Mallam Haruna N. Yahaya was yesterday in Lagos installed as the 61st president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
Yahaya, the immediate past vice president of the ICAN, was decorated with the insignia of office at exactly 11:16am by his predecessor and 60th ICAN president, Davidson Alaribe.
In his inaugural address, he promised not to betray the trust reposed in him, vowing to uphold and advance the legacy of excellence of the profession.
He noted that the ICAN transition process, spanning six decades, remains a beacon of hope for Nigeria in the leadership recruitment process.
He rolled out a strategic plan for the institute, including digital transformation of ICAN exams, revitalising ICAN brands, engagement of the Gen Z, globalising certification pathway, elevating SMEs, thought leadership and policy advocacy amongst others.
The new president also promised to pursue capacity building of staff and members, and to turn the ICAN into a pillar of regulation and anti-corruption.
Yahaya vowed that ICAN will enhance its capacity to shape dialogue and influence decisions that affect not only the profession but the economy, the nation and future generations.
He said, “We will no longer whisper from corners of policy debate, we will speak with clarity, courage and conviction. For a nation seeking answers, the accounting profession must be a voice of wisdom not a voice of a silent witness.
“This year, ICAN will assert itself as a strong and trusted voice in national and international economic policy conversation. We will enhance our capacity to shape the dialogue and influence decisions that affect not only the profession but the economy, nation and future generations.
In the valedictory speech of Diamond President, Davidson Alaribe, described his tenure as “one year of professional madness”, adding that it was a greatest honour of his professional life to serve as the president.
Under his watch, he said five chapters and 26 district societies were created in one year in order to bring ICAN close to society.
He added that apart from innovations and programmes, his administration prioritised the training and re-training of professionals.
To his successor, he urged him to carry his vice president along because “I have carried you along as the deputy.”
The investiture was attended by the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Accountant-General of the state, Dr Abiodun Muritala; the Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Aminu Usman; Attorney General of Jigawa State, Abdulqadir Fanini; Executive Secretary of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Dr Rabiu Olowo; President of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, Zuwaira Kishimi; President of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Professor Pius Olanrewaju, and the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, among others.
