By Mustapha Yauri
Hajiya Sofuratu Seghosime, President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), has urged the newly inaugurated Zaria and District Society leadership to prioritise innovation, accountability, professional excellence and measurable impact.
Seghosime gave the charge on Saturday during the investiture of Malam Shehu Abdulwahab as the 12th Chairman of the Zaria District Society.
The president, represented by Prof. Salisu Abubakar described abdulwahab emergence as recognition of competence, integrity, leadership capacity and dedication.
She said the administration’s success should be measured by value created for members, students, the accounting profession and society, rather than meetings held or ceremonies organised, throughout its tenure in office.
The president expressed confidence that Abdulwahab’s leadership would advance the institute’s “WE ARE ICAN” agenda, aimed at expanding access, strengthening governance, embracing technology, promoting sustainability, enhancing welfare and protecting professional integrity nationwide.
She urged the executive committee to prepare a clear implementation plan aligned with ICAN’s strategic priorities, including measurable targets covering student enrolment, membership engagement, technical programmes, corporate social responsibility and stakeholder relations across the district.
Seghosime also appealed to members of the Zaria district society to support the new leadership, stressing that effective leadership requires collective responsibility, active participation and commitment from every member of the institute.
The president commended the outgoing chairman, Mr Oyewale Kayode, and his executive committee for demonstrating dedication, exemplary leadership and commitment that strengthened the growth, relevance and professional standing of the district society.
She announced the appointment of Mr Jamiu Olakisan as District Coordinator for the Zaria district society, directing his integration into official communication channels to enhance coordination and operational effectiveness immediately.
The president urged the district to commence early mobilisation of members, students and stakeholders for the 56th Annual Accountants Conference in Abuja from Oct. 18 to Oct. 23, 2026, for participation.
She described the conference as Africa’s largest gathering of accounting professionals, providing opportunities for learning, networking, policy engagement and strengthening professional relationships among practitioners from Nigeria and other participating countries annually.
Former Ahmadu Bello University Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ahmed Doko, described accounting as a noble profession, saying it reminds individuals of their relationship with God through accountability for actions and reconciliation with the Creator.
Doko, the event’s special guest of honour, advised the incoming chairman to carry members along by explaining decisions, resolving disagreements through dialogue and promoting inclusiveness to strengthen unity within the district society.
In his valedictory remarks, outgoing Chairman Oyewale Kayode said his administration strengthened professionalism, transparency, stakeholder relations, financial discipline, mentorship programmes and members’ participation through collective support received during his tenure.
Abdulwahab said his administration would strengthen the ICAN brand by promoting professionalism, innovation, capacity building, mentorship for young accountants, strategic partnerships and initiatives aimed at enhancing members’ welfare and professional development.
He added that the district society under his watch would consolidate on the achievements of the past leaderships by promoting professionalism, innovation and impactive services.
Abdulwahab said his administration would prioritise capacity building, mentorship for the young accountants and strategic partnership and other initiatives that would enhance members’ welfare and development. (NAN)
Edited by Yakubu Uba