The Sokoto State government has pledged to take proactive steps to ensure that more accountants from the state are enrolled as members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

The deputy accountant-general of the state, Junaidu Usman, made the pledge on Saturday in Sokoto after receiving an Award of Excellence from the ICAN Sokoto and District Society during the investiture of its new executive committee.

Oluwakayode Adeboye was inaugurated as the seventh chairman of the ICAN Sokoto and District Society, alongside other executive members who will pilot the affairs of the society for the next year.

Mr Usman said the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu remained committed to strengthening capacity in the public finance sector through professional development.

“I am assuring the people of Sokoto State that, by the grace of Allah, the governor will do everything possible to ensure that more people from the state are enrolled as members of ICAN,” he said.

He described the Award of Excellence as a call to greater service and a motivation to continue promoting accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.

According to him, professionalism among accountants is critical to the successful implementation of the state’s development agenda, particularly Mr Aliyu’s 9-Point Smart Agenda.

Mr Usman also encouraged young accountants in the state to take advantage of government support to obtain professional qualifications, noting that ICAN membership would enhance service delivery and strengthen financial discipline.

In her remarks, the 62nd President of ICAN, Queensley Sofuratu, described the investiture of the new leadership as another milestone in strengthening the institute and advancing professionalism.

Represented by the North-West District coordinator of ICAN, Babayo Shehu, Sofuratu said the seamless transition reflected the commitment of 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, Abdulkadir Farid, described the inauguration as a significant milestone for the Sokoto and District Society.

Mr Farid expressed confidence that the new executive committee would advance the objectives of the institute and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the accounting profession.

Earlier, the chairman of the Investiture Committee, Matthew Ayinla, said the event provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the outgoing leadership while ushering in a new era of purposeful service.

He urged members to renew their commitment to the ideals of accountability, transparency, excellence and service to humanity.

In his valedictory speech, the outgoing chairman of the society, Ganiyu Mustapha, thanked members for their trust, loyalty and unwavering support throughout his tenure.

Mr Mustapha pledged continued support for the new leadership and urged members to embrace innovation, strengthen professional engagement and uphold the institute’s core values of integrity, accountability, excellence and service.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Adeboye pledged to build a vibrant, innovative, ethical and globally competitive district society capable of producing world-class professionals to meet emerging global challenges.

He assured members that his administration would be inclusive, consultative and responsive throughout its tenure.

Mr Adeboye also appreciated members and stakeholders for their support, expressing confidence that the society would attain greater heights through collective commitment.

The ceremony was held under the theme: “Accounting Beyond Borders: Strengthening Professional Leadership in an Era of Geopolitics and Regional Integration.”

Among the officials inaugurated were Matthew Ayinla (Vice Chairman), Bello Ganiyu (General Secretary), Latifat Alagbada (Financial Secretary), Abednego Leo (Treasurer) and Mary Ezeji (Assistant Secretary).

Others are Taiwo Atanda (Technical Secretary), Aki Akabom (Welfare/Publicity Secretary), Ayinka Obatoye (SWAN Representative), Ganiyu Mustapha (Ex-Officio I), Ismaeel Sulaiman (Ex-Officio II) and Yusuf Olatunji (Ex-Officio III). 

(NAN)