Delivered by Niyi Onifade, MD/CEO Heirs Life & Sector Head, HIG
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Transcorp Hilton, Abuja
- Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, parents, school administrators, my dear colleagues, and of course, our brilliant young finalists.
- You are most welcome to this great event – the Grand Finale of the 3rd edition of Heirs Insurance Essay Championship.
- I congratulate and commend all our finalists who made it this far.
- Out of almost 5,000 entries nationwide, you emerged top three. This is a remarkable feat, and a recognition of your brilliance and hard work.
- Well done!
- And thanks to everyone who supported you in one way or the other – your parents, teachers, schools, and even your friends.
- We appreciate everyone’s support.
- At Heirs Insurance Group, we understand the vital role that education plays in shaping the future of a nation, and this competition is one of our contributions toward that goal.
- Nigeria is a country of immense promise with a vibrant and youthful population. We will continue to harness this potential.
- As our Chairman, Tony Elumelu, always says: “The future of Africa lies in the hands of our young ones.”
- For us, we are not just in the business of insurance, we are in the business of improving lives and transforming the society. This is our purpose.
- Allow me to quickly introduce Heirs Insurance Group to you properly.
- We are a family of three (3) insurance businesses: Heirs General, our non-life insurance arm; Heirs Life, our life insurance arm; and Heirs Insurance Brokers, our insurance broking arm.
- We are a leading digital insurance Group, and a trusted ally to many.
- We serve hundreds of thousands of customers across the country – from individuals to families, and from small businesses to corporate bodies.
- We provide solid financial security against risks to our customers.
- From financial protection for assets such as cars and homes, to personal investments and children education plans.
- From peace of mind for employees, to financial security for retirees.
- We help people to live their dreams without worrying about the future.
- We make all our products and services available to everyone, and we make insurance a lifestyle.
- We deliver our services through various offices across the nation, and through different digital platforms – democratizing access to insurance in Nigeria.
- We do all these because of our belief.
- We believe that insurance is about planning for the future, ensuring that no matter the challenges faced, people can recover, rebuild, and thrive.
- Education does the same.
- It empowers individuals to think critically, solve problems, and innovate.
- Specifically on education financing, our two popular education insurance products, namely, My Heirs Plan and Heirs Smart School Plan are renowned for their suitability, simplicity and affordability.
- In this room today, I see Nigeria’s future leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and policymakers; each armed with the intellectual tools that will guide us toward prosperity.
- The Heirs Insurance Essay Championship is not just a competition. It is a platform for young minds to express their ideas, to think creatively, and to articulate their visions for the future.
- For three years, we have been on this journey.
- In Year 1, Princewill Ugbomyke from Gateway Schools in Enugu State emerged as the winner.
- In Year 2, Kentimfon Ndanyongmong from Beulah International School in Akwa Ibom State emerged as the winner.
- Both winners also secured grants for their schools.
- Today, in our third edition, there will be one winner and two runners-up.
- One school will also be celebrated.
- Apart from the winners, we also recognize the hard work of all the students who applied. We commend their efforts and interest.
- This competition serves as a reminder that the journey of learning does not end in the classroom:
- It is about how we apply what we learn;
- How we think critically about the issues that face our society;
- How we offer solutions that will have lasting impact;
- And how we foster creativity to dream big, and fix our nation’s greatest challenges.
- This is the mindset that we hope to instill in every young Nigerian who participates in this competition.
- Our goal at Heirs Insurance Group is to ensure that the next generation is not only well-educated, but also empowered to make a difference.
- We believe that every young person in Nigeria deserves the opportunity to dream big, to learn, and to succeed.
- We believe that education should continue, despite life’s challenges.
- This is why we invest in initiatives like the Heirs Insurance Essay Championship, to provide platforms that encourage young Nigerians to step forward, share their ideas, and showcase their talent.
- So, to all our young ones – your voices, your ideas, and your passion are needed now more than ever. Our country is evolving, so your courage, boldness, creativity, and innovation will define our future.
- We are committed to walking with you, partnering with you and providing the support you need to succeed – ensuring that you have the tools to face tomorrow with confidence.
- To our finalists – you are already winners in our eyes. You have demonstrated the courage to put your thoughts on paper and share your ideas with the world. That, in itself, is a significant achievement.
- As I conclude, let me remind you that the future of Nigeria is bright, and it is in the hands of talented young individuals like you.
- We at Heirs Insurance Group are incredibly proud to champion this initiative, and to be a part of your journey.
- We wish you success in all your future endeavours.
- Thank you all.
