History Made as Deaconess Idorenyin Charles Williams Becomes First Female Chairman of CITN Uyo District

 

By Asuquo Edem, Uyo 

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Uyo and District Society, on Saturday, October 25, 2025, made history with the investiture of Deaconess Idorenyin Charles Williams, FCTI, as its 6th and first female Chairman at a colourful ceremony held at Jacksville Event Place, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo.

 The event, attended by industry leaders and members of the Institute, marked a significant milestone for the Uyo District Society and for women in Nigeria’s taxation profession. 

In her acceptance speech, Deaconess Williams pledged to provide visionary and inclusive leadership that will strengthen professionalism and expand the Institute’s role in driving economic growth in Akwa Ibom State. “As I assume this role, I recognize that leadership is a collective journey. This mandate belongs to all of us,” she declared. “Together, we shall build a vibrant community that fosters professional growth, continuous learning, and collaboration. We will work collectively to make CITN Uyo and District Society a reference point for excellence, not only among other District Societies in Nigeria but across global platforms.” She added that her administration would strengthen partnerships with government institutions, the private sector and stakeholders to advance sound tax practice and administration that support sustainable development. 

“Leadership is a collective journey. Together, we shall build a vibrant community that fosters professional growth and collaboration.” 

Representing the 17th President of CITN, Mr. Innocent C. Ohagwa, FCTI, who was unavoidably absent due to other official engagements the Co-Host of the event, Mr. Okon Okon, described the investiture as “a landmark moment for the Institute and the Uyo District.” “On behalf of the Council, I extend warm congratulations to Deaconess Idorenyin Charles Williams, FCTI, and her executive team for earning the confidence of members to provide visionary leadership,” the President stated. “Your record of diligence and excellence gives us confidence that you will take the Uyo District to greater heights.” He emphasized that the District Societies remain the “heartbeat of the Institute,” urging members to uphold professionalism and adapt to Nigeria’s new tax reform laws, which demand greater technical competence and ethical judgment from practitioners.

 The high point of the event was the unveiling and formal presentation of the new Chairman to the Institute’s President by Mrs. Oyeronke Ojo, Director, Corporate and Internal Services, while Mr. Otobong Uwah served as Chairman of the Occasion. 

Dignitaries, professional colleagues and guests praised Deaconess Williams for her trailblazing leadership, describing her emergence as both historic and inspiring for women in the financial and taxation sectors. 

Members of the Executive Committee invlude Dcns Stella Effiong, FCTI - Vice Chairman, Mr Victor Ekpo, FCTI - Deputy Vice Chairman, Barr Mfon Udosen, ACTI - General Secretary, Mr Ubong Akpan, ACTI - Assistant General Secretary, Mrs Uduakobong Ukpe, FCTI - Honourary Treasurer, Ms Esther David, ACTI - Financial Secretary, Mr Ime Ekpoikong, ACTI - Membership Secretary, Mrs Ekemini Effiong, ACTI - Technical Secretary, Mrs Itoro Akpan, ACTI - Social/Publicity Secretary.

Others are Barr Inyene Ibe-Bassey, ACTI - Legal Adviser, Elder Godwin Owonam, FCTI - Immediate Past Chairman, Sir Okon Okon, FCTI - Ex-officio and Dr Emmanuel Akpan, ACTI - Ex-officio.

An abridged profile of Deaconess Idorenyin Charles Williams, FCTI has it that she was inducted into the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) in 2006 and conferred as a Fellow (FCTI) in 2014. She has served in several leadership roles within the Uyo District, including Deputy Vice Chairman and Vice Chairman, where she distinguished herself through professionalism and commitment to the Institute’s ideals. In 2022, she became the pioneer Coordinator of the Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, where she championed initiatives that empowered women professionals in taxation. 

Beyond CITN, she is a Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Certified Fraud Examiners of Nigeria (CIFCFEN), and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM). Her investiture as the first female Chairman of the Uyo District Society marks a major step forward for women’s representation in the Institute and sets the stage for a new era of excellence, inclusivity and professional growth.