The Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) has honoured late Chief Mrs. Olutoyin Olakunri, the first female Chartered Accountants in Sub-Saharan Africa and late HRH Mrs Bolajoko Kuforiji-Olubi, the first female president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) for their immense contributions to the accounting profession.

The National Chairperson of SWAN, Mrs Hilda Ozoh described the two heroines as more than just Chartered Accountants, but a guiding light and persons of deep conviction, compassion, and contribution.

Ozoh stated this at the SWAN maiden memorial lecture organised in honour of late Olakunri and Kuforiji-Olubi, on Wednesday,June 4, 2025 in Lagos.

The SWAN chairperson said the late icons left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing them through their works, words, and their unwavering commitment to ICAN and SWAN.

She said: “Today, we gather not only to listen, learn, and reflect, but also to pay tribute to our remarkable individuals whose lives and legacies continue to inspire us.

“This memorial lecture is a living celebration of their values, a platform for continued dialogue, and a space where new ideas can take root in the soil of a profound legacy,”she said.

In his goodwill message, the ICAN President, Mr Haruna Yahaya, said the lives of Chief Olakunri and HRH Kuforiji-Olubi were not only marked by achievements, but by purpose, inclusion and deep conviction.

Yahaya noted that the memorial lecture was not merely to remember the late icons, but to draw strength from their towering legacies and to ensure that the torch they carried continues to light the path for others.

“Chief Mrs Olakunri was a trailblazer in every sense. She didn’t just pass through history- she carved it. From Co-founding SWAN in 1978 to her role as founding directors of banks and institutions, her contributions transcend sectors.

“HRM Kuforiji-Olubi was ICAN’s first female ICAN president, and its 25th president. She wore many caps – Minister of Commerce and Industry, first female chairman of UBA, and Managing Director of an international organisation, VYB Nigeria Ltd.

“But beyond the titles, she was a leader of deep insight and poise, a foundation lmember of SWAN, and a voice of authority in rooms where women were rarely heard.

“Together, they didn’t just blaze trials; they built bridges – ensuring others could walk farther and faster. Their stories are not just part of our history – they are part of our future. They remind us that leadership is not a title, but a commitment to lift others,”he said.

In a goodwill message, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, Founder/President, Human Capital Africa, said the late trailblazers were more than just first in their respective milestones; they were visionary leaders, mentors and nation builders.

Ezekwesili noted that the courage of late Olakunri and Kuforiji-Olubi in breaking systemic barriers, advancing professional excellence and paving the path for countless women in the accounting profession stands as a testimony to what purposeful leadership and determination can achieve.

She said: “as we reflect on their legacies in this dynamic economy, let us also recommend ourselves to values they embodied: excellence, service and relentless advocacy for gender equity and professional empowerment.

“I commend SWAN for sustaining their memory in a way that challenges all of us to live lives of enduring value.

In a keynote address, Mrs Ifueko Okauru, said that the late honorees left an indelible mark for everyone, especially female professionals to emulate.

Okauru charged female accountants and other professionals to always strive for excellence, redefine themsleves, build relationships, create systems, take advantage of opportunities and technology to achieve professional excellence.

Speaking on behalf of Olakunri’s family, Ms Funmilayo Marinho, a niece to the late icon described late Chief Olutoyin Olakunri as a detailed and forthright woman of great capacity to handle so many things at a time.

“She was a great businesswoman, but was also into education, accounting, banking snd many other endeavours.

“She made her family members realised that your greatest asset is your relationship with people – relationships are what build business, careers and open doors.

An Uncle to late Ayora Kuforiji-Olubi, Professor Joel Oyekunle- Akinosi, a former Provost of the College of Medicine, Lagos, described her as a star whose legacy has stimulated many younger ones in her family to follow her footstep.

Oyekunle-Akinosi said the late Kuforiji-Olubi was the first person in her family to venture into the accounting profession and she distinguished herself in every spheres of life.

“She was generous – paid the fees of several indigent students, helped the church by providing buses for them. Her family and members of the All Saints Church, Yaba, will forever remember her.