A New Era for ICAN Lekki and District Society Under the Leadership of Olufunmilayo Olaniyi
Nigeria is currently experiencing a commendable trend that sees more women assuming leadership roles across different sectors. This change is dismantling age-old gender barriers and fostering success across various disciplines. Women are now at the forefront as CEOs, chairpersons, and top executives in Nigerian organizations, banks, and oil companies, highlighting the pivotal role of advocacy, strategic planning, and leadership development in achieving gender equality in leadership positions.
In a significant stride towards empowering women in leadership, the Lekki and District Society of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) recently celebrated the election of Olufunmilayo Olaniyi as its third chairman. Olaniyi, who is the Vice President of Business Development at Flutterwave, brings her wealth of experience to the prestigious position. Her investiture was a highlight of the society’s second anniversary ceremony, held at the Lekki Coliseum and attended by numerous dignitaries and professionals.
Patrick Akamiokhor, chairman of the investiture committee, praised Olaniyi’s dedication and vision. “This investiture marks a historic moment for the Lekki and District Society, catapulting it from its current standing to new heights under Olaniyi’s leadership,” he remarked.
During her acceptance speech, Olaniyi shared her enthusiasm and commitment to her new role. Reflecting on her journey and aspirations, Olaniyi expressed her dedication to leading the district to unprecedented success. She highlighted her previous role as the General Secretary of the district, which equipped her with the experience necessary for her new position. Olaniyi also thanked her family, friends, and professional colleagues for their support and encouragement.
About Olufunmilayo Olaniyi, ACA
Olufunmilayo Olaniyi’s professional journey spans over 16 years in tax compliance, advisory services, business development, and strategic partnerships. At Flutterwave, she has been instrumental in propelling the fintech company to its unicorn status, expanding payment solutions across Africa. Olaniyi’s career also includes significant tenures at Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, KPMG, and Andersen in Nigeria, where she advised multinational corporations on tax strategies and led business development initiatives.
Apart from her professional pursuits, Olaniyi is deeply committed to community service and philanthropy. She actively participates in educational, security, and environmental initiatives, and founded an NGO focused on supporting the underprivileged in education, health, and economic empowerment. She is also an active member of various professional associations, including ICAN, and contributes to the community through her roles in alumni associations and as a mentor to young professionals.
Olaniyi’s leadership has garnered praise from various quarters, including Femi Saheed, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, who commended her multidisciplinary career journey. Davidson Alarribe, a prominent figure in ICAN, highlighted the significance of women in leadership positions within the organization, drawing attention to the overarching benefits of empowering women.
Messages of congratulations came from significant individuals like the Governor of Ekiti State and the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, both acknowledging Olaniyi’s professional excellence and leadership qualities. Adewale Ajayi, Partner and Head of KPMG Africa Tax, also praised her strategic insights and commitment to excellence.
Olufunmilayo Olaniyi’s election as the chairman of the ICAN Lekki and District Society is a milestone achievement that further validates the growing trend of women’s leadership in Nigeria. Her remarkable career, dedication to community service, and leadership skills not only set new standards of excellence but also inspire countless women across the nation and beyond. As she embarks on this new chapter, the expectations are high, and the support for her vision is strong, signaling a promising future for gender equality in leadership within Nigeria.
