ICAN-IKEJA DISTRICT SOCIETY

ARCHIVES OF THE IKEJA DISTRICT SOCIETY OF ICAN

PAST CHAIRMEN’S ACCEPTANCE SPEECH

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH

By H.A Fola Akiyode

Chairman ICAN Ikeja.

1. The immediate Past Chairman

2. The Past Chairmen

3. Our Council Member - Chief Femi Deru

4. All the Executive Officers and

5. Other Executive Committee Members

OUR TIME AND OUR OWN

Today is the birth of another administration in the calendar of our esteemed district. The very first step of this journey was taken 22 years ago by our founding fathers out of cheer spirit of togetherness, growth of the profession and importantly to disseminate our great Institutes policies, event, issues and information to the grass root members. Let’s give thanks and praise to them.

Our District had been endowed with quality people made of sound leadership traits right from the inception. Now our major concern is to further develop and tap our potential resources for the future beneficial use, as no one has monopoly of knowledge.

To remind ourselves of the common saying “A tree does not make a forest”. This message goes to all committee members without exception. This is to enjoin all best especially the Executive Committee Members to give their best in terms of support and commitment to this administration of ours, which the future return may not be quantifiable. All sub-committees are empowered but this has not been satisfactorily used, but these empowerments are going to be increased and enhanced to make

each sub-committee self - accountable for their actions and inactions. Responsibility without power invites tragedy and disaster. The tragedy and disaster in this case is by means of destroying the natural and acquired leadership sense which would have propelled and prepared you for future challenges in life.

My dear colleagues, please let’s live up to the responsibilities which we are going to have in this our new administration.

Let’s measure up to each and every assignment with equal capacity and power necessary to carry them out to certainty. Prepare for greater responsibilities and you shall receive them.

It is a known fact that United we stand, divided we fall. It will continuously gladdens my heart to hear our administration right from the Gateman of this District to the President of our Great institute. I know people do not share failure but success. Your success records made me to repose confidence in you all. With enormous task on our projects and programmes, SUCCESS SHAL EVER BE OURS (AMEN). For mentioning, if a woman could achieve the feat that was almost impossible for years in a year, I do not envisage any problem for all of us to do more and better than that jointly. Our District (Ikeja) has never been known for failure(s), infact IDSICAN is synonymous with successes/passes in all fronts.

Whatever worthwhile achievement we want, can be ours, provided we are determined and pursue it rigorously. We have been success equipped. No one can keep us from succeeding except ourselves; we have the power and ability within us. All that remains between us.

No committee member shall interfere, intrude or usurp any person, committee or sub-committee duties and responsibilities but offer probable or relevant pieces of advice where and when he/we feel it is necessary. The essence of this is to allow ourselves to be developed or rather show our weaknesses so that genuine and sincere correction/support can be offered in-house. This will tremendously assist us when we are faced with higher challenge(s) in future.

All of us are gifted in different and various areas, therefore we should not be shy or down spirited anytime we are politely corrected, rather we should be grateful that it is still within the family. We need each other. No one is infallible except Almighty God that makes me to be open to correction in order for our administration to be smooth sailing, copious and be of envy to others. It is important to point out the big challenge in front of us at this juncture.

Our last three predecessors usually called the three (3) musketeers had done very wonderfully. Naturally and unknowingly, due to their traits, they had achieved differently. These achievements could be likened to that of:

- Surveyor

- Architech/Valuer/Developer

- Estate Manager

For the above to be meaningful let’s take an analytical situation.

SURVEYOR: Upon assuming office, he played the role of Harbinger, by creating reasonable cash reserve with good office working apparatus i.e copier, computer, phone etc for the generous use of the secretariat before he left. It was also the tenure that the echo an effort on the acquisition of new secretariat was louder than before. He made the ground for it.

ARCHITECT/VALUER/DEVELOPER: She felt challenged; therefore she was determined to go for what everybody thoughts that could be easily attainable. She abandoned her prestigious office and business for this masculine and harculenous feat for 12 months.

However, the end justified the means. She led the course with supportive followers who shared the dream and she was lucky to acquire a property for the District as one of the projects for that administration. This she passed to a relentless, determined and hardworking Estate manager.

