Prof Onyekwelu rolls out Nine-point action plans as pioneer Chairman ICAN Agbani District
By Udeigwe Chidera, Ogechi Ogechi and Precious Nwafor
Prof Uche Onykwelu has been unveiled as the pioneer chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN Agbani and District Society.
In a glamourous investiture held at the Prof Julius Onah Auditorium in the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT on Tuesday, the Professor of Accountancy and Head, Department of Accountancy, ESUT and her Interim Executive Committee members were inaugurated by the 59th ICAN President, Dr Innocent Iweka Okwuosa.
Inaugurating the Pioneer Executive Committee members, the President charged them to be forthright in the discharge of their duties. He urged the pioneer chairman to be diligent and show teamwork even as she aspires to consolidate on the need to continue the expansion of ICAN in the Southeast zone in particular.
In her acceptance speech, the pioneer Chairman ICAN Agbani and District Society, Prof Onyekwelu expressed gratitude to God for making the dream of having the ICAN Agbani and District Society a reality. While thanking the ICAN National Executive Council led by the President for their support, she reeled out her nine-point agenda in consolidating the gains of the creation of the new District Society
“The Agbani and District Society, born today, (Tuesday) aligns with the principles laid out in the Act No 5 of 1965 that established ICAN. I wish to state that my chairmanship year will pursue distinct programmes to further engrave the name of Agbani and District in the sands of time. We shall therefore:
“Expand ICAN’s membership strength through targeted programmes. Foster educational initiatives like ‘catch them Young Programme.’ We shall continue to publicize ICAN various students support schemes in the various educational institutions within the scope of the district.
“Establish relationship with the Industrial Training Units of our Tertiary Institutions for Internship for our accounting students to acquire industrial skills (Internship) while still in school. This training can be done during the vacations or as may be accommodated by the institutions’ academic calendars. Organize workshops and seminars to address critical economic discourses, emphasizing the Institute’s Mandatory Training Programme and others to propel Human Capital development.
Others are “Collaborate with stakeholders, various non-governmental bodies, educational institutions, Accountancy Practicing Firms among others to enhance productivity and community engagement; encourage greater participation from members who have been less active due to proximity to Enugu town and other various reasons; extend full support to new members within our jurisdiction for swift registration and involvement; maintain a close relationship with the ICAN National Secretariat for more active participation in national and international activities of the institute and businessmen-professional round table: This is intended to create an avenue through which the business owners can come together once every six months to interact with the professional Accountants for knowledge sharing. The programme will address the roles of professional accountants business sustainability via consultancy, auditing/quality assurance services, business grants, entrepreneurship mentorship support services, among others,” she said.
The members of the Interim Executive Committee include: Prof Uche Onyekwelu, Chairman; Nwabueze Onyeke, Vice Chairman; Ogbodo Christian, General-Secretary; Aninwike Callista, Assistant General-Secretary; Dr Nweke Ukamaka, Financial Secretary; Ngene Benedicta, Treasurer; Dr Onovo Victor; Public Relations Officer; Dr Nnajieze Ifeanyinwa, Technical Secretary; Okolo Emmanuel, Ex-Officio 1 and Dr Eze Mark, Ex-Offico
ICAN Agbani and District Society is the second District Society to be carved out from ICAN Enugu and District Society. The first being ICAN Nsukka District and Society. The vision to create the ICAN Agbani and District Society was one of the public trust of the EDS 2022/23 Executive Committee meeting led by the 15th Chairman, ICAN Enugu District Society, Mrs Ifeoma Catherine Otiji
The motion to give birth to the District Society was moved by a General Meeting held on Wednesday 27th July, 2023 where the 15th Chairman informed the members of the plans of the EXCO to commence the inauguration of Agbani District and Society as one of the mandates of his administration and the modalities to be carried out as estimated by the ICAN District Society Bye-law
Among the requirements for the creation of a new District Society were target minimum number of members, holding of three meetings of the proposed District, election of interim Executive Committee, official application and sponsorship by the Mother District, etc.
The first three general meetings as required by the Bye-law were held on 27th August, 29th September and 29th October, 2022, respectively. The election of the interim Executive Committee of ICAN Agbani and District Society were held during the August 2022 general meeting chaired by Mrs Ifeoma Otiji.
