Brief history
The journey actually started around July 2010 when some members who were living and working in Ota and environ came together and agreed to have a district in Ota rather than going to Lagos or Abeokuta.
The maiden meeting for the proposed Ota district society was held on 21/08/2010 at the Covenant University.
Covenant University played a significant role in birthing the district society by providing a conducive place of meeting. We are indeed grateful to Bishop David Oyedepo and Professor C. K Ayo the Vice Chancellor who accorded us all the courtesies to hold our meetings without restraints.
Thereafter, subsequent meetings were held while getting ready all necessary formalities with ICAN headquarters.
ODS’ appreciation to the 46th ICAN President, Maj. Gen. Sebastian Owuama Rtd, FCA for approving Ota and District Society and who always referred ICAN ODS as his last baby in office.
Among the dignitaries who witnessed ICAN ODS Inauguration ceremony included the then ICAN Registrar, Mr Olutoyin Adepate, FCA, OON, Dcn Titus Soetan FCA (later 52nd ICAN president) Mrs Comfort Eyitayo, FCA, mni, OON (later 57th lCAN PRESIDENT), Prince Bade Oyedepo FCA, past Chairman Western Zone / Ibadan District among other District chairmen in Western Zone especially the ICAN LMDS
Within the short period of our existence we have been able to touch base with numerous economic and industrial establishments that have our members in their employment. We have reached out to most organizations within Ota and environ.
Worthy to mention the sacrifice, commitment and doggedness of the ODS Pioneer Executives and all the foundation members ably led by Prof. Enyi Patrick Enyi FCA.
The Pioneer Exco members during 2011-2013.
- Prof. Enyi Patrick Enyi Ph. D, ACA – Chairman
- Mr. Samuel Omojola ACA – Vice Chairman
- Mr. Adeyinka Badmus ACA – Deputy Vice Chairman
- Mr. Samuel Faboyede FCA- General Secretary
- Dr. (Mrs) Bimpe Umoren ACA – Asst. General Secretary
- Deacon Sunday Abayomi ACA – Financial Secretary
- Dr. Ochei Ikpefan ACA – PRO
- Mrs Abiola Ajibade ACA – Asst. PRO
- Pst. Olufela Sokenu FCA – Treasurer
- Deacon James Agonor ACA – Social Secretary
- Pst. Adeyinka Adesanya FCA – Honorary Auditor
The pioneer District Coordinator was, Dcn Titus Soetan, FCA (later the 52nd ICAN PRESIDENT)
The strategic location of Ota as a feeder/ satellite town to Lagos implies that more and more businesses and industrial concerns are constantly on the increase and this have the spin-off effect of multiplying the number of chartered accountants who are needed to give the much required financial and economic direction to these outfits. We are fortunate in the district to have these chartered accountants identify with us as they are engaged in these organizations.
Ota and District Society of ICAN is an amazing district of choice.
On February 25th 2013, ICAN ODS hosted the 48th President of ICAN, Mr Adedoyin Owolabi FCA during the Members’ Forum and Dinner. The president was taken round to visit some important places, such as Covenant University, Bells University of Technology and some notable companies in Ota among others were Farmex Meyer Plc, May & Baker Plc, Nigerian Distilleries Limited. The President also visited the Olota of Ota in his Palace.
In April 2015 ICAN ODS was granted approval to have ICAN examination centre in Ota with effect from May, 2015 diet and since then has witnessed tremendous growth in all the diets of the Institute’s examinations.
The Catch Them Young Programme of ICAN under the leadership of a past chairman Alhaji Adeyinka Daud Badmus has witnessed much impact in secondary schools in Ota. The mustard seed sown in the hearts of the secondary school students saw transformation in the lives of these ones which also translated to increased in enrolment of the ATSWA Examinations.
ICAN ODS had organized various programs, training, seminars and Catch them young program for future Chartered Accountants.
In August 2015 ICAN ODS hosted the maiden edition of ICAN RESIDENCY AND AWARENESS program that was organized by ICAN and one program for each of the six Geo Political zones in Nigeria. The one scheduled for southwest was held by ODS in Ota.
In 2016 ODS Cooperative Society was birthed. The purpose was to cater for the financial needs of members and this cooperative society has witnessed tremendous multidimensional growth.
In order to remain relevant and viable, we created various committees with the responsibilities for planning and organizing trainings, conferences and workshops for the purpose of developing ourselves professionally.
Committees:
- Finance Committee
- Debt Recovery/Subscription Management Committee
- Technical Committee
- Catch Them Young Committee
- Welfare Committee
- Land and Building Committee
- General Purpose Committee
- Conference Committee
- I. T. Committee
- Membership Drive Committee
Others include:
- Members in Practice Forum
- Entrepreneurship/Employment Bureau
- Education and Training Forum
- Members in Politics Forum
- Members in Public Service Forum
- Members in Industry Forum
- Benevolence Fund
In February, 2018, ODS hosted the 12th edition of the South western zonal Accountants’ Conference with outstanding, sterling performance.
By this we have again reaffirmed our collective resolve both to advance the cause of accountancy globally and to defend its cherished values for the benefit of mankind.
The budding district society took a giant step of faith by acquiring 4 plots of land towards building a befitting secretariat in the heart of Ota.
In 2020, ODS was elected into the position of Assistant General Secretary at the western zonal DISTRICTS level and as at 2023, ODS is the General Secretary of the Western Zone.
In December, 2020 there was an official inauguration of Ota chapter of SWAN for which was incubated in 2015.
It is on record that ODS emerged the overall winner of the maiden edition of FAME QUIZ COMPETITION organized among secondary school students in all the south western districts
May the good Lord continue to be with the entire members of ODS.
Long live ICAN ODS,
Long live Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.
Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria.