ESTATE MANAGER: He took up this opportunity gallantly as expected and he surpassed all the expectations. Like a good Estate manager who wanted more reward for this good job. The only way an Estate manager can be rewarded is to improve on the value of the property to the general public admiration.

However, to complement the efforts of his predecessors on this District “Pet Project” all resources available and none, were judiciously, efficiently and sufficiently used. This brought us to where we are today and also what we called - IDSICAN WHITE HOUSE.

THE INCOMING is now faced with a fire burning question - HOW DO WE STAND? This question can only be meaningful if the new Executive members understand what it portends. If we look at the basket of achievements in the last three (3) years. One would have concluded that there is nothing left again to be added to or done. To stand on the positive or negative side of history is our choice. To be on the negative side is for us to be complacent with what we have now and fold our arms. For history to smile on us forever we have to be in this good book and therefore stand positively. The standard for measurement is set already, its now our choice again to perform above, equal or below. By Good Grace of God we shall excel far above the set standard (Amen).

We are the luckiest administration why?

1 If we look at our back we will see our fore-runners standing by us gidigba, saying we are with you always, whilst

2 Looking among ourselves we will sense the spirit of all able, competent, reliable, resourceful, hardworking, honest, diligent, dutiful, relentless, supportive, level headed and cooperative Executive Committee members full of determination to succeed, and

3 Lastly, the echo, the touch and upward pushing of all our District members in Diaspora have never diminished or subsided by saying GO! GO!! GO!!! WE ARE SOLIDLY BEHIND YOU - NO SHAKING.

In this case, are we not lucky? Yes, we are lucky, goodness and mercy of Almighty God shall forever be with the District (Amen).

We, these new Executive members have resolved to reciprocate the solid support and confidence of all our members in Diaspora by contributing in additive measure to the glory of our beloved District through the execution of our projects and programmes as enumerated below:

A) PROJECTS

1) Putting the District on internet by developing her Website and E-mail correspondence.

2) Demolition of the structure at the back to give way for the building of Ultra-Modern Conference/Training Centre and a well-equipped modern library for the community.

3) Resuscitating and implementing the goals and ideals of the Inter-District Summit and Togetherness by staging the first summit.

B) PROGRAMMES

a) Forum: We are staging four (4) for a for the year for all members (students inclusive), the idea of having accounting students in our midst is to catch them young and expose them at the early stage to professionalism, its merit and honour.

b) Presidential visit

c) Annual Dinner and Dance/Funds Raising Event

d) Old members Night: We have decided to adopt this title instead of Past Chairman, Past-Officers and Past Members Night since our Senior members are still actively involved in our good course.

e) Courtesy Visit: The following visit will be carried out during the year:

(i) Courtesy call on 2 members in high places

(ii) 2 corporate/ministry/parastalta visits

(iii) 2 inter-District visits

f) Annual Accountants Conference

g) Annual General Meeting

h) Election of Members

My fellow District and Executive members, to keep the flag of the District flying is a task that must be done irrespective of our individual difference and opinions. Let us continuously think of what we can contribute / do positively for the District. What we can gain is immeasurable which in most cases might not be physical;, this is for those with inner sense of accomplishments and achievements.

Conclusively, our regime is tagged DESIGNERS’ REGIME. Why the name? The name emanated as a result of the resolution of all members to improve on the good work of SURVEYOR, ACHICHET and ESTATE MANAGER by redesigning, build or re-build (where possible) for the betterment of all our members in Diaspora. Therefore all members are charged with this challenge of imbibing good maintenance culture in order to preserve the good legacy. Once again I thank you all for the confidence you have reposed on me to stir the ship of the District for the next 12months. On our side let’s resolve to do everything possible for the District to attain higher heights, while I will be there I as the General Overseer.

Thank you and stay blessed.

Mrs. M. A. Olowu, FCA CHAIRMAN 1998/1999

I give thanks to the Almighty God for this day, I thank the Executive Committee of the Ikeja District Society of ICAN, Past Chairmen and members of our Society for electing me the Chairman of the Society for the 1998/1999 year. I regard it as special privilege and a mark of honour being the first lady to be so elected as District’s Chairperson. I therefore look forward to your maximum support and co-operation.

