Organisers of the Almond Insurance Industry Awards have officially commenced nominations for the 2026 edition of the awards, unveiling a reconstituted panel of judges and introducing a new category aimed at recognising technological innovation within Nigeria’s insurance sector.
The announcement was made during a nomination press conference held in Lagos on Tuesday, where industry stakeholders gathered to kick off activities for the fourth edition of the annual event.
The Chairman of the 2026 Awards Panel of Judges, Sir Ogala Osoka, said the awards remained a strategic platform for celebrating excellence and encouraging greater visibility for the insurance industry. According to him, despite sustained efforts by operators and regulators to deepen insurance awareness, the industry continues to face challenges in translating awareness into broader market penetration.
He noted that the Almond Insurance Industry Awards had, over the years, provided a platform for spotlighting outstanding achievements and inspiring higher standards across the insurance value chain.
“The purpose of the Awards remains unchanged, which is to recognise and reward exceptional individuals and organisations that continue to drive growth, innovation and professionalism within the industry,” Osoka said.
He disclosed that this year’s edition, themed ‘Reemergence’, will be held on 6 November 2026 at The Stable Event Place in Surulere, Lagos, and is expected to attract policymakers, insurance practitioners, corporate organisations and other stakeholders.
Osoka also announced that nominations opened on 26 May and will close on 30 June, after which entries will be reviewed and shortlisted ahead of the voting phase and eventual awards ceremony.
Among the voting categories are Insurance CEO of the Year, Insurance Woman of the Year, 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 and Insurtech Company of the Year. The non-voting categories include the Insurance Life Achievers Award and the Special Recognition Award.
In a statement released by the organisers, Almond Productions Limited announced the appointment of Osoka as chairman of the panel of judges, succeeding Prisca Soares, who completed a three-year tenure in the role. The organisers also confirmed the addition of real estate entrepreneur Hakeem Ogunniran to the panel, while Rotimi Okpaise, Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN), Obinna Chilekezie and Rasaaq Salami will continue to serve as members.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Almond Productions Limited, Kesiena Ughwode, said the awards process will remain fully technology-driven, with nominations and voting conducted exclusively through the official awards website. She urged stakeholders to submit nominations before the deadline, stressing that the organisers would not extend the nomination period.
Ughwode explained that the theme reflected the anticipated transformation of the insurance industry amid ongoing reform initiatives, including recapitalisation efforts and broader sectoral changes expected to redefine the industry’s future.
Established to celebrate excellence and innovation within Nigeria’s insurance ecosystem, the Almond Insurance Industry Awards has become one of the sector’s leading platforms for recognising professionals, institutions and stakeholders contributing to the growth and development of insurance in the country.
