The Professional Insurance Ladies Association is encouraging women to take advantage of the vast opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The announcement was made in Lagos during the inauguration of the association’s 15th president.
During her inaugural address, PILA’s 15th President, Mrs. Bimbo Onakomaiya, pledged that the association would actively promote trade and investment facilitation, empowering its members to capitalize on the government’s engagement with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
She also stated that the association would partner with established financial inclusion experts with a view of taking proactive portfolios with both the immediate future and medium-term in view.
She noted that the group has concluded plans to expand its health knowledge capacity.
“The capacity would focus on mental health issues and being proactive in the prevention of Cancer and Hepatitis B,” Onakomaiya stated.
The new president added that the association would take a more intentional approach to ensure financial inclusivity and diversity of their members within the nation’s financial market and beyond.
Earlier, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Governor, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, described the new president as a trailblazer.
Sanwo-Olu said that the new PILA president has demonstrated her competence in navigating through challenges.
He appreciated the new president for doing the women’s fold proud, stressing,
“This new PILA administration would lead the association into the future of innovation.”
According to him, under the new administration, the insurance network would thrive as the new leader would not afford to let the women fold down.
The governor expressed his administration’s enthusiasm for collaborating with the Professional Insurance Ladies Association, stating that they are eager to partner with the group to realize its objectives.
In his remarks, the chairman of the event, Prof. Toyin Ashiru, emphasized the importance of empowering more women to take on leadership roles, highlighting their demonstrated capacity and dedication to lead.
“The insurance sector is changing from the boys’ club that it is used to. PILA is leading it. There has been advocacy for change in the industry and for women to be given opportunities. We have to support women to grow,” Ashiru submitted.
