Insurance industry leaders honour late Rotimi Edu at service of songs
L-r: Oluwarotimi Adewole, Vice President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB); Olufunke Adenusi, Deputy President, NCRIB; Julius Odidi, Head, Lagos Control Office, National Insurance Commission/representative of the Commissioner for Insurance; Fatai Kayode Lawal, past President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, and Prosper C. Okpue, past President, NCRIB during the service of songs/night of tributes by the Insurance industry, anchored by NCRIB in honour of late Oluwarotimi Edu, in Lagos, on Tuesday.
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The Nigerian insurance industry gathered in solemn reflection for a Service of Songs and Night of Tributes in honour of the late Barrister Oluwarotimi Oladipupo Edu, mni, FCIB, the 21st President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB).
The event brought together key industry stakeholders who paid glowing tributes to the late insurance leader, widely remembered for his visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to professionalism, and enduring contributions to the growth of insurance broking in Nigeria.
Delivering a heartfelt eulogy, the President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mrs. Ekeoma Ezeibe, described Edu as a leader whose vision inspired confidence and whose passing has left a void that words can scarcely express.
She said he came into office with purpose, passion, energy, vision and innovative ideas, driven above all by a commitment to serve the profession.
Reflecting on his nearly 17-year journey on the NCRIB Governing Board, Ezeibe highlighted his steady rise through the ranks, serving as Honorary Auditor, Honorary Treasurer, Vice President, Deputy President, and ultimately as the 21st
President and Chairman of the Governing Board from 2021 to 2023.
According to her, even after completing his tenure as President, Edu remained committed to the Council’s development as a Life Governing Board Member, Chairman of the Legal Committee and Chairman of the Public Sector Committee, where he continued to offer valuable guidance and counsel.
She identified his leadership of the Council’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2022 as one of the defining moments of his presidency. Guided by the philosophy of “Brokercentrism,” which placed insurance brokers at the centre of professional development, public engagement and institutional relevance, Edu transformed the Council’s 60th anniversary into a landmark celebration for the profession.
Ezeibe also paid tribute to his courage in the face of ill health. Despite physical limitations during the second year of his presidency, she noted that he continued to provide leadership virtually, participated in key Council activities, and personally attended the investiture of his successor, Prince Babatunde Oguntade, on October 19, 2023, to hand over the Chain of Office—an act she described as that of a gallant soldier who completed his assignment with dignity.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, joined other industry leaders in celebrating Edu’s legacy. Echoing earlier tributes from the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), he described the late NCRIB president as an illustrious leader whose brilliance, foresight and uncommon dedication left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s insurance industry.
Represented by Dr. Julius Odidi, Head of NAICOM’s Lagos Office, the Commissioner described Edu as a man of exceptional intellect and boundless energy, a reservoir of ideas, and a passionate advocate of reform and innovation whose absence would be deeply felt across the insurance industry and the wider financial services sector.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Mrs. Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, also honoured Edu, describing him as an exceptional leader, distinguished legal practitioner and visionary who devoted decades to promoting professionalism, ethical standards and stronger collaboration between insurance brokers and underwriters.
Represented by the Association’s Assistant Director, Mr. Soji Oni, she recalled the NIA’s earlier description of Edu as a “titan” and noted that his initiatives during his tenure as NCRIB President strengthened industry collaboration and institutional development, leaving behind an enduring legacy.
The President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Mr. Jide Orimolade, also paid tribute, highlighting Edu’s immense contributions to professional excellence, capacity building and the advancement of insurance practice in Nigeria.
According to the Institute, Edu was a bridge-builder across industry bodies whose influence significantly strengthened professional standards and insurance education in the country.
