ICAN promoting accountability, transparency in Nigeria -President Eyitayo

 

 

STEVE UNEGBU, Umuahia

 

The 57th President of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN)  Mrs Comfort Olujumoke Eyitayo  has disclosed that ICAN through its members and various initiatives is promoting accountability and transparency in the country to help fight corruption.

 

Mrs Eyitayo made this disclosure at the Abia government House Umuahia when she paid a courtesy call to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu   during her 2- Day working visit to Umuahia.

 

She noted that ICAN has contributed in nation building and not relenting in its contributions to the national desire for a prosperous economy adding that,” we make our Contributions through its different initiatives that impact not just our members,but the entire citizens and residents of our dear nation .

 

“We have released our well -researched position papers on recent initiatives such as the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), VAT collection, the e-Naira of the CBN, the exchange rate challenges among others” .

 

She assured that ICAN remains a trusted partner to governments and businesses in the country, while pleading with the Governor to support Institution’s efforts to amend its Act.

 

She pointed out that  ICAN Accountability Index (ICAN-AI) is a significant contribution to the promotion of Accountability and transparency in the nation’s public finance management,adding that local and International organizations such as the world bank,the public Expenditure and Financial Accountability,Police Force ,EFFC, ICPC among others have endorsed it .

 

The ICAN National Boss , expressed worrisome over the rate of insecurity and unemployment in the country, assuring that ICAN is partnering with government to provide solution to the challenges through the application of the principles of forensic Accounting and establishment of an Entrepreneurship Development Centre and Endowment Fund, while commending the Governor  for the leadership he is providing in Abia state, saying  it is reflected in the developmental projects on-going and completed across the state .

 

She further appealed to the Governor to urge all agencies and ministries in Abia state to provide all relevant information which will be used in ICAN Accountability Index, saying the information will be useful to combat corruption.

 

In his response, The Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie lkpeazu has assured the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria ICAN of Government’s preparedness to partner them in the promotion of accountability and transparency in the State and Nation’s public finance management.

 

He expressed delight that their members in Govt have made their profession proud with their financial inputs in areas of budget presentation analysis in the State and Nation.

 

The Governor Ikpeazu who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu reiterated  the present administration’s resolve to continue to work assiduously to change the developmental narratives of the State in terms of provision of quality health care, educational and infrastructural development to enable Abia continue to be a reference point in the country.

 

He used the forum to commend the ICAN President, Mrs Comfort Eyitayo for not only bringing in lots of innovations in ICAN through her developmental strides, but encouraged members to get involved in governance because of its multiplier effect and assured that Government will support  the ICAN Amendment Act

 

Earlier in his welcome speech, the chairman of Umuahia and District Society of ICAN, Sir Michael Ibe expressed appreciation to the president for visiting Umuahia and extolled her outstanding character as a virtuous woman, known for her strength of character and dogged spirit and that her landmark records speak volumes and bear witness for her.

 

He said , ” Mrs Comfort Olujumoke Eyitayo was the pioneer coordinator of Umuahia District Society and was the voice of Umuahia and District Society in the council which earned her ,”Mummy Umuahia” and we are to thank God for giving her divine lifting to the apex position of the president” he said.

 

He thank the Institute for the 100KV Generator delivered to the Secretariat, describing it as a sign of other good things to come, while expressing appreciation to all Council members for always encouraging Umuahia District and society.

 

The ICAN President as part of her official duty , visited HRH Eze Igwe Ojike the traditional ruler of Ucheoma Nkwebi Ohafia, the Secretary to Abia state government ,Barr. Chris Ezem, and the Vice Chancellor Michael Okpara university of Agriculture Umudike,Prof. M.O Iwe .

 

The President was honoured at ICAN Abia state Secretariat during the visit as ,”Mummy Umuahia award”.

 

Others honoured include the 50th president of ICAN ,Mr Chidi Onyeukwu Ajaegbu as Grand patron ,Mazi Nnamdi Okwuadigbo as patron ,Chief DCS Alaribe as patron and Hon.Mrs Edna Obioma Okorie a former Imo state commissioner as Friend of the Umuahia District and society of ICAN.