ICAN seeks support for standards as Osakwe-Ogo emerges LMDS chairman

President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Isma’lia Zakari, has urged its members, particularly those in the Lagos Mainland and District Society (LMDS) to adhere strictly to its new ethical standards.

Speaking at the investiture of Blessing Osakwe-Ogo as chairman of LMDS in Lagos, Zakari said the new standards set by the institute would enable members to exhibit high level of professionalism that would help the country win the war against corruption.

He explained that the new standards- the ‘Non-Compliance with Laws and Regulations (NOCLAR), would provide a clear pathway for auditors and accountants. “The benefit of the code is that it can disclose non-compliance situations to the appropriate public authorities without being constrained by the ethical duty of confidentiality.

“My message to the district is that they should continue with the standards for which they are known. Already, they are one of the foremost district societies in ICAN. We call on them to continue with what they have been doing,” he said.

Zakari, who added that the district remains one of the key chapters in the country, urged the new leadership to focus on capacity development of members and the goals of the district

Osakwe-Ogo, who is the second female to emerge chairman of the district, said she would prioritise capacity building for members and ensure that the district completes its ongoing building project.

Speaking on the state of the economy, Osakwe-Ogo charged members of the institute to promote activities that would add significantly to the country’s economy, particularly during economic recession.

She said the association would boost its revenue, launch initiatives on membership, prioritise welfare of members and community initiatives that would improve welfare of the people.

Former chairman of the district, Amobi Nwokafor, who said he has laid a good legacy in the institute, urged Nigerians to explore plans that would strengthen the Nigerian economy.

He lamented that the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari has been politicised.

“People are over emphasising the absence of President Buhari and they are linking it to the backwardness of the economy. They are not getting it right because nobody is indispensable. What is happening in Nigeria is giving us reasons to go back to the drawing board. If the President is not there, the country should still move forward,” Nwokafor added.