Lagos — Institute of Loss adjusters of Nigeria (ILAN) last week commenced the next phase of its growth strategy with the election of new council members. The new council is now been headed by Mr. Darlington Mgbojikwe as the president.

The last week's emergence of Mr. Mgbojikwe as president of ILAN followed the dissolution of the cabinet of Mr. Sammy Sotomi whose four year reign as ILAN president expired last Thursday. Mr. Sotomi was elected president in July of 2003 but he had to work for one year before his formal investiture in 2004. Mr. Sotomi holds the record as the youngest practitioner to head ILAN.

The late Chief S.N.Onwuazo was elected the first ILAN president having been elected in 1980. He stepped down in 1986 for Senator Yinka Omilani to take over. Senator Omilani was succeeded in 1990 by Pastor T.F. Makinde whose leadership ended in 1993. The other past presidents of ILAN include Chief P.O.N. Egbuniwe, Mr. Yinka Lijadu and Chief J.A. Komolafe who ruled from 2001 to 2003.

But the ILAN's 25th annual general meeting which held at the institute's yet-to-be completed secretariat in Lagos saw the enthronement of Mr. Darlington Mgbojikwe as the new president. He was until his lection the vice president of the institute. Mr. Mgbojikwe is the chief executive officer of Chartered Loss Adjusters.

Elected along with him as vice president is Chief E.A Omoboyowa. The duo is to lead a 10 member council which is to run for four years comprising of two consecutive terms.

The newly elected council members are Ralph Opara Bola Temowo, Pastor A.A.ojo, Eddie Okonkwo, Shade Ajayi, Eng. P.O.Amaechi and E.A. Adebiyi. The others are A.B. Sadiku Mike Oranye and S.F.Hassan.

Speaking shortly after his election, the new ILAN president said that he will strive towards consolidating the gains of the previous administration saying that ILAN is now better positioned as to protect and project the interest of the members.

But the immediate past President Mr. Sammy Sotomi had earlier stated that it will demand the efforts of all members for the institute to impact on the fortunes of the larger insurance industry. Mr. Sotomi had decried the situation where ILAN members would refuse to pay their annual subscriptions and levies.

He revealed that the institute's professional examination is assuming greater attention with two candidates soon to emerge as the first to qualify in Nigeria.

It would be recalled that the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) had two candidates graduating from its maiden professional examination.

Meanwhile, ILAN has approved the admission of three more corporate members in its fold. They are apex Loss adjuster, Universal Loss Adjusters and Medex Loss adjusters.