…We shall take ICAN EDS to a new height ~Otiji
By Ekene Tobias Ngwu
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Enugu and District Society, EDS, on Saturday, June 18, 2022 installed a new Chairman, Mrs. Ifeoma Catherine Otiji, fca. Mrs Otiji who also serves as the current Chairperson of the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Enugu chapter is described by many as a perfect fit for the position due to her pivotal roles in ICAN activities in the State.
In a remark, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Augustine Nweze, represented by Aloysius Chukwuemeka Okafor, fca, expressed joy with the Executive and Members of ICAN, EDS on the occasion of the Investiture and Inauguration of the newly elected Executive Committee. He commended the new Chairman, Mrs Catherine Otiji whom he described as amiable and indefatigable, and her team of 15th EDS Executive Committee for “accepting the arduous task of selfless Service to the District and Institute”. He prayed for a triumphant tenure for the Executive Committee.
Chairman Otiji presenting her acceptance address
According to a retired Permanent Secretary in Enugu State Civil Service, Dr. Moses Otiji who spoke on behalf of the Otiji family, “Kate is a unique personality who loves reading and academic pursuit.”
…Kate has acquired numerous academic qualifications which include OND, HND, B.Sc in Accounting,MBA in Mgt, LLB and a Chartered Accountant… and a member of the Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN).”
Dr. Otiji who noted that Catherine is a blessing to the Otiji Royal family, said she would also be a blessing to ICAN Enugu and District Society and beyond. He expressed the Otiji family’s appreciation to ICAN EDS “for the honour bestowed upon our beloved wife”, assuring that the family will throw their weight behind her throughout her tenure.
The inaugurated 15th ICAN EDS Executive Committee
In her acceptance speech, the new Chairman, Mrs Catherine Otiji, thanked the EDS for finding her and her team of the 15th Executive Committee worthy to be entrusted with the responsibility to run the affairs of the association for the session, and expressed the hope that her administration would take the chapter to the next level.
“We are at a loss as to where to begin to express our gratitude for the uncommon solidarity by the EDS family”.
R-L: Mr. Johnson Otiji, Catherine’s husband, Mrs Otiji and Dr Moses Otiji
Mrs. Otiji who said her administration would focus on taking the ICAN brand to a new height while fulfilling the vision of bringing the body closer to the people, disclosed that they will collaborate with Enugu State government through the EDS inter-Government Committee to provide assistance to workers in the state civil and public services by assisting them with accounting software installation and update, access to managerial training, budgetary process and control, and others.
Speaking further, Catherine Otiji enumerated what her Chairmanship Year would achieve to include but not limited to acquisition of an air-conditioned bus for ease of movement of members to ICAN activities and other functions; construction of good access road to link the EDS-ICAN liaison office to the freeway; bring ICAN closer to the people through planned publicity programmes in schools and institutions of higher learning as well as the media. Others are to organize periodic full medical checks on members; provide support for a sister organization, the young Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria, SWAN Enugu chapter which was inaugurated in November, 2021; partner ICAN Tuition Providers by offering supportive services in the task of producing well qualified Chartered Accountants.
A cross section of attendees
She paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers, and National leadership of the association whom she described as wonderful, having made tremendous contributions towards the growth of the national body as well as EDS. “I specially acknowledge the forefathers of our District Society, the 14 EDS past Chairmen and their Executive Committees whose leadership qualities since 1971 made tremendous progress on our District”
Earlier in a welcome address, the Investiture Planning Committee Chairman, Dr. Augustine Ojeh, fca, who also was inaugurated as the 15th Vice Chairman, thanked all for finding the time to attend and appealed to “all EDS members to give the 15th EDS Chairman and her executive the needed support to pilot the affairs of the noble organization”.
Extreme left, Kalu U Kalu & wife, Aloysius Okafor (Chairman of the occasion), HRH Igwe Otiji (2nd R), Mr. Innocent Ohagwu (R) and another
The installation which turned into a carnival of sorts had the members of the Catholic Women Organization, CWO, St. Mary’s Parish, Trans Ekulu, Enugu led by
Mrs. Josephine Azi-Ude, which the installed Chairman belong to, electrify the event.
Chairman Otiji being ushered in by the CWO and EDS ladies
The installation ceremony which took place at Destiny Event Center Enugu, was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, including His Royal Highness, Igwe Augustine Uzobuenyi Otiji of Aguobu Umumba who was the Royal Father of the Day; Prince Livinus Ogomuegbunam Otiji, husband of the 15th ICAN EDS Chairman; Elder Dr & Chief Mrs Kalu Ukeh Kalu, Parents of the Day; President of Chartered Institute of Taxation, represented by his Vice, Mr. Innocent Ohagwu, fctr; Mr Emmanuel Ekene Nnamani, immediate past Chairman ICAN EDS and other past Chairmen; ICAN EDS patrons among many others. GMTNews
