The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has conferred its prestigious merit award (Diamond Category) on the President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association Nigeria (WISTA Nigeria), Dr. Odunayo Ani.
The institute said the award was given to Ani who is also the Director of Financial Services, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the accounting profession and national development.
A statement issued by WISTA Nigeria and made available to Maritime Bits stated that Ani received the award at an ICAN event attended by distinguished members of the accounting profession, family, friends, and professional associates in Lagos recently.
Ani was quoted expressing profound appreciation for the recognition even as she described the award as both humbling and inspiring.
According to her, the award represents not only recognition of past contributions, but also a renewed call to uphold the ideals of excellence, integrity, professionalism, and service to humanity. I am deeply honoured and sincerely grateful to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria for conferring on me the ICAN Merit Award in the Members Diamond Category.
She extended heartfelt appreciation to the President and Chairman of Council of ICAN, Mallam Haruna N. Yahaya; Vice President, Hajia Queensley Sofuratu Seghosime; immediate past President, Chief D.C.S. Alaribe; other past Presidents; the Governing Council; the Registrar/Chief Executive, Dr. Lanre Olasunkanmi; the Planning Committee; and the entire ICAN family for the honour bestowed on her.
The WISTA Nigeria President dedicated the award to God Almighty, her family, colleagues, mentors, and all those whose support and encouragement have shaped her professional journey over the years.
She also expressed special appreciation to the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), led by Blessing Osakwe-Ogo, alongside the Vice Chairperson, Mrs. Justyna Okosun Babatope, and other SWAN members for their solidarity, support, and presence at the award ceremony.
“I am extremely grateful to you all for coming out to rejoice and receive the award with me. God bless you all richly,” she added.
According to the statement, Ani reaffirmed her commitment to contributing meaningfully to the accounting profession, the maritime sector, and national development through dedicated service and professional excellence. The recognition further underscores her impactful leadership within both the maritime and accounting sectors, where she continues to champion professionalism, inclusion, and institutional growth.
