The President and Chairman of Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Hajiya Queensley Sofuratu Seghosime, has called for deeper accountability, stronger governance and greater professional impact to drive sustainable development.

 

Similarly, the Rivers State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Kenneth Lekue, said governments at all levels are under increasing pressure to deliver more with limited resources, making innovation, accountability and sound financial planning critical to achieving growth.

 

He noted that chartered accountants play a critical role in promoting fiscal discipline, prudent public financial management and effective governance across both public and private sectors.

 

They spoke at the investiture of the second Chairman of the ICAN Trans-Amadi & District Society, Ms. Erhunmwunsee Eunice Ofure, and the inauguration of the 2026/2027 Executive Committee in Port Harcourt.

 

Seghosime urged the new leadership of the Trans-Amadi & district society to align its programmes with ICAN’s strategic agenda, stressing the need to transform professional activities into measurable value for members, students and the wider society.

 

She described district societies as key platforms for translating the institute’s vision into practical impact, while urging the new executives to prioritise innovation, sustainability, technology adoption, members’ welfare and student development.

 

Lekue said the investiture reaffirmed the core values of integrity, competence, transparency and service that define the accounting profession.

 

The commissioner urged the new executive to mentor young professionals, embrace technological advancement and uphold ethical standards to prepare members for emerging challenges and opportunities in the global economy.

 

He also encouraged ICAN to sustain its advocacy for accountability, good governance and financial literacy, noting that stronger institutions would enhance investor confidence and support sustainable economic development.

 

In her acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Chairman of ICAN Trans-Amadi & District Society, Ms. Ofure, unveiled a five-point agenda focused on continuous professional development, improved members’ welfare and mentorship, increased visibility for the district, youth development through the “Catch Them Young” initiative, and the establishment of a befitting district secretariat.

 

Ms. Ofure, whose administration is themed “Strengthening Our Profession, Securing Our Future,” said the agenda reflects her commitment to building a stronger professional community while creating opportunities for future generations.

 

She appealed for members’ and stakeholders’ support through active participation, partnerships and financial contributions, particularly towards acquiring land for a permanent secretariat and implementing scholarship programmes, youth empowerment initiatives and health outreach projects.

 

The investiture marked the formal transition of leadership to Ms. Ofure as the second Chairman of the ICAN Trans-Amadi & District Society, with stakeholders expressing confidence that her administration would build on the foundation laid by the pioneer leadership while advancing the ideals of professionalism, accountability and excellence.