The Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) has recorded a historic milestone with the election of its first female chairman in the association’s 36-year history.
Bukola Aro-Lambo of Leadership Newspapers emerged as chairman during the association’s election held in Lagos, becoming the first woman to lead the body since its inception in 1989.
Her election has been widely hailed by members as a landmark achievement for the association, which comprises journalists covering Nigeria’s financial services sector, including banking, capital markets, insurance, pensions, and the broader economy.
The election also produced a new executive committee that will oversee the affairs of the association for the next tenure.
Tony Chukwuyem of New Telegraph was elected vice chairman, while Abiola Ismail of MITV emerged as general secretary.
Other elected officers include Ebere Obike-Franklin of Radio Nigeria as assistant general secretary, Salamatu Ejembe of the Voice of Nigeria (VON) as financial secretary, and Comfort Ekeleme of Champion Newspapers as treasurer.
Members described Aro-Lambo’s emergence as a reflection of the growing influence of women in Nigeria’s media industry and financial journalism, noting that her leadership could further promote inclusiveness, diversity, and equal representation within the profession.
As one of the most influential beat associations in the Nigerian media landscape, FICAN plays a vital role in reporting and shaping public discourse on monetary policy, banking sector reforms, capital market activities, inflation, exchange rates, pensions, insurance, and other key economic issues affecting the country.