The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has conferred its prestigious Merit Award in the Members Diamond Category on the President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association Nigeria (WISTA Nigeria), Dr. Odunayo Ani, in recognition of her outstanding contributions 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 an ICAN event attended by distinguished members of the accounting profession, family, friends, and professional associates in Lagos.

Expressing profound appreciation for the recognition, she described the award as both humbling and inspiring, noting that it represents not only recognition of past contributions, but also a renewed call to uphold the ideals of excellence, integrity, professionalism, and service to humanity.

“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 contributing meaningfully to the accounting profession, the maritime sector, and national development through dedicated service and professional excellence.

The recognition further underscores her impactful leadership within both the maritime and accounting sectors, where she continues to champion professionalism, inclusion, and institutional growth.

•PHOTO, 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.

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