Augustine Akobundu, the senator representing Abia Central constituency has said that the National Assembly is committed to collaborating with professional bodies such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) for good governance.
Akobundu disclosed this at the post-investiture dinner held for Davidson Alaribe, the diamond (60th) president of ICAN in Lagos on Saturday.
”The National Assembly is willing to collaborate with professional bodies such as ICAN in our relative commitment to provide good governance, accountability and transparency in the political space,” he said.
The senator applauded ICAN as an institution for championing accountability and transparency in Nigeria for over five decades.
He further described the new ICAN president as a man who rose to greatness through a humble background via sheer determination and resilience.
And enjoined the diamond president of ICAN to sustain the noble characters that have brought to the enviable height thus far.
“The ascension of Alaribe as the diamond president of ICAN is a testament of unwavering commitment, determination, and resilience,” he said.
Alaribe was recently sworn in as the 60th president of ICAN. The Abia-State financial guru pledged during his investiture as the diamond President held at the institute’s Lagos office to pursue the establishment of ICAN University which he envisaged to serve as the best-in-class institution for research and innovation in accounting, finance, and management disciplines; and the enhancement of chartered accountants’ digital technological capacity.
“The theme of my presidential year would be ‘Upholding ICAN’s legacies’ by deepening professionalism, accountability and transparency that had been the modus operandi of ICAN,” he said.
In addition, he said; “We will prioritise and sustain effective communication with stakeholders in the value chain of getting our Act amended. We will make a convincing case that our request for amendment is for the good of the profession and the economy.”
In his speech, the diamond president of ICAN asserted that he was accepting the election with humility, a profound sense of responsibility, and a determination to continue to serve selflessly.
“My standing here today can only be by the special grace of God who has the final say in my life,” he noted.
Besides, he said one of the core elements of his diamond agenda is to enhance the digital and technological savvy of professional accountants in Nigeria.
“In this presidential year, we shall revisit our technological architecture to create an institute that constantly and effectively adds value to members and stakeholders through cutting-edge information technologies.
“We will create a technical committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI), which will be saddled with the responsibility of regularly informing members on the potential of AI for chartered accountants and how this technology can be leveraged for improved and efficient services to society.
“This committee will equally equip members with the skills required to derive maximum benefits from AI technology, such as deploying prompt engineering to take advantage of generative AI.
“The infusion of emerging technologies in our services and processes will also be critical in our overall strategic intent of attracting the millennials and GenZs into the profession.”
Alaribe started his professional career at PZ Industries Plc as an Officer from 1984-1990 before he joined Thomas Kingsley Security Ltd as an Accountant from 1990-1992. He later joined D.N. Offor & Co. (Chartered Accountants) as an Audit Trainee from 1992-1995.
He started his professional career at PZ Industries Plc as an Officer from 1984-1990 before he joined Thomas Kingsley Security Ltd as an Accountant from 1990-1992.
He later joined D.N. Offor & Co. (Chartered Accountants) as an Audit Trainee from 1992-1995. In 1996, he set up his firm – D.C.S. Alaribe Group where he is the Chairman to date.
Alaribe has been a member of the Governing Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) since 2012 and has served on many ICAN Committees either as Chairman, Deputy Chairman or member at various times. He was the Chairman of Lagos Mainland and District Society from 2009-2010.
