The Chairman of the 2026 Almond Insurance Industry Awards Panel of Judges, Ogala Osoka, has called for a radical shift in strategy and the deployment of innovative platforms to bridge the persistent gap between insurance awareness and actual penetration in Nigeria.

Osoka made the call during a press conference in Lagos, marking the official kick-off of the 2026 edition of the awards, themed ‘#TheReemergence’.

According to the insurance veteran, despite continuous promotional efforts by industry players and the media, the level of insurance uptake across the country remains disproportionately low compared to Nigeria’s vast population.

“Although the industry has made considerable efforts in promoting insurance awareness—the media included, there is still a significant gap between awareness and actual penetration,” Osoka said. “This reality calls for fresh thinking and innovative platforms to drive the message further.”

He explained that the Almond Insurance Industry Awards were designed as one of those critical platforms to change the narrative.

“The awards remain a powerful tool to shine a positive light on the industry, recognising and rewarding the outstanding efforts of the men and women across the different arms of the sector who work tirelessly to promote and sell insurance, often in challenging circumstances,” the panel chairman added.

To keep pace with global trends and digital disruption within the financial services ecosystem, Osoka announced a major update to the award categories.

“We have introduced a new category this year, Insurtech Company of the Year, to reflect the current dynamics of technology in the insurance business,” he stated, noting that the overall categories had been streamlined to align strictly with international best practices.

Addressing the credibility of the selection process, Osoka assured stakeholders that the newly constituted judging panel, which now includes corporate consumer and real estate mogul Mr Hakeem Ogunniran alongside returning experts like Vice Chairman Mr Rotimi Okpaise, would maintain the highest professional standards.

“The duty of the panel is to ensure fairness and integrity of the process. As such, I can say my members and I will do our utmost best,” he pledged.

The grand award ceremony is scheduled to take place on Friday, 6 November 2026, at The Stable Event Place in Surulere, Lagos, and is expected to draw policymakers, insurance professionals, and corporate consumers.

Concluding the briefing, Osoka announced the immediate commencement of the selection phase, urging public participation.

“Nominations officially open today, 26 May, and will run through 30 June 2026. The panel of judges will review, shortlist, and oversee a transparent voting process that will lead up to the announcement of winners,” he said.