DR. AHMED SALAWUDEEN (INSURANCE BROKER)
Interviewed by Funke Olaode
How does your seeming humility impact on your impressive resume?
It is a reflection of my personality. Again, being a Moslem, Islam teaches humility. One needs to be humane. Why do people make noise? Is it to draw unnecessary attention to themselves? I think the most important thing or the purpose of our existence as a being is to touch lives. The Yorubas have an adage that it is an empty drum that makes the loudest noise. That isn’t part of me. And despite one’s achievement, it is God that made it happen.
How would you describe your growing up?
I am from Oyo State. My growing up was wonderful. I grew up in a good Moslem home where we were taught the tenets of Islam. My childhood and education started here in Nigeria before I moved to England where I worked and lived over the years.
What were your parents during your childhood?
My parents were farmers. In fact, my father was an Imam of an area. My growing up revolved around farming and learning the doctrine of Islam. Today, I have a PhD in Insurance from self-effort. For instance, the parents only push you up to secondary school after which you look for a job to support your academic ambitions. I am an ambitious person who believes education is very important.
Why did you pitch your tent with Insurance?
It is my primary profession. It is something I have devoted my entire career life to. I graduated from the College of Insurance in London having qualified as a Chartered insurance practitioner in 1976. I have not looked back in the last 38 years. I hold a doctorate degree in management specialising in Insurance from the Commonwealth University of Belize. I also hold a certificate of professional studies in strategic leadership from the same university.
When did your career kick off?
It was in England. I started my career with the Royal Insurance Group at Chancery Lane in London. I also had a brief stint with British Engine in Manchester and the Royal Marine Insurance Department in Liverpool before setting up my own company; Standard Insurance Consultant Limited. We specialise in Energy Insurance Placement, Aviation and Space, Marine and General Insurance. So, I sleep, breath and eat insurance. In a way, it is my life.
What was your aspiration while growing up?
I grew up under a father who was a Moslem scholar. While growing up, my only ambition was to be somebody in life.
You mean the idea of becoming an Islamic cleric never crossed your mind?
Not really. My siblings and I enjoyed our lives under the tutelage of a cleric father. Today, we are rooted in the word of God and we do His will. As I said, I embraced my religion wholeheartedly but everybody cannot be a scholar.
What is your philosophy of life?
My philosophy of life is to make sure you love others as you love yourself. I also believe that you should do good unto people.
What has life taught you?
Life has taught me to love other people. And that is what we need in this country. If there is love, there will be peace and there will be peaceful co-existence. There is a lot of acrimony but with love, we shall overcome.
Are there things you would have done differently?
Nothing really; most of the time I thank God Almighty that I achieved my set goals, from a humble beginning, son of a farmer who got the highest academic qualification one can dream of by dint of hard work and help of God. What else do I want in life?
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