Yemisi Izuora
The Chief Financial Officer(CFO) of Linkage Assurance Plc, Dr. Emmanuel Otitolaiye, has been invested the Pioneer Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) -Nigerian Insurers Association( NIA) Chapter.
The ICAN-NIA Chapter was recently inaugurated by the 60th President of ICAN, Davidson Alaribe in company of top accounting and insurance professionals in Nigeria at a ceremony held at Nigeria’s Insurers House in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Otitolaiye in his acceptance speech at the event said “It is with great delight, sense of responsibility and immense gratitude to the Almighty God that I stand before this distinguished audience, today, to accept my election and formal investiture as the Pioneer Chairman of the ICAN-NIA Chapter.”
He said, him and his executive committee are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, promoting excellence in the field of accounting, and advancing the interests of members.
“As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of business and finance, we must embrace innovation and stay at the forefront of emerging trends and technologies. The challenges we face require us to adapt, evolve, and continuously expand our knowledge and skills.”
Dr. Otitolaiye, pledging further said, “As chairman, I am dedicated to fostering a culture of lifelong learning and professional development, ensuring that our members have access to the resources and support they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
He stated that his administration will focus on Membership Drive, Training and Events, through collaboration and partnerships.
“Our Chapter will actively seek opportunities to collaborate with organisations, regulatory bodies, and academia to strengthen the profession, advocate interest of members, and shape the future of the accounting profession in Nigeria.”
Davidson Alaribe, the Diamond President ICAN in his speech at the investiture said, with the inauguration of ICAN-NIA Chapter, accountants will be able to come together and contribute to the development of the profession and the economy as a whole.
While commending Dr Emmanuel Otitolaiye, the new chapter for working so hard and building himself in the insurance and accounting profession to this level, he said the younger accountants should borrow a leaf from the new chapter chairman.
He urged the younger people to take their destiny into their hands and define their future. “Take a bold step and redefine your future by building yourself for a better future”.
Dr. Emmanuel Otitolaiye, who was born on 4th September1972 in Egbeda-Egga Ijumu Local Government of Kogi State is a widely exposed finance expert with vast and well-rounded accounting and financial management experience cutting across financial, statutory reporting, performance management and business planning in insurance, manufacturing, and consulting.
Prior to joining Linkage Assurance Plc as CFO in December 2018, he was Head, Finance & Performance Management Group at Cornerstone Insurance Plc from January 2014 to November 2018. A role that has direct responsibilities for the supervision of the finance functions of the Group.
Dr. Otitolaiye worked at Alliance & General Insurance PLC – a member of the Fidelity Bond Group and Node Solutions Ltd as the Chief Finance Officer and Chief Operating Officer in respectively where he was responsible for all strategic and tactical matters as they relate to budget management, cost benefit analysis, forecasting needs, deal analysis, negotiations, and investor’s relations.
He joined FBN Life Assurance limited in 2010 as the pioneer Head of Finance where he successfully coordinated all activities towards securing operational funds from shareholders for the smooth take-off of the company and also championed the set-up of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) covering all areas of the company’s activities.
Emmanuel started his working career with CFAO Nigeria Plc in 2000 as Credit Control Officer and later worked as the National Credit Control Manager at PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc from 2006 -2008 before joining Guaranty Trust Assurance (now Axa Mansard Insurance Plc) as Head, Management Account a positioned he held till 2010.
A multi-disciplinary professional, he is a Fellow of both Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCIT), Associate member, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (ACII) and Associate, Chartered Institute of Insurance Brokers (ACIB). .
He holds a Higher National Diploma in Banking and Finance from Lagos State Polytechnic in 1998, Master degree in Business Administration (MBA) from University of Ado –Ekiti, BSc Accounting from University of Lagos, MSc Accounting from Babcock University and PhD Accounting also from Babcock University.
Dr. Otitolaiye a man of many parts is currently the Chairman, Accounting Technical Committee of Nigeria Insurance Association (NIA-ATC) – an umbrella body of all Chief Financial Officers and Finance staff in insurance and reinsurance companies in Nigeria. President, Egbeda-Egga Development Union, Financial Secretary, Agungi East Resident Association and many others. He has served in various ICAN committee e.g. ATSWA, Induction, Accountant Investigating Panel.
He has attended several top management training courses at home and abroad.