By Henry Uche
Against the belief by some Christian faithful that insurance is of no value to mankind, the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) has urged believers of Christ in Nigeria to conscientiously espouse insurance cover as a necessity, given the precarious time the world found itself.
NCRIB made this known at its 60th anniversary thanksgiving service recently held at the Surulere Baptist Church, Lagos to propagate importance of insurance to the Christian faithful.
While trying to disabuse the minds of such Christian faithful, the President of the Council, Mr Rotimi Edu, said, against pernicious religious beliefs held by many Christians, Insurance still stands as the main risk mitigating device against unforeseen circumstances which affect people on a daily basis.
Edu who expressed sadness over this erroneous beliefs impeding the spread of insurance in Nigeria country, noted that most of such beliefs were misguided as insurance remains a sure avenue to secure the peace of mind which is part of the assurance of faith for Christians.
Edu opined that insurance could be fully maximized if only registered Insurance Brokers who are renowned in risk management are engaged for services prospective or potential insurance clients across the country
“NCRIB remained the umbrella body that enforces ethics and professionalism among the Brokers with a view to positioning them to serve the insurance publics better,” he affirmed.
In a interview with some Christian faithful thereafter, some believers maintained that though Christ has promised His followers divine protection and guidance, however it’s imperative for humans to buy- in into insurance practice.
A Christian, Ikechukwu Azomaukwu affirmed that he has a number of insurance policies for various risks coverage with different insurers. According to him, there is nothing wrong for a Christian to hold an insurance policy. “Yes we believe in the almightiness of God and we know He has the power to save us from any form of danger or accidents, but we are human and we are meant to be cautious and act proactively against the evil days (which we don’t pray for) but the wind of calamities may affect anybody despite your religion and believe.
“The recent floods ravaging many states in the country is a typical example of why we should not be too religious or churchy about insurance. Wisdom is profitable to direct, God has never ask us to be foolish while we follow Him,” he asseverated.
Azomaukwu however called for honesty, transparency and justice from insurance Brokers, Agents and other critical stakeholders in the insurance value chain, noting that such virtues are the bedrock upon which people can see the importance of insurance and key in wholeheartedly. “If people still see dishonesty and foul play by insurers, Agents, Brokers and others in the value chain, then people are forced to stand aloof from insurance” he maintained.
Another disciple of Christ, Mercy Kanu, posited that though she has no insurance cover of any kind, however, she does not vilify insurance nor stop anyone from subscribing to it. “I believe God is the ultimate guardian, nevertheless, I don’t deter anyone from insuring his Life or property. Insurance practice is not a sin, the holy book admonish us to be wise as a serpent,” she asserted.