The Chairman of FBS Reinsurance Limited, Mr. Bala Zakariyau, has expressed deep appreciation to the National Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE) for recognizing his contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s insurance industry and support for journalism with a 2025 Appreciation Award.
Speaking at a brief ceremony held at the company’s Lagos office in Ikoyi, Zakariyau said he was humbled by the honour, noting that he had been contributing to the industry simply out of passion and commitment, not expecting recognition.
“I’ve only been doing what I believe is right for the growth of our industry,” he said. “Unknown to me, a body of journalists was observing. I’m truly grateful.”
He commended insurance journalists for their consistent and ethical reporting over the years, urging them to continue upholding integrity, especially in an era dominated by social media and misinformation.
“Journalism can make or mar a man,” Zakariyau cautioned. “Be among those who use journalism to build rather than destroy. The digital space has made information viral and powerful — a single false report can cause lasting damage. Ethical journalism is more important than ever.”
He thanked NAIPE for the recognition, dedicating the award to his colleagues at FBS Reinsurance and the broader insurance community.
Earlier, the Chairman of NAIPE’s 2025 Annual Conference, Mr. Roland Okoro, praised Zakariyau for his transformational leadership and innovations during his tenure as President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) and as former Managing Director/CEO of Niger Insurance Plc.
Similarly, NAIPE Chairperson, Mrs. Nkechi Naeche-Esezobor, said Zakariyau’s name emerged unanimously among six distinguished recipients chosen to mark the association’s 10th annual conference.
“Your pedigree and impact in the insurance industry made this decision easy,” she said. “You’ve consistently demonstrated excellence in leadership and professionalism across every role you’ve held.”
With more than 40 years of experience in the insurance sector, Zakariyau has served on the boards of over 20 national and multinational institutions. A Fellow of multiple professional bodies, including the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria and the Institute of Directors, he has held key roles in government committees on insurance reform and regulation.
From his early days at Niger Insurance Plc, where he rose from General Manager to Managing Director and later Chairman, to his current position at FBS Reinsurance, Zakariyau has remained one of the most respected figures in Nigeria’s insurance landscape.
His message to the industry was clear: build with integrity, communicate with responsibility, and lead with purpose.
