BY: Adeboye Abiodun
Accounting practitioners in Nigeria have been urged to see themselves as pacesetter of good governance in the country.
The advice was given by Ambassador Tunji Olagunju, who was the Guest Speaker at the 17th Conferment of Fellowship Status on Institute of Chattered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) certified accountants who had attained the status ten years ago.
The former Ambassador of Nigeria to South Africa and Minister of Internal Affairs during General Ibrahim Babangida military administration noted that the fight against corruption should be championed by accountants whose job is to be proactive in financial administrations, as he added that they must do so with probity.
Alhaji Rasak Jaiyeola, the 57th President of ICAN, while giving his speech at the event held at ICAN Centre, Lagos, corroborated the Ambassador Olagunju’s admonition as he charged the inductees to live up to the billings of ICAN Motto – accuracy and integrity.
Mr Jaiyeola, who had his first degree in Chemistry from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and now have four of his children as Chattered Accountants with two of them conferred with ICAN Fellows already, noted that the business environment is fast pacing away from analogue to digital.
According to him, ICAN as a major stakeholder in the economy of Nigeria must utilise the technology advancement to deliver better and faster financial tasks, adding that ‘’ICAN must reconnect with other sectors and thereby translate the business environment.’’
He noted that Uber, a multinational city transport firm, does not own a single vehicle but rides on the ease of doing business as offered by internet to deliver cutting edge transport service.
Alhaji Jaiyeola said ICAN would not be left out ‘’because business models are changing seriously’’, and to be at per with the development he added that ICAN would be organising an accounting and technology submit, first of its kind in the country to be held at Oriental Hotel in May.
The Fellowship Status of ICAN is the highest a member can attain in his professional career as a Chattered Accountant. ICAN currently has a membership of 46,591 out of which 13,287 are fellows. At the event held on Tuesday at ICAN Centre, Lagos, 1,301 eligible Chattered Accountants were inducted and awarded the distinguished honour.
Mr Sesan Alabi FCA, one of the inductees, said the ‘’Conferment of fellowship is the highest pedestal for a Chartered Accountant, and I am highly elated to have achieved such feat.
‘’It is a recognition of extensive professional experience while upholding the cardinal of ICAN of accuracy and integrity. With this conferment I am more invigorated and committed to uphold professionalism in my sphere of influence.’’
Mr Alabi added that as a Director in his company, ‘’with this feat I’m more committed to add and create value in my function to build capacity for the company and conduct business with honesty, integrity and professionalism for others to emulate.’’
Sesan Alabi FCA is the Managing Director, Carbot & Hess Service Nig Ltd, with diverse experience in core areas of finance function, including strategic leadership, across several industries such as Oil and Gas, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), manufacturing, real estate among others.
Alabi FCA is a co-founder of Boxhall Consulting Limited and Elasoil Energy Limited.
