Risk Management Professional Charts New Path in Insurance Sector

By Salami Adeyinka

The insurance industry in Nigeria has long grappled with the challenge of balancing rapid growth with robust risk management frameworks. As companies expand their portfolios and navigate increasingly complex regulatory landscapes, the need for professionals who can bridge operational efficiency with compliance has never been more critical.

Olawole Akomolafe is making her mark in this evolving space at Goldlink Insurance Plc, where he has recently taken on the role of Risk and Compliance Officer. His approach centers on a belief that risk management shouldn’t be viewed as a hindrance to business operations but rather as an enabler of sustainable growth. “Organizations often see compliance as a box-checking exercise,” Olawole explains, “but when you integrate risk assessment into your strategic planning, you create a foundation for long-term resilience.”

Since joining Goldlink Insurance in September, Olawole has been instrumental in developing comprehensive risk management strategies that go beyond traditional compliance measures. His work focuses on proactive identification and assessment of potential risks before they materialize into costly incidents. This forward-thinking approach has already begun to yield results, with early indicators showing a marked improvement in the company’s risk profile.

What sets Olawole apart is his commitment to building a culture of compliance from the ground up. He has initiated training sessions and awareness programs designed to educate employees at all levels about risk and compliance protocols. “You can have the best policies in the world,” he notes, “but if your team doesn’t understand why they matter or how to implement them, they’re just words on paper.” His educational initiatives have been particularly well-received, with employees reporting greater clarity about their roles in maintaining the company’s risk management standards.
His professional background includes an Associate Membership with the Institute of Chartered Economics of Nigeria, which he earned in 2008, and a Higher National Diploma in Banking and Finance from The Polytechnic Ibadan. These credentials, combined with his recent certification as a Certified Risk and Compliance Management Professional from the International Association of Risk and Compliance Professionals, position his as a rising authority in the field.

Olawole’s methodology involves close collaboration with internal teams to establish and enhance policies, procedures, and controls that mitigate risks across various operational areas. He works alongside department heads to identify vulnerabilities in existing systems and develop targeted interventions that address specific challenges. This collaborative approach has proven effective in fostering buy-in from stakeholders who might otherwise view compliance measures as bureaucratic obstacles.

Looking ahead, Olawole is focused on monitoring emerging trends in risk and compliance, ensuring that Goldlink Insurance remains ahead of regulatory changes and industry best practices. He regularly provides updates and recommendations to the leadership team, helping to inform strategic decisions that balance growth ambitions with prudent risk management.

As the insurance sector continues to evolve, professionals like Olawole represent a new generation of risk managers who understand that protecting an organization’s integrity is inseparable from enabling its success. His work at Goldlink Insurance demonstrates how thoughtful, proactive risk management can transform compliance from a defensive necessity into a strategic advantage.