The President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Queensley Sofuratu Seghosime (FCA), has commended the pioneer Chairman of the Lagelu and District Society of the professional body, Chief (Mrs.) Omokemi Olufunke Oladipo (FCA), for laying a solid institutional foundation that has transformed one of the Institute’s youngest district societies into a vibrant professional body.
The commendation came at the investiture of the second Chairman of the district, Elder Patterson Ariemuduigho (FCA) held in Ibadan, where the pioneer administration formally handed over leadership after a successful tenure.
Represented by Dr. Tobi Abiola (FCA) the ICAN President described the seamless transition as a reflection of the Institute’s enduring culture of excellence, ethical leadership, accountability and institutional continuity.
She noted that the orderly transfer of leadership demonstrated the strength of ICAN’s governance structure and underscored members’ confidence in the district’s capacity to sustain its growth.
While congratulating Ariemuduigho on his emergence, the ICAN President said his election was a recognition of his competence, integrity and commitment to the accounting profession.
She urged the new chairman and his executive committee to consolidate the achievements of the pioneer administration while aligning the district’s programmes with the Institute’s presidential agenda, “We Are ICAN,” which prioritises professionalism, innovation, technology, sustainability, accountability and ethical leadership.
She also challenged the new leadership to deepen member engagement, strengthen corporate social responsibility initiatives, expand student development programmes and promote continuous professional education.
The President appealed to members of the district to support the new executive, stressing that sustainable institutional growth requires collective commitment, unity and shared responsibility.
Dr. Abiola apologised for the absence of the ICAN President, explaining that she was attending the forthcoming ICAN-USA Conference in the United States.
In her valedictory address, the pioneer Chairman, Chief (Mrs.) Oladipo, described the assignment of establishing the district from inception as challenging but deeply rewarding.
She recalled that her administration commenced with a clear vision of building a professionally vibrant, ethically driven and member-focused district capable of contributing meaningfully to the growth of the Institute.
According to her, the administration established a robust governance structure through strategic committees covering publications, business ventures, empowerment, insurance, information and communication technology, media, student affairs, intergovernmental relations, risk management, member welfare and professional development.
She said the district also introduced professional newsletters and journals to promote knowledge sharing, launched a Business Ventures Committee to encourage entrepreneurship among members and inaugurated a group insurance scheme to enhance members’ welfare.
Oladipo disclosed that the administration established a Benevolence Committee, which provided financial assistance to the family of a deceased member, reflecting the district’s commitment to compassion and professional solidarity.
She added that the district implemented the Catch-Them-Young initiative by visiting secondary schools and tertiary institutions to inspire young people to pursue careers in accountancy.
Among other achievements, she listed the registration of the Lagelu Cooperative and Investment Society, the introduction of modern financial management systems, internet banking and digital payment platforms, as well as the launch of the district’s official website integrated with the national ICAN platform.
The immediate past Chairman also highlighted the acquisition of a permanent secretariat for the district, describing it as one of the administration’s most enduring legacies and a symbol of institutional stability.
Calling for greater participation of women in leadership, Oladipo urged female professionals to embrace leadership opportunities and contribute more actively to the development of the profession.
She equally appealed to members to give the incoming administration maximum support, noting that the district’s future depends on collective commitment rather than individual interests.
Responding, the newly inaugurated Chairman, Elder Patterson Ariemuduigho, pledged to build on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor and to sustain initiatives that promote professional excellence, member development and institutional growth.
The investiture attracted chartered accountants, past district chairmen, fellows of the Institute, professional bodies, corporate leaders and other stakeholders, who described the event as a celebration of visionary leadership, institutional continuity and the enduring values of the accounting profession.
