New ICAN chair vows to strengthen accountants’ technical skills

The new Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye and District Society of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Olofinsawe Alaba, says technical proficiency and professional adaptability would be the pillars of his administration.

Alaba made this pledge following his election at the investiture ceremony held on Sunday at the Council Secretariat of the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, which ushered in the new executive committee for the 2026/2027 chairmanship year.

Delivering his acceptance speech following his inauguration as the second chairman of the district society, Alaba stated, “The relevance of every chartered accountant depends on continuous learning, adaptability, and a commitment to professional excellence in an ever-evolving business environment.”

He outlined immediate plans to equip members with modern financial tools, promising to anchor robust educational sessions focusing on emerging corporate landscape shifts, noting, “Our administration will deliver more robust technical sessions focusing on emerging financial reporting standards, tax reforms, regulatory updates, public sector accountability, digital transformation, and other contemporary issues shaping the accounting profession.”

Olofinsawe added that his committee remained fiercely dedicated to driving communal progress, networking, and professional visibility.

“We will work assiduously to strengthen members’ participation in ICAN programmes while creating innovative, member-focused initiatives that promote collaboration, visibility, knowledge sharing, networking, and professional growth”, he said.

Reflecting on the foundations laid before him, the new chairman praised his predecessor, Akinsola Titilayo, acknowledging her blueprint as the catalyst for the district’s expansion.

He said, “As your second chairman, I accept this responsibility with humility, courage, and unwavering commitment, not merely to preserve this legacy but to expand and elevate it. Together, we will build a stronger, more vibrant, and professionally rewarding district society.”

Endorsing the new leadership, the 62nd President of ICAN and Chairman of Council, Hadjia Queensley Seghosime, lauded the rapid local impact of the young district before setting operational targets for the incoming executives.

She charged them to “prioritise membership engagement, membership growth, and professional development, and develop strategic plans that align with the vision and direction of the national body of the Institute.”

Hadjia Seghosime expressed absolute faith in the new team, describing them as highly competent professionals fully capable of advancing ICAN’s core values.

Stepping down after a successful founding tenure, the pioneer chairman, Akinsola Titilayo, expressed gratitude to the district’s members, noting that the society’s growth proved what vision could accomplish.

“From the birth of our guiding policies to the execution of landmark programmes, we have proven that a young district can rise to prominence through vision, teamwork, and commitment. Our achievements speak loudly of a society determined to blaze the trail of excellence”, she said.

Akinsola concluded by encouraging members to extend the same dedication to the incoming executive committee as they drive the district toward greater milestones.

The event drew an audience of distinguished accounting icons, ICAN executives, government officials, and stakeholders across the financial sector.