The College of Insurance and Financial Management (CIFM) recently hosted its third Learning and Development Confab, themed “Nurturing Excellence: Unlocking Human Potential through Effective Talent Management.” The event, held at the CIFM campus, brought together industry leaders to discuss the critical role of professional development in driving organizational success within the insurance sector.
In her presidential address, Mrs. Yetunde Ilori, President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), emphasized the importance of collaboration and feedback, urging stakeholders to contribute ideas on how the college could better support the industry’s learning and manpower development needs.
Mr. Akinjide Orimolade, Chairman of the CIFM Board, represented by Mrs. Arusiuka Adetutu, highlighted the need to equip Learning and Development (L&D) professionals with the skills required for effective leadership and administration. He stressed that in a rapidly evolving business landscape, people remain the greatest asset, and nurturing their potential is key to organizational success.
Dr. (Mrs.) Chizoba Ehiogu, Rector of CIFM, underscored the relevance of the conference theme, noting that continuous learning and development are essential in an era of rapid technological advancements and dynamic workforce demands. She encouraged participants to embrace innovative strategies and foster a culture of learning within their organizations.
The guest speaker, Dr. Afolabi Ajayi, a management consultant, emphasized the importance of training and development in sustaining industry growth. He pointed out that the future of work depends on organizations’ ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent. Dr. Ajayi also highlighted the need for HR practitioners to address emerging workplace trends, such as technology integration, diversity, flexible work arrangements, and cross-border engagement.
Other speakers included Mrs. Chinenye Edward of Gracedge Limited, who discussed the impact of mentorship and coaching on employee development, and Mrs. Oluyemisi Situ, a consultant at CRL Business Solutions, who emphasized the importance of positioning organizations as employers of choice to drive optimal results.
The event also featured award presentations to individuals and organizations that supported CIFM’s training programs in 2024. Notable winners included Miss Ekanem Oluwatomilola of Stanbic IBTC Insurance (Outstanding L&D Personnel), AIICO Insurance Plc (Outstanding Trained L&D Organization), and Leadway Assurance (Valued Client Award).
Dr. Ehiogu expressed gratitude to industry stakeholders, including insurance company CEOs, the CIIN, and the CIFM Board, for their continued support. She announced that the fourth edition of the Learning and Development Confab is scheduled for next year, promising even greater insights and impact.
The conference reinforced CIFM’s commitment to nurturing excellence and unlocking human potential within the insurance industry, positioning the sector for sustainable growth and innovation.
