By Correspondent in Ilorin.
Women accountants in Kwara State have been urged to remain unwavering in their commitment to integrity and professionalism, despite any pressures they may face in their careers.
The charge was made by Hajia Bilkisu Lawal during her investiture as the third Chairperson of the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Ilorin Chapter on Friday.
Hajia Lawal acknowledged the perception that women are often emotional but stressed the importance of not allowing such stereotypes to undermine their professional values.
“As women, we are sometimes seen as emotional beings, but we must rise above that to uphold integrity, truth, and accountability at all times,” she said.
Unveiling her agenda, Hajia Lawal promised to build on the achievements of her predecessors through targeted initiatives to empower members and promote professionalism. Her plans include sensitisation campaigns, school debates, and community engagement programmes to increase awareness about the accounting profession.
“We aim to support aspiring female accountants through continuous education, mentorship, and by promoting a positive image of women in the profession,” she added.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the National Chairperson of SWAN, Mrs Hilda Ozoh, the Chairperson of the Ogbomosho Chapter, Mrs Kadirat Raheem, urged the new executives to uphold the society’s core values and advance the relevance of women in the accounting sector.
“You have a duty to promote the ideals of SWAN and create platforms that uplift the status of women accountants,” she said.
The Special Guest of Honour, Prof. Suleiman Ambali, lauded the ceremony as a milestone in the pursuit of ethical excellence in the accounting field.
“Accountancy is not just a career; it’s a profession of trust. The role SWAN plays in fostering that trust is commendable,” he noted.
The Chairperson of the occasion, Dr Mercy Shittu, applauded Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration for its consistent support for women’s empowerment and expressed optimism that with such backing, Kwara State could soon produce its first female Accountant General.
Also speaking, the immediate past Chairperson of the SWAN in the state, Mrs Mojirola Afolayan, encouraged the new leadership to stay focused and dedicated to the society’s objectives and urged members to rally behind the new executives.
The highlight of the event was the formal swearing-in of the new 11-member executive council by the SWAN National Chairperson, marking a fresh chapter for the Ilorin Chapter of the society.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