I will like to seize this opportunity to thank the immediate past Chairman - Mr. S. O. Fadeyibi [FCA] for steering the ship of the Ikeja District Society of ICAN to safe landing today and for a job well done. I wish him God’s guidance in all his endeavours. [Amen].

Continuity is a tradition with ICAN on which we at Ikeja District base our existence on. A solid foundation has been laid by our past Chairmen upon which we have been building. Our activities on the past efforts of the District for so many years and to uphold the constitution so well written by our past Chairmen namely:-

(i) The drive for the establishment of a functional secretariat which was started during the past year will be vigorously pursued. We shall undertake more funds drive this year in addition.

(ii) We shall vigorously pursue our request for land for the erection of the Society’s permanent Secretariat Structure.

(iii) The ICAN Ikeja Newsletter which was resuscitated by the immediate past Chairman, will continue. It is our intention to do at least two publications this year May I seize this opportunity therefore to ask that members respond as soon as they receive our letter soliciting for articles for publication.

(iv) In line with the District objective of informing members as well as the public within our immediate environment, the Organisation of workshop will continue from time to time. We shall also endeavour to arrange Seminars, at least once a month for the general public and also raise funds for the District Society. This will be done in conjunction with some good consultants.

(v) The current strategy employed towards membership drive will be stepped up and the Society’s programme will be made very relevant to all members especially more women participation.

(vi) It is our intention to identify new sources of generating funds into the coffers of the society during the year in addition to the society’s focus during the past year.

(vii) In recognition of outstanding performance, members and friends and other associates of the society will be given Awards as and when due during the course of the year.

(viii) As there is need to engineer social co-operation and relaxation of members social activities such as luncheons, dinners, etc. will continually be organised by the society, including visitation to our older past Chairmen.

(ix) The use of sub-committee will continue with members drawn from all over the district.

I wish to stress that we shall not work in isolation. Our District has carved out a niche for itself in furthering the activities of the Institute, and we shall not relent our effort in future.

Once again, I thank you so much for the confidence reposed in me and promise not to relent and solicit for the co-operation of everyone.

Wale Odunlami Esq. CHAIRMAN 1999/2000

Past Chairmen

Distinguished Colleagues

I Thank you for electing me to the office of the Chairman of our esteemed District Society. With this election, I hope to lead the Ikeja District into the new millennium.

During my tenure in office, I hope we would:-

· Furnish and move into our new District Office at 50, Olowu Street, Ikeja.

· Make the Secretariat functional;

· Improve on Membership drive and Records.

· Embark on Revenue generation programmes

· Pursue Training and Manpower development in the District

· Follow up our land acquisition with the Lands Department at Alausa

· Place Ikeja District of ICAN in an enviable position, making it primus inter pares amongst all the District Societies of ICAN

By the grace of God and with the help and co-operation of all our members, I pledge we shall keep the flag of Ikeja ICAN flying higher than ever before.

Thank you very much.

TAYO PHILLIPS CHAIRMAN 2001/2002

Protocols,

With humility and high sense of responsibility I salute you all for considering me worthy to assume the exalted seat of Chairman of our great District Society,

I salute my immediate past president - Mr. C. I. Ede for successfully steering the ship of the District in the last one year and I once again congratulate you on your appointment as the number one tax man in Enugu State. May your shadow never grow less.

I salute our founding fathers ands Past Chairmen especially our one and only Chief Femi Deru for your support, words of encouragement and foresight. It is worthy to mention that the tradition established over 16 years ago is still waxing stronger. One of the challenges ahead of us all is to ensure his success at the next council election. I feel his contribution to that august body will make a difference.

I wish to respectively commend all my old colleagues in the executive for your sacrifices and sense of duty to our District. To the new members of the executive, I welcome you all to IDSICAN family and together we will deliver our plans to our members. With the confidence reposed in me this evening, I feel greatly challenged to put all resources within my power to serve our beloved District.

