The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria recently honoured female accountants at the unveiling of a new book celebrating women’s excellence in the profession in Lagos.
The book, Breaking Barriers: Visionary Women in Accounting and Leadership, documents the careers, leadership journeys and personal values of five trailblazing Nigerian women whose contributions shaped the accounting profession and advanced gender inclusion.
Those featured in the publication include Olutoyin Olakunri, Africa’s first female chartered accountant; Bolajoko Kuforiji-Olubi, the first female President of ICAN; Princess Adeniran, the first President of the International Federation of Women Accountants; Dame Osiyemi, the first female partner of leading international accounting firms in Nigeria; and Elizabeth Adegite, initiator and founding member of the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria.
President of ICAN, Haruna Yahaya, who served as chief host and presenter at the event, described the book as a historic contribution to Nigeria’s professional literature, noting that it preserves the legacies of women who laid the foundation for the growth of the profession.
He said the lives and careers of the women profiled in the book reflect resilience, discipline and service, urging students and young professionals to draw inspiration from their journeys.
According to him, Olakunri broke barriers at a time when women were scarcely represented in the profession, while Kuforiji-Olubi distinguished herself in leadership, commerce and industry as the first female ICAN President.
Yahaya commended SWAN, under the leadership of its National Chairperson, Blessing Osakwe-Ogo, for championing the project, adding that the publication serves as a mentorship resource for aspiring accountants.
Special Guest of Honour and former Ogun State First Lady, Olufunso Amosun, described the book as an epoch-making celebration of women’s excellence and resilience, saying it arrives at a time when Nigeria requires leaders who combine competence, integrity and service.
She praised SWAN’s focus on mentorship and capacity building, stressing that such initiatives are vital for nurturing confident, ethical and globally competitive professionals.
In her welcome address, Osakwe-Ogo said the book launch marked a landmark moment in SWAN’s history, noting that the publication aligns with the association’s mission to promote visibility, preserve legacy and inspire younger generations of female professionals.
She said each barrier broken by the women documented in the book creates opportunities for others to thrive, underscoring the need for sustained advocacy and professional development.
The book reviewer, Babatunji Adepoju, described the 472-page publication as more than a biographical collection, saying it is a detailed documentation of resilience, leadership and the evolving role of women in nation-building.
He recommended the book as an essential resource for students, professionals and policymakers, citing its relevance to Nigeria’s professional history and lessons on discipline, mentorship, gender equity and national development.
The event ended with the formal unveiling of the book amid applause from past ICAN presidents, industry leaders and accounting professionals in attendance.
