The Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) has mentored young secondary school boys and girls on how to pursue a career in accounting and get it right in life.
Chairperson of SWAN, Mrs Hilda Ozoh, during a career talk held recently at Boys Academy, Sura in Lagos Island, said the society in its pursuit of encouragement and empowerment drive, believed that a child needs good and sound educational knowledge and constant mentorship and guidiance.
Ozoh, also speaking to students from Girls Senior Academy, Sura, and Girls Secondary Grammar School, Obalende, Lagos, said this will assist in widening the students knowledge if they are focused and serious in their studies.
She noted that giving seminars is one of SWAN’s core corporate social responsibility areas, to which it gives back to the society.
“Without the right knowledge, a child will wonder away and might not achieve the destiny that has been designed for him/her,” she said.
The SWAN chairperson introduced accounting profession to the students, adding that,it is an ethical and integrity worthy profession.
She said: “Our profession as accountants is wide and all embracing. We encourage students to delve into the accounting background.
“You can only achieve this if you read wide and aim high. It makes one a better citizen, empowers you mentally, socially, academically and financially.”
According to her, a child needs guidance, both from parents, teachers, knowledgeable persons in the society and the world at large.
Ozoh advised the students to seek the right knowledge, avoid negative peer pressure, focus on their goal in life and as early as possible, discern what they want to be in future and work towards it.
In a lecture, Dr Obigbemi Imoleayo of Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Science, University of Lagos, explained that accountancy is a profession that is of relevance in all spheres of life and has impacted on businesses and the world at large.
Imoleayo said, to succeed in life as an individual, self-discovery is important for proper alignment with goals that have been set.
She told the students that identification of their location, ability, status and achievements will help in adequate personal evaluation which is a major yardstick for redirection and success attainment.
“You are the choice you make today, so make the right choice of career, friendship, lifestyle and hobby now. Strive to be the best in all you do as nothing can stop you, not even your gender,” the lecturer said.
Also speaking, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Olaniyi a governing council member, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) said a would-be Chartered Accountant must have four Ds, namely; Desire, Determination, Dedication and Discipline.
Olaniyi stated that, an accountant is a business leader, multi-skilled professional, financial expert, manager versed in the use of IT, and good communicator, versatile researcher, competent marketer, full-fledged finance manager and a shrewd investigator.
She charged the students to take advantage of the ICAN’s Accounting Technicians Scheme West Africa (ATSWA) Examination route after their O’level or the Professional Examination route after their higher institution to become a Chartered Accountant.
In her welcome address, Mrs Ronke Akeredolu, chairperson, SWAN Career Talk Committee, said the programme was one of the long-outstanding SWAN activities of developing the girl-child for greater future and to enlighten students about SWAN, ICAN and the accounting profession.
Akeredolu appreciated the Queen Mothers, speakers,SWAN executives and members, ICAN leadership, pricipal officers of the schools that participated for their donation and support towards the success of the programme.
Responding, Mr Adetunji Buraimo, Vice Principal, Boys Senior Academy, Sura, thanked SWAN for organising the programme and giving the students a fantastic opportunity to improve themsleves and be reformed.
SWAN was inaugurated in Nigeria on April 28, 1978 by a ten man founding members initiated by Chief (Mrs.) Elizabeth Adegite (FCA) to be relevant, impactful, empower and mentor female Chartered Accountants to attain and maintain the ideals of ICAN.
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