Accountants’ Day 2021: Our Theme Influenced By Nigeria’s Leadership Questions — Omoniyi

As the country grapples with leadership challenges, the Association National Accountants of Nigeria, ANAN says it is committed to leading the campaign towards accountable leadership to restore the confidence of citizens in their leadership at various levels.

This was the view of Mr. Wahab Shina Omoniyi, the chairman ANAN FCT1 while addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday at the 2021 International Accountants’ Day.

With the theme ‘Accountable Leadership in the 21st Century’ Mr. Omoniyi explained that it was careful chosen in response to the depleting quality of leadership the country has had in recent times at various levels.

He noted that this has affected the pace of Nigeria’s development, hence the need to ensure leaders become more accountable to their followers

While highlighting that accountants are directly involved with financial management, he said as those who work closely with leadership of various MDAs, accountants have the onerous duty of encouraging accountability through action, conduct and utterances.

“As accountants, we felt that we have that responsibility to do something because we work directly with the leaders of various organizations.

“So it is imperative that we enshrine that accountability and ensure we encourage it through our conduct, actions and statements.

“In our little corners, we have been enshrining that. We came public public to sensitize the people on what is expected of them whenever opportunity to lead calls. Not necessarily as President or governor.

“The students who came for this occasion today, we took it as a responsibility to inculcate good values in them so that they will grow with it.

“We can’t be talking about leadership that will affect their future without carrying them along.

“Some of them are in SUG EXCO in their various schools, some class captains, and all of that. So they are already in leadership position.

“It is not only when you get political appointment that we should be talking about leadership. Right from that classroom where some of them are already leading their few colleagues, how we are able to influence them will determine their outcome in the larger society tomorrow” Omoniyi said.

Speaking at the event, the President and Chairman of Council ANAN, Prof. Benjamin C. Osisioma commended the leadership and members of FCT1 branch of the association for sustaining a high leadership pedigree, which he described as exemplary.

Represented by the Chief Operating Officer of the Association, Rt. Hon. Dr Musa Ahmed, the ANAN President assured that the national body of the association will continue to be supportive to FCT1 branch as it continues to take the lead on promoting accounting profession in and outside the FCT.

Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu who was the keynote speaker commended ANAN FCT1 branch for considering the education of indigent pupils of FCT a priority in their Corporate Social Responsibility.

According to the Minister, the FCT1 chapter of the accounting body has made a meaningful contribution in the campaign to ensure that no child is denied basic education. This she said is the meaning of accountable leadership.

Speaking through the Director FCT Audit Department, FCTA, Barr. Adeyinka Nathaniel who represented her, Dr Aliyu expressed the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to foster accountable leadership by running an open-door policy as well as enhancing partnership with ANAN and relevant bodies.

She said, “Permit me, therefore, to once again applaud the efforts of members of this esteemed body in advancing its Corporate Social Responsibility particularly in the area of education of less privileged children in the society.

“I recall your collective efforts of taking children off the streets and empowering them with quality education. I have to commend your outstanding performance in the campaign to ensure that no child roams the streets of Abuja. To me, this is the real meaning of accountable leadership.

“On our part, the Federal Capital Territory Administration is committed to open, accountable and development-oriented service delivery and shall continue to keep its doors open to organisations like ANAN towards purposeful partnership.”

Highlights of the event was the recognition of deserving individuals who have shown outstanding leadership in their respective organizations

Government Secondary School Bwari and Government Secondary School Jabi also slugged it out in a debate competition.