Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) has launched a book titled: ‘Breaking Barriers: Visionary Women In Accounting and Leadership to honour five of its iconic past leaders.
The book, published in honour of Olutoyin Olakunri, first female Chartered Accountant in Africa, Ayora Bolajoko Kuforiji-Olubi, first female president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Agnes Adenike Adeniran, first president of International Federation of Women Accountants (IFWA).
In addition, Ibironke Mojisola Osiyemi, first female partner of Leading International Accounting Firms in Nigeria and Elizabeth Omeresan Adegite, initiator and founding member of SWAN, was aimed at celebrating the courage, vision, and perseverance of female trailblazers in the accounting profession.
In his remark, Felix Kolawole Bajomo, senator and chairman of the occasion, said the book is not merely a compilation of stories but an archive of courage, determination and excellence.
“It chronicles the journeys of remarkable Nigerian women who have refused to be confined by stereotypes, challenged norms and risen to the pinnacle of leadership in the accounting profession.
“At a time when the global conversation on diversity, equity and inclusion is at its highest, this publication stands as timely reminder that when women thrive, institutions thrive; when women lead, professions are strengthened; and when women break barriers,nations are transformed.
Bajomo congratulated the authors, contributors, editors, and the entire SWAN leadership for conceptionalising and delivering the excellent intellectual masterpiece.
In her address, Olufunso Amosun, wife of the former Governor of Ogun State and special guest of honour at the event, said that the book honours the sterling contributions and pioneering roles of great Nigerian women whose impact has shaped both the accountancy profession and Nigeria’s economic history.
Amosun stated that these outstanding women exhibited a rare combination of vision, dignity and courage to break boundaries in the accountancy profession, and left indelible footprints across Nigeria’s development landscape.
She said: ” The stories of these women remind us that excellence has no gender and that true leadership is earned through competence, integrity, dedication and vision. Their achievements stands as enduring testimonies to what becomes possible when determination meets opportunity.
“Today’s event is therefore a call to action, especially to the women in the accountancy profession, to rise to the challenge of shaping the future with the same tenacity, brilliance, and moral compass that defined these great icons.
“This publication will undoubtedly serve as a valuable resources for accountants, students, policymakers, researchers and all who seek inspiration. More importantly, it has the capacity to ignite ambition and reinforce the timeless truth that barriers exist not to stop us, but to be questioned, confronted and ultimately overcome”.
The former first lady commended SWAN for conceiving and organising the noble initiative and for it’s unwavering commitment to advancing the visibility of women in accountancy, nurturing future generations, and ensuring that contributions of pioneering women are duly recognised.
Mallam Haruna Nma Yahaya, President/Chairman of Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) commended the SWAN for the beautiful and thoughtful initiative.
Yahaya noted that by documenting the icons’ remarkable sacrifices, achievements, and enduring legacies, SWAN has once again demonstrated its deep commitment to honouring trailblazers and preserving the rich heritage of the accounting profession.
He added that the book presented serves as a vessel of knowledge, a compendium that details the lives, achievements, and impacts of these great women.
“I hope that the book will enlighten and educate, serving as both a tribute and a source of inspiration.
The Book Reviewer, Babatunji Adepoju of the Department of English, University of Lagos, said the 472-page book is a 5-section book, each chapter is dedicated to a woman of valour and substance in the accounting profession.
Adepoju said the book is dedicated to every woman whose vision, preserverance and leadership continue to shape the future of accounting, good governance and public accountability around the world.
He added that the book is also dedicated to every man, institution and ally who champion equity and inclusiveness; those creating opportunities and level playing field for women to lead, influence decisions and drive sustainable progress in the public interest.
