ABA NORTH COUNCIL CHAIRMAN HON. TIMOTHY KALU IHEKE HOSTS ICAN ABA DISTRICT SOCIETY AHEAD OF INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTING DAY 2025

…as ICAN launches ‘Catch Them Young’ programme, honours Iheke as Friend of Chartered Accountants

The Executive Chairman of Aba North Local Government Area, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke, on Monday, November 11, 2025, played host to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Aba and District Society (Aba-DS), in what was described as a remarkable prelude to the global celebration of the International Accounting Day 2025.

The Chartered Accountants, led by the 16th Chairman of ICAN Aba and District Society, Mr. Chukwudi M. Akachukwu, FCA, visited the council headquarters in Eziama-Aba, where they were warmly received by the council boss in the conference room of his office.

Welcoming the delegation, Hon. Iheke expressed deep delight at hosting members of such a noble professional body.

“I love this course and I wanted to study it in the University, but my mentor advised me otherwise, though accounting is within the business circle and I shared most of the course related with business and accounting,” he said.

Recalling his early experience with a chartered accountant from Osisioma, the Chairman humorously remarked that the “fear of accountants is the beginning of wisdom,” stressing that one allegation from an accountant could bring down any person, hence the need for fairness and accuracy in the profession.

He further commended the vital role of accountants in maintaining credible financial records, adding, “without accountants we can’t be on records. It is you that tell us where there’s variance.”

Hon. Iheke also disclosed that it was through an accountant that he first learned the term “Variance,” before expressing his appreciation to the visiting team, saying he feels “protected as a friend of the chartered accountants.”

In his address, Mr. Chukwudi M. Akachukwu, FCA, described Hon. Iheke as “a brother”, explaining that the visit to Aba North was strategic as they chose to begin their courtesy tour with him among the eight Local Government Areas under their district.

He revealed that the delegation had to terminate their planned “Health Walk” to meet with the Chairman, noting that they adjusted their schedule because of the Chairman’s regular Tuesday morning ministrations.

Speaking further, Mr. Akachukwu unveiled the theme of this year’s International Accounting Day celebration as “Our Youth, Our Future.” He emphasized that ICAN globally is focusing on youth empowerment through the “Catch Them Young” initiative.

According to him, “The catch them young is a programme designed by ICAN for individuals who want to start their accounting journey using their 5 O’Level credits. If someone has not gained admission into the University, such a person, as long as he has a dream of becoming a chartered accountant, the door is widely opened. The only requirement is 5 O’Level credits.”

Encouraging young Nigerians to join the profession, Akachukwu said, “ICAN is not a difficult profession to join provided you are able to split the ‘I’ in ‘CAN’ and keep on saying ‘I CAN’. Once you continue saying I can, before you know it, you’ll become one of us.”

He also disclosed that one of ICAN’s past presidents from Aba introduced a scholarship programme covering registration, tutorials, and exam fees for aspiring accountants who meet the qualification criteria.

“The only thing required of them is to sit and write the exam, and the past President keeps sponsoring until the person becomes a chartered accountant,” he said.

Mr. Akachukwu announced that the Aba and District Society was exploring partnerships with government agencies and local councils like Aba North to reach more young people and adults alike.

Comparing the East and West, he noted that most tertiary institutions in the West encourage undergraduates to start writing ICAN exams early, thereby equipping them for employment upon graduation.

“Though there are no jobs in Nigeria, that doesn’t affect accountants,” he said, explaining that organizations like Zenith Bank, NNPC, and Shell prefer young chartered accountants with long service years ahead.

He further highlighted that the accounting profession is diverse, saying that “even medical doctors, lawyers, and individuals without B.Sc. or HND certificates are also chartered accountants.”

Also speaking, Ichie Law Okechukwu, FCA, a past chairman of the district, thanked Hon. Iheke for his hospitality and leadership.

On her part, Dame Chioma Nzotta, FCA, the Chairperson-designate of the Society of Women Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), appreciated the Chairman for granting them audience and extended an invitation to him for the forthcoming SWAN Investiture. She noted that the event would “open the Chairman’s eyes to see that truly accountants are jolly good fellows.”

Delivering the closing remarks, Elder Dr. Innocent Anyahuru, FCA, another past chairman, described the International Accounting Day as not just a celebration of the past but also of the present and future of the profession.

He said, “The international accounting day is not just a celebration of past events but equally of the present and the future. We’re not just celebrating accountants, but also the youth and those interested in the profession.”

Dr. Anyahuru emphasized the profession’s historical relevance, noting that the “double entry principle we use today was established five hundred years ago.”

He lauded Hon. Iheke’s performance in office, remarking that “you are doing great things here in Aba North, things like you’re an accountant, because wherever integrity is, excellence and growth follow.”

In recognition of his exemplary leadership and support, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke was conferred with the honorary title of “Friend of Chartered Accountants (FCA).”

Present at the event were notable dignitaries including Chief Obioma Reuben Nwaogbe, PhD, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport; Hon. Frank Alaribe, Secretary to the Local Government; Hon. Victor Azubuike, Chairman of the Abia State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU), Aba Zone; and Comrade Ken Chiboy Nwosu, Secretary of ASTOPU.

The courtesy visit, held in a friendly and intellectually engaging atmosphere, further strengthened the collaboration between Aba North Local Government Council and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, setting the tone for a more financially prudent and youth-empowered society.