By Oyeniyi Iwakun
The Lagos Mainland and District Society (LMDS) of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has sworn in Mrs. Blessing Ngozi Osakwe-Ogo as the 23rd district chairman.
The colourful event held on Saturday, 15 July, 2017 in Lagos witnessed the attendance of notable dignitaries across various walks of life including the ICAN President, Alhaji Isamaila Muhammadu Zakari, Nigeria Shippers’ Council’s (NSC) Executive Secretary, represented by Mr. Glory Onojedo; Society of Women Accountants in Nigeria (SWAN) President, Mrs Titilola Akibayo, among others.
In his valedictory address, the outgone chairman, Sir Amobi Nwokafor highlighted the achievements of his administration and thanked everyone who had been part of the success story “I am grateful to my colleagues in the Executive, general membership, district staff, Organizations, sponsors, patrons, and the Institute. The extensive programme for the year wouldn’t have been delivered without your supports and efforts “Mr. Amobi stated.
Mrs Blessing Osakwe-Ogo in acceptance of her new office expressed gratitude to everyone present for the opportunity afforded her to serve in such great capacity. “My appreciation goes to my late husband, the ICAN President, council members, our patrons, past chairmen, other districts chairmen management and staff of NSC, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, SWAN, Oguta and Onitsha people and everyone of you for making this event memorable”.
She also highlighted “LMDS Building project, workshop, welfare packages, Professional Practice Support Service staff training, courtesy visits, annual conferences and others” as her core agenda for the 2017/2018 chairmanship year.
However, the ICAN President, Alhaji Isamaila Zakari expressed optimism in the district’s new leadership as he implored members and other stakeholders to support them.”I don’t expect anything less than has been done by previous administrations. The new chairman has identified one major target and the target is to house the district into one building. I call on all organizations and our members to support them because if we support them we are helping to build capacities for Nigeria in terms of accounting and having district building would enable them organize trainings in their constituency and strengthen capacity of our members.
“My message to this district is that you should continue with the standard for which you are known. Already you are one of the foremost district societies in ICAN. We are calling on you to continue with what you have been doing in training our members, refreshing their knowledge so that they would wax the same and serve the nation expertly”. Mr Zakari said.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of NSC, Mr. Hassan Bello described Mrs Osakwe-Ogo as “an outstanding woman of virtue with uncommon leadership qualities”.
“The management and staff of Nigerian Shippers’ Council congratulate you on your investiture as the 23rd Chairman of ICAN, Lagos Mainland District and Fellow of the Institute. It is indeed a thing of joy to have one of our staff attain a greater height in the prestigious professional institute. The chairmanship position and the Fellow of the Institute bestowed on you is as a result of your success story in the institute. Once again congratulations” Mr. Bello remarked.
