Patrick Akamiokho, the newly installed Chairman of the Lekki and District Society (LEDS) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), has declared his administration’s focus on growing the district’s membership and strengthening its impact on the community. He made this known on Saturday, June 22, during his official investiture ceremony held in Lagos.
In his acceptance speech, Akamiokho introduced the theme for his leadership year as “LEDS: Growing Bigger and Stronger,” reflecting his vision for the expansion and improvement of the district. He noted that LEDS currently has just over 400 members but aims to double that number by the end of his tenure.
“We are going to grow bigger and stronger. We are just slightly above 400, and our thinking is that, given all the programmes we have in place, by the end of this chairmanship year, our numbers would have doubled,” Akamiokho said. “That will move us from a Category C district to a Category B district within ICAN’s structure.”
Membership categories within ICAN are based on size and activity level, with Category B representing more established and active districts. Achieving this growth would mark a significant milestone for the Lekki district, which serves chartered accountants and finance professionals operating in one of Lagos State’s most commercially active areas.
As part of his agenda, Akamiokho announced plans to fully equip the newly acquired district office to ensure better service delivery to members and to provide a hub for educational and professional development. The chairman also revealed plans to introduce a quarterly publication, beginning in September 2025. This journal will compile and convert the district’s monthly paper presentations into a library-grade booklet to serve as a resource for members.
In addition to internal development, Akamiokho pledged to scale up LEDS’ outreach efforts under the “catch-them-young” programme, an initiative aimed at raising awareness and interest in the accounting profession among young Nigerians. The programme will involve visiting schools and public spaces to engage students and promote financial literacy and career guidance.
“This is about planting seeds early,” Akamiokho explained. “By taking this message into schools and public places, we are not just promoting ICAN, we are preparing the next generation of accountants and finance leaders.”
His predecessor, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Olaniyi, who served as chairman prior to Akamiokho’s tenure, gave her full support to the new administration. She advised him to remain focused on inclusive leadership and to ensure that the executive committee is involved in all decisions throughout the year.
She said, “My advice to you is simple: don’t carry the burden alone. You have an executive council, carry them along. Collaboration is critical if you want to achieve results that last.”
Olaniyi also urged Akamiokho to continue strengthening ICAN’s presence and relevance within the Lekki axis and surrounding communities, especially through professional development programmes, mentorship, and community support projects.
The investiture ceremony was attended by ICAN members, stakeholders, and guests from across Lagos and neighbouring states. Many in attendance expressed optimism that the district under Akamiokho’s leadership would witness accelerated growth and more visibility in ICAN’s national structure.
The event also showcased the resilience and innovation that many ICAN districts across Nigeria have adopted in recent years, as professional societies seek to adapt to technological advancements, regulatory changes, and a younger generation of finance professionals with evolving career expectations.
The Lekki and District Society, though relatively young, has grown steadily in recent years, attracting professionals working in banking, finance, consultancy, and entrepreneurship across Lagos Island, Ajah, Ibeju-Lekki, and neighbouring communities. With the new administration setting its sights on doubling its membership, observers say LEDS may soon play a bigger role in ICAN’s nationwide activities.
As the new executive settles into office, members of the district and the wider accounting profession will be watching closely to see how Akamiokho and his team deliver on their promise to grow bigger and stronger.
