The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) says the infrastructural upgrades going on in Abia are game-changers that would have positive impacts on businesses and the overall well-being of the people of the state.
The President of ICAN, Dr. Innocent Okwuosa, who spoke through the Registrar and Chief Executive, Lanre Olasunkanmi, stated this Tuesday, when the Governing Council of the institute paid a working visit to the Abia Governor at his residence in Umuehim, Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area, and commended the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for his exemplary leadership and commitment in the transformation of the state.
He noted that Otti, through various innovative initiatives such as the recently inaugurated Geometric Power project, which promises reliable power supply, and numerous road rehabilitation and reconstruction projects across the state, has impacted positively on the citizenry, stating, “On behalf of the Governing Council and the entire membership of the Institute, we laud your government, sir, for your exemplary leadership and commitment to transformative change in Abia State through various innovative initiatives.
“We commend the inauguration of the Geometric Power Project in Aba, which promises reliable power supply and ambitious road rehabilitation and construction projects, amongst others.
“These are all game changers for businesses and residents in the commercial hub of the state. It gives us great pleasure at the Institute that the residents of Abia State are expressing appreciation for the transformative initiatives that will not only ease transportation but also positively impact economic activities and enhance their overall quality of life.”.
The Council, while thanking Governor Otti for the strategic appointment of their members in various positions of trust, also called for the inclusion of more chartered accountants in his government as invaluable assets in enhancing revenue generation, streamlining governance processes, and stimulating economic growth.
Responding, the state governor, Otti, thanked the institute for visiting, expressed his readiness to collaborate with ICAN, and encouraged continued adherence to principles of professionalism and ethical conduct in the accounting profession.
The Governor, who reiterated his dedication to ethical governance, said his administration is very intentional about formulating programmes and policies geared towards the welfare of the people, adding, “I will like to assure you that we will continue to do the right thing. It’s only when you do the right thing that you can go to bed and sleep with your two eyes closed.
“We are very intentional about our programmes. Our programmes are geared towards the welfare of the people. When we insist on paying salaries on the 28th of every month unfailingly; when we insist on paying our retirees, old, frail, and weak people, every month quite unlike what was happening here in the past; when we are building roads, retrofitting hospitals, and fixing our schools, we just want life to be better for the ordinary person.
“When we insist on securing the state, we want people to come in and go out without let or hindrance. We want to assure you that we will continue our people-oriented services.”.
Otti emphasised his administration’s commitment to timely payment of salaries and pensions, infrastructure development, improvement of the healthcare and education sectors, as well as job creation, among others, noting that the state was committed to facilitating business operations, hence the setting up of an “Ease of Doing Business Agency,” which would eliminate all roadblocks and enhance a seamless process for entrepreneurs to set up their businesses in the state.
The Abia State Chief Executive emphasised that his government would continue to encourage investments in Abia, assuring investors of a conducive business environment, even as he urged ICAN members not to hesitate in marketing Abia as the right place for investment.
The occasion featured the presentation of the incoming 60th President of the Institute, Chief Davidson Alaribe.
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