THE Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, has called for stronger mentorship programmes to encourage more girls, especially those in secondary schools, to pursue careers in accounting and other professional fields.
Mrs Babafemi made the call on Thursday at the second investiture ceremony of the Chairperson of the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), ICAN Ado-Ekiti and District Society Chapter, held in Ado-Ekiti.
She commended SWAN for its contributions to women’s empowerment and professional excellence, describing the association as a vital platform for promoting ethical leadership and increasing women’s participation in the accounting profession.
According to her, exposing young girls to accomplished female professionals through structured mentorship will inspire them to aspire to leadership positions in accounting and other sectors where women remain underrepresented.
The commissioner also pledged the continued support of the Ekiti State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for women professional bodies, as encapsulated in the Human Capital Development Pillar of the Governance Agenda of the Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji Administration, and intensified efforts to strengthen women’s leadership across sectors.
The event featured the investiture of Mrs Monisola Kolade as the second Chairperson of SWAN, ICAN Ado-Ekiti and District Society Chapter, alongside the inauguration of the society’s new executive council.
Delivering a keynote lecture titled “The Excellent Woman,” Dr Abiodun Rogiyat Agbaje urged women to pursue excellence through integrity, discipline, hard work and continuous self-development.
She described excellence as a conscious lifestyle built on strong character rather than perfection, encouraging women to embrace financial independence, mentor younger professionals and strike a balance between career and family responsibilities.
In separate goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Olaniran Olatona, and the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet and Special Services Department, Office of the Governor, Dr Oyeyemi Kayode Ojo, commended SWAN for promoting professionalism, ethical leadership, and women’s empowerment.
They urged the newly invested chairperson to provide visionary leadership and nurture the next generation of female professionals.
Earlier, the National President of SWAN, Mrs Ngozi Osakwe-Ogo, charged the newly inaugurated executive committee to lead with accountability, integrity, innovation and entrepreneurship.
She also assured members of the National Executive Council of their continued support in strengthening the society and advancing its objectives.