Otu Inaugurates Cross River’s First ICAN Secretariat

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has commended the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, (ICAN), Calabar and District Society, for completing its secretariat project.

Represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Odey, at the ceremony in Calabar yesterday, the governor charged ICAN to keep producing competent financial professionals to strengthen transparency and accountability in governance.

The governor described the new secretariat as a landmark achievement. He noted that the Calabar District Society, established over 60 years ago as ICAN’s second district society after Lagos, had operated for decades without a permanent base.

“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 stated.

Otu said his administration remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote professional excellence, institutional growth, and human capital development in the state.

He emphasized the need for ICAN to continue breeding highly skilled and ethical professionals who can drive prudent financial management and sustainable development in both public and private sectors.

“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,” the Governor said. He added that the new secretariat would serve as a centre for learning, mentorship, professional development, and collaboration, and expressed optimism it would pave the way for an ICAN examination centre in Calabar.

The president and chairman of Council of ICAN, Mallam Haruna Nma Yahaya, described the commissioning as a celebration of vision, sacrifice, professionalism, and collective achievement.

His remarks were delivered by Associate Professor Obal Usang. Yahaya said the secretariat represents a lasting legacy for the accounting profession in Cross River and would serve as a hub for innovation, mentorship, collaboration, and continuous professional development.

Earlier, Accountant General of Cross River State and Chairperson of ICAN Calabar and District Society, Dr. Mrs. Glory Effiong, said the project was the fulfillment of a long-standing dream and the signature achievement of her administration.

She expressed appreciation to Governor Otu for his support, and thanked members, friends, and stakeholders who contributed to completing the edifice.

Also speaking, chairman of the Project Development Committee, Elder Nicolas Dan, called the project a historic milestone for ICAN members in Cross River. He noted that the event marked a new chapter for the district society after decades without a permanent secretariat.