Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has charged the executives of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) to remain steadfast in maintaining its high standards and rigorous certification process for accountants in the country.

Oyebanji, who gave the charge on Wednesday while playing host to the leadership of the ICAN led by its President, Chief Davidson Chizuoke Alaribe, in his office in Ado-Ekiti, urged the leadership not to compromise the institute’s rigorous examination process which is the foundation of its current high reputation.

The governor, while noting that some people have expressed concern about the toughness of ICAN’s examinations, pointed out that the seeming difficulty is what sets the institute apart and preserves its credibility as a leading professional body.

While commending members of the Institute in his government for their role in promoting transparency and accountability, Oyebanji acknowledged that the professionalism and expertise of ICAN-certified accountants serving in various capacities in his administration have significantly contributed to the effective management of resources available to the state, earning the state national recognition as a model of accountability and transparency in Nigeria.

 He assured the Institute of the readiness of the state government to partner it through the “Catch Them Young” to train more youths in accounting and financial management.

He emphasised the importance of equipping young people with the necessary skills to build a strong foundation for future professionals.

Earlier in his remarks, the ICAN President, Chief Davison Chizuoke Alaribe, lauded Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.

 He noted that the Governor’s efforts have set a standard for ethical leadership and financial prudence which have earned the state recognition as model for good governance.

While expressing his gratitude to the Governor for appointing several ICAN-certified accountants to key positions in his administration, the ICAN President maintained that these appointments reflect the governor’s recognition of value of professionalism and his commitment to fostering a culture of accountability.

Also at the meeting were Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Femi Ajayi; Chairman of the State’s Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Olaniran Olatona; Special Adviser, Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode,  and Accountant General, Mrs. Titilayo Olayinka.

Others in attendance were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Oluwadare Jolumo and the state Auditor General, Mr. Victor Adeuya among others.