The colourful event attracted members of the accounting profession, government officials, traditional rulers, business leaders, and other stakeholders from within and outside the state.
The anniversary celebration, themed “Four Decades of Excellence: Upholding Professionalism, Building Trust, and Lasting Legacies,” highlighted the contributions of ICAN to the promotion of ethical financial practices, transparency, accountability, and the development of professional accountants over the past 40 years.
Organisers of the event stated that the Award of Excellence presented to Hon. Ighrakpata was in recognition of his remarkable leadership style, dedication to public sector reforms, and unwavering support for the growth and advancement of the accounting profession in Delta State.
Hon. Ighrakpata, who attended the event as a Special Guest of Honour, was represented by Chief Kenneth Akpotu, Deputy Director, Processing Unit, Office of the Chairman of the Delta State Internal Revenue Service.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Delta State Revenue Chairman, Chief Akpotu expressed appreciation to ICAN for its four decades of service to professionalism, integrity, and national development.
He described the institute as an important partner in the state’s pursuit of fiscal sustainability, transparency, and improved public financial management.
According to him, ICAN has consistently upheld high standards of integrity, accountability, and technical excellence in the accounting profession, thereby strengthening public confidence in financial reporting, taxation, and corporate governance.
Chief Akpotu urged members of the institute to intensify efforts in promoting tax education and compliance advocacy among businesses and individuals in order to deepen the culture of voluntary tax compliance in the country.
He further reaffirmed the commitment of the Delta State Internal Revenue Service to sustained collaboration with ICAN and other professional bodies in advancing best practices in tax administration and financial management.
The representative of the DIRS chairman disclosed that under the leadership of Hon. Ighrakpata, the agency has continued to implement reforms aimed at modernizing tax administration processes across the state.
According to him, the Service is leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency, simplify tax procedures, and broaden the tax net to capture more eligible individuals and businesses.
Chief Akpotu noted that the reforms introduced by the present leadership of the agency are designed to enhance transparency, improve revenue generation, and support sustainable development across Delta State.
He explained that the recognition bestowed on Hon. Ighrakpata by ICAN represents not only an honour but also a call for deeper partnership between government institutions and professional bodies.
“This award is not just recognition, it is a call to deeper partnership. The Delta State Internal Revenue Service will continue to partner in progress with ICAN to promote voluntary compliance, simplify tax processes, and ensure that revenue drives development under the M.O.R.E Agenda of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori,” he stated.
Stakeholders at the event commended the collaboration between the Delta State Internal Revenue Service and ICAN, describing the relationship as a positive example of how government agencies and professional institutions can work together to promote accountability, transparency, and economic growth.
Several speakers at the ceremony also praised Hon. Ighrakpata for what they described as his reform-driven leadership style and commitment to institutional development.
They noted that since assuming office as Executive Chairman of DIRS, he has prioritized staff training, capacity building, automation of revenue collection processes, and stakeholder engagement aimed at improving efficiency and public trust in the tax system.
Participants at the anniversary celebration further observed that the leadership of the Delta State Internal Revenue Service has contributed significantly to strengthening internally generated revenue and improving fiscal discipline in the state.
They added that collaboration with professional organizations such as ICAN has helped to deepen professionalism and encourage compliance with modern accounting and taxation standards.
The event also served as an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of ICAN Warri and District Society over the past four decades.
Members highlighted the institute’s contributions to mentorship, ethical standards, professional development, and the promotion of accountability within both the public and private sectors.
Speakers at the event encouraged younger accountants and professionals to remain committed to integrity, discipline, and excellence in their careers in order to sustain the legacy built by the institute over the years.
Observers noted that the recognition of Hon. Ighrakpata further strengthens his growing reputation as a public administrator committed to transparency, fiscal reforms, and institutional accountability.
The award is also seen as an acknowledgment of the increasing role of professional collaboration in improving governance, public finance management, and economic development in Delta State.
As the celebration concluded, participants expressed optimism that stronger partnerships between government institutions and professional organizations would continue to enhance accountability, strengthen public confidence, and contribute to sustainable economic growth in the state and the country at large.
