BY ESE OBOTE-OGWU
The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has highlighted the importance of professional accountants in the development and management of subnational governments.
Governor Oborevwori said this at the Institute of Chartered Accounts of Nigeria (ICAN) 7th Southern Zonal Accountant Conference which was held in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen, revealed that he has a substantial number of ICAN members serving in pivotal positions in both the civil service and the ranks of political appointees in his administration and emphasised that staff welfare is paramount in his administration.
“In a bid to ensure we sustain the gains derivable from the employment and appointment of these professionals, the state government is committed to sponsoring members to both ICAN mandatory continuing professional education (MCPE) conference and the annual accountants’ conference (AAC) regularly, to ensure continued capacity building.”
On the theme of the conference: “Security Challenges in Nigeria: Implications for Economic Growth and Integration,” the governor said: “It couldn’t have come at a better time, especially given the myriads of security challenges confronting us as a country and its consequences for our fledging nationhood.”
Governor Oborevwori reeled out the achievements of his administration as enhanced financial management, transparency and fiscal discipline, healthcare institutions getting retooled, in addition to constructing new ones, while the spectrum of educational institutions was being given facelifts.
Earlier, the 60th President of ICAN, Mr Davidson Alaribe, urged members of the institute to play pivotal roles in addressing the challenges of insecurity and fostering sustainable economic growth by leveraging their expertise. According to him, “We must collaborate with government agencies to implement robust internal control systems that prevent fraud and embezzlement, thus reducing opportunities for corruption.”
He harped on the need for networking among members and also called for a renewed mindset where members would work selflessly for the success of the institute, as well as update their records where necessary for ICAN to deliver its best as part of their welfare services.
In his remarks, the zonal chairman of ICAN, southern zonal district, Mr. Edidem Utuk, said the essence of the conference “is for the advancement of our noble profession and development of our nation.”
