Government after government picks Nigerians they believe will make impact, dare to be different and leave legacies that will mark out the administration they serve.
While some of the leaders have been unlucky in terms of their choices, by appointing people who not only failed to make meaningful impact but also generated controversies, others have been lucky in appointing the Okonjo Iwealas, the Akinwumis and the Akunyilis whose services became legacies on their own and impacted every nook and corner of Nigeria.
This administration has been lucky in picking some stars who seem to be tailor-made for Ministries and parastatals they head. Undoubtedly one of these is Barrister Oluseun Faleye, the Managing Director/CEO of Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF.
Today we celebrate a reformer, a servant-leader, and the man repositioning NSITF for Nigerian workers, Barr. Oluwaseun Faleye on the occasion of his birthday.
Since assuming office as MD/CEO, Barr. Faleye has brought renewed energy and direction to NSITF. Under his leadership, the Fund has refocused on its core mandate of protecting workers through prompt payment of compensation of insurance claims and improved claims processing.
He has driven aggressive compliance to expand the Employee Compensation Scheme, deepened transparency through digital reforms, and restored stakeholder confidence through engagement with labour, employers, and governments at various levels.
Barr. Faleye has also prioritized staff welfare, institutional discipline, and nationwide sensitization on the importance of social insurance. Today, NSITF is more responsive, more visible, and more trusted than before.
It is to his credit that workers who had hitherto been lackadaisical have woken up to the new challenge. They now know that the future of the organization is in their hands, not only in the hands of government appointees, and they have to build it hand in hand with management. The bullish approach to marketing which has taken workers’ insurance to most of the states of the federation, captured most federal ministries and parastatals have shown that the NSITF can surely live up to its billing as the workers’ last hope when tragedy befalls them. Prompt payment of claims has further strengthened belief in the institution.
There is no doubt that since its creation this is the first time the NSITF has stepped out of its shells to show workers what they have to offer those in both private and public sectors. All these have been ascribed to the type of leadership Oluwaseun Faleye offers.
As he adds another year, Abuja Reporters celebrate with him and pray God grants him sound health, wisdom and strength to do more for Nigerian workers. There is no doubt that Nigerian workers are better protected today because of his leadership.
Nkoyo Effiong Etim
