The Excellence Hotel in Ogba, Lagos, transformed into a hub of intellectual celebration as gathered to honour a titan of the accountancy profession. Chief Davidson Chizuoke Stephen Alaribe, FCA, the 60th President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), stood at the center of this grand recognition, receiving a special award that mirrored his towering contributions to both the accountancy field and human capacity development in Nigeria.
The symbolism wasn’t lost on attendees – as ICAN marks its diamond jubilee year, so too does its 60th president celebrate his 60th birthday, creating a remarkable alignment of professional and personal milestones.
The event’s prestige was amplified by the presence of accounting royalty – from ICAN’s Vice-President Alhaji Haruna Yahaya (now the institute’s new president) to the Director of Finance Alhaji Hassan and other council members. Though physically absent, the registrar Dr. Lanre Olasunkanmi’s goodwill message underscored the institute’s collective respect for Alaribe’s leadership.
The gathering became a masterclass in professional networking, bringing together training consultants from across Nigeria and the diaspora, including online participants from Canada, the UK, and various Nigerian states.
Deacon Ndubuisi Ugbede, the event’s chairman and media veteran, infused the ceremony with his characteristic wit, while keynote speakers Hon. Joseph Okonma and Mr. Adekunle Ogunsola delivered thought-provoking papers on training service delivery.
The award presentation by Chief Augustine Anonyai Ojei, president of the Association and council member of the Institute for Promotion of Maintenance, stood as the evening’s crescendo, with Mr. Peter Ogar’s eloquent citation capturing Alaribe’s exceptional career trajectory.
In his acceptance speech, an visibly moved Alaribe emphasized the ethical foundation of consultancy work, urging continuous self-development among practitioners. The incoming ICAN president Alhaji Yahaya’s remarks highlighted how such recognition fuels professional excellence, while the diverse attendance – from Pastor Kingsley Mordi to Comrade Tunji Adeyeye and international participants – demonstrated the far-reaching impact of Alaribe’s leadership.
As the event concluded with networking and reflections, one truth resonated clearly: in Nigeria’s professional firmament, Chief Alaribe’s star continues to shine brightly, illuminating paths for future generations of accountants and capacity builders alike.
