By Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
IBADAN, Nigeria – A new chapter has begun for the Ibadan District Society of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) as Salome Ajayi officially assumed office as the 26th Chairperson, unveiling a comprehensive 13-point agenda designed to strengthen the district, improve member welfare, deepen professional excellence, and position the society for greater relevance in Nigeria’s evolving financial and business landscape.
Ajayi’s inauguration marks a significant leadership transition for one of ICAN’s most active district societies. Addressing members, stakeholders, past leaders, and invited guests during the inauguration ceremony, she pledged to build on the achievements of previous administrations while introducing reforms that would promote innovation, accountability, inclusiveness, and sustainable growth.
According to the new chairperson, the administration’s roadmap is anchored on collaboration, transparency, and service to members. She noted that the accounting profession continues to evolve rapidly due to technological innovation, regulatory changes, globalization, and increasing public expectations, making it imperative for professional bodies to remain proactive.
“Our vision is to build a stronger, more united, and forward-looking district society that prioritizes the welfare and professional growth of every member while contributing meaningfully to national development,” Ajayi said.
A 13-Point Agenda for Transformation
At the heart of Ajayi’s inaugural address was the unveiling of a 13-point strategic agenda aimed at addressing key areas affecting members and the overall operations of the district society.
The agenda focuses on strengthening continuous professional development through regular training, seminars, workshops, and certification programmes that will enable members to remain competitive in today’s dynamic financial environment.
Another major priority is member welfare. Ajayi emphasized the need to create an environment where members feel supported both professionally and personally. She pledged to implement initiatives that would enhance engagement, recognize outstanding contributions, and foster a stronger sense of belonging among members.
The administration also plans to expand mentorship programmes, particularly for young accountants and newly inducted members. According to Ajayi, experienced professionals have a responsibility to guide the next generation by sharing knowledge, experience, and ethical values essential for career success.
Digital transformation forms another critical component of the agenda. Ajayi stressed that technology is reshaping accounting practices globally, making it necessary for the district society to adopt digital tools that improve communication, learning, administration, and service delivery.
She also pledged to strengthen ethical standards within the profession, noting that integrity remains the foundation upon which public confidence in accountants is built. She said her administration would continue to promote compliance with professional standards while encouraging members to uphold the highest levels of honesty, accountability, and transparency.
Building Capacity for the Future
Ajayi identified capacity development as one of the administration’s foremost priorities, promising increased investment in knowledge-sharing initiatives that prepare members for emerging trends in accounting, auditing, taxation, sustainability reporting, financial technology, artificial intelligence, and corporate governance.
She explained that continuous learning has become essential in a rapidly changing global economy where professional expectations continue to rise.
The chairperson added that partnerships with government institutions, private sector organizations, educational institutions, and development partners would be explored to provide additional opportunities for members to improve their skills and broaden their professional networks.
She also reaffirmed the district’s commitment to supporting accounting students and prospective ICAN members through academic mentoring, career guidance, and examination support programmes.
Strengthening Institutional Excellence
Beyond professional development, Ajayi outlined plans to strengthen the district’s institutional framework by promoting effective governance, prudent financial management, and improved operational efficiency.
She promised an inclusive leadership style that encourages participation from members across different age groups and professional backgrounds.
According to her, every member has valuable ideas and contributions that can help the district achieve greater success.
She further pledged to improve communication between the executive committee and members by ensuring timely dissemination of information through both physical meetings and digital platforms.
Transparency in decision-making and accountability in financial management, she said, would remain central to her administration.
Collaboration as a Key Strategy
Recognizing the importance of partnerships, Ajayi emphasized that no administration can succeed without collaboration.
She called on past chairpersons, senior professionals, committee members, young accountants, and students to work together in advancing the objectives of the district society.
She also expressed appreciation to previous leaders for laying a solid foundation upon which the new administration intends to build.
According to Ajayi, preserving institutional memory while embracing innovation will enable the district society to achieve sustainable growth.
The new chairperson further encouraged stronger collaboration with government agencies, educational institutions, businesses, and other professional bodies to address emerging economic and financial challenges affecting Nigeria.
The Role of ICAN in National Development
Ajayi reiterated the strategic role played by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria in promoting transparency, accountability, financial discipline, and sound corporate governance across both public and private institutions.
She observed that chartered accountants continue to provide essential expertise in auditing, taxation, financial reporting, public financial management, risk management, and business advisory services.
According to her, strengthening the accounting profession ultimately contributes to national economic development by improving investor confidence, supporting business growth, and enhancing public sector accountability.
She urged members to continue serving as ambassadors of integrity wherever they work.
Appreciation to Members
Ajayi thanked members of the Ibadan District Society for entrusting her with the responsibility of leading the district.
She described the confidence reposed in her as both an honour and a call to greater service.
While acknowledging the expectations placed upon the new executive committee, she assured members that the administration would remain accessible, responsive, and committed to delivering measurable results.
She also encouraged members to actively participate in district programmes, committees, professional development activities, and community outreach initiatives.
According to her, the success of the administration depends on collective ownership of its vision.
Looking Ahead
The inauguration of Salome Ajayi as the 26th Chairperson signals renewed optimism within the Ibadan District Society.
Industry observers believe that the implementation of the 13-point agenda could strengthen the district’s position as one of ICAN’s leading societies by expanding professional development opportunities, improving member engagement, and embracing innovation.
With increasing digitalization, evolving regulatory requirements, and growing demand for transparency in financial reporting, professional accounting bodies are under pressure to continually adapt.
Ajayi’s administration has therefore identified capacity building, technology adoption, ethical leadership, institutional strengthening, and collaboration as critical pillars for navigating the future.
As implementation begins, members will be watching closely to assess how the proposed initiatives translate into practical outcomes that enhance both the district society and the wider accounting profession.
For the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, leadership transitions such as this represent opportunities to reinforce its long-standing commitment to professionalism, competence, integrity, and national development.
Under Ajayi’s leadership, the Ibadan District Society now embarks on a fresh journey with an ambitious roadmap that seeks not only to improve member welfare but also to prepare accountants for the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly complex global economy.
Sources: Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN); ICAN Ibadan District Society; statements delivered during the inauguration ceremony.