In the coming months we will strive to attain the following:

1 RESTRUCTURE THE SUB-COMMITTEE SYSTEM.

We shall work together to inject new members into the Sub-committee system in order to encourage wider participation. Attendance at subcommittee meetings becomes very important and will be published in the Annual reports.

2 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE/REGISTER

Lack of membership register has deprived our District of valuable contributions by members and this will be given the priority it deserve.

3 Fortunately, one of the resolutions passed at the last AGM was to

increase of our annual subscription to =N=1,000.00. The issue therefore is not unwillingness or inability to pay on the part of members but lack of efficient collection machinery in the Secretariat. Therefore empowerment and staffing of our secretariat will be concluded with despatch.

4 Revenue generation will take priority.

5 Provision of basic infrastruction such as computer, typewriters,

telephone, photocopier and other office equipment will be pursed to give our secretariat a befitting status. On this we will require your generous donations to make these happen and like Oliver Twist we will always want more.

6 Well planned social activities that will keep us in regular touch with our

members, I am sure the social committee is up to the task.

7 Education and Training - We need to strive to support our consultants

by nominating participants to the various courses and seminars while we need to organise courses on our own as well.

8 Regular members’ fora to give members sense of belonging and keep

them abreast of developments.

9 Zonal conference in conjunction with other District Societies will be given

a shot. With the above and other programmes and through your support I am sure we will be part of the success story of the coming months.

I say a very big thank you for your thoughtfulness and call to service. Together we will move our District to greater heights.

Long LIVE IDSICAN.

COMFORT OLU EYITAYO [MRS], FCA CHAIRMAN 2002/2003

Protocols.

It is indeed a great pleasure for me to be standing before you this evening, presenting my inaugural address as the 2002/2003 Chairman of Ikeja District Society of ICAN (IDSICAN). I feel highly honored to be considered worthy to lead the premier District Society of ICAN for year 2002/2003. It is particularly noteworthy as I am the second lady to be so honored since the District Society came into being some twenty years ago. History is being made today. By divine will of God, today marks the official stepping aside of our first lady Chairman, Mrs. M. A. Olowu, a member of Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria [SWAN] who successfully and profitably led our District Society between 1998 and 1999. Today, another member of SWAN is on stage. [Up SWAN!]. I hope members of SWAN would continuously be made relevant in the District’s affairs.

I will start by applauding the wisdom of my colleagues who counted me worthy of leading our great District during her 20^th Anniversary Year and the beginning of a new Decade and chapter for our district.

I must sincerely thank the immediate past Chairman, Mr. Tayo Philips with whom I have had the privilege and pleasure, of working together closely with this past year. I found in him, a worthy character to emulate. He is not only hard working but also highly dedicated. This undoubtedly informed his soaring performance and visible achievements. Tayo, I thank you very much for leaving a record that will continually challenge those coming behind. We are lucky that by the provisions of the District’s Constitution, you will still be around for a long while, for us to tap from your knowledge and experience.

It is pertinent to note that about 20 years ago, our founding fathers, in their wisdom came together to inaugurate the District Society and direct her affairs. The successes of them coming together is what we are witnessing in the present status of IDSICAN today. I give a big kudos to them.

The District Society is particularly lucky to parade the present crops of Executive Committee who is prepared at all times to go extra mile for the upliftment of the name of our Institute and the profession. I have no doubt in my mind that the “esprit de corps” will continue so that we can together record another milestone for our District Society. I must recognize the coming on board and congratulate the newly elected members to the Executive Committee of our great IDSICAN. I know that we will together deliver on our commitment to the profession. It is my hope that with your active support, co-operation and dedication, it will be possible for us to build on the foundation laid by our forefathers who have manned the Executive Committee in the past.

Our focus for the next twelve months would include the following areas:

1. 20^th ANNIVERSARY OF IDSICAN

Precisely on 12^th August 2002, IDSICAN will be 20 years old. It is worthwhile to let the world know about this milestone. The activities marking the anniversary will be kept in the front burner. A magazine documenting the beginning and achievements of the District Society to date will be launched. This will be in addition to the regular NEWSLETTER of the District. I feel strongly that this is a challenge not only to the Editorial Committee, but also to all members. Their assistance in sending on time, their typewritten articles to the Editorial Committee to achieve this objective is hereby solicited. The appropriate Committees will roll out other details in due course.

