Humble, affable, knowledgeable, hardworking, focused and resilient are some of the words that aptly capture the essence of the personable brand known as Sileola Adebusola Akinbowale, FCA, the eighth Chairperson of ICAN, Ibadan Chapter.
On August 17, 2024, she mounted the saddle as the unanimous choice of female accountants in Oyo State and beyond when her investiture was held as the President of the Ibadan Chapter of the Society of Women Accountant of Nigeria (SWAN).
It was a well-deserved honour given her professional accomplishments and her immense contributions to the Accountancy profession, as well as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of NIgeria (ICAN).
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PROFILE OF MRS SILEOLA ADEBUSOLA AKINBOWALE, FCA
Sileola Adebusola Akinbowale was born in the late 70s to the family of Mr. Oludolapo Williams Akindele and Mrs. Bamitale Margarett Akindele of blessed memory. She has a solid educational background and a distinguished career in accounting and management.
She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting (2nd Class Upper) from Lead City University. In 2015, she completed a Master’s Degree in Industrial Education (M.Ed.) from the University of Ibadan, Department of Adult Education. She has another Master’s Degree in Accounting in 2021. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Accounting (PhD) at Babcock University, Ilisan Remo, Ogun State. She is the Class Governor of the PhD class for July 2021 set.
Her education began at St. Peters Primary School, Okegbala, Ondo Town, followed by secondary education at St. James Secondary School and St. Monica’s Anglican Grammar School, Ondo. She then pursued her National Diploma at the Universal College of Technology (now the Polytechnic Ife), Ile-Ife. During her industrial attachment in Ibadan, she served with Aloba, Awomolo & Co (Firm of Chartered Accountants), where she was sponsored for both the Accounting Technician Scheme and ICAN Professional examinations.
Sileola qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2007 and became a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) some years after.
She is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), a Fellow of the Institute of Certified Business Consultants, Nigeria (ICBC), and an Associate member of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN). Additionally, she is an Accredited Trainer by the Centre for Management Development (CMD, 2013) and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM).
Her professional journey began as an Audit Trainee at Aloba, Awomolo & Co. from June 1996 to December 2002. She also worked at the University of Ibadan Ventures Limited as a Senior Account Officer from January 2002 to December 2004 and also as an Internal Auditor from January 2004 to April 2010.
Thereafter, she took up an appointment at Odu’a Investment Company, Limited, Ibadan where she served as an Assistant Manager (Training & Development), Deputy Manager (Learning & Development), Team Lead, Performance Management, and Human Resources Business Partner from
May 2007 to December 2022. Currently, she works with Wemabod Limited in the Human Resources Department. Sileola’s contributions to professional bodies, particularly ICAN and CITN, are noteworthy.
She has served as an Assistant General Secretary, Technical Secretary, Social/Publicity Secretary, Ex-Officio member, membership Secretary, and General Secretary of the Ibadan & District Society of ICAN at one time or the other. She has served in different positions at SWAN, Ibadan Chapter for many years before being recently elected as the Chairperson of the Society.
She has also served as a member of the Central Planning Committee of the Western Zonal Districts Conference of ICAN. She has been an Assessor of the ATSWA Examination since 2015 and has held various committee positions, including membership of the District Committee, Communication and
Public Relations of ICAN, Special Students’ Project Committee, Membership Affairs Committee, Annual Accountants’ Conference Committee and Annual Tax Conference Committee.
Sileola Adebusola Akinbowale is a member of the Oyo State command special Marshall and a Christian who has a passion for impacting knowledge. She is the author of the weekly nugget “Parental Guidance”. Her dedication to continuous learning and professional development is evidenced by her numerous memberships and fellowships at prestigious institutions. Her extensive experience and commitment to excellence have distinguished her as a respected professional. She is happily married to Olugbenga Olumide Akinbowale FCA, and the marriage is blessed with wonderful children.
ACCEPTANCE SPEECH AT INVESTITURE
In her acceptance speech, she said she considered the position an honour to be cherished in her lifetime while appreciating her colleagues in SWAN Ibadan Chapter for the opportunity to lead the society. “This honour bestowed upon me is not just a recognition of my professional competence but also a testament to their unwavering love and confidence in my capacity. I do not take it for granted’, she added.
She showed gratitude to the Special Guest of Honour, Chief Davidson Chizuoke Stephen Alaribe, FCA, the 60th President of ICAN, the Royal Father of the Day, Oba Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo CFR, Jilo III, Osemawe of Ondo, the Chief Host, Chief Mrs. Hilda Ozoh, FCA, the SWAN National Chairperson, the
Special Guest Speaker, Dr. (Mrs.) Comfort Olu Eyitayo, FCA, Dr. Adeyemi Sanni, FCA, and her husband, Mr. Gbenga Akinbowale, FCA.
Mrs. Akinbowale reiterated her commitment to making a significant impact with a vision that is centered on seven key pillars: Membership Growth, Membership Empowerment, Collaboration, Community Support, Innovation, Infrastructure Development, and Digital Presence.
Here are more excerpts from her speech:
Membership Growth
We will introduce innovative ideas to attract new members and retain our existing ones by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. We will ensure that the SWAN Ibadan Chapter continues to grow and thrive in leaps and bounds.
Membership Empowerment
We will empower our members through bi-monthly technical sessions, providing opportunities for continuous learning and professional development. Additionally, we will establish a robust support system to ensure the happiness and well-being of all members.
Collaboration
We will foster a spirit of collaboration by building strong networks and partnerships with other professional bodies, organizations, and stakeholders. This will boost the opportunities members can derive individually and collectively.
Community Support
Our commitment to community support will be unwavering. We will organize medical outreaches, provide support to the indigent, offer medical assistance to elderly homes, and donate to vulnerable people. By so doing, we will demonstrate the true spirit of SWAN.
Innovation
We will embrace innovation in all our programmes by being creative to enhance our impact. Through creative problem-solving and forward-thinking strategies, we will position the SWAN Ibadan Chapter at the forefront in society.
Infrastructure Development
We will set up a befitting SWAN office and lay a solid foundation for the SWAN Ibadan Chapter building. This infrastructure will not only serve as a physical space for our activities but also showcase SWAN and ICAN in Oyo State.
Digital Presence
We will invest in IT infrastructure and establish a high-level social media presence. This will be done by creating a user-friendly website for the SWAN Ibadan Chapter to serve as a hub for information and engagement. By enhancing our digital presence, we will attract international bodies for sponsorship to create more opportunities for our members.
