Saturday, September 12, was a special day for the family, friends, and well-wishers of Dr. Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi, as the charming leader marked the 64th year of what has turned out to be a remarkable journey.
In a way, Akin Ogunbiyi’s achievements resonate with the attributes of a Renaissance man. His path has been remarkably diverse, blending enterprise in commerce with selfless community service, before extending those values into the murky waters of Nigerian politics. Many actually think that such volatile terrain is beneath a man of his outstanding accomplishments.
In defence of Ogunbiyi’s entry into the arena, we should recall Plato’s admonition that “If you do not enter into politics, you will be (mis)ruled by your inferiors.” The birthday honouree is quite correct to have made a go at politics, for one can’t be complaining about the ineptitude of governance without throwing his hat into the ring. His career is important to recall because it shows that he has a second address, distinctive from politics. This is very important in a country where politics is now incorrectly seen as a career and not what it ought to be – a vocation. It is interesting to note that yesterday’s titans had independent standing, showing that his incursion into politics follows an endearing historical path.
Born in Ile-Ogbo, Osun State, Ogunbiyi cut his professional teeth in Lagos during his National Youth Service Corps at Promoserve, followed by a brief stint with Askars Insurance Brokers. By 1988, he had joined the National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria as a research officer. Leaving the corporation in 1992 to co-found Finance & Insurance Experts, he became the founding Managing Director of VTL Insurance Brokers in 1993.
When the celebrant went on to establish Mutual Benefits Assurance in 1995, it was a move that was pivotal in consolidating what might be described as a “new wave” in the insurance sector. The company established itself with remarkable success based on creativity, savvy marketing, and the pioneering of new concepts and products relevant to a rapidly modernizing society. The achievements are sincerely enduring and far-reaching, and can be seen by perusing the data from decades of the company’s annual reports.
A key attribute is that all the processes in which Ogunbiyi has been involved have been based on respect for good corporate governance. By placing such an emphasis on enduring structures and due process, the resilient economist and unapologetic philanthropist really swam against the tide to birth something that will endure. He made a mark, earning great admiration for his professional proficiency and high ethical standards. This is a very important attribute in a country in which the insurance sector – though a natural cornerstone of a modern economy – has historically struggled for central relevance.
The insurance sector should be a vital pillar of the financial services platform. This is sadly not so, because of the great reputational damage done to the image of the sector decades ago. It is therefore deeply encouraging that shrewd technocrats like Ogunbiyi were attracted to revitalize the industry and re-establish its public image, thereby deepening its impact and relevance.
At 64, Ogunbiyi’s run for the Osun West senatorial seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not a hunt for title or status. Rather, it represents the practical extension of this life of public service.
May Akin Ogunbiyi’s light shine so bright that darkness cannot understand it!
May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!
