ICAN Conference 2026: Royal Welcome, Awards, Tax Reform Take Centre Stage

Segun Atanda/

By any measure, the opening of the 20th Western Zonal Accountants’ Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) was more than a routine professional gathering. It was a carefully choreographed convergence of royalty, policy, reform advocacy and professional excellence, played out with grandeur at the High Point Event Centre, in the heart of Ikeja, Lagos.

The tone of the conference, marking ICAN’s 20th Western Zonal anniversary, was set early, as delegates rose in sustained applause when Olori Ashley Afolasade Ogunwusi, wife of the Ooni of Ife, stepped forward to welcome participants. But this was no ceremonial address. Speaking with composure and authority, Olori Ashley introduced herself not just as royalty, but as a Chartered Accountant addressing her professional peers.

Her address, delivered with clarity, conviction and elegance, captured the spirit of the conference theme, “Revitalising the Nigerian Economy for Sustainable Development: Accelerating New Frontiers.” She described the theme as both centred and timely, arguing that Nigeria stands at a defining economic crossroads that demands innovation, integrity and collaboration across public and private sectors.

“In times of economic transition and global uncertainty,” she said, “the role of accountants, financial experts and institutional leaders has become more critical. We are drivers of transparency and architects of sustainability in the financial system.”

She challenged the profession to move beyond compliance into ethical leadership, accurate reporting and forward-thinking strategies capable of unlocking new economic opportunities. She also commended ICAN’s leadership for its consistent role in strengthening financial governance and building professional capacity nationwide.

Earlier, the Western Zone Conference Chairman, Dr. Bisiriyu Kolawole Fatai, FCA, formally welcomed delegates, urging them to take full advantage of the conference by asking questions, sharing perspectives and building networks that will shape the future of the accounting profession. He described the gathering as a platform not only for learning, but for influence and institutional renewal.

One of the defining moments of the opening ceremony was the recognition of professional excellence, with awards presented to individuals whose leadership and contributions have helped advance the Institute and the profession.

Among the award recipients was Tobi Abiola, mni, the Lead Doyen of Joint Minds International and a member of the ICAN Governing Council. Widely respected for his commitment to mentoring, thought leadership and professional development, Abiola was honoured for his sustained impact on capacity building within ICAN and the broader accounting ecosystem. Joint Minds International, also sponsored the conference’s networking Happy Hour.

Dr Tobi Abiola mni, FCA (3rd right) poses with his award alongside ICAN 61st President, Mallam Haruna Nma Yahaya, mni, and other leading lights of the professional body at the 20th Western Zonal Accountants Conference in Lagos on February 5, 2026.

Also honoured was Queensley Sufuratu Seghosime, mni, Vice-President of ICAN, whose award recognised her outstanding leadership, advocacy for inclusive professional growth and deep commitment to institutional excellence. Her recognition drew warm applause from fellows and associates, reflecting her stature and influence within the Institute.

ICAN leaders rally to celebrate Queensley Sufuratu Seghosime, mni, Vice-President of ICAN (middle) after receiving an award at the 20th Western Zonal Accountants Conference in Lagos.

The opening day featured robust plenary sessions that addressed Nigeria’s development challenges from both macroeconomic and institutional perspectives. Discussions centred on “Leveraging Local Resources and Innovations for Development: The Role of Public and Private Sector Actors” and “Revitalising the Nigerian Economy for Sustainable Development – Accelerating New Frontiers.”

A major intellectual highlight was the plenary session on “Tax Reforms as a Tool for Enhancing Efficiency and Transparency: The Role of Chartered Accountants,” delivered on behalf of Dr. Zacch Adelabu Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS), by his Special Adviser, Olufemi Olarinde.

Chaired by former ICAN President J.K. Randle, OFR, FCA, the session examined tax reform not as a narrow fiscal exercise, but as a governance and trust-building tool. Dr. Olarinde argued that Nigeria’s reform agenda has shifted decisively from revenue generation to efficiency, transparency, simplicity and voluntary compliance.

He described chartered accountants as “doctors of finance,” positioned at the intersection of policy, business and economic behaviour, whose ethical conduct and technical competence will determine whether the reforms succeed or fail. Using vivid illustrations, he stressed that context, clarity and communication are critical in translating policy into compliance and public trust.

Goodwill messages further reinforced the conference’s reformist tone. Dr. Abiodun Muritala, FCA, Honourable Secretary to the Accountant-General of Lagos State, challenged accountants to redefine their relevance in an era shaped by technology and artificial intelligence.

“We should not be accountants who deal with figures alone,” he said, urging professionals to deploy their expertise across sectors: from oil and gas to agriculture, adding that AI now handles routine computations, leaving judgment, insight and integrity as the profession’s true value.

The conference drew a wide spectrum of dignitaries, including ICAN’s 57th President, Ambassador Comfort Olajumoke Eyitayo; the 61st President, Mallam Haruna Nma Yahaya, mni; immediate past President, Chief Davidson Chizuoke Alaribe; vice-presidents, deputy vice-presidents, council members from the Western Zone, seasoned finance professionals, captains of industry and members of the academic community.

A colourful cultural performance provided an interlude, reminding delegates that even as the profession confronts modern economic realities, it remains rooted in cultural identity and shared heritage.

As deliberations continue today and tomorrow, the opening day set a clear agenda: ICAN’s Western Zonal Conference is not merely a calendar event, but a strategic platform for shaping policy understanding, professional ethics and national development outcomes.