Newly-appointed accountant-general of the federation (AGF), Dr Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein has been advised not to only deliver in her office as a woman, but to prove to Nigerians and the world that women are better managers of public resources.
Madein took over from Mr Sylva Okolieboh who was in acting capacity as the AGF following the suspension of Idris Ahmed from office over allegations of corruption and embezzlement of public funds.
The advice came from the national vice chairperson of the Professional Women Accountants of Nigeria (PROWAN), Hajiya Mariam Jibrin.
She spoke at the association’s 10th anniversary celebration in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) recently, with the theme: “Organisational Leadership and Growth Trajectory.”
Jibrin said, “This is the first time for a woman to be an AGF in Nigeria and it shows that the president knows that the women are prudent in the management of resources. Due to the prudency of the women, the AGF should draw women closer, address the economy and not disappoint women and Nigerians and the globe generally.”
On the economy, Jibrin urged the government to be serious toward reinforcing taxations, especially from the foreigners.
On the creation of PROWAN, she said: “The Association of National Accounts of Nigeria (ANAN) in 2013 created the PROWAN, as the women wing. The achievements expected from the organisation is organising and enlightening women to come out to support in the areas of enhancing the economy; advise government in the areas of handling frauds and other similar issues for the government to move forward and we are committed to that.”
Similarly, the chairman, Local Organisation Committee (LOC), Hajiya Aisha Mohammed, appealed to president Bola Tinubu to put the right people in the right places.
“Although as wives, we can’t compete with our husbands, but if women accountants are put in the right place, they will give you the best and they have been doing it,” she stated, adding that, “You can’t tell me that somebody who just came into office, would perform wonder. If we can give them time and support, I believe that Nigeria’s economy will be revived,” she added.
Earlier, the national chairperson of the association, Princess (Mrs) Elemanya Ebiliah, said having women as accountants in the country is a blessing, just as she informed that they have members who have excelled.
