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ICAN RECOGNISES WISTA NIGERIA PRESIDENT DR. ODUNAYO ANI WITH MEMBERS DIAMOND MERIT AWARD
By Prince Benson Davies
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has honoured Dr. Odunayo Ani, President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association Nigeria (WISTA Nigeria), with its Merit Award in the Members Diamond Category for distinguished service to the accounting profession and national development.
Dr. Ani, who also serves as
Director of Financial Services at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), received the honour at ICAN’s Annual Dinner and Award Night in Lagos. The event brought together senior members of the accounting profession, family, colleagues, and associates to celebrate excellence and professional contribution.
Speaking after receiving the award, Dr. Ani expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as both humbling and motivating. She said the honour reflects a call to sustain the values of excellence, integrity, professionalism, and service that define the accountancy profession in Nigeria.
“I am deeply honoured and sincerely grateful to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria for conferring on me the ICAN Merit Award in the Members Diamond Category,” she said.
She extended heartfelt appreciation to the President and Chairman of Council of ICAN, Mallam Haruna N. Yahaya, mni, Ph.D., FCA; the Vice President, Hajia Queensley Sofuratu Seghosime, mni, MBA, FCA; the Immediate Past President, Chief D.C.S. Alaribe, FCA; other Past Presidents; the Governing Council; the Registrar/Chief Executive, Dr. Lanre Olasunkanmi, FCA; the Planning Committee; and the entire ICAN family for the honour bestowed on her.
Dr. Ani dedicated the award to God Almighty, her family, colleagues, mentors, and all those whose support and encouragement have shaped her professional journey over the years.
She also expressed special appreciation to the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), led by Blessing Osakwe-Ogo, alongside the Vice Chairperson, Mrs. Justyna Okosun Babatope, and other SWAN members for their solidarity, support, and presence at the award ceremony.
“I am extremely grateful to you all for coming out to rejoice and receive the award with me. God bless you all richly,” she added.
Dr. Ani reaffirmed her commitment to advancing professional standards in both the maritime and financial sectors, noting that leadership must be anchored on competence, inclusion, and impact. She said the recognition would further strengthen her resolve to mentor young professionals and promote institutional growth.
The award highlights the growing intersection between maritime administration and professional finance, with Dr. Ani’s work at NIMASA and WISTA Nigeria positioning her as a leading voice for capacity building and gender inclusion in Nigeria’s maritime economy.
PHOTO CAPTION
R-L Former Defence Minister of State, Senator Musliu Obanikoro, Mrs Adewoyin Mojisola FCA, Director Financial Services Department of NIMASA and WISTA Nigeria President, Dr. Odunayo Ani, ICAN Governing Board member, Mrs Olaitan Babatunde, FCA during the ICAN Annual Dinner Award Night held recently in Lagos.
