The Sokoto state government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening professionalism in the state’s public finance sector, pledging to ensure that more accountants are enrolled as members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) as part of efforts to enhance accountability, transparency and efficient financial management.
The assurance was given on Saturday by the Deputy Accountant General of Sokoto state, Alhaji Junaidu Usman Junaidu, shortly after he received the Award of Excellence from the Sokoto and District Society of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in recognition of his contributions to the accounting profession and public service. Blueprint reports
Speaking with journalists after receiving the honour, Junaidu said the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto remains committed to building the capacity of accounting professionals in the state civil service to improve financial governance and service delivery.
According to him, the state government recognises the vital role professional accountants play in promoting fiscal discipline and ensuring prudent management of public resources, adding that deliberate efforts are being made to encourage more qualified accountants to obtain professional certification.
Commitment to professional development
Junaidu said the state government, under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, is determined to create opportunities for accountants to attain professional qualifications that would not only improve their careers but also strengthen the public finance system.
He assured that the governor would continue to support initiatives aimed at increasing the number of ICAN-certified professionals in the state.
“I am assuring the people of Sokoto State, In sha Allah, His Excellency will do all he can to ensure that more people from Sokoto State are enrolled into the membership of ICAN,” he said.
He explained that the government’s commitment to professional development is part of a broader strategy to build a competent workforce capable of meeting the financial management demands of a modern public service. Sokoto government
According to him, investing in the training and certification of accountants will ultimately translate into better accountability, improved budgeting processes and enhanced public confidence in government financial administration.
Award inspires greater responsibility
Reflecting on the recognition bestowed on him by the Sokoto and District Society of ICAN, the Deputy Accountant General described the award as both a privilege and a challenge to continue serving with integrity, professionalism and dedication.
He said the honour would motivate him to redouble his efforts in promoting transparency and accountability in the management of public finances.
Junaidu noted that recognition from a respected professional body such as ICAN comes with greater responsibility, stressing that public officers must always uphold the highest ethical standards in the discharge of their duties.
He added that accountants occupy strategic positions in both the public and private sectors and must therefore remain committed to honesty, accuracy and compliance with professional standards.
Professionalism key to good governance
The Deputy Accountant General emphasised that professionalism remains indispensable to the successful implementation of government policies and programmes.
He said Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration places high value on competence and accountability, noting that professional accountants have a critical role to play in ensuring that government resources are properly managed for the benefit of the people.
According to him, strengthening the accounting profession will support the successful implementation of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s 9-Point Smart Agenda, which focuses on improving governance, infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, youth empowerment and other critical sectors of the state’s economy.
He explained that prudent financial management remains the foundation upon which every development programme depends, making the role of qualified accountants indispensable in achieving sustainable development.
Young accountants urged to embrace ICAN
Junaidu also used the occasion to encourage young accountants across Sokoto State to pursue professional qualifications, describing ICAN membership as a valuable asset for career advancement and improved service delivery.
He urged aspiring accountants not to limit themselves to academic qualifications alone but to take advantage of opportunities provided by government and professional bodies to obtain globally recognised certifications.
According to him, becoming a chartered accountant not only enhances individual competence but also contributes to building stronger institutions capable of delivering quality public services.
He expressed confidence that increasing the number of ICAN members within the state’s workforce would strengthen internal controls, improve financial reporting and promote greater efficiency across ministries, departments and agencies.
Recognition for outstanding service
The Award of Excellence presented to Junaidu by the Sokoto and District Society of ICAN was in recognition of what the institute described as his outstanding contributions to the accounting profession and his dedication to public service in Sokoto State.
The honour also acknowledged his commitment to promoting professional ethics, accountability and sound financial management throughout his career.
Members of the accounting profession at the event commended the Deputy Accountant General for his contributions to the growth of the profession and his efforts in mentoring younger accountants.
The recognition further underscores the important role professional bodies such as ICAN continue to play in encouraging excellence, ethical conduct and continuous professional development among accountants across the country.
As Sokoto State intensifies efforts to strengthen governance and improve public financial management, the government’s renewed commitment to increasing ICAN membership among accountants is expected to enhance institutional capacity, promote transparency and reinforce accountability in the management of public resources.