Ukorebi Esien | May 27, 2026
CALABAR – The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Calabar and District Society, has officially commissioned its permanent secretariat in Calabar, marking the end of over six decades without a permanent operational base since the society’s establishment.
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State described the development as a landmark achievement and commended members of the professional body for their commitment, resilience, and dedication toward the realization of the project.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, during the commissioning ceremony held on Tuesday in Calabar, Governor Otu noted that the Calabar District Society, which was established more than 60 years ago as the second ICAN district society in Nigeria after Lagos, had operated for decades without a permanent secretariat.
“After 60 years, ICAN now has a secretariat in Calabar. I want to thank the Accountant-General and her team for this laudable achievement,” the Governor stated.
He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to supporting initiatives that promote professional excellence, institutional growth, and human capital development across the state.
Governor Otu also charged ICAN to continue producing competent and ethical financial professionals capable of strengthening transparency, accountability, and prudent financial management in both public and private institutions.
According to him, the presence of more chartered accountants in government and other sectors would improve financial discipline and enhance effective service delivery.
“We want to see more ICAN graduates in Cross River because from the few chartered accountants we have in government today, they have done exceptionally well in their various fields. By the time we produce more ICAN professionals, our books will be more balanced,” he said.
The Governor further expressed optimism that the new secretariat would serve as a centre for learning, mentorship, innovation, and collaboration among accounting professionals in the state, while also paving the way for the establishment of an ICAN examination centre in Calabar.
In a message delivered by Associate Professor Obal Usang, President and Chairman of Council of ICAN, Mallam Haruna Nma Yahaya, mni, PhD, FCA, described the commissioning as a celebration of vision, sacrifice, professionalism, and collective achievement.
He noted that the edifice represents a lasting legacy for the accounting profession in Cross River State and would serve as a hub for continuous professional development and institutional advancement.
Earlier, Chairperson of the ICAN Calabar and District Society, Dr. Mrs. Glory Tony Effiong, described the completion of the project as the fulfillment of a long-standing dream and the signature achievement of her administration.
She appreciated Governor Otu for his support toward the realization of the project and commended members, stakeholders, and supporters whose contributions made the completion of the secretariat possible.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Project Development Committee, Elder Nicolas Dan, described the project as a historic milestone that signals a new chapter for ICAN members in Cross River State after decades without a permanent secretariat.
The commissioning ceremony attracted government officials, accounting professionals, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders from within and outside the state.
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