Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has commended the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Calabar and District Society, for the successful completion of its secretariat project, while charging the professional body to continue producing competent financial professionals capable of strengthening transparency and accountability in governance.
Governor Otu, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, gave the commendation, Tuesday, during the commissioning of the newly completed ICAN secretariat in Calabar.
Describing the project as a landmark achievement, the Governor noted that the Calabar District Society, established over 60 years ago as the second ICAN district society in Nigeria after Lagos, had operated for decades without a permanent secretariat.
“After 60 years, ICAN now has a secretariat in Calabar. I want to thank the Accountant-General and her team for this laudable achievement,” the Governor stated.
He said the Otu administration remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote professional excellence, institutional growth, and human capital development in the state.
The Governor emphasized the need for ICAN to continue breeding highly skilled and ethical professionals who would contribute meaningfully to prudent financial management and sustainable development in both the public and private sectors.
“We want to see more ICAN graduates in Cross River because from the few chartered accountants we have in government today, they have done exceptionally well in their various fields. By the time we produce more ICAN professionals, our books will be more balanced,” he said.
The Governor also expressed optimism that the new secretariat would serve as a centre for learning, mentorship, professional development, and collaboration among accountants in the state, while paving the way for the establishment of an ICAN examination centre in Calabar.
In remarks delivered by Associate Professor Obal Usang, the President and Chairman of Council of ICAN, Mallam Haruna Nma Yahaya, mni, PhD, FCA, described the commissioning as a celebration of vision, sacrifice, professionalism, and collective achievement.
The ICAN President said the secretariat represents a lasting legacy for the accounting profession in Cross River State and would serve as a hub for innovation, mentorship, collaboration, and continuous professional development.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the ICAN Calabar and District Society, Dr. Mrs. Glory Tony Effiong, described the completion of the project as the fulfillment of a long-standing dream of the district society and the signature achievement of her administration.
She expressed appreciation to Governor Bassey Otu for his support toward the realization of the project and thanked members, friends, and stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion of the edifice.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Project Development Committee, Elder Nicolas Dan, described the project as a historic milestone for ICAN members in Cross River State, noting that the event marked a new chapter for the district society after decades without a permanent secretariat.
By Kingsley Agim
