By Rosemary Iwunze

Almond Productions Limited, Organizers of the annual Almond Insurance Industry Awards has announced a new and expanded panel of judges for the 2026 edition of the Awards as nominations in the various categories opens.

Industry veteran Sir Ogala Osoka MFR now takes over as Chairman from Ms. Prisca Soares who has stepped down from the role having served for three years. Sir Osoka brings in over three decades of experience across various sectors not just insurance.

Also joining the panel for the first time is Real Estate Guru Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran, Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Exima Reality Co Ltd and Mercury Nominees Investments Ltd. Mr Ogunniran is also coming with a wealth of experience from interacting with the Insurance Industry having been a Corporate Buyer of Insurance Products and Services for many years.

Returning members of the panel this year are foremost actuary and Vice Chairman Mr Rotimi Okpaise, Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere SAN, Dr. Obinna Chilekezie and Mr. Rasaaq Salami. Prof Olajide Fadun of the University of Lagos is still retained as the consultant on the Awards Website and Management.
The 2026 edition of the Awards tagged “REEMERGENCE” will hold on Friday November 6″ at The Stable Event Place Bode Thomas Surulere Lagos.

The “REEMERGENCE” speaks to the Kickoff of NIIRA Implementation and the recapitalization exercise which will no doubt mark a new beginning for the industry.

The 2026 Awards will retain its Streamlined Structure to meet with International Standards of Awards of Similar nature. A new category has been introduced Insurtech Company of the Year to reflect the current dynamics of technology in Insurance business.

Meanwhile, the voting categories for 2026 are, Insurance CEO of the Year; Insurance Woman of the Year (Insurer or Broker); 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; Most Valuable Insurance Customer of the Year; as well as Insurtech Company of the Year.

The Non-Voting Categories are Insurance Life Achievers Award, (Insurer or Broker); as well as Special Recognition Award 2026 (Within and Outside the Industry).

‎The organizers of the Awards at a press conference in Lagos announced that ‎nominations officially opened on Tuesday May 26th 2026 and will run to June 30th 2026 ‎when it will be closed by 11:59pm.
Speaking at the press conference, Ms. Kesiena Faith Ughwode, CEO Almond Productions Limited, said that the entire Awards from ‎nominations through voting is data and technology driven. As such nominations in the ‎various categories can only ‎be done via the Awards website;
‎www.almondinsuranceindustryawards.com. Speaking further Ms. Ughwode said ‎“we have noticed from past editions of the Awards that people wait till the last minute ‎before trying to nominate or vote for their favorites. Sometimes, some call for extension ‎which we have resolved not to do. She therefore implored all stakeholders to endeavor ‎to visit the website early to nominate their choice on or before June 30th when the nominations will be closed.

‎The annual Almond Insurance Industry Awards now in its 4th Edition was instituted to ‎reward and celebrate the “Can Do Spirit” of Insurance Professionals and other critical ‎stakeholders in the Insurance Eco-System who despite the prevailing economic and ‎social challenges in the Nigerian Environment continues to break barriers, innovate to ‎redefine the sector.