The College of Insurance and Financial Management (CIFM) has urged its diploma graduates to always exhibit good conduct as worthy ambassadors of the institution.
The advice was given at the sixth Diploma in Insurance Graduation Ceremony, which had the theme: ”Building Relevance and Trust Through Ethical and Professional Practice”, and was held at the Custodian Building, AIICO Hall, College of Insurance and Financial Management Campus, Lagos Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State.
Dr. Jeff Duru, who was the guest speaker, and Executive Director Technical/Chief Operating Officer, Heirs General Insurance Limited, while speaking on the topic: “Attitude”, encouraged the graduands to exhibit a good attitude and use the knowledge acquired from the programme to advance insurance practice.
He said that a “person with a positive attitude is caring, confident, patient, humble, cheerful, fun-loving, positive, hardworking, dedicated, committed, and has high expectations about himself and others.
“Our lives are not determined by what life brings to us, but the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of position thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results.”
Dr. Duru pointed out that environmental factors like our homes, school, friends, work atmosphere, media, cultural, religious, social, and political situations can mold the attitude, adding that the positive experience gathered of a person, event, and situation also gives a positive attitude.
Also, he stated that wisdom, knowledge, skills, and qualifications can determine attitudes, stressing that they need to consciously choose to acquire the right attitudes.
He lauded the management of the college for sustaining the legacies laid by the founding fathers, and the students for their resilience in pursuing and attaining their aspirations.
The Special Guest of Honour/Past President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) Shola Tinubu, congratulated the graduands, saying that resilience and dedication throughout their academic journey are commendable, as they rightfully reap the fruits of their labour.
He stated that education and knowledge are foundational drivers for the growth and development of any industry, particularly the intricately linked insurance sector.
“As you transition to the next phase of your lives armed with the knowledge and skills acquired here, I encourage you to continue striving for excellence and making positive contributions in your respective fields. I challenge you to be curious about the challenges and opportunities within the insurance sector and also to explore them enthusiastically,” he remarked.
He pointed out that the College of Insurance and Financial Management plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our financial sector by producing competent and skilled professionals.
He added, “I commend the faculty, staff, and management for their relentless efforts in providing quality education and fostering a conducive learning environment.”
Tinubu noted that a well-educated and skilled workforce is the backbone of any thriving nation, and institutions like CIFM play a pivotal role in shaping the future leaders and professionals of our country.
“As you embark on new challenges, remember that continuous learning and curiosity are the keys to personal and professional growth, Tinubu tasked the graduands”, he said and prayed that the graduation ceremony would mark the beginning of even greater achievements for CIFM and its Graduands.
President of Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) Edwin Igbiti, congratulated the graduates, saying that the graduation marks the culmination of a worthy and life-changing goal.
He noted that strategising and taking the significant leap in the insurance industry pathway, would open up opportunities that would continue to serve as a stepping stone to greater success.
Igbiti stated, “Before commencing this programme, some of you didn’t know yourself, however currently, you have established networking relationships with colleagues, faculty, and beyond. Now I have some questions for you. Will you stop at this level of your career? Will you further with this Diploma? Will you use the great knowledge to make the world a better place? Most especially in your environment, insurance still has a wide gap to cover in our local community. Will you use this to earn a job, build wealth, and invest in people’s lives? Mother Theresa once said, ‘“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples’’
He urged them to go forth with the power of insurance knowledge acquired, work together, and make the industry an enviable one.
Mrs. Yetunde Ilori, Chairman College of Insurance and Financial Management told the graduates to use their achievements as a ladder to pursue other opportunities, stressing that greater opportunities await them in the insurance industry.
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