AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
The President and Chairman of Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Hajiya Queensley Sofuratu Seghosime, has called on members of the Oluyole and District Society to support the newly elected executive committee led by Dr. Olawale Samson Dopemu in order to sustain innovation and growth within the district.
Seghosime made the call during the investiture of the chairman and inauguration of the new executive committee in Ibadan, stressing that collaboration between members and leaders remained crucial to the continued development of the district society and the accounting profession.
The ICAN President, who assumed office as the 62nd President of the Institute on June 2, 2026, urged the new executive members to remain committed to the oath of leadership they had taken, noting that perseverance and dedication were key virtues of chartered accountants.
“I am aware that there will be challenging periods ahead; however, just as perseverance and commitment are hallmarks of a Chartered Accountant, let these values guide your decisions, strengthen your resolve, and sustain your service throughout your tenure,” she said.
Congratulating Dopemu on his emergence as chairman, Seghosime described his election as a reflection of his leadership qualities, professional competence, credibility and commitment to service, expressing confidence that his administration would leave a lasting impact on the district society and the profession.
She also commended the immediate past chairman, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Nwadike, for laying a solid foundation for the district, which was established less than two years ago.
According to her, the district has demonstrated remarkable growth and aligned itself with ICAN’s strategic objectives despite its relatively short existence.
The ICAN President announced the appointment of Dr. Gbenga Omidiji as the new District Coordinator for the Oluyole and District Society while expressing appreciation to Mrs. Olufunmilayo Ajoke Olaniyi for her service over the past year.
She further praised the district’s commitment to ICAN’s “Catch Them Young” initiative, describing it as a strategic investment in the future of the accounting profession.
Reflecting on her recent assumption of office, Seghosime noted that district societies remained critical to implementing the institute’s strategic objectives at the grassroots level.
She charged the new executive committee to align its programmes with ICAN’s strategic doctrine, “WE ARE ICAN!”, and establish measurable targets in areas such as student growth, membership engagement, technical activities, corporate social responsibility and stakeholder relations.
The ICAN President also urged members of the district to actively support the new leadership and mobilise participation for the 56th Annual Accountants’ Conference scheduled to hold later this year in Abuja.
In his acceptance speech, Dopemu called on accountants to embrace emerging technologies, strengthen ethical standards and play a more active role in promoting transparency amid Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape.
He said the accounting profession remains a critical pillar of national development, especially at a time when digital transformation, global tax reforms, sustainability reporting and financial accountability are reshaping business and governance practices.
Dopemu pledged to prioritise capacity building through seminars, technical sessions and workshops focusing on digital taxation, forensic accounting, sustainability reporting, International Financial Reporting Standards updates and public sector reforms.
“Our goal is to ensure that every member remains globally competitive, professionally confident and future-ready,” he said.
The chairman also promised to strengthen member engagement, uphold integrity and professionalism, expand partnerships with government agencies, academic institutions and corporate organisations, and promote financial literacy, youth mentorship and community development programmes.
Earlier, in her valedictory speech, the pioneer chairman of the district, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Nwadike, said the society recorded significant growth and institutional development during her tenure.
She disclosed that membership grew from 104 at inception to 246 members, while 11 cluster groups were established to promote networking and stronger relationships among members.
Nwadike said the district developed its website and digitised membership records within 60 days of inauguration, a feat she described as one of the fastest digital developments among newly created ICAN districts.
She added that the district organised 19 technical sessions and implemented a robust Catch-Them-Young Initiative, including an inter-school competition involving five secondary schools and 11 career talks aimed at encouraging young people to pursue careers in accounting.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Investiture Central Planning Committee, Mr. Simon Awotoye, described the event as a reaffirmation of the district’s commitment to professionalism, integrity, accountability and service.
The ceremony, held at Sunlight Royal Event Centre, Oluyole, Ibadan, attracted a large gathering of members, associates, partners, friends and family members.
As part of activities marking the investiture, the ICAN President and members of the Council paid courtesy visits to Nigerian Eagle Flour Mills and Lead City University, Ibadan.
During the visits, Seghosime called for deeper collaboration between professional bodies and key institutions to strengthen professional, educational and economic development.
At Lead City University, she commended the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, research and entrepreneurial development, noting that more than 151 tertiary institutions across Nigeria currently enjoy ICAN accreditation.
She also encouraged the university community to participate in ICAN’s 56th Annual Accountants’ Conference themed, ‘Beyond Numbers: Strengthening the Economy, Securing the Nation.’
Speaking during the visit to Nigerian Eagle Flour Mills, the General Manager of Nigerian Eagle Flour Mills and Premier Feeds Mill, Mr. Elias Chamchoum, commended ICAN for adding value to the companies through its members.
He, however, lamented challenges facing the feed and flour industry, citing rising electricity tariffs, declining product quality, shrinking sales volumes and difficulties faced by maize farmers.
At Lead City University, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Aderemi Adeyemo, expressed appreciation for the visit and pledged continued collaboration with ICAN in advancing professional development and research.
The investiture activities also featured a golf tournament held at the Ibadan Golf Club, Onireke, Ibadan.
The newly inaugurated exco members include Awotoye Olayiwola Simon, Vice Chairman, Tolulope Adenike Olatoyan, General Secretary; Abosede Popoola, Treasurer; Olasunkanmi Alabi Olawale, Financial Secretary; Fagbola Temitope Adeniyi, Technical Secretary; Ayodeji Olayemi Olusola, Welfare Secretary; and Adewoyin Mojisola Membership Secretary.
Others are Oyekunle Akinjide, Assistant General Secretary; Msan-Ulori Elizabeth Omolade, SWAN Representative/Coordinator; Giwa Shekinah Adepeju, Ex-Officio; Adelabu Adegboye Ex-Officio; Tella Akinwale, Social/Publicity Secretary; and Toyin Nwadike, Ex Chairman.
