By Zainab Adebesin
Published by Blacktalker
The Lagos State Government has emphasized the urgent need for public service accountants to adopt global sustainability practices in financial reporting and governance.
Speaking at the 15th Annual Public Lecture and Investiture of new executive members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Lagos State Public Service Chapter, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Audit, Mrs. Iyabode Ayoola, stressed that sustainable accounting is now a critical necessity.
The lecture, themed “The Future of Accounting Profession: What Every Public Service Accountant Must Know About Sustainability Accounting,” highlighted the growing relevance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in public finance.
Ayoola reiterated the state government’s commitment to capacity building and digital transformation in the public sector, stating that the integration of sustainable accounting practices is key to tackling climate, economic, and developmental challenges.
Also speaking at the event, the Accountant General and Permanent Secretary of Lagos State, Mr. Abiodun Muritala, called for a paradigm shift in the public sector. He urged accountants to be relentless ambassadors of good governance, transparency, and accountability to ensure a more sustainable and responsible future.
In her acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated 16th Chairman of ICAN Lagos State Public Service Chapter, Oluwatoyin Suarau, pledged that her tenure would be guided by empathy, integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Her predecessor, Florence Akinsola, noted in her welcome address that the role of accountants has expanded beyond traditional financial reporting, emphasizing that public institutions are increasingly integrating ESG principles into their operations.
The event was graced by notable dignitaries, including the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, and the Oniba Ekun of Iba Kingdom, Oba Sulaimon Raji, as well as members of the ICAN Governing Council and other stakeholders in the accounting profession.