Lagos — A significant chapter in the history of the insurance industry in Nigeria has been closed with the demise of one of the patriarchs of the insurance broking profession in Nigeria, Chief John Akinwumi George, OFR.. He died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday April 27, 2010.

News of the demise of the insurance giant has been the kernel of discussions both at corporate and interpersonal levels in the industry since the unfortunate incident was announced. The industry would miss the unquantifiable role of the veteran who alongside a few others sowed the proverbial seed of the insurance industry in the early 60's. The vacuum he left behind in the industry would be mostly felt by the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), umbrella body of insurance brokers operating in Nigeria, and the Chartered Insurance Industry of Nigeria (CIIN), where he served as President at different times..

It was noted that prior to the time of his death, Chief Akin George never showed any sign of ill health. In fact, family members disclosed that he was in a joyous mood and in his usual high spirit in preparation for his wife's 60th birthday celebration, just a week away. It is irony that he would not live to savour the joy of the landmark birthday of his admirable consort of many years!

Born on June 24th 1932 to the family of late Deacon James Adeboye Goerge and Chief Mrs Elizabeth George, Akin George had his secondary education at Baptist Academy Lagos after which he had a brief stint as clerical staff with the Bank of British West Africa Limited now First Bank of Nigeria Plc, from where he later transferred to the Royal Exchange Assurance Company Limited, and remained there until 1966 when he left for England to further his education.

While attending the College of Insurance London where he graduated in 1960, he garnered experience between 1957 and 1960 as a clerk at Dominion Insurance Company Limited; Wills Fabers Insurance Brokers and BD Cock and Partners Limited, all in London.

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Insurance (FCII) and an Associate Insurance Brokers (ACIB) since 1962. Chief Akin George also holds the Fellowship of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria and that of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, FCIB, a body he served meritoriously as its second President from 1979 to 1986, succeeding the doyen of the insurance industry in Nigeria, Mr. Talabi Braithwaite. He also served as President of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CIIN) in 1972.

He established J Akin George & Co (incorporated Brokers Limited) in 1960; Sierra Leone Insurance Brokers Freetown Sierra Leone in 1964; Marine and General Assurance Company Limited in 1969 and the United Insurance Brokers Limited London in 1973. He was the Chairman of the defunct Marine and General Assurance Company Limited.

An entrepreneur per excellence, Chief Akin George joined the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries in 1964 and rose to become the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA). He was a Fellow of the West African Chambers of Commerce. He was also the Chairman of African Insurance Brokers Association (AIBA), until his death.

A multipreneur, Chief Akin George at one point or the other joined friends and like minds to establish companies in various fields spanning banking, tourism, construction and brewing, to mention but a few. He also holds several national and international honours and awards including Gold Mercury International Award, Ethiopia and Officer of the Federal Republic. In the traditional circles, he is the Bobajiro of Ile Oluji, Ondo State, Lisa Ago- Odo, Oke- Ona, Abeokuta, Ogun State; Bobagbimo of Egbaland, OgunState and the Ekweme of Assah, Ubirielem of Imo State.

Reflecting on the demise of the insurance guru, the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Fola Daniel described the death of Chief Akin George as a crude blow to the business world and the insurance industry in particular. In the words of Daniel, "Chief Akin George was a giant and a repository of insurance history and practice. May God grant him eternal rest"

Also in his message of condolence, the President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, Dr. Teslim Sanusi noted that he was personally rattled by the sad news in view of "my personal closeness and adoration for the deceased as a Past President and elder as well as a motivating factor of our Council".

He glowingly described the deceased as the patriarch of the broking profession in Nigeria whose record of service would be difficult to match "I use this medium to reflect on the life of the deceased, particularly his record of service and his boundless enthusiasm for whatever task he took in hand in the Council and in other spheres of life"

Sanusi noted that no one who had the privilege to know Chief J Akin George or work with him, is likely to forget in a hurry the candour of his speech, the courage of his faith as well as his tenacity of purpose, even in the face of the stiffest opposition. "He never dodged a responsibility, never refused to take on a hard job if it needed to be done, even in his revered position as a Past President of our Council. He saw to it that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that the insurance broking profession in Nigeria is reputed for professionalism and excellence. Chief Akin George fought hard for every cause in which he enlisted".

Also recalling memories of Akin George, the Chairman and publisher of the Guardian newspaper, Dr Alex Ibru who had been a close friend and associate of the deceased for decades said the loss was monumental to him personally as well as to his entire family " He was a big brother, he said, adding that he had been a towering example of how to do business in a country like Nigeria". Similarly in words, the former President of NACCIMA, Chief John Odeyemi, described Late Akin George as one the greatest professionals and entrepreneurs who devoted a significant portion of his life to the promotion of the organized private sector (OPS) in Nigeria in particular and West Africa in general.

Barrister Laide Osijo, Deputy President of the NCRIB could not but betray emotions on the news of the demise of Chief Akin George whom she described as a father and key motivator of her successful career in insurance industry. Said she, "I cut my professional teeth with his company, Marine and General Insurance Company Limited in 1972, during which time he persisted I must study for my professional certificates in insurance".

Whilst arrangements are being made to give a befitting burial to the titan, especially by all those constituents - professional, socio, traditional, etcetera, where he belonged, no better word could best summarize the life of the deceased than a memorable address of the great Abraham Lincoln. According to the sage, "The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here on this mortal earth, but will never forget what we did while here". The footprints left by the Chief Akin George in all spheres of life that he served, especially the insurance sector, will remain indelible for a long time to come.

TOPE ADARAMOLA is the Public Relations Manager, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB).

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