By Taiye Olayemi
The Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) has launched a book titled “Breaking Barriers: Visionary Women in Accounting and Leadership” in honour of five pioneering female icons who have made landmark contributions to the accounting profession in Nigeria and beyond.
The book was published in recognition of Chief (Mrs) Olutoyin Olakunri, Africa’s first female chartered accountant; Dr Ayora Bolajoko Kuforiji-Olubi, the first female President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Princess Agnes Adenike Adeniran, first President of the International Federation of Women Accountants (IFWA).
Others are: Dame Ibironke Mojisola Osiyemi, the first female partner in leading international accounting firms in Nigeria; and Chief (Mrs) Elizabeth Omeresan Adegite, initiator and founding member of SWAN.
In his remark, the Chairman of the occasion, Sen. Felix Kolawole Bajomo, said the book is not merely a compilation of stories but an archive of courage, determination and excellence.
“In chronicles the journeys of remarkable Nigerian women who have refused to be confined by stereotypes, challenged norms and risen to the pinnacle of leadership in the accounting profession.
“A a time when the global conversation on diversity, equity and inclusion is at its highest, this publication stands as timely reminder that when women thrive, institutions thrive; when women lead, professions are strengthened; and when women break barriers, nations are transformed.
Bajomo congratulated the authors, contributors, editors, and the entire SWAN leadership for conceptionalising and delivering the excellent intellectual masterpiece.
In her address, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, wife of the former Governor of Ogun State and Special Guest of Honour at the event, said that the book honours the sterling contributions and pioneering roles of great Nigerian women whose impact has shaped both the accountancy profession and Nigeria’s economic history.
Mrs Amosun stated that these outstanding women exhibited a rare combination of vision, dignity and courage to break boundaries in the accountancy profession, and left indelible footprints across Nigeria’s development landscape.
She said, ” The stories of these women remind us that excellence has no gender and that true leadership is earned through competence, integrity, dedication and vision.
“Their achievements stands as enduring testimonies to what becomes possible when determination meets opportunity.
“Today’s event is therefore a call to action, especially to the women in the accountancy profession, to rise to the challenge of shaping the future with the same tenacity, brilliance, and moral compass that defined these great icons.
“This publication will undoubtedly serve as a valuable resources for accountants, students, policymakers, researchers and all who seek inspiration.
“More importantly, it has the capacity to ignite ambition and reinforce the timeless truth that barriers exist not to stop us, but to be questioned, confronted and ultimately overcome”.
The former first lady commended SWAN for conceiving and organising the noble initiative and for it’s unwavering commitment to advancing the visibility of women in accountancy, nurturing future generations, and ensuring that contributions of pioneering women are duly recognised.
Also, Mallam Haruna Nma Yahaya, President and Chairman of Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) commended the SWAN for the beautiful and thoughtful initiative.
Yahaya noted that by documenting the icons’ remarkable sacrifices, achievements, and enduring legacies, SWAN has once again demonstrated its deep commitment to honouring trailblazers and preserving the rich heritage of the accounting profession.
He added that the book presented serves as a vessel of knowledge, a compendium that details the lives, achievements, and impacts of these great women.
“I hope that the book will enlighten and educate, serving as both a tribute and a source of inspiration.
“As we commemorate Chief Mrs. Olakunri and HRH Kuforiji-Olubi, their lives remind us that greatness is not an event but a lifelong commitment to purpose, values, and impactful service. Let us all draw strength from their exemplary lives as we strive to keep the torch they lit brightly,” he ICAN President said.
The National Chairperson of SWAN, Mrs Blessing Osakwe-Ogo, in her welcome address, said the Society will continue to appreciate her founders, grand patrons, and senior queen mothers who have ensured through thick and thin, that SWAN stands firm for its vision.
Osakwe-Ogo stated that the society is not just launching a book, but celebrating courage, vision, and perseverance; a testament to the power of women who dared to dream, lead, and redefine what is possible in a profession that once seemed beyond their reach.
She said, “We celebrate not only the stories chronicled in these pages, but also the thousands of women across Nigeria and indeed the world who continue to rise above limitations, challenge stereotypes, and shape the future of the accounting profession.
“To our ICONS used for “Breaking Barriers,” I say a heartfelt congratulations. You have not only given us opportunity to document history but have also ignited hope and inspiration for generations yet to come.”
The Book Reviewer, Dr Babatunji Adepoju of the Department of English, University of Lagos, said the 472-page book is a 5-section book, each chapter is dedicated to a woman of valour and substance in the accounting profession.
Adepoju said the book is dedicated to every woman whose vision, preserverance and leadership continue to shape the future of accounting, good governance and public accountability around the world.
He noted that the book is also dedicated to every man, institution and ally who champion equity and inclusiveness; those creating opportunities and level playing field for women to lead, influence decisions and drive sustainable progress in the public interest.
