Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Sokoto State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the accounting profession by supporting more indigenes to become members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), a pledge that comes amid efforts to improve public financial management and drive the state's development agenda. The assurance was given by the Deputy Accountant-General of the state, Alhaji Junaidu Usman, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, in Sokoto shortly after he received an Award of Excellence from the ICAN Sokoto and District Society during the investiture of its new executive committee.
The ceremony, held under the theme "Accounting Beyond Borders: Strengthening Professional Leadership in an Era of Geopolitics and Regional Integration," marked the formal inauguration of Mr Oluwakayode Adeboye as the seventh Chairman of the ICAN Sokoto and District Society. Adeboye, alongside eleven other executive members, will steer the affairs of the district society for the next one year. The event brought together senior government officials, banking executives, and distinguished members of the accounting profession to celebrate the transition and chart a course for the future of the profession in the state.
Addressing journalists shortly after the event, Usman said the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu remained unwavering in its commitment to developing competent professionals capable of strengthening public financial management and ensuring transparency in governance. "By the grace of Allah, Governor Ahmed Aliyu will do everything possible to ensure that more people from Sokoto State are enrolled as members of ICAN. We believe professional accountants are critical to promoting transparency, accountability and effective service delivery," he stated. Usman described the Award of Excellence conferred on him as both an honour and a challenge to continue serving with integrity, noting that it would motivate him to uphold the highest standards of accountability in the management of public resources.
The Deputy Accountant-General emphasised that professional competence among accountants would play a vital role in the successful implementation of the state's Nine-Point Smart Agenda, the flagship development blueprint of the Aliyu administration. He urged young accountants in the state to take advantage of government support to acquire professional qualifications, stressing that ICAN membership would enhance service delivery and strengthen financial discipline across both public and private sectors. The government's deliberate push for increased ICAN enrollment reflects a growing recognition that professionally qualified accountants are essential to achieving the state's development objectives, particularly in an era of increasingly complex financial governance and public sector reforms.
The 62nd President of ICAN, Mrs Queensley Sofuratu, represented by the Institute's North-West District Coordinator, Mallam Babayo Shehu, described the investiture as another milestone in strengthening the institute and advancing professionalism across the country. "This seamless transition reflects the commitment of our members to transparency, unity and dedicated service. ICAN will continue to promote sound professional standards and good governance that will strengthen the institute and contribute to national development," she assured. Sofuratu's remarks underscored the institute's broader vision of producing world-class accountants capable of driving ethical governance and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
Also speaking at the event, the Zonal Head of North-West 4, Zenith Bank Plc, Alhaji Abdulkadir Farid, described the inauguration as a significant milestone for the Sokoto and District Society. He expressed confidence that the new executive committee would advance the objectives of the institute and further strengthen the accounting profession in the region. Farid's presence at the ceremony highlighted the strong partnership between financial institutions and the accounting profession, a collaboration that is critical to fostering financial discipline and economic development.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Investiture Committee, Mr Matthew Ayinla, said the occasion celebrated the achievements of the outgoing leadership while ushering in a new era of purposeful service. He urged members to remain committed to the institute's ideals of accountability, transparency, excellence and service to humanity. Ayinla noted that the theme of the event aptly captured the evolving responsibilities of professional accountants in an increasingly interconnected world. "As global economic realities continue to reshape business, governance, and public policy, accountants must remain at the forefront of ethical stewardship, innovation, and sustainable growth," he said.
In his valedictory address, the outgoing Chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Mustapha, appreciated members for their loyalty and support throughout his tenure. "I thank every member for the confidence reposed in my administration. I urge you to continue supporting the new leadership as we uphold the core values of integrity, accountability, excellence and service," he stressed. Mustapha pledged continued support for the new leadership and urged members to embrace innovation and strengthen professional engagement. His tenure was marked by efforts to enhance the visibility and impact of the district society within the state and beyond.
In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Chairman, Mr Oluwakayode Adeboye, pledged to build a vibrant, innovative and globally competitive district society. "Our vision is to build a district society that is vibrant, ethical, innovative and capable of producing world-class professionals. We will operate an inclusive, consultative and responsive administration while positioning our members for emerging global opportunities," Adeboye vowed. He thanked members and stakeholders for their confidence, expressing optimism that the society would attain greater heights through collective commitment. Adeboye's vision aligns with ICAN's broader strategic direction of equipping members with the skills and competencies needed to thrive in an increasingly globalised and technology-driven economy.
The investiture ceremony also saw the installation of other executive members, including Matthew Ayinla as Vice Chairman, Bello Ganiyu as General Secretary, Latifat Alagbada as Financial Secretary, Abednego Leo as Treasurer, and Mary Ezeji as Assistant Secretary, among others. The new leadership team is expected to build on the foundation laid by their predecessors while introducing fresh ideas and approaches to advance the profession in Sokoto State. The presence of government officials, banking executives, and other stakeholders at the event underscored the importance of the accounting profession to the state's economic and governance framework.
The Sokoto State Government's pledge to support increased ICAN membership comes at a time when professional accounting standards are increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of good governance and public financial management. With the implementation of the Nine-Point Smart Agenda, the state is seeking to build a pool of competent financial professionals capable of driving transparency, accountability and efficiency in the management of public resources. The government's commitment to supporting young accountants in obtaining professional qualifications is expected to yield long-term benefits for the state, including improved financial discipline, enhanced service delivery, and greater investor confidence.
As the new executive committee of the ICAN Sokoto and District Society begins its tenure, the accounting profession in the state looks set to enter a new phase of growth and development. With strong backing from the state government and the support of key stakeholders, the society is well-positioned to produce world-class professionals who will contribute to the economic transformation of Sokoto State and Nigeria as a whole. The investiture ceremony, which was both a celebration of past achievements and a launchpad for future aspirations, served as a powerful reminder of the critical role that professional accountants play in building a prosperous and accountable society.
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