2. PERMANENT SECRETARIAT

We hope to build on the ideas and informed opinions handed over by the previous executives and our revered past Chairmen to acquire landed property or outright purchase of a building which could be modernized for our purpose. This will be pursued with vigour by launching the Building Fund later in the year in order to achieve our desired.

3. MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

As we all know, Subscription from members remains the only reliable source of revenue to the District Society. This will be looked into with a view to retaining the confidence and active participation of the existing members and also attract new members into the fold. New members are not only welcome but also those old members of the Institute who should be but are not members of the District presently. To this effect, possibility of holding monthly meeting for effective participation of more members in the District’s affairs is being reviewed.

4. WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS

Organization of workshop would be intensified both fronts. Those held in conjunction with consultants and independently held by IDSICAN. The ultimate objective is to move our society forward by getting the more informed and making us more relieved as a professional body to our community.

5. CREATING AWARENESS

The publicity machinery of the District Society will be overhauled to ensure that both print and electronic media will be taken along to give the desired boost to the image of our District Society and thereby the Institute and the profession at large.

6. INTER-DISTRICT VISIT

We will initiate inter-District Visit to other sister District Societies to foster good relationship and better understanding among professional colleague . It would no doubt create a new platform of exchanging views on current matters of mutual benefits.

7. CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW

The Constitution of the Ikeja District Society of ICAN would be made available for all members of this august Committee to hold and critically examine for suggestions of possible areas of amendment to make it up-to-date, and relevant to reflect all areas of the District’s operations in order to enhance her performance. Although this proposal may be the first since the Constitution was written, I do not think it is out of place if we determine to review our Constitution every five years to keep it abreast of dynamics of the great Society.

8. SOCIAL ACTIVITES

The year will be activity based and the Social Committee will ensure that members’ interests are sustained, Business and the Institute is constantly kept abreast of all social activities of the District Society. Business Luncheon would be revived.

STUDENTS AFFAIRS

The revision programmes for all levels of students both ATS and professional would be revived. This is borne out of the desire to continue to make the District relevant to these sets of stakeholders. It also goes without saying that the students of today are the members of tomorrow. The encouragement what we could creditably muster now will go along way in arousing and sustaining their interest in the District affairs after completing their professional training; after all, a friend in need is a friend indeed.

It is my desire to move this cherished District forward. To make it grow from strength to strength and fame to fame, however, my dream will only grow be an illusion without your co-operation, support and understanding. The responsibility this year is onerous and since it is self-imposed, I trust that we will together look back at the end of the day and thank God for being there for us.

I hereby call on all our members to participate in all the District’s programmes for in so doing they would be able to contribute their quota. Therefore let us join our hands together to build a virile and a leading District societies. IDSICAN leads while others follow.

I acknowledge with a high sense of responsibility and humility that my election is a call to service and I promise through the grace of God not to betray the confidence reposed in me and that I shall use this office during my tenure for the overall development of our great District and the benefit of our Institute.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am convinced by your overwhelming presence here today, which is an eloquent testimony of your support of our District’s objectives and purpose the importance attached thereto. I am sure you will give us the necessary support to help us contribute our quota when we come calling for same.

I commend everyone present here today to have found time out of no time to grace this occasion. Your presence has tremendously added glamour to this occasion. I am indeed very grateful. Thank you for listening.

Thank you and God bless.

Mr. Gbadura Saka CHAIRMAN 2003/2004

Protocols

I feel highly honored to be considered to lead the Ikeja District Society of ICAN as its Chairman for 2003/2004 District Year. I thank the Immediate past chairman for her recommendations and all the Executive Committee members for their unanimous decision in electing me and pledge to place my best at the service of the District Society so that the confidence reposed in me today is not misplaced.

