ICAN Nat’l President Inaugurates Omokemi Oladipo As Pioneer Chairman Of Lagelu District

…advocates for ethical practice, professionalism

The National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Chief Davidson Alaribe FCA, has inaugurated the Lagelu and District Society; a newly created district, and called on its pioneer leadership to prioritize mentorship as a key strategy to attract and retain new members.

Alaribe made this appeal during his speech before the official swearing in of Chief Mrs. Omokemi Oladipo FCA as the pioneer chairman of ICAN-Lagelu and District Society as well as other members of the pioneer executive committee.

The ICAN national president also used the occasion to officially naugurate the Lagelu District and Society as a new geographical district and 74th of the Institute with the aimed of enhancing ICAN’s outreach and expanding its influence in the southwestern part of Nigeria.

The inauguration and investiture of Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo FCA, held on Saturday, November 23 in Ibadan, and attracted numerous prominent personalities from the accounting and business communities.

Speaking at the event, the ICAN president who showered encomium on newly sworn in chairman of Lagelu District of the Institute, emphasized that mentorship plays a crucial role in guiding young accountants through their professional journeys and also helps them navigate the complexities of the accounting profession.

While stressing the need for the Lagelu District leadership to uphold ethical conduct, practice, and high level professionalism in the discharge of their duties, Alaribe urged Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo to actively engage in mentorship programs and education that will not only support the career growth of aspiring accountants but also create a sustainable pipeline of qualified professionals for the future.

He called on the pioneer executive members of Lagelu District and other members to cooperate and support Chief Mrs. Oladipo in her new designation, and to ensure that the ICAN brand in the district remains united and cohesive devoid of any form of divisive tendencies.

“Mentorship is at the heart of our profession’s growth. As we continue to expand and strengthen our membership base, we must focus on nurturing the next generation of accountants.

“By deepening a culture of mentorship, we can ensure that more young professionals, especially those who don’t even want to be stressed by the nitty gritty of accounting, are inspired and equipped to join ICAN and contribute to the growth of the profession.” Chief Alaribe said.

Keynote speaker, Mr Patterson Ariemuduigho (FCA), also emphasized the importance of maintaining unity of purpose and cohesiveness, which he said remains the strength of the Institute. He equally expressed confidence in Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo led leadership of the Lagelu District in driving the vision of ICAN to an enviable height.

The chairman of the day, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Oodua Investment Company Limited, Mr Abdulrahaman Yinusa (FCA), in his short address, congratulated the newly sworn in Lagelu District executive committee and assured that his company will continue to play its important role as a partner in progress to provide the needed support which also includes advisory role for both the national Institute and the new district.

One of the leaders of the Institute, Dr Oyebade Oyedepo, in his paper presentation titled: “Breaking Barriers; Expanding Frontiers” highlighted various types of barriers accountants encounter in the discharge of their duties to include internal and external, as well as the impacts of such barriers, while equally providing key guides to preventing and mitigating such barriers.

While highlighting some of the attributes required for breaking barriers in the profession to include courage, resilience, innovative thinking, strong determination and discipline, Dr Oyedepo expressed conviction that the Lagelu District of ICAN under the leadership of Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo would embrace the points raised in the paper to soar high beyond limit.

“I believe they can do it, particularly with the pedigree of the convener, Mr Biodun Adedeji (FCA) and the pioneer chairman Chief (Mrs.) Omokemi Oladipo FCA, I can attest to their outstanding performance and forthrightness.” Dr Oyedepo said.

In her acceptance speech, Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo, who was the immediate past chairman of Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Ibadan branch; the women wing of ICAN, thanked the national president of ICAN and other regional and zonal leaders for their physical presence at the event.

She expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and promised to work diligently towards the growth of the district. She reiterated her commitment to promoting ICAN’s core values, fostering a collaborative environment for members, and ensuring that the Lagelu District becomes a model of excellence in the accounting community.

She equally thanked the Institute and her colleagues for trusting her and expressing their confidence in her abilities with the new role of steering the affairs of the new ICAN district as a pioneer chairman, assuring that she would not let them down, while promising an inclusive governance to ensure all members have equal sense of belonging and participation.

While noting that her swearing in and official inauguration of the Lagelu District marked a significant milestone for ICAN in its mission to expand its influence and enhance the professional lives of accountants in the state and nation, Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo reaffirmed her commitment to uphold and preserve the reputation of the Institute as a respected brand while driving her vision forward.

She also assured that her committee will hit the ground running immediately in implementing her vision for the district. Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo said, she would lead her team to embark on outreach programs which encapsulate education, professional capacity building, physical wellness, medical outreach, among others.

She assured that her leadership would continue to maintain the integrity of the profession while leading by example in adherence to the ethical guidelines set forth by ICAN and ensuring that members of the district uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their practices.

“I am humbled by this opportunity and I promise to lead with integrity, transparency, and dedication. Together, we will ensure that the Lagelu District becomes a beacon of professionalism, where ethical practices are not just encouraged but ingrained in every member’s approach to their work.” She said.

Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo however, dedicated her career accomplishments to her husband; Chief Olabode Oladipo, the Bobadara of Osooro kingdom, Ikale, Ondo state, for believing in her dream and providing all the needed support and motivation to actualize her dream both in her professional career and at home as wife and mother.

Earlier, the Lubokun IV, Rebuja of Osooro kingdom, and royal father of the day, HRM, Oba Gbadebo Bajowa, who was represented by a high-powered delegation, expressed delight in the career achievements of Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo, describing her as a brilliant and leading light even as a little child.

As a result of her soaring influence and several selfless service to the people of Osooro kingdom and Ikale at large, the monarch announced the appointment of Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo as a member, Oba in-council of Osooro kingdom, while assuring her of his continuous support in all future endeavors.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Convener of the event, Mr Biodun Adedeji (FCA), Oloye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke (FCA), Mr Timothy Oyelami, and Deacon Titus Alao, praised the spirit of residence and determination towards career success being displayed by Chief Mrs. Oladipo and promised to continue to provide support for her wherever and whenever needed.

The event featured a series of presentations on the importance of ethical accounting practices and the role of chartered accountants in national development. Experts in the field highlighted the need for accountants to continuously update their knowledge and skills in compliance with evolving technology and regulations while highlight of the event was presentation of awards to distinguished personalities in the profession.