The 60th president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Davidson Alaribe, has urged accountants, especially female professionals, to play an active role in Nigeria’s economic, social, and political development.

In a statement made available to our correspondent on Monday, Alaribe stressed the need for accounting professionals to step up as ethical leaders amid growing national challenges.

“Women’s voices in political decision-making are more crucial than ever in shaping a balanced and progressive future,” he said.

Highlighting the current gender disparity, he noted, “According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, Nigeria ranks 123rd out of 146 countries in its Global Gender Gap index,” underscoring the under-representation of women in decision-making roles despite comprising nearly half of the nation’s population.

Alaribe called on members of the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria to maintain their commitment to leadership and professional excellence.

“As accounting professionals, we have a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to society,” he added, urging members to leverage their expertise to influence key decision-making processes across various sectors.

Additionally, SWAN’s National Chairperson, Hilda Ozoh, assured Alaribe of SWAN members’ total commitment to his administration, emphasising that their support would be instrumental throughout his tenure.

The PUNCH reported that the 60th president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Davidson Alaribe, has charged the newly inducted members of the institute to maintain integrity and professionalism.