Abia Accountants Celebrate International Accounting Day, Ukandu Tasks Professionals on Integrity
Abia State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Uwaoma Ukandu, has charged accountants in the state to uphold professionalism, diligence and integrity in the discharge of their duties, stressing that accountability and ethical conduct remain essential to building public confidence in government financial management.
Ukandu gave the charge during the celebration of International Accounting Day organised by the Abia State Government in collaboration with professional accountants in the state at the JAAC Building, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia.
The event, which featured a health walk from the Ministry of Finance to the JAAC Building, was held under the theme, “Beyond Numbers: The Conscience Behind the Nation’s Confidence.”
The Commissioner, who described accounting as a demanding professional responsibility, said the annual celebration provided an opportunity for accountants across the world to reflect on the importance of their profession and renew their commitment to professional standards.
He urged accountants in the state to remain diligent, professional and trustworthy, noting that integrity was particularly important in the management of public resources.
Ukandu said the Abia State Government, under Governor Alex Otti, had introduced significant financial management reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and prudent utilisation of public funds.
He disclosed that Abia had fully implemented the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system to centralise government revenues and minimise financial leakages, while automated payroll verification and auditing mechanisms had helped to strengthen the state’s payroll system and eliminate ghost workers.
The Finance Commissioner further stated that the government allocates up to 80 per cent of its annual budget to capital expenditure, explaining that the policy was aimed at accelerating infrastructure development while reducing inherited debts.
He maintained that public confidence in government was built when citizens could see that their taxes and other public revenues were being judiciously utilised for roads, healthcare, education, salaries, pensions and other essential services.
Ukandu also announced that the state would continue its transition towards the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) accrual-based accounting system, urging financial officers in the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to cooperate with the Ministry of Finance to ensure a successful migration.
According to him, the accrual accounting system would promote more reliable financial reporting by recognising transactions when economic value is received or obligations arise, rather than only when cash changes hands.
In her address, the Accountant-General of Abia State, Dr Mrs Njun Onyemenam, said the celebration was an opportunity for accountants to reflect on the ethical responsibilities attached to their profession.
She noted that accounting went beyond the presentation of figures, stressing that professional integrity, ethical practices and a clear conscience must guide the preparation and presentation of financial records.
Onyemenam described accountants as custodians of public trust whose responsibility was to ensure that the figures presented to government and the public were accurate, credible and professionally prepared.
She commended Governor Otti for recognising and supporting the accounting profession in the state, urging accountants in various MDAs and organisations to reciprocate the government’s commitment through dedication and effective service delivery.
Also speaking, the Zonal Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Eastern Zonal District, Mr Okorie Samuel, commended Governor Otti for recognising the contributions of accountants and other professionals to governance.
Samuel, who spoke on behalf of professional accounting bodies, including ICAN and the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), said the celebration provided an important platform for recognising the contributions of accountants to nation-building.
He urged accountants to maintain accuracy, professionalism and integrity in their duties, noting that their work remained critical to credible financial management and national development.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mrs Elechi Agatha Obi Chianakwalam, charged accountants to remain committed to ethical conduct, saying they had a responsibility to ensure that financial figures presented by them could be trusted by government and the public.
The Commissioner 11, in the Abía Civil Service Commission, Dr Chioma Orikara, also added her voice to the call for professionalism and dedication among accountants.
Highlights of the celebration included keynote presentations by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue, Dr Emmanuel Okpechi, who spoke on the theme of accounting and conscience in building national confidence; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Management and Reporting, Mr Fidelis Nwaeze, who delivered a presentation on IPSAS accrual accounting and reporting; and the Director of Finance and Accounts Production, Rev. Sister Justina Obiagera Okafor, also delivered a paper on Beyond Numbers: Periodic Proper Returns by MDA’s
Other activities included cultural performances by the Abia State Council for Arts and Culture, accounting quiz competitions, games of colour, presentations to winners of competition and the cutting of the anniversary cake.
