Abaribe, ICAN ex-President, others to present 2026 Almond Insurance Awards

Prominent Nigerians, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Hajiya Queensley Sofuratu Seghosime, immediate past President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mr Chidi Onyeukwu Ajaegbu, and Vice Chancellor of Dominican University, Prof. Jacinta Opara, have been unveiled as guest presenters for the 2026 Almond Insurance Industry Awards.

The annual event, organised by Almond Productions Limited, is expected to bring together key players and stakeholders in Nigeria’s insurance industry to celebrate innovation, professional excellence and contributions to the growth of the sector.

In a statement signed by the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms Kesiena Faith Ughwode, the organisers said the guest presenters were selected from different critical sectors of the economy to broaden public understanding and appreciation of insurance and its role in economic development.

Insurance serves as a major risk-transfer mechanism, providing financial protection against losses and uncertainties while supporting businesses, individuals and economic activities.

The awards ceremony, which began in 2018, is scheduled to hold on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the Stable Event Centre, Bode Thomas, Surulere, Lagos.

The red carpet is billed for 4pm, while the main awards ceremony will commence at 7pm.

Among the voting categories for this year’s edition are Insurance CEO of the Year, Insurance Woman of the Year, Life Insurance Company of the Year, General Insurance Company of the Year, Insurance Broker of the Year, Insurance Broking Company of the Year, Takaful Company of the Year, Micro Insurance Company of the Year and Most Valuable Insurance Customer of the Year.

The non-voting categories include the Insurance Life Achievers Award and the 2026 Special Recognition Award for deserving personalities within and outside the insurance industry.

The organisers also announced veteran insurance professional, Mr Ope Oredugba, as the recipient of the 2026 Insurance Lifetime Achievement Award.

According to the organisers, the recognition is in appreciation of Oredugba’s longstanding contributions and initiatives that have supported the development of Nigeria’s insurance industry.

The event will also feature music and comedy performances by Nigerian entertainers, with the organisers describing the ceremony as a strictly black-tie event open to guests by ticket admission.