The 17th edition of the Diamonds Awards for Media Excellence, DAME held at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers on November 30, 2008, was by every standard an event of class and panache. The occasion was graced by captains of industries, insurance buffs and so many other top dignitaries from all walks of life.
The Chief organizer and Administrator of the award event, Mr. Lanre Idowu thanked all those, (Corporate organizations and individuals) who have helped in ensuring that the award ceremony is still being held on an annual basis since its inception 17 years ago.
Three distinguished Nigerians were honoured with the lifetime achievement award. They include, Dr. Chris Kolade, CON, Chief Olusegun Olusola, OON, and Mr. Ted Mukoro. The recipients were recognized for their various contributions to the development and growth of the media industry in Nigeria.
The Sovereign Trust Insurance plc award for the best insurance correspondent for 2008 went to Mr. Sola Alabadan of The Independent Newspaper. In receiving his award, the winner thanked the organizers of the award ceremony for putting in place a platform for journalists to develop themselves professionally knowing full well the position they occupy in the society as watchdogs.
He went further to pour gracious encomiums on Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, for undertaking the insurance category award in perpetuity. In his words, “I am delighted that a company like Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc whose posture and stature in the insurance industry is of no mean consequence has taken it upon itself to endorse the insurance correspondent award for media excellence in Nigeria. It shows that the company identifies with us and our aspirations in life. “
The representative of the Management at the event, Mr. Sammy Ogbodu, reiterated the company’s commitment to the development and promotion of the insurance industry in the country. He opined that the relationship between the insurance correspondents and the various insurance companies is symbiotic and as such full encouragement should be given to them at all levels.