WorldStage Newsonline– The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the nation foremost professional accountancy body on Wednesday expanded its membership drive with the inauguration of its Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) Chapter (ICAN NIA Chapter) at the Insurers House in Lagos.
The event conducted by Chief Davidson C.S. Alaribe, Diamond President, ICAN included the swearing in of Dr. Emmanuel Otitolaiye, the Chief Financial Officer, Linkage Assurance Plc as the Pioneer Chairman of the Chapter.
Alaribe in his remarks commended the insurance body for striving to have an ICAN chapter and advised them to see it as an opportunity to collaborate and advance their profession.
Sharing the stories of his advancement in the accounting sector from Yaba Tech to the pinnacle of the profession, he enjoyed the young ones to imbibe the spirit of hard work in aiming to the top, saying that only those digging graves would start from the top downward.
Otitolaiye in his acceptance speech acknowledged the astute professionals who had demonstrated capacity and courage to build the Institute.
He specifically appreciated Dr. Njum Uma-Onyemenam, the Accountant General of Abia State who started the campaign for the ICAN NIA Chapter about four years ago.
He also thanked mother District – The Lagos Mainland and District Society and Exco led by Mr. Esau Ini James; all past Chairmen of ATC-NIA namely, Mrs. Rashidat Adebisi, Mr. Babatunde Daramola and Mr. Oluwadare Emmanuel; Linkage Assurance’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Daniel Braie his past MD/CEO Mr. Ganiyu Musa, an astute Accountant who was also past Chairman NIA.
“I look around this room today and I see the faces of astute professionals who have demonstrated capacity and courage to build our Institute. I see the faces of people who have made great contributions to the growth and development of the accounting profession in Nigeria and the world. I see the faces of peculiar people who have contributed in no small measure to make me who I am today,” Otitolaiye said.
“Thank you for this esteemed honor and the opportunity to serve as the Chairman of ICAN NIA Chapter. I am deeply humbled by the trust you have placed in me to be the pioneer chairman of this chapter.”
He said his administration will dedicate to foster a culture of lifelong learning and professional development, ensuring that members have access to the resources and support they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Specifically, he said he would be focusing on membership drive, training, and events.
“There are many events that are set to take place during the course of this Chairmanship year. Some of which are, the upcoming Annual Accountants Conference, the Western Zonal Conference, and many more at our mother District level,” he said.
Otitolaiye, a multi-disciplined professional, is a Fellow of both Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCIT), Associate member, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (ACII) and Associate, Chartered Institute of Insurance Brokers (ACIB). He holds a Higher National Diploma in Banking and Finance from Lagos State Polytechnic in 1998, Master degree in Business Administration (MBA) from University of Ado –Ekiti, BSc Accounting from University of Lagos, MSc Accounting from Babcock University and PhD Accounting also from Babcock University.
Other members of the Executive Committee inaugurated along with Otitolaiye were Oluwamuyiwa Aderibigbe, Protem Deputy Chairman; Mr Wasiu Adedokun Protem Secretary and Mr Sunday Aina Protem Assistant Secretary.
Otitolaiye assured the commitment of the Executive Committee to stand strong in harmony while building ICAN NIA Chapter together.
“The birth of ICAN NIA Chapter is not an accident. We requested it and it has been granted. This is your Chapter. This is my Chapter. This is our Chapter. Together, let us embark on this journey to shape the future of the Chapter, inspire the next generation of accountants, and continue to build a legacy that we can all be proud of,” he said.
Mrs Bola Odukale, DG/CEO, Nigerian Insurers Association said at the event that the inauguration of ICAN NIA Chapter reflected the unwavering commitment of ICAN to fostering professional growth, collaboration, and excellence in the accounting profession.
“The establishment of the ICAN NIA Chapter is a visionary step toward strengthening the ICAN network and creating a platform for professionls in the insurance industry to connect, innovate and excel,” she said.
“It is a clear indication of the institute’s resolve to empower its members abs enhance the influence of the accounting profession.
“As the ICAN NIA Chapter begins its journey, I am confident that it will play a pivotal role in promoting ethical practices, advancing professional development, and providing valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing among its members.”
AXA Mansard in its goodwill message described the inauguration as a significant milestone that marked a new era of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development within the insurance industry.
“We are particularly excited about the opportunities this Chapter will create for continuous professional education and the awarding of MPCE Credit Hours. Such initiatives are crucial for the growth and advancement of our industry, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of best practices and regulatory compliance,” it said.
