The Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) has held a solemn yet inspiring memorial lecture in honour of two of Nigeria’s most distinguished female trailblazers in finance, the late Mrs. Otunba (Dr.) Bola Kuforiji-Olubi and Mrs. Elizabeth Olakunri, celebrating their legacies as pillars of professional excellence and gender inclusion in the accounting profession.
The event, which drew a cross-section of seasoned accountants, finance professionals, and members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), took place in Lagos on Tuesday and formed part of SWAN’s ongoing commitment to preserve the legacy of women who broke barriers in a male-dominated field.
Both honourees were not only notable chartered accountants but pioneers whose contributions continue to inspire younger generations of female professionals. Dr. Bola Kuforiji-Olubi, who passed away in 2016, was the first female president of ICAN and later served as Nigeria’s first female minister of commerce and tourism, among other top positions. Similarly, Mrs. Elizabeth Olakunri was a founding member of ICAN and one of the earliest female chartered accountants in West Africa, widely respected for her role in shaping Nigeria’s financial reporting standards.
In her keynote address, SWAN’s National Chairperson, Mrs. Olamide Olusegun, described the late icons as “eternal flames in the journey of professional women in Nigeria.” She emphasized the importance of mentoring, leadership, and preserving institutional memory, noting that the strength of tomorrow’s accountants lies in remembering the sacrifices of the past.
“These women redefined what was possible for Nigerian women — not just in boardrooms but in nation-building,” Olusegun stated. “It is only fitting that we honour them, not with silence, but with renewed action, mentorship, and advocacy.”
The lecture, themed “Legacy, Leadership and the Future of Women in Finance,” featured discussions on how gender equity in the financial sector is essential for national development. Guest speakers and panellists called for deliberate policies to promote financial literacy among girls, support professional advancement for women, and close the gap in executive representation across Nigeria’s economic institutions.
Also in attendance were ICAN President Dr. Innocent Okwuosa, several past presidents of the Institute, and family members of the deceased, who expressed gratitude for the remembrance and urged continued efforts to institutionalize the values for which the honourees stood.
The event concluded with the unveiling of a Legacy Mentorship Initiative, under SWAN’s guidance, aimed at creating a structured platform where young women entering the accounting profession can receive direct mentorship from seasoned female chartered accountants across the country.
As Nigeria pushes forward in redefining its economic landscape, SWAN’s memorial lecture serves as a timely reminder that legacies built on excellence, courage, and service remain eternal beacons, guiding the next generation of women to rise, lead, and leave lasting impact.
