying the contents that you create.

“The event of the year will no doubt put some mental or psychological strain on us and there is a need for us to deescalate some of those situations before we enter another year,” he submitted.

The IICC boss noted that one of the mandates of the Council was to promote insurance awareness and urged the media professionals to use their platforms and the reach they cover to promote the gospel of insurance and its offerings.

Responding to this gesture, the chairman, National Association of Insurance and Pension Correspondents (NAIPCO), Chuks Udo Okonta, applauded the council for this initiative, stating that this will spur journalists to develop interest in well-researched reporting.

He implored other stakeholders to emulate IICC by instituting an annual award for journalists who, through the year, covered the industry effectively, stating that, this will improve the quality of insurance reporting, thereby raising insurance awareness, sensitisation and adoption in the long run.