Alara receives second ICAN president in five years as Chief Davidson Alaribe charts a path for future chartered accountants.
kakalistiq.com reports that the historic town of Ilara came alive on Wednesday as the 60th President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Chief Davidson Alaribe, FCA, paid a presidential visit to the ICAN Epe & District Society, with notable engagements that celebrated professionalism, heritage, and youth empowerment.
The visit began with a royal homage to the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, HRM Oba (Dr.) Olukayode Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, Telade IV, warmly welcomed the ICAN President and his delegation to his ancient palace with gratitude and pride.
“I am very grateful to receive the second ICAN President within my five years on the throne. It is a great privilege to host the 60th President of this reputable institution in my ancient palace today,” the Alara said.
The monarch who was honoured with a well-deserved award by the visitors described the visit as a sign of respect for Ilara Kingdom and praised ICAN’s unwavering commitment to setting a standard of accountability and integrity in Nigeria’s professional space over the last six decades. He noted that ICAN’s foundation, laid by forebears, particularly in taxation, governance, and transparency, continues to elevate the accounting profession through technological advancements.
At Augustine University, Ilara, Chief Alaribe shared an inspiring session with students, offering insights into the history and growth of ICAN. He traced the institution’s humble beginnings from its 1965 establishment with only 250 members to its current membership of over 66,000.
“People often say our exams are tough. I say they are not tough, they are robust. If not for the exam, ICAN would have folded up. That rigour is what keeps the Institute alive,” he explained.
He encouraged students to be visionary, to take decisive steps towards becoming chartered accountants, and not to be discouraged by hearsay or doubts. Sharing his journey, he recalled qualifying in 1994 and being inducted in 1995, emphasizing that resilience, hard work, and faith in God were keys to his success.
In her address, Mrs. Esther Ajiboye, FCA, Chairperson of the Epe & District Society, celebrated the visit’s impact and outlined some of the tangible benefits ICAN offers to aspiring professionals. She announced that five students who met all scholarship requirements would have their entire ICAN journey from registration to induction fully sponsored.
“The exam is not for the faint-hearted, but for those ready to rise to the challenge. These five scholars are being supported from cradle,” she proudly declared, as the recipients were introduced to the audience.
The event wrapped up with mentorship sessions, a financial literacy workshop, and a career pathway seminar, all geared towards preparing the younger generation for the future of accounting and finance. Beyond royal courtesies and academic encouragement, the ICAN presidential visit served as a meaningful platform to network, inspire growth, and transfer timeless professional values to the next generation.
