By Olusegun Obisanya
Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) have honoured two of its past leaders, Chief (Dr) Mrs Olutoyin Olakunrin and Otunba Ayora (Dr) Mrs Bolajoko Kuforiji-Olubi, in its maiden memorial lecture.
The National Chairperson of SWAN, Chief (Mrs) Hilda Ozoh paid glowing tributes to the late duo professionals whose lives and legacy have continued to inspire women accountant professionals and younger generation.
She disclosed this in her address at the maiden edition of SWAN memorial lecture in honour of the first female Chartered Accountant in Sub-Saharan Africa, Chief (Mrs) Olutoyin Olakunrin and the first female ICAN President, Dr (Mrs) Bolajoko Kuforiji-Olubi, former Minister of Commerce and Industry and first female chairman of UBA in Lagos recently.
SWAN is the female wing of the prestigious Chartered Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.
She remarked, “They were more than Chartered Accountants, they were a guiding light — a person of deep conviction, compassion, and contribution. Through their work, their words, and their unwavering commitment to our great Institute and SWAN, they left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing them.
“This memorial lecture is a living celebration of their values, a platform for continued dialogue, and a space where new ideas can take root in the soil of a profound legacy.”
Speaking at the event, President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mallam Haruna Yahaya said the memorial lecture was to learn from the virtue of the honourees.
ICAN President said, “We gather today not merely to remember, but to recommit – to draw strength from the towering legacies of Chief (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Olakunri and HRH Ayora Bolajoko Kuforiji-Olubi, and to ensure that the torch they carried continues to light the path for others. Their lives were not only marked by achievement, but by purpose, inclusion, and deep conviction.
“Together, they didn’t just blaze trails; they built bridges – ensuring others could walk farther and faster. Their stories are not just part of our history – they are part of our future. They remind us that leadership is not a title, but a commitment to lift others. To all our young women in attendance – whether students or new professionals – know this: your dreams are valid, your voice is needed, and your place is secure in the unfolding story of this profession. As these two icons showed us, when one woman rises, she lifts a community.”
Delivering her keynote address in line with the theme of the lecture, “Achieving professional excellence; strategies for balancing career and personal development in a dynamic digital economy,” Ifueko Okauru opined that achieving professional excellence is striving for excellence in every aspect of one’s work, not necessarily in accounting profession.
“Let’s cast our mind back to what challenges they must have faced not just in Nigeria, not just in Africa but global challenges for women not to talk of women attaining heights in the accounting profession. Their lives and service have deeply enriched our collective story for women but I’ll say all Nigerians not just women for Africans and for global citizens.
“If you’re an accountant or a lawyer or a cleaner or whatever profession you find yourself in. It’s a holistic perspective of your entire life: excellence at home, excellence in the public space, excellence in your community, excellence at the family level, excellence in all that you do,” she said.
Dignitaries at the event included the Group Managing Director/CEO, Guaranty Holdco, Segun Agbaje; Dr Rabiu Olowo, Executive Secretary/Chief Executive, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria; His Royal Majesty, Akarigbo of Remo land, Oba Group Director, Odu’a Investment Company Limited; Mrs Foluso Olaniyan; Dr Olufunsho Amosun, wife of ex-governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, families of the honourees among many others.
