SWAN: Investiture Of Okena As Pioneer Chairperson, Inauguration Of Chapter Holds In Delta

By Daniel Dafe

The inauguration of the Delta State Chapter of the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), alongside the investiture of Mrs. Lucy Okena ACA, as pioneer Chairperson, has successfully held.

The event took place today at Wellington Hotel, Effurun, Delta State.

Present at the auspicious occasion were the Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa (Special Guest of Honour), represented by the Commissioner of Finance in the state, Sir Fidelis Okenmor Tilije; Ovie of Oruarivie Abraka Kingdom, Ojeta II, HRM Akpomeyoma Majoroh, represented by his wife, HRM Oghenefejiro Majoroh; Executive Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue (DBIR), Sir Monday Onyeme FCA, represented by Dr. David Oba; Vice Chancellor, Western Delta University, Oghara, Professor (Mrs.) Otete Okobia (Inauguration lecturer) and the National Chairperson of SWAN, Mrs. Felicia Bamgbose FCA.

The occasion was chaired by the Vice President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Dame Joy Adewuyi FCA.

Adewuyi in her address, said that SWAN was formed 40 years ago by a Deltan, Chief (Mrs.) Elizabeth Adegbite, adding that history was made today since a chapter was inaugurated in the state of the initiator of SWAN.

According to her, SWAN in Delta State has the potential to be a unique chapter, adding that Okena has unique leadership qualities that can move SWAN in the state to higher heights.

Earlier, the state’s Vice Chairperson, Mrs. Ejiroghene Jacdonmi FCA, in her welcome address, said that SWAN, Delta State chapter is made up of female members from Abraka, Asaba and Warri, the three districts of ICAN in the state.

Continuing, she disclosed that the inauguration was the reality of a dream that started in a Whatsapp group on the 1st of March, 2018 by Mrs. Lucy Okena.

She added: “The dream was brought to life on the 11th of April, 2018, during a 3-day 1st Southern ICAN Zonal conference in Port Harcourt. The National SWAN executive led by Mrs. Felicia Bamgbose assisted us to elect the officers that are being inaugurated today.”

On her part, the National Chairperson, SWAN, Mrs. Felicia Bamgbose FCA, disclosed that there are 11 active chapters of SWAN in the country to compliment the National Body in achieving her aims.

Furthermore, she advised the executive members of the chapter to function with emphasis on accountability, accuracy, transparency, creativity, integrity and entrepreneurship.

Speaking further, Bamgbose tasked the executive members in the state to be

 focused on (though not limited to) enhancing the status of women, continually promoting and upholding ICAN’s image, aggressive membership drive to grow the body’s membership strength, financial and technical support for young SWAN members and maintaining an open door policy.

In her acceptance speech, Okena promised to render selfless service to SWAN, ICAN, Delta State and Nigeria, adding that the executive of SWAN in the state will put their collective experience to bear on various strategic initiatives of SWAN, ICAN and the accountancy profession.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Governor has promised to support the projects the executive of SWAN will embark on in the state during their tenure.  

At the programme, an inauguration lecture titled: ‘The Role of Female Chartered Accountants in Nigeria’ was delivered by Prof. (Mrs.) Okobiah.

Also, at the occasion a 10-man executive was sworn-in.