By Chijioke Ogbodo
In a significant stride towards promoting professional excellence and academic leadership, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has finalized arrangements for the inauguration of “Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria Agbani and District Society” the newest in the country. This momentous event will also witness the investiture of its pioneer chairman, Professor Uche Lucy Onyekwelu, and the constitution of the executive committee.
Scheduled for Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at the prestigious Professor Julius Onah Auditorium, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), the inauguration ceremony will be conducted by the distinguished 59th ICAN president, Dr. Innocent Iweka Okwuosa. The event marks a significant development in the field of accountancy, particularly in the Agbani and district region, as it establishes a platform for fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and professional growth among chartered accountants.
Professor Onyekwelu, an accomplished academic, brings her wealth of experience to the fore as the pioneer chairman of the Agbani and District Society. Her dedication to excellence in education, research, and mentorship aligns seamlessly with ICAN’s mission to uphold the highest standards in the accountancy profession.
The investiture ceremony will not only recognize Professor Onyekwelu’s leadership but also celebrate the formation of the executive committee, comprising seasoned professionals committed to steering the society towards new heights of success. As the event unfolds at ESUT, it symbolizes a collaborative effort to strengthen the accountancy landscape, fostering a community of professionals dedicated to upholding integrity, transparency, and accountability in financial practices.
ICAN’s initiative to establish the Agbani and District Society reflects its ongoing commitment to geographical expansion and the development of local hubs for chartered accountants. This inauguration is expected to serve as a catalyst for academic and professional advancements, creating a vibrant network of professionals in the Agbani region and contributing to the overall growth and prestige of the accountancy profession in Nigeria.
Pioneer chairman designate Professor Uche Lucy Onyekwelu is a distinguished scholar holding various professional affiliations, including FAMSSRN, FCA, FFAR, ACTI. Currently serving as a Professor of Accountancy at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), she is renowned for her unwavering commitment to research, pedagogy, and mentorship. Professor Onyekwelu not only excels in university teaching and research but also serves as a public finance specialist, emphasizing accountability, process validity, financial transparency, and governance integrity.
She is also the Head of the Department of Accountancy at ESUT, actively promoting professionalism and human capital development.


