The Sokoto State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the accounting profession by supporting more indigenes to become members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
The Deputy Accountant-General of the state, Alhaji Junaidu Usman, gave the assurance on Saturday in Sokoto after receiving an Award of Excellence during the investiture of the new executive committee of the ICAN Sokoto and District Society.
At the ceremony, Mr Oluwakayode Adeboye was inaugurated as the seventh Chairman of the society alongside other executive members who will steer its affairs for the next one year.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the event, Usman said Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration remained committed to developing competent professionals capable of strengthening public financial management in the state.
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“By the grace of Allah, Governor Ahmed Aliyu will do everything possible to ensure that more people from Sokoto State are enrolled as members of ICAN.
“We believe professional accountants are critical to promoting transparency, accountability and effective service delivery,” he said.
He described the Award of Excellence as both an honour and a challenge to continue serving with integrity.
“This recognition is a motivation for me to do more. It is a reminder that we must continue to uphold the highest standards of accountability and transparency in the management of public resources,” Usman added.
The Deputy Accountant-General noted that professional competence among accountants would play a vital role in the successful implementation of the state’s 9-Point Smart Agenda, urging young accountants to take advantage of government support to acquire professional qualifications.
The 62nd President of ICAN, Mrs Queensley Sofuratu, represented by the institute’s North-West District Coordinator, Malam Babayo Shehu, described the investiture as another milestone in strengthening the institute and advancing professionalism across the country.
“This seamless transition reflects the commitment of our members to transparency, unity and dedicated service.
“ICAN will continue to promote sound professional standards and good governance that will strengthen the institute and contribute to national development,” she said.
Also speaking, the Zonal Head, North-West 4, Zenith Bank Plc, Alhaji Abdulkadir Farid, said the inauguration marked a significant milestone for the Sokoto and District Society.
He expressed confidence that the new executive committee would advance the objectives of the institute and further strengthen the accounting profession.
Earlier, Chairman of the Investiture Committee, Mr Matthew Ayinla, said the occasion celebrated the achievements of the outgoing leadership while ushering in a new era of purposeful service.
He urged members to remain committed to the institute’s ideals of accountability, transparency, excellence and service to humanity.
In his valedictory address, the outgoing Chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Mustapha, appreciated members for their loyalty and support throughout his tenure.
“I thank every member for the confidence reposed in my administration. I urge you to continue supporting the new leadership as we uphold the core values of integrity, accountability, excellence and service,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Chairman, Mr Oluwakayode Adeboye, pledged to build a vibrant, innovative and globally competitive district society.
“Our vision is to build a district society that is vibrant, ethical, innovative and capable of producing world-class professionals.
“We will operate an inclusive, consultative and responsive administration while positioning our members for emerging global opportunities,” Adeboye said.
He thanked members and stakeholders for their confidence, expressing optimism that the society would attain greater heights through collective commitment.
The investiture was held under the theme,
“Accounting Beyond Borders: Strengthening Professional Leadership in an Era of Geopolitics and Regional Integration.”
Other officials inaugurated include Matthew Ayinla (Vice Chairman), Bello Ganiyu (General Secretary), Hajiya Latifat Alagbada (Financial Secretary), Abednego Leo (Treasurer), Dr Mary Ezeji (Assistant Secretary), Taiwo Atanda (Technical Secretary), Aki Akabom (Welfare/Publicity Secretary), Mrs Ayinka Obatoye (SWAN Representative), Ganiyu Mustapha (Ex-Officio I), Ismaeel Sulaiman (Ex-Officio II), and Yusuf Olatunji (Ex-Officio III).
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