The Ikorodu District Society of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has officially inaugurated Mr. Samuel Ayeni as its 12th chairman, with a call on members to continue upholding the institute’s well-known examination standards and professional ethics.
The colourful investiture ceremony attracted senior accountants, business executives, and members of the professional body. It was described as more than a change of leadership, as participants said it represented a fresh commitment to ICAN’s values of integrity, service, and professionalism. Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Kareem Adegoke, said the event was symbolic of ICAN’s legacy and a reminder that the institute has remained consistent in promoting accountability and excellence in the accounting profession.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Ayeni expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him, describing the new role as both an honour and a challenge. He promised to maintain the integrity of ICAN’s examinations, which he described as one of the benchmarks for professional institutions in Nigeria and other parts of the world. According to him, ICAN has over the years built a reputation for being a “beacon of excellence and a standard-bearer of ethics” in the accounting profession. He stressed that the leadership baton handed over to him was a challenge to ensure that the district and the institute continue to progress in the next one year.
Ayeni also promised to work towards increasing the number of candidates writing examinations at the Ikorodu centre while making sure that the high standards of the institute’s examinations are not compromised. He assured students that ICAN would continue to support them through its various learning centres, adding that professional development programmes would be strengthened to help young accountants compete with their peers globally.
The new chairman noted that one of his priorities would be to build stronger partnerships with corporate organisations, improve record keeping among businesses, and carry out regular stakeholder engagements. He said accountants must not only focus on passing examinations but also on developing skills that meet present and future challenges in the profession. He also encouraged members to embrace modern technology in their work, stressing that innovation is now a necessary tool for accounting practice.
The President of ICAN, who was present at the event, spoke on the institute’s contribution to transparency and accountability in Nigeria. He referred to the ICAN Accountability Index, a tool developed to track and measure public finance management across the country. According to him, the index has already changed the way government agencies and institutions approach fiscal responsibility, adding that ICAN would continue to promote financial discipline at all levels.
Mr. Adegoke, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Ikorodu District, explained that the district had already begun training programmes to address record keeping, social responsibility, and proper engagement with stakeholders. He said these trainings would help members adapt to changing demands in the economy and give them the knowledge to remain relevant in both the private and public sectors.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Vice Chairman of the district, Mr. Ayinde Samuel, commended ICAN’s ability to adapt to economic realities both in Nigeria and globally. He pointed out that the institute has been actively involved in ongoing tax reforms in Nigeria and has continued to play a role in shaping financial reporting standards. He assured members that the district would support them to meet new regulatory requirements while ensuring that the ethical values of the profession are never compromised.
Other speakers at the event stressed that ICAN’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most respected professional bodies rests on its focus on high-quality examinations and strong ethical standards. They noted that issues like examination malpractice, poor record keeping, and weak accountability in public and private finance can only be reduced if accountants remain faithful to the principles of honesty and professionalism.
Members said the inauguration of Ayeni marks a continuation of the district’s strong legacy but also a step toward innovation and growth. They believe his commitment to students and corporate partnerships would make Ikorodu District one of the most active centres under ICAN. The event ended with a call for collective responsibility among members, as stakeholders noted that the district’s success will depend on teamwork and dedication.
