The National Chairperson of the Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT) and member, CITN Governing Council,Dr Caroline Ndubuisi has urged the leadership of the association to lead with character, serve with humility, empower with intention, and build a legacy that will outlive their titles.
Ndubuisi stated this at the 2026 SWIT Leadership Retreat and Decoration of the 8th and 9th SWIT Life Patrons which held in Abuja on Saturday.
In her welcome address she said the most effective leaders do not use their positions merely to command attention but use their influence to create opportunities, solve problems, inspire confidence, and prepare others to succeed.
9th from right,the President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) Mr Innocent Ohagwa, the National Chairperson of SWIT and member,CITN Governing Council,Dr Caroline Ndubuisi,the Vice Chairperson of SWIT Dr Odunayo Ani, other members of the National Exco and other CITN/SWIT leaders at the event in Abuja on Saturday.
“Our theme, Leading Beyond Title: From Position to Purpose and Impact,challenges us to look beyond the prestige of office and examine the substance of our leadership. A title may open a door, but character determines whether people will trust us. Position may give us authority, but service gives that authority meaning. Recognition may celebrate what we have achieved, but our lasting legacy will be determined by what we build, whom we empower, and the opportunities we create for others.
“As women in taxation, we occupy an important place in the advancement of professional excellence, financial accountability, institutional development, and national progress. Our responsibility extends beyond personal advancement. We must continue to encourage young professionals, strengthen mentorship, promote ethical conduct, support innovation, and create an environment where competence and integrity are rewarded.” Ndubuisi stated.
She congratulated the two honorees,Hajiya Kudirat Abdulhamid and Dr Bosede Ikhanoba, the immediate past National Chairperson of SWIT as they were decorated as the 8th and 9th life patron of SWIT respectively.
“As we celebrate our Life Patrons, let us also remember that the greatest tribute to distinguished service is not decoration alone; it is the willingness of others to continue the good work. May their recognition inspire each of us to contribute more meaningfully, serve more faithfully, and lead with greater wisdom.”Ndubuisi said.
One of the Honorees, Dr Bosede Ikhanoba said leadership is a continuum.”The work I am doing now, I am still contributing in my own way to SWIT to ensure that we support the Chairperson to deliver on her mandate.
“As SWIT Life Patron, my responsibility is to support and enhance the ideals of the institute we all belong to. And I ensure that I contribute my own quarter.Currently,I am the Chairman of the SWIT Girl Child Education Fund which we relaunched recently to advance what it is all about and solicit support for it from all members.So we are still working.”Ikhanoba said.
The President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) Mr Innocent Ohagwa said advancing women’s leadership is integral to building a more inclusive,competent and vibrant taxation profession.
He said the theme of this years retreat challenges everyone to rethink their understanding of leadership and recognise that leadership is not defined merely by the positions they occupy, of titles they bear but by the purpose they serve and the impact they create.
“Let me assure you that the council of the CITN remains committed to supporting SWIT and providing the institutional backing required for the Society to fulfill its mandate.We recognise that a stronger institute and that advancing womens leadership is integral to building a more inclusive, competent and vibrant taxation profession.” Ohagwa disclosed.
Speaking on the topic Beyond Professional Excellence: Leading,Connecting and Reinventing for Greater impact,Professor of Accounting and Finance, Nasarawa state University, Keffi, Prof Suleiman Aruwa said strategic connection turns relationship into solutions.
He added that taking responsibility and having purpose and influence are ingredients of leadership.
He noted that leadership in the field of taxation is not merely about knowing the law,collecting revenue or advising clients,but about exercising professional power in a manner that people can trust.
Corroborating this, Security Intelligence and Public Relations Expert,Marilyn Ogar asked Women in Taxation to uphold the virtue of honesty and trust in carrying out their role.
She said positions,titles and technical competence may give a person authority, but honesty gives that authority legitimacy.
“For Women in Taxation,honesty should therefore be treated not as a personal virtue alone but as a professional asset, an institutional responsibility and an economic imperative.
She said “For Women in Taxation,this is particularly important because tax practitioners operate at the intersection of government, business and citizens.
Their professional decisions can influence revenue mobilisation, business confidence, compliance and ultimately the capacity of government to provide public service services.” Ogar said.
