By: Temitope OYEKAN 

Dr. Mrs. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, Nigeria's first female Accountant-General of the Federation, retired on Friday, 7th March 2025, marking the culmination of a remarkable career spanning over three decades.  Her departure is not just the end of an era, and the beginning of a new chapter, but it's a moment to reflect on a life dedicated to public service, marked by innovation, integrity, and steadfast commitment to excellence. 

Born on March 7, 1965, in Iperu Remo, Ogun State, Dr. MADEIN's academic excellence and professional prowess paved the way for her historic appointment as the Accountant-General of the Federation.

Her academic achievements include a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy from Ogun State Polytechnic (now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic), a master's degree in Business Administration from Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University), and a PhD in Management Finance from Walden University, Minnesota, USA.

Her illustrious career was characterized by her dedication to transparency, accountability, and probity. She has served in various ministries, departments, and agencies, including the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Police Affairs, Commerce and Industry, Works and Housing, and Youth and Sports Development. Her tenure as the Accountant-General of the Federation was marked by innovative reforms and landmark achievements, including the robust implementation and expansion of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), and Capacity Building and Staff Development.

As a highly respected professional, Dr. MADEIN is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants (ACCA), UK; a member and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN); and member of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN).

 *A Journey of Achievement* 

Dr. MADEIN's journey to the pinnacle of her profession has been nothing short of remarkable.  Her career trajectory, traversing various ministries, departments, and agencies within the Nigerian government, showcases a consistent dedication to her craft and a steady climb fuelled by competence and integrity.

Each role she held served as a stepping stone, building upon her expertise and preparing her for the significant responsibilities that awaited her as the Accountant-General of the Federation.

Her tenure as AGF has been particularly noteworthy. It is clear that her leadership has left an indelible mark on the nation's financial landscape.  Her commitment to transparency, accountability, and probity has undoubtedly strengthened the integrity of Nigeria's financial systems.

 *Beyond the Numbers: A Portrait of Leadership* 

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. MADEIN's personality shines through as a testament to her character.  Descriptions paint a picture of a humble and unassuming individual, pleasant in demeanour, yet highly cerebral, and exceptionally well-trained, with an intellectual prowess, and a dedication to lifelong learning.  This combination of academic excellence and practical experience is a powerful force, shaping her leadership style and guiding her decisions.

I recall some three instances that were handled with very calm disposition by the retired AGF. The first was the outburst that followed her appointment when some faceless people allegedly protested against her appointment. The second was the furore generated by the international workshop held for States' Finance Commissioners at London, and the third and the most recent being the circumstance surrounding her purported pre-retirement leave in December 2024.

This underscores her crisis management skills!

Her commitment to transparency, accountability, and probity is not merely a professional aspiration but a reflection of her personal values.  These principles have undoubtedly guided her actions throughout her career, shaping her approach to governance and setting a high standard for those who follow in her footsteps.

Her love for her staff, most of whom described her as a friend, teacher, and mentor, is strong . 

"She relates with individuals on a personal level coupled with her genuine concern for their well-being

She is well known for being approachable and an intent listener with the ability to provide direction and support. " (AJEH, J. 2025)

 *A Lasting Legacy* 

As Dr. MADEIN joined the league of senior citizens, i celebrate her remarkable achievements, her commitment to excellence, and her inspiring legacy while wishing her a happy 60th birthday.

She has left behind a legacy of service, innovation, and integrity.  Her contributions to Nigeria through the effective and efficient management of its treasury are undeniable, and her impact as the nation's Chief Accounting Officer extends beyond the realm of accounting.  She serves as a role model for aspiring professionals, demonstrating the power of dedication, hard work, and a commitment to ethical conduct.  Her retirement marks not an end but a transition, leaving a space for others to build upon the strong foundation she has laid.  Her story is a testament to the potential for positive change when individuals dedicate their lives to public service.  Nigeria owes her a debt of gratitude for her years of service and the lasting impact she has made on the nation.

Beyond her national contributions, Dr. MADEIN, as a proud daughter and an illustrious indigene, has also been a strong supporter of her hometown, Iperu-Remo. Her immense contributions to the development of her ancestry are applauded by the young and old.

She is commended for her enviable integrity and her inspiring legacy of service to Nigeria and her homeland. Her humility and selflessness should be a reference to self-serving people in positions of authority who flagrantly abuse such positions with great aggrandisement. 

She is such an awesome and quintessential public-office holder, a very humble and unassuming personality, easy-going, soft-spoken, and non-controversial woman.

Despite occupying such an exalted position of AGF, she never allowed that to becloud her reasoning. 

She is indeed a worthy exemplar, and IPERU AKESANLAND is very proud of her.

My first interaction with her gave a good account of a cultured, reserved, and urbane personality. Thanks to Mr. Ahmed ODEBIYI, an Iperu indigene/childhood friend of the AGF and also an old student of Christ Apostolic Grammar School, Iperu Remo, who provided her contact for addition into the IPERU INDIGENES FORUM.

I am rest assured that the immediate past Alaperu of Iperu, His Royal Highness, Late Alayeluwa Oba Adeleke Adelekan IDOWU-BASIBO (Odoru V), FIEX, FICMC, will be happy in the midst of his ancestors, that notwithstanding, he is unable to honour her as planned during his proposed birthday and coronation anniversary slated for this month, but that however, during his reign, IPERU produced her as the first female Accountant-General of the Federation, alongside the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo ABIODUN, MFR, among many other prominent sons and daughters of Iperu Akesanland.

I wish her a happy birthday and a healthy and fulfilling retirement, and I pray that her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and public servants.

 *Temitope OYEKAN* 

An indigene of Iperu writes via

+234 803 967 5332