Governor Bassey Otu has commissioned the Calabar and District Society secretariat of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), calling for stronger financial accountability and transparency in governance as the professional body finally secures a permanent base after more than 60 years of existence in Cross River State.
Otu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Peter Odey, at the commissioning ceremony in Calabar on Wednesday, described the development as a landmark achievement for the accounting profession and a boost to institutional capacity in the state.
He commended ICAN for sustaining professional excellence over the decades despite operating without a permanent secretariat since the district was established as ICAN’s second after Lagos over six decades ago.
“After 60 years, ICAN now has a secretariat in Calabar. I want to thank the Accountant-General and her team for this laudable achievement,” he said.
The governor stressed that his administration remains committed to supporting professional bodies and initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and human capital development in both public and private sectors.
He urged ICAN to continue producing highly skilled and ethical financial experts who can strengthen prudent management of public resources.
“We want to see more ICAN graduates in Cross River because from the few chartered accountants we have in government today, they have done exceptionally well in their various fields. By the time we produce more ICAN professionals, our books will be more balanced,” Otu stated.
He added that the newly commissioned secretariat would serve as a centre for learning, mentorship, collaboration, and professional development, expressing optimism that it could eventually host ICAN examinations in Calabar.
The president and chairman of Council of ICAN, Mallam Haruna Nma Yahaya, represented by Associate Professor Obal Usang, described the project as a symbol of vision, sacrifice, and collective achievement.
He said the facility would serve as a lasting legacy for the accounting profession in Cross River State and a hub for innovation and continuous professional development.
Also speaking, the Accountant-General of Cross River State and Chairperson of ICAN Calabar and District Society, Dr. Mrs. Glory Effiong, said the secretariat project represented the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration and her administration’s signature achievement.
She appreciated Governor Otu’s support and acknowledged stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion of the project.
The chairman of the Project Development Committee, Elder Nicolas Dan, described the commissioning as a historic milestone, noting that it marked a new chapter for ICAN members in the state after decades without a permanent base.
