The Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, has called for stronger mentorship programmes to encourage more secondary school girls to pursue careers in accounting and other professions, saying greater exposure to accomplished female professionals will help bridge the leadership gap for women.
Mrs Babafemi made the call on Thursday during the second investiture ceremony of the Chairperson of the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), ICAN Ado-Ekiti and District Society Chapter, held in Ado-Ekiti.
She praised SWAN for advancing women’s empowerment and professional excellence, describing the association as an important platform for promoting ethical leadership and increasing women’s representation in the accounting profession.
The commissioner said structured mentorship would inspire young girls to dream beyond traditional career paths and prepare them for leadership roles in accounting and other sectors where women remain underrepresented.
Mrs Babafemi also reaffirmed the commitment of the Ekiti State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to supporting women’s professional associations. She said the ministry would continue to strengthen initiatives that promote female leadership in line with the Human Capital Development pillar of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration.
The event also witnessed the investiture of Mrs Monisola Kolade as the second Chairperson of SWAN, ICAN Ado-Ekiti and District Society Chapter, alongside the inauguration of the society’s new executive council.
Delivering the keynote lecture, titled *The Excellent Woman*, Dr Abiodun Rogiyat Agbaje urged women to pursue excellence through integrity, discipline, hard work and continuous self-development.
She described excellence as a deliberate way of life rooted in strong character rather than perfection. She also encouraged women to attain financial independence, mentor younger professionals and maintain a healthy balance between their careers and family responsibilities.
In separate goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Olaniran Olatona, and the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet and Special Services Department, Office of the Governor, Dr Oyeyemi Kayode Ojo, commended SWAN for promoting professionalism, ethical leadership and women’s advancement.
They urged Mrs Kolade to provide purposeful leadership that would strengthen the society and inspire the next generation of female accountants.
Earlier, the National President of SWAN, Mrs Ngozi Osakwe-Ogo, charged the newly inaugurated executive council to lead with accountability, integrity, innovation and entrepreneurship.
She assured the new leadership of the National Executive Council’s continued support in advancing the society’s objectives and expanding opportunities for women in the accounting profession.
