ICAN 60th president charges female accountants on economic, social, political development

The Diamond President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Chief Davidson Alaribe has urged female accountants to actively engage in the economic, social and political development of Nigeria.

Alaribe gave the charge during a presidential luncheon organised for him by the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) on Saturday in Lagos.

He stated that women’s voices in political decision-making are more crucial than ever in shaping a balanced and progressive future.

The ICAN president said gender diversity enriches decision-making processes and strengthens both the institute and our nation.

“According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, Nigeria ranks 123rd out of 146 countries in its Global Gender Gap (GGG) index.

“This indicates one of the widest gender gaps in politics, with women significantly underrepresented in decision-making positions despite constituting nearly half of Nigeria’s population,”he said.

Alaribe implored SWAN members to remain steadfast in their commitment to exceptional leadership and professional development and professional excellence.
The ICAN president noted that the world today demands strong, ethical leaders who can navigate complex challenges and drive positive change.

He said: “As accounting professionals, we have a unique responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the society.

“I encourage our female members to embrace this responsibility, leveraging their perspectives and insights to influence key decision-making processes across various sectors.

“Your voices are essential in shaping a future grounded in diversity.

The ICAN president further commended the Society for leveraging its expertise to benefit the society and for its significant contributions to ICAN and the advancement of female professionals in Nigeria.

He explained that as a district of ICAN with a distinguished history of over four decades in nurturing and championing the interests of female chartered accountants in Nigeria, SWAN has earned a well-deserved reputation for excellence within the accounting profession.

Alaribe lauded the national body of SWAN ably led by Mrs. Hilda Ozoh, for organizing the annual luncheon in his honour, noting that the recognition holds great significance for him.

He assured the female accountants that ICAN highly values their contribution and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all members, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities to thrive.

In her address, SWAN’s National Chairperson, Mrs Hilda Ozoh, assured the 60th ICAN president of the total commitment of the female accountants to his administration.

Ozoh emphasised that SWAN members are readily available to assist the ICAN president in any way necessary for a successful impact throughout his tenure.

She added that the luncheon was uniquely and specially packaged for Alaribe because he is worthy to be celebrated .

According to her, Alaribe, is a quiet and easy going yet very understanding person who has been a good friend of SWAN from way back.

The SWAN’s national chairperson mentioned that the riddles and proverbs of Alaribe are indeed enough words of wisdom for the discerning ear.

“You have started well, you are doing well and will also finish well.

“Today is a day of merriment, celebration and rejoicing, on that note I want to enjoin us all to relax and enjoy all the fun that the SWAN Presidential Luncheon Committee has lined up for us.

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all of you who generously helped us make this event come together to become a success.Your financial, moral, physical supports are not taken for granted,”she said.

In a presentation titled: Strategy of Stress Resilience in High Achieving Women, the Guest speaker, Mrs Oyekemi Ajayi advised the female accountants to build and maintain a strong support system, while being responsible in building a career.

Ajayi also charged SWAN members to among other things, value themselves and family, manage their time, practice gratitude and positive thinking, engage in continuous learning and professional development,as well as build a chain of mentors.

On the sidelines of the event, the society’s current executives presented award of recognition to past chairperson of SWAN and presented to gift to the ICAN president.