Consolidated Hallmark Holdings Plc (CHH) has announced the 13th edition of its Annual Essay Competition, reinforcing its commitment to education, industry development, and thought leadership within Nigeria’s insurance sector. This year’s theme emphasises the Competition to Deepen Insurance Awareness.
Since its launch in 2011, the competition has grown into one of the country’s leading academic platforms for advancing insurance education, and stands out as a key Competition to Deepen Insurance Awareness.
According to a statement, the financial services group has invested over ₦40 million in the initiative, rewarding outstanding essays from tertiary institution students while promoting intellectual engagement and critical thinking.
According to the company, the competition has not only provided financial incentives but has also helped “stimulate intellectual engagement, encourage critical thinking and deepen awareness of the role of insurance in economic development.” In fact, the Competition to Deepen Insurance Awareness is designed to enhance understanding of insurance’s impact nationwide.
The 2026 edition introduces two categories aimed at encouraging both internal reflection and broader industry dialogue.
The internal category, open to employees across the group, is themed “Re-enacting CHH Corporate Culture and Brand Identity: Why It Really Matters.” It seeks to inspire staff to reflect on how the organisation’s values shape their daily actions, professional conduct, and customer relationships. Moreover, this aligns with the broader goals of the Competition to Deepen Insurance Awareness.
The External Category, designed for students in tertiary institutions offering insurance-related programmes, is themed “Economic Hardship: Effect on Disposable Income and Demand for Insurance.” Participants are expected to analyse how economic realities affect household spending and insurance uptake, while suggesting practical solutions to improve financial protection.
Speaking at a pre-award press conference, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Eddie Efekoha, emphasised the broader significance of the initiative, stating, “Economic hardship is not merely a statistic; it is lived reality in homes across Nigeria.”
He added, “Yet within constraint lies creativity. We are challenging our brightest Insurance and Actuarial Science students to move beyond describing the problem and provide bold, evidence-based thinking that charts realistic pathways toward wider insurance adoption and stronger household security.”
Efekoha further described the competition as “seed capital for ideas,” noting that it has the potential to influence innovation and shape thinking within the insurance industry.
Managing Director of Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Limited, Mary Adeyanju, highlighted the company’s long-term vision for the sector.
“Sustainable growth in insurance requires ideas, research and professionals who understand the realities of our market. Through this competition, we are bridging the gap between the classroom and the industry while encouraging solutions that strengthen trust and accessibility in insurance,” she said.
To reward excellence, winners in the national category will receive ₦1,000,000 for first place, ₦750,000 for the first runner-up, and ₦500,000 for the second runner-up.
According to the statement, the winners will be unveiled at an award ceremony scheduled for April 13, 2026, at Workforce Group, where finalists, academic representatives, industry leaders, parents, and members of the media are expected to attend.
In a special highlight, winners from the previous edition whose recognition was postponed will also be honoured. Organisers say this will make the 2026 ceremony “a double celebration of academic excellence.”
The competition is open to 300-level and HND1 students and above studying Insurance or Actuarial Science. Entries must be original, typed with double-line spacing, and referenced using APA style.
Submissions are to be made through Heads of Department of Insurance, with each institution forwarding its top three essays. The deadline for entries is April 11, 2026.
Written By Olusegun Obisanya
