THE Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria on Wednesday welcomed over 2,000 new members in a grand induction ceremony at the ICAN Centre, Lagos, celebrating the next generation of the nation’s financial professionals.
The atmosphere was charged with excitement and pride as the newly inducted chartered accountants, dressed in crisp suits and formal attire, filed into the auditorium with family members and friends by their sides. Cameras flashed as parents and relatives beamed with pride, capturing a milestone many described as the culmination of years of rigorous study and sacrifice.
Addressing the gathering, ICAN President and Chairman of the Council, Mallam Haruna Yahaya, congratulated the inductees for their perseverance. He noted that the ceremony marked the addition of new members to a growing professional body, increasing the institute’s membership to 69,903.
“This moment is not just a milestone; it is a testament to your courage, your discipline, and your unwavering commitment to greatness,” Yahaya said, urging the new members to uphold integrity and exercise the utmost professionalism in handling sensitive financial information.
He highlighted the importance of ethical conduct, noting that a single lapse could have serious legal, financial, or commercial consequences. He also encouraged the inductees to embrace lifelong learning and join one of ICAN’s eight professional faculties to enhance their competence in specialised fields such as taxation, audit, corporate finance, and public financial management.
The Special Guest of Honour, Alhaji Suleiman Barau, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, congratulated both the ICAN leadership and the inductees. Barau stressed the critical role of accountants in strengthening governance and promoting transparency in both the corporate and public sectors.
“Professional accountants play a crucial role in national development by ensuring financial integrity and compliance,” Barau said. “Upholding ethical standards is therefore a critical part of your role in governance. Resist pressures that could compromise your professional conduct and act as essential whistleblowers to uphold public trust.”
