By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka
Abuja
The newly Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) has been advised not to only deliver in her office as a woman, but also prove to Nigerians and the world in general the prudence given to them in management of resources.
The AG was advised by the National Vice Chairperson of the Professional Women Accountants of Nigeria (PROWAN), Hajiya Mariam Jibrin at the marking of the Association’s 10th Anniversary in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) recently, with the theme: Organisational Leadership and Growth Trajectory.
She said: “This is the first time for a woman to be an AGF in Nigeria, and it shows that the president knows that the women are prudent in managing resources. Due to the prudence in the women, the AGF should draw women closer, to not only address the economy but also not disappoint the women and Nigerians and the globe generally.”
For the economy to be addressed to the barest minimum, she however advised the government in power to be serious toward reinforcing taxations, especially from the foreigners. This she said would go a long way.
Still speaking on the way out of the decaying economy, the Vice National Chairperson of the Association, however, treated the insinuations that the women, with such an association, haven’t been doing enough to address the economy by urging Nigerians to be patient with the government in power, to see what they will do in that direction.
On the creation of PROWAN, she said: “The Association of National Accounts of Nigeria (ANAN) in 2013 created the PROWAN, as the women’s wing. The achievements expected from the organisation are organising and enlightening women to come out to support in the areas of enhancing the economy; advise the government in handling frauds and other similar issues for the government to move forward, and we are committed to that.”
Similarly, the Chairman of the Local Organisation Committee (LOC), Hajiya Aisha Mohammed (FCNA), has advised President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to put the right people in the right places.
With the belief that the poor state of the economy could be effectively revived, if the women accountants were put in the right places in the country, due to their performance in the past, she added that for the economy to come back to its lost glory, Nigerians should not only give the government time, but also support those in authority to promote effective governance.
“Although as wives, we can’t compete with our husbands, if the women accountants are put in the right place, they will give you the best, and they have been doing it,” she stated, adding: “You can’t tell me that somebody who just came into the office yesterday, would perform wonder. If we give them time and support, Nigeria’s economy will be good again.”
Speaking on the ongoing palliatives to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal, she said: “The government has good intentions fot the palliatives, but I adsvise them to do careful supervision, by ensuring that it gets to the right people, for the aims and objectives of the government to be achieved.
“Let the government look at what is happening in the markets. Without checking the prices of goods and services in the markets, even if you give money in millions, inflation will result, and the aims and objectives will be defeated. The economic value of the 10th Anniversary of PROWAN is going to be amazing, after the event. We intend to ensure that the women get to the top, which if done would go a iong way because they are known for prudence.”
Earlier, the National Chairperson of the association, Princess (Mrs) Elemanya Ebiliah (FCNA), said that having women as accountants in a country is a blessing, just as she informed that they have members who have excelled.
Advising her members to continue to work hard and keep being themselves in the discharge of their duties, based on knowledge, the National Chairperson, therefore, said that she sees women as the leaders of tomorrow in the profession. Proving her point by defending that the Account General of the Federation is a woman, Elemanya said that after her, they would continue to have more of them in the position.
“Once you have women as the head in any office, you are covered because they are dependable, effective, and efficient, but also prudent,” she boasted.
The event witnessed papers presented by Dr. (Barr) Hadiza Ali, the Deputy Bursar at the National Agricultural Extension and Research, Liaison Devices, ABU, Zaria Nigeria Subsidy Removal, which started in 1970, and; they of Dr. Sarah Khibel, the Director, Administration, Office of Auditor General to LGs, Rivers state on Leadership Style: An Assessment of Extant Practicing Professional Women Accountants, Globally.