ICAN honours UBA CEO Oliver Alawuba, Gov Bago and others at 2026 Lagos awards night for contributions to Nigeria’s economy and profession

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has honoured the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Oliver Alawuba, the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago, and the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, at its 2026 Annual Dinner and Awards Night held in Lagos over the weekend.

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The ICAN awards 2026 Lagos ceremony brought together senior leaders from Nigeria’s public and private sectors in a high-profile gathering aimed at recognising individuals and organisations that have contributed significantly to economic development and professional excellence.

Also among the awardees were other corporate executives and public administrators, with ICAN noting that the honourees demonstrated strong leadership, integrity and service in their respective fields.

Oliver Alawuba received recognition in the Non-Members Category, where he was presented with his award by former Ogun State Governor and Special Guest of Honour, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, alongside ICAN President and Chairman of Council, Mallam Haruna Yahaya.

Speaking after receiving the honour, Oliver Alawuba dedicated the award to employees of UBA across Africa, describing them as the driving force behind the bank’s continued growth and continental expansion.

He emphasised that consistent performance, discipline and integrity remain key to long-term success, urging young Nigerians to focus on building competence rather than seeking shortcuts.

“I want every young Nigerian to understand that there are no shortcuts to success. Build your competence, uphold integrity and remain committed to excellence,” he said.

Governor Mohammed Bago was also recognised for his contributions to public service, alongside Dr Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, who was honoured in acknowledgment of his role in public financial administration.

ICAN President Haruna Yahaya described all award recipients as role models whose achievements reflect professionalism, accountability and commitment to national development.

He stated that the awards were not only a celebration of achievement but also a call to inspire younger professionals within the accounting field and the wider Nigerian economy.

Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who presented one of the awards, commended Oliver Alawuba for his consistent support for ICAN and described him as an outstanding financial leader committed to professional growth and institutional excellence.

Other notable recipients included Kunle Ahmed, CEO of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, and Godwin Nwabunka, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Amadeus University.

The awards also recognised senior members and rising professionals across different sectors, highlighting ICAN’s commitment to celebrating excellence across generations.

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Corporate recognitions were presented to Amber Prime Plastics Limited, New Nigeria Development Company Limited and Dufil Prima Foods Limited for their contributions to Nigeria’s business and industrial development.