The Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) on Saturday inaugurated its Kwara State chapter and held investiture for pioneer executives of the branch.
The ceremony which took place at the University of Ilorin Waterview Resort Hall, was well attended and had on the roll call members of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) among others.
In her opening speech, the National Chairperson of SWAN, Mrs. Folake Onabolu, who was represented by the National Secretary, Mrs Ijeoma Samedu congratulated the newly inaugurated state executives and charged them to be alive to their responsibilities.
Onabolu urged the executives to make the interest and focus of the association their priority, enjoining them to engage in activities that will promote and build future for members.
The Executive Chairman of Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS), Professor Muritala Awodun, who was the guest of honour at the event, tasked women to build their entrepreneurial skills towards sustainable development.
The renowned scholar identified lack of education, family restrictions, lack of funds and patriarchy struggle as some of the challenges associated with female entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
Awodun, represented by the Director for Ministries, Departments and Agencies at KWIRS, Mr. Lekan Rotimi cited appropriate and regular trainings to budding female entrepreneurs, marketing, financial, family and promotional assistance as remedies to some of the problems confronting them.
The guest of honour posited that every woman is an entrepreneur because of her ability to monitor, organize and develop things even without prior notice.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every woman is successful and thriving in her area of interest as they are principally fated to be socially, politically or economically relevant”, Awodun said.
Members of the newly inaugurated executives include Mrs. Omolara Ojulari, Chairperson; Dr. (Mrs.) Khadijat Yahaya, Vice Chairperson; Mrs. Mojirola Afolayan, General Secretary; and Mrs. Ronke Anwa-Lawal Olaleye, Treasurer; among others.
In her acceptance speech, the Chairperson, Ojulari thanked all invited guests for honouring them and assured members of dedication, commitment and steadfastness that SWAN is known for.
In his closing remarks, the chief host, Pastor Abel Aiyedogbon charged the new executives to serve diligently and provide enabling environment for their members to succeed.
