The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has conferred its Merit Award in the Members Diamond Category on Dr. Odunayo Ani, President of Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association Nigeria (WISTA Nigeria) and Director of Financial Services at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). The award was presented at a ceremony in Lagos attended by leading members of the accounting profession, family, friends, and professional associates.
Dr. Ani described the honour as both humbling and motivating, saying it represents recognition of her past contributions to the accounting profession as well as a renewed call to uphold excellence, integrity, and service to society. She thanked ICAN’s leadership, including President and Chairman of Council Mallam Haruna N. Yahaya, mni, Ph.D., FCA; Vice President Hajia Queensley Sofuratu Seghosime, mni, MBA, FCA; Immediate Past President Chief D.C.S. Alaribe, FCA; the Governing Council; Registrar/Chief Executive Dr. Lanre Olasunkanmi, FCA; the planning committee; and the wider ICAN family for the recognition.
The award recipient dedicated the accolade to God, her family, colleagues, and mentors who have supported her professional journey, and also expressed appreciation to the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), led by Blessing Osakwe‑Ogo, and Vice Chairperson Mrs. Justyna Okosun Babatope, for their solidarity and presence at the event. She reaffirmed her commitment to advancing the accounting profession, promoting gender inclusion in the maritime sector, and contributing to national development through professional excellence and service.
The Merit Award further highlights Dr. Ani’s dual influence in the accounting and maritime sectors, where she continues to champion professionalism, institutional growth, and women’s leadership.