The Accountant General of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Uwem Andrew-Essien, has been honoured with the prestigious 2025 ICAN Diamond Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to financial management, transparency, and public sector accountability in Nigeria.
The award was presented during the 2026 Awards Night organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at The Monarch Event Centre, Lekki, Lagos State, where distinguished professionals and public servants were celebrated for excellence in the accounting profession and national development.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the President of ICAN, Mallam Haruna Yahaya, PhD, alongside the Special Guest of Honour, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, CON, described the Accountant General as a visionary leader whose dedication to prudent financial administration and institutional reforms has strengthened confidence in public finance management across the country.
According to the organisers, the Diamond Award represents one of the institute’s highest honours and is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional integrity, professionalism, and commitment to advancing the accounting profession.
In his acceptance speech, the Accountant General expressed gratitude to ICAN for the recognition and dedicated the award firstly to his boss, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, for giving him the platform and creating an enabling environment where professionalism in the field of accountancy thrives. He also dedicated the award to members of his team and stakeholders who have supported ongoing reforms in the nation’s financial system.
“This honour is not just for me, but for every hardworking professional committed to accountability, transparency, and excellence in public service,” he said.
He further reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening financial governance, improving fiscal discipline, and ensuring efficient management of public resources for national growth and development.
Other awardees in the same category included Dr. Alhaji Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, the Accountant General of the Federation, and Dr. Odunayo Boyepe, Director of the Financial Services Department, Nigerian Maritime Administration.
The ceremony attracted top government officials, financial experts, business leaders, and members of the accounting profession from across the country, who commended the Accountant General for his exemplary leadership and service.
Observers at the event noted that the recognition reflects the growing importance of professionalism and ethical standards in Nigeria’s public finance sector.
The 2025 ICAN Diamond Award is expected to further inspire excellence among accountants and public administrators while promoting integrity and accountability in both public and private institutions.
