I give Almighty God the glory for making this day a reality, a day that is representing a new dawn marking the beginning of yet another year of progress, stability and consolidation. I am overwhelmed and highly honored to be the Chairman of this great District and to steer the wheel of the ship for the next one year. Indeed, it is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in my eyes.

I commend everyone for attending the AGM and I also congratulate the newly elected Executive Members. You are all welcome to this momentous occasion.

I wish to state here that there is no doubt that my predecessors have left shoes too big to be worn but I am consoled that with their supports and the supports of all Executive Members and the entire members of our great District Society we shall move this District to greater heights where she will continue to be the number one District Society within ICAN family. This coming year will therefore be dedicated to our past leaders who have worked hard to lift Ikeja District Society of ICAN high and ensure that she maintains a leading position among her piers.

The task of moving the District forward is of paramount importance and we all together shall go about this through some programmes lined up for this year. They are:

1.       An all inclusive affair: This administration shall be an all inclusive one. I do not see it as my Chairmanship year, but rather our Progressive year. Everyone shall be encouraged to participate actively irrespective of whether they are executive members or not. All Sub-Committees will be encouraged to contribute to the development of the District. Everyone will be charged to put in their best and no one will be left out
2.       Participation of the founding fathers and Past Chairmen: Our honorable Past Chairmen will be actively involved in the programmes of the District. Their ideas and contributions will be of paramount importance to move the District to further greater heights. As this year is dedicated to them, they will head all sub-committees and special committees to honour them and allow them execute those programmes that were dear to them but could not actualize for one reason or the other during their tenure. 
3.       Members Forum: The quality of our Members’ Forum will be improved upon to enable our members partake actively in the progress march of the District. Strategies will be put in place to perk up members’ participation and attendance. Facilitators from different fields will also be invited to give pep talks that will get members more informed.
4.       On-Going Projects: We shall endeavor to finish all on-going projects of the District. By the grace of God the Library Building will be commissioned before the end of this tenure. The Secretariat will also be renovated to make it more comfortable for the District’s business.
5.       South-West Regional Conference: We shall be hosting the 2nd South-West Regional Conference and a powerful Committee will be set up to help organize the conference. We ask for the support of all our members and their organizations and we shall be thankful if our members can help get financial support from their respective companies and attend en-mass so that it will record a huge success. The success of this Conference is the responsibility of everyone. Let us join hands to make it a huge success by the grace of God because every other district including ICAN will be watching and expecting the best knowing our antecedence.
6.       Workshop and Seminars: Our major source of income continues to be Workshops and Seminars and the quality has to be improved upon. We will partner with some government agencies where workshops and training will be held for their employees. We also need to create a more encouraging atmosphere for our consultants to organize more beneficial workshops and seminars to the society at large.
7.       Student Affairs: The on-going sensitization of pupils in Secondary and Tertiary Institutions on the importance of being Chartered Accountants will be improved upon. Schools within and around Ikeja will be visited for this purpose.
8.       Staff Welfare: Without the Secretariat Staff, running the District will be a Herculean task. Their welfare will be reviewed and they will not be denied what is due to them.
 
On this note, permit me to say a very big thank you to my predecessor, the amiable Madam Past Chairman, Mrs. Shakirat Adepeju Babatunde for her great achievements most especially the establishment of the Entrepreneurship Centre and using her position to get the Lagos State Government actively involved in our programmes and for her interring enthusiasm and support for the District. I wish to let you know that you have not finished your work in supporting the District, you have just started. There is no doubt you have set a very high standard. May God continue to strengthen you. Amen. I also want to congratulate our members who have been elected as Council Members of our great Institute. More grease to your elbows.

In conclusion, I thank you all for putting your trust in me and I assure you that by the grace of God I will not disappoint you as I welcome you on board this great and wonderful ship
 
Long live Ikeja District of ICAN
Long live the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria
Long live Lagos State
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria

ICAN-IKEJA DISTRICT SOCIETY