I congratulate all the new elected executive members and welcome you all on board of the District Society. You must have been fascinated at the rancour free and peaceful election witnessed now at the Secretariat. That is the Institute’s tradition for which the District founding fathers installed and succeeding executives sustained. We thank God for the vision of these noble men and women and I pray that we will be united in this singular purpose to ensuring its sustenance.

The District will this year direct its attention on many relevant issues for growth in number, finances, image and acceptance of the District Society. Emphasis would be placed on the following among others:

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

The strength of any society is determined by the number of its members. We shall this year lay more emphasis on renewing the interest of old members and sustaining that of new in the District Society affairs. Personal contact would be employed as well as holding member’s forum as regularly as possible to give all members equal opportunity and sense of belonging. We will leverage on the cordial relationship existing between the press and the District Society to stimulate and reach out to a wider number of our members.

STUDENT AFFAIRS

The District will this year open up avenue of strong contact with the students of tertiary institution within its immediate constituency and beyond to market the District Society and its products and by so doing the Institute to them. Concerted efforts would be made to participate in the relevant programme of the Accountancy department of these institutions as it affects accounting profession in order to continue to make us relevant to them and constantly bring to the force the current issues in the profession. The ATS as well as professional students would be reached by way of Organizing subsidized revision courses and counseling them on their examination journey.

This year, the service that the Institute offers would be carried to secondary schools by way of carrier talk. This would by achieved by partnering with each schools. This “catch-them-young” approach is intended to create awareness and market the Institute among this set of young minds so that they can, at this mind-shaping level, sift between the wheat and the chaff.

SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS

We will continue to organize quality workshops seminars this year to project the good image of the Institute, re-sharpen our members, train and develop public at large. It will, by this, be placing its services at the reach of its members and the larger public and thereby fulfilling its professional responsibilities.

SECRETARIAT

The secretariat would be shaped and repositioned to continue to serve the wider interest and meet the needs of members and all other stakeholders. Essential and appropriate tools would be provided to make service delivery prompt and unique. The physical structure in the Secretariat would be upgraded to enhance performance. Other facilities in the secretariat in excess of our immediate need would be profitably employed to generate revenue, while keeping the convenience of the secretariat in focus.

LIBRARY FACILITY

Library would be set up within the District Secretariat to cater for the reference and refreshing needs of members. The need of students of the Institute would be met by providing books and materials that are relevant to their requirement. Prominent members of the Institute have, in the past, donated books authored by them and materials to the District Society. Other members, well-meaning friends of the Institute and corporate organisations would be reached for their support in stocking the library with useful books and relevant reference materials.

BUDGETARY CONTROL

The finances of the District Society affairs would be challenged to budgetary control this year in order to have vibrant financing system and consequently its financial growth. Regular generation of support information would be installed to give members the basis for easy quality contribution for improvement and reshaping its finances.

In order to achieve and surpass these targets, all the sub-committee must be worki8ng at full capacity. To this end, I solicit the co-operation and support of all members of the executive committee who will superintend these sub-committees to ensure that we are able to build on the cumulative achievement that the District Society has been able to record so far.

Distinguished professional colleagues, the responsibility before us is a selfless - service. It would challenge your time and the most sublime in you. Please give it what it takes. That is the very way of being truly professional. With God, I undoubtedly know that our entire plan shall be possible. As we set out foot on the rung of the ladder, I commend all of us to the safe hands of Almighty God for his mercy, grace and protection. I pray that at the end of this District year we will all look back to Thank God for how far He has led us to achieve. We shall all be available then to jointly rejoice over the recorded successes. Thank you for your rapt attention and may God richly bless you and your endeavour.

20^th Anniversary Fund Raising Dinner

COMMISSIONING AND DEDICATION OF ICAN-IKEJA [IDSICAN] HOUSE

WELCOME ADDRESS

BY: MRS. COMFORT OLU EYITAYO, CHAIRMAN-2002-2003

Protocols: All Protocols Observed

It is with deep sense of humility and gratitude to God that I welcome you all to this epoch making event.

On assumption of office as the Chairman of IDSICAN, in conjunction with members of the executive, we make it as one of our priorities this year, the acquisition of a Land/Building for a Secretariat for our great District.

