Aug 8, 2008 - 10 Year Anniversary Celebration Of Equity Life Insurance Company Limited
I wish to congratulate the Chairman, Mr. Akinsola Akinfemiwa OON, Board of Directors and the Management of Equity Life Insurance Company Ltd. on this occasion celebrating the 10th year anniversary of the company. For every business organisation, the first decade of existence especially in a developing economy such as ours is usually a period of great challenges.
Surviving these challenges, including series of reforms which the industry has passed through recently requires a focussed, disciplined, committed, creative and innovative leadership, management and other levels of staff of the organisation which in essence is what we are celebrating here today.
As a woman, I am particularly delighted to identify with Equity Life Insurance on this celebration because of the Insurance products for pregnant women tagged “No Woman No Cry”, one of the new products being presented to the general public today.
It is no doubt a very innovative product which will complement all efforts aimed at reducing the high maternal mortality rate thereby contributing towards the achievement of the 5th Millennium Development Goal.
Maternal mortality is a main issue in developing nations especially sub Sahara Africa as indicated by recent statistics which shows that more than 500,000 women die every year from complications of pregnancy and child birth. It shows further that more than 99 percent of these deaths occurred in developing countries particularly sub Sahara Africa.
This is a serious challenge which must be addressed not only by the government but also everyone including corporate organisations, non-governmental organisation and individuals. We need to contribute in every way we can to making pregnancy and process of childbirth safer for every woman. “No Women No Cry” a product of Equity Insurance Company Ltd. is designed to provide financial support for pregnant women in the event of unforeseen/unexpected complications during childbirth, is no doubt, one of the ways the issues of maternal mortality can be addressed.
I therefore wish to use this opportunity to encourage women to embrace this new product as a security against unforeseen emergencies that may occur during child birth.
Once again, I congratulate the Chairman, Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Equity Life Insurance Company Ltd. on the 10th anniversary celebration, the unveiling of new corporate brand and the launching of the company’s new products.
I thank you for your kind attention. God bless you all.
Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
First Lady of Lagos State