Asagba Hosts ANAN Delegation, Backs Asaba As Hub For National Events
ANAN Leadership Pays Royal Courtesy Visit
THE President of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Chief Hajia Zuwairat Kishimi, FCNA, led members of the association’s National Executive Council on a courtesy visit to the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, at his palace in Asaba.
The visit formed part of activities surrounding ANAN’s South-South Mandatory Continuing Professional Development training scheduled to hold in the Delta State capital.
The meeting brought together two influential institutions — a leading professional accounting body and one of the South-South region’s foremost traditional stools — in a display of civic partnership and institutional goodwill.
Asaba Positioned as Conference Destination
Welcoming the delegation, the Asagba praised ANAN for selecting Asaba as host city for the regional training programme.
He described the decision as both strategic and timely, saying it aligned with ongoing efforts to reposition Asaba Kingdom as a major destination for conferences, trainings and national gatherings.
According to the monarch, cities that attract recurring professional and business events often benefit through hospitality growth, increased commerce, stronger visibility and urban investment.
His remarks reflect a growing trend among Nigerian cities seeking to diversify local economies through conference tourism and event hosting.
Call for International Conference Centre Completion
The monarch also referenced a recent engagement with Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, during which he urged the speedy completion of the International Conference Centre currently under construction.
He said the facility would significantly improve Asaba’s ability to host international-scale conventions and high-profile gatherings.
Observers note that modern conference infrastructure has become increasingly important as states compete for investment forums, trade expos and professional summits.
Asagba Highlights Longstanding ANAN Links
Prof. Azinge said ANAN was not unfamiliar to him, citing personal and historical connections to the body dating back several decades.
He recalled his time serving as Senior Special Adviser to the late Sir Kenneth Akpamgbo, SAN, former Attorney-General of the Federation, and later public service engagements extending into the Vice Presidency era under Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
The monarch also remembered attending a memorial lecture in honour of Akpamgbo at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, where many ANAN members were present.
Charge on Ethics and Accountability
In one of the meeting’s strongest messages, the Asagba urged ANAN leadership to remain committed to transparency, accountability and ethical conduct.
He described accountants as critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and quest for fiscal discipline.
Analysts say the statement underscores the growing public expectation that professional bodies should play more visible roles in promoting financial integrity and governance reforms.
ANAN President Describes Visit as Significant
Earlier, ANAN President Chief Kishimi thanked the monarch for the warm reception and praised aspects of Asaba culture she said resembled traditions from her own background.
She described the encounter as a “divine coincidence,” noting that she is the 14th President and Chairman of ANAN Council, while Prof. Azinge is the 14th Asagba of Asaba.
She also pointed to another symbolic link: both she and the monarch have roots connected to the former Gongola State, now Adamawa State.
Invitation to Opening Ceremony
The ANAN President informed the palace that the association’s South-South training would begin with an opening ceremony at the Dome Event Centre, Asaba, and invited the monarch to attend and bless the event.
The courtesy visit highlighted how professional institutions increasingly engage traditional leadership in fostering development, unity and regional visibility.
