The reforms introduced by the federal government under President Bola Tinubu have improved transparency, boost government revenue and strengthened financial management. This view was expressed by Malam Haruna Yahaya, president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN. He was speaking during the 60th anniversary of the institute. The event which was held at the Ikeja Gulf Club was marked with a golf tournament, during which members, stakeholders, and industry leaders converged to celebrate the institute’s legacy of excellence and integrity. Though the ICAN president recognised the challenges brought about by the reforms, he said those are short-term discomfort that will soon give way to good results, including the strengthening of the financial management.
According to him, key policies like fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and tax reforms have been very impactful. Speaking on the significance of the event, the ICAN President said the tournament is part of activities designed to strengthen stakeholder engagement, promote health and wellness, as well as provide a platform for networking among professionals.
He said apart from attracting high-profile participants from the public and private sectors, the tournament aimed at contributing to economic activities in tourism and the hospitality industry. He added that the initiative reinforces ICAN’s commitment to national development and positions the institute as a key driver of economic conversations beyond technical accounting. Also speaking, Mr. Sakiru Balogun, Deputy Director, Membership Affairs, said ICAN remains committed to supporting and engaging its members through continuous professional development and training initiatives. He noted that the institute has produced over 70,000 chartered accountants since its establishment in 1965.
Balogun explained that ICAN has strengthened its mandatory continuous professional education by increasing required training units and introducing modern learning areas such as artificial intelligence and business intelligence. He added that the institute also organises webinars and skill development programmes to address unemployment and underemployment among members. He further noted that social and networking events like the golf tournament are part of efforts to promote engagement, collaboration, and work-life balance among members. In his remarks, the Vice Chairman of the Anniversary Committee described the 60th anniversary as a significant milestone, reflecting ICAN’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic development over the years.
He explained that the golf tournament is one of several activities lined up to celebrate the anniversary and create opportunities for members, partners, and stakeholders to connect. He acknowledged funding as a major challenge in organising the event but noted that support from corporate sponsors and individuals helped ensure its success.
According to him, ICAN members play a vital role across all sectors of the economy, including government and private organisations, where they contribute to financial management and organisational success. The event also highlights ICAN’s commitment to engaging professionals across different generations, including younger members and emerging talents.
Founded in 1965, ICAN is one of Nigeria’s leading professional accounting bodies, known for promoting transparency, accountability, and high ethical standards in the financial sector.
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