CITN Urges Inductees to Uphold Integrity as Institute Inducts 1,900 New Members
By Olusegun Obisanya
The 17th President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Mr. Innocent Ohagwa, has charged newly inducted members to uphold integrity, professionalism and ethical conduct in their service to the nation.
The charge was giving when he delivered his opening address at the Institute’s 53rd Induction Ceremony, which was held recently in Lagos. It was witnessed by industry stakeholders and past president of the institute.
The president led the gathering in paying tribute to the Institute’s late founding father, Chief David Ajibola, who passed away on October 24th.
Addressing national reforms, the President stressed the impact of the newly enacted Tax Reforms Act 2025.
He explained that the legislation seeks to “simplify our tax system, promote the standard of living of the citizen, expand the tax base, and enhance fairness and strengthen compliance.”
Ohagwa emphasized that competence and ethics have become indispensable, declaring, “Technical competence is now non-negotiable. Ethical conduct has become the bearer of trust. Professionalism is the new benchmark for relevance.”
He also presented the profile of the 1,900 inductees, noting that “ICAN accounted for 803, ANAN 381, the Nigerian Bar Association 76, while others include those who wrote the CITN exams, CTA candidates and academia.”
The President reminded members that the Institute maintains statutory structures to address misconduct and encouraged the public to report unprofessional behaviour.
In his keynote address, MD/CEO, CDC Consulting, Chief Oladeji AkinyeleDr. Oladimeji Akinyele urged tax professionals to re-imagine their place in a rapidly shifting world.
According to him, the next decade will not only redefine the industry but also expand the expectations placed on tax practitioners.
He said, “Tax professionals will no longer be mere predictors, they will become policy influencers and mission creators. Change is here already—it isn’t waiting.”
Akinyele reminded inductees that they are custodians of national trust. Their intelligence should make them credible, their emotional quotient humane, their social quotient visible, and their advocacy quotient unstoppable.
He emphasized that while many external realities will continue to evolve, true transformation begins internally.
He encouraged professionals to embrace self-awareness, unlearn outdated practices, and retrain themselves for relevance. “Change before you have to change. That is how you avoid extinction, like the dinosaurs.”
Dr. Akinyele also highlighted the importance of values, mentorship, and ethical grounding. The true power of tradition, he said, lies not in positions or titles but in the values defended and passed on.
He celebrated the young professionals he has mentored—individuals now leading teams, firms, and departments—as his proudest legacy.