The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) on Tuesday in Lagos, inaugurated its aviation chapter with Mr. Ayodele Olatiregun, officially sworn in as the pioneer chairman.
Apart from Olatiregun, the first executive committee of the newly established chapter were also sworn in.
The theme of the event was ‘Flightpath to Financial Excellence: Integrating Strategy, Systems, and Standards.’
In his acceptance speech, Olatiregun said that the occasion was more than a ceremonial milestone, describing it as the beginning of a transformative journey for finance professionals in one of the most complex and critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.
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He declared that the chapter was committed to fostering excellence, promoting integrity and driving innovation within the financial landscape of the aviation industry in the country.
According to him, the chapter’s foundation is laid on three key pillars— professional excellence, strategic collaboration, and sustainable systems.
He explained that these principles would shape the chapter’s initiatives and engagement within the industry.
Olatiregun said that the theme underscored the new chapter’s mission to raise the bar for financial practices in aviation.
According to him, financial leadership in aviation must be proactive, data-driven, and aligned with operational and sustainability goals.
He emphasised the need for finance professionals to adopt industry-specific technologies and systems—from Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms to automated revenue tools—to boost transparency and efficiency across the aviation value chain.
“Finance is no longer a back-office function. It has become a strategic cockpit where decisions are powered, risks are managed, and value is sustained,” he added.
To support the chapter’s long-term objectives, Olatiregun unveiled several key initiatives.
These included ‘elevate for the skies,’ a sponsorship programme designed to support accounting graduates within the aviation sector to become certified members of ICAN.
The initiative seeks to create a pipeline of future-ready professionals by covering exam fees, providing mentorship, and exposing candidates to career development opportunities.
Also announced was the immediate establishment of a Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) unit within the chapter.
The chairman said the unit would align with global movements like Women in Aviation International to promote gender inclusion, mentorship, and leadership opportunities for women in aviation finance.
“We are confident that a SWAN unit in our chapter will serve as a strong voice for women in aviation finance, encourage mentorship, and align with global gender inclusion efforts in aviation and aerospace,” he said.
Also speaking at the event was Chief Davidson Alaribe, ICAN’s 60th (Diamond) President, who encouraged young professionals to pursue the ICAN qualification.
Alribe assured them that the exams, though perceived as tough, were passable with focus and determination.
“There is nothing too difficult to achieve. “This is the time you can do great things—don’t waste it,” he said.
He noted that while ICAN exams were often seen as rigorous, they are highly passable with focus and determination.
Sharing a personal anecdote, Alaribe recalled earning his first chieftaincy title as a young man, an honour traditionally reserved for married men, simply for passing the ICAN examination—a feat that impressed his community.
The chapter also launched a ‘catch them young’ initiative, which targets secondary school students with potential in accounting.
The initiative would provide financial support for registration and exam fees, supply study materials, and connect students with tuition centers tailored to their location and school schedules.
It would also offer career guidance and exposure to the broad opportunities available within ICAN and the aviation sector.
Olatiregun expressed that funding for these initiatives would be sourced through collaboration with corporate organisations and high-net-worth individuals in the aviation industry.
Special recognition was given to Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), for her support in initiating the ICAN-aviation collaboration.
Olatiregun revealed that it was during a courtesy visit by former ICAN President Dr. Innocent Okwuosa to Kuku that the groundwork for the aviation chapter was laid.
He commended her leadership as the first female Chief executive of FAAN and her strong stance on professionalism and fiscal responsibility.