The Objective of having this secretariat is to provide modern office facilities and equipment that will support a virile and respectable Professional Association such as ours. In achieving this objective we designed series of programmes to raise funds which culminated to 20^th Anniversary Dinner/Fund Raising ceremony in which you, as the President of our Institute graciously attended, generously supported and actively participated, once again thank you Sir,

Our objective was realized through the effort of our Donors and we seek your indulgence to name some of them, as follows:-

Otunba Olusola Adekanola

Olusola Adekanola & Co.

Dr. A. W. A. Ibraheem

Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)

· National Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)

· Dunlop Nigeria Plc.

· Xerox H. S. Limited

· Akintola Williams, Delloite & Touche

· Vitafoam Nigeria Plc.

· Channel Television

· KPMG Nigeria

· Eko FM/Radio Lagos

· ES-Say Holdings Limited

· Lagos Television (LTV 8)

A Role of Honour had been made for those who Donated towards this building with a sum of =N=50,000.00 and above.

As you can all see, we still have some work to do, to make this place the befitting Secretariat, of our dream. We therefore appeal to all our friends to assist us in making this place a Secretariat to be proud of.

WE thank God, Ikeja District Society of ICAN [IDSICAN] has done it again, we are the first District Society if not within the ICAN family, but within ICAN family in Lagos and its environs to have a place of its own.

ICAN-IKEJA [IDSICAN] HOUSE comprises a library, meeting rooms, function hall and a business Centre.

Library facilities was top most on our mind on this project and to flag off our collection for same a senior member of the profession and a Council Member who believes very much in promoting relevant knowledge has kindly donated a sizable ,number of professional journals to kick start our Library collection. This Chartered Accountant of note is no other thank Mrs. Morenikeji Olabisi Onasanya we hope others would emulate this good gesture in support ot our Nobel course.

The journey so far has been tough, we were about to loose this golden opportunity for the grace of God and those who encourage us through words of advice the President of ICAN Chief F. K. Bajomo inclusive and others through their prayers, to continue to pursue what we see as lofty ideas.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is not a speech making ceremony but a day of thanks giving to God almighty, I humbly welcome you all to ICAN-IKEJA [IDSICAN] HOUSE.

Bashorun Abiola

The death in detention of our Patron Bashorun M. K. O. Abiola FCA, on Tuesday July 7^th 1998 constituted one of the great tragedies of our time, it will be recalled that we installed Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola patron ot our great.

District Society few days before he was detained from where he never came out alive. He was one of the few chartered accountants whose alma-mayter, is the prestigious Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. He had earlier obtained a degree at the University of Glasgow before studying and passing the Scottish Institute examinations.

Born to Chief Salawu Adenekan Abiola and Alhaja Suliat Wuraola Ayinke Abiola had his early education at Baptist Boys High School Abeokuta. To pay his school fees, maintain other members of the family including his aging parents Chief Abiola was reputed to have sold firewood and later formed a street band the Kashin Mambo Orchestra. This proved that Abiola was not born with any silver spoon in his mouth. He had a rough beginning but his determination and hardwork and fair share of good luck Abiola became one of the richest men in Africa.

In his professional life Chief Abiola worked with Lagos University Teaching Hospital, the University College of Medicine, Pfizer Products Nigeria Plc before moving over to the International Telegraphs and Telephones (ITT) Nigeria Ltd where he shone like a single star. From this , it was one success story after the other. He established Radio Communications (Nigeria) Limited {RCN}. He later ventured into Publishing and became a newspaper magnate. Among his stables are the National Concord, a daily newspaper, Sunday Concord, African Concord and Business Concord all Published by his Concord Press of Nigeria Ltd. Bashorun Abiola was a great Philanthropist and sports lover. He established the Abiola Babes and Concord Football Clubs and sponsored many sports activities in Africa which gained him the title of "pillar of sports in Africa !"

He died a political hero fighting for justice and fair play. The best President-elect Nigeria never installed. Abiola is missed by the anticipated modern Nigeria. IDSICAN mourns its patron.

ADIEU M.K.O

ICAN-IKEJA DISTRICT SOCIETY