Connect with us

News

What You Should Know About President Tinubu’s New Special Adviser On Revenue, Zacch Adedeji   

Published

on

What You Should Know About President Tinubu’s New Special Adviser On Revenue, Zacch Adedeji

When Mr. Zacch Adedeji was appointed as the fifth substantive Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council in March 2021 by President Muhammadu Buhari, stakeholders in the sugar sector hailed the appointment as one that would redefine the growth and development of the sugar industry.

He assumed leadership of the Council with a proven track record of over 15 years of hands-on executive experience (+16 years qualified chartered accountant) in strategy, accounting and financial management, financial analysis/reporting, internal controls, change management, and people management.

Before his appointment as the Sugar Council boss, Adedeji had demonstrated capacity for service delivery when he worked as one of the youngest Commissioners in Nigeria.

In 2011, barely seven months after his 33rd birthday, he was appointed Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State, becoming the youngest person to have occupied such a position. This was after he had attained a managerial position a few years after working diligently with an American multinational company-Procter and Gamble, (P & G). Until date, he is one of the most sought after in the state and beyond.

He is a First-Class graduate of Management and Accounting from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and later bagged a Master of Science degree in Accounting from the same university. He is currently a doctoral student at the same university. His insatiable quest for knowledge took him to the famous Harvard Kennedy School of Government in the United States of America for an Executive Course in Economic Development.

Mr. Adedeji’s long sojourn in the private sector and a four-year stint as the Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State between 2011-2015 with unbeatable and unassailable performance records and achievements, have, undoubtedly, prepared him for the onerous task of providing the needed leadership in Nigeria’s drive to attain self-sufficiency in sugar production through the faithful implementation of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP).

He held a number of senior management positions while working at the Procter & Gamble Company (P&G), a renowned American multinational consumer goods corporation headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America with branches across several countries. He was General Accounting and Stewardship Manager between January 2004 to May 2006, where he led a cross-functional team to prepare and report financial statements regionally and globally through a consolidated data entry tool.

Mr. Adedeji’s culture of hard work and knack for professional excellence earned him a higher position at the P&G with his elevation as the Finance Leader-SAP (Systems Applications and Products) Implementation Project. He spearheaded the day-to-day evaluation and implementation of SAP Modules and also led a 15-person finance team to develop the internal processes for the roll-out of SAP West Africa in line with the projects prerequisites.

He later rose to the position of Corporate Finance Manager (West Africa) overseeing Treasury, Corporate/Affiliate Accounting, AP tax at the Procter and Gamble between August 2007 and May 2011.

While in the saddle as the Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State, he introduced a number of brilliant, forward-thinking, revenue-boosting and cost-saving reforms that pushed up the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state, plugged financial leakages, introduced the best financial practices and general financial turnaround among other innovations. Mr. Adedeji, a Fellow of Chartered Accountant (FCA), is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and member, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN).

Immediately he took over at NSDC, Zacch hit the ground running with a series of programmes to reposition the sugar sector as encapsulated in the Nigerian Sugar Master plan.

In driving the growth and development of the sector, he has within a space of 26 months implemented a series of programmes that have attracted huge investments into the sugar industry and positioned the sector as an avenue for job creation and poverty reduction.

In an interview, he described his over two-year journey at the NSDC as memorable, tasking and very rewarding.

Adedeji said, “The sugar sector is undoubtedly a very crucial sector to the Nigerian economy, especially in line with the economic diversification agenda of the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government. More than anything else, we at the Council are ready and have put in place all the necessary policies, measures, programmes and strategies to maximally harness all the potentials in the sector in the overall interest of our dear country.

“So, the journey has been an eye-opening experience, particularly for me and members of my Management Team. We are determined to achieve our mandate as an agency of government, which is to regulate and develop the sugar sector for national prosperity.

“I inherited an organization that is both forward-thinking and very determined in the pursuit of its defined mandate and corporate objectives. I’m lucky to meet members of staff who are so dedicated, disciplined and committed to work, thereby making the whole environment friendlier and livelier than I thought.”

Comments

News

Kano Court Bars CBN from Withholding LG Funds

Published

on

By

A high court in Kano State has issued a permanent injunction restraining the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from withholding funds allocated to the 44 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.

Justice Ibrahim Musa-Muhammad delivered the ruling on Monday after an ex parte motion filed on November 1 by the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ibrahim Muhammed, and five others. The applicants sought to prevent the respondents from delaying or withholding allocations crucial to local governance.

Respondents in the case included the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), the CBN, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), the 44 Kano LGAs, and commercial banks such as United Bank for Africa and Access Bank.

In November, the court had granted an interim order preventing the CBN and AGF from withholding funds. In his final judgment, Justice Musa-Muhammad ruled in favor of the applicants, affirming that they had established their case.

“The AGF, CBN, and RMAFC are duty-bound to disburse monthly allocations to the 44 LGAs as democratically elected councils,” the judge ruled, emphasizing that withholding the funds would violate the fundamental rights of residents.

Citing sections 33, 42, 43, 44, 45, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as Articles 13, 19, 22, and 24 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the court reinforced the constitutional requirement that local government funds be disbursed without interference.

Legal analysts and stakeholders in Kano welcomed the ruling as a landmark decision. NULGE Chairman Ibrahim Muhammed hailed it as a victory for grassroots governance, stating, “This ruling ensures that local governments receive their rightful allocations without political or bureaucratic interference.”

Senior legal practitioner Barrister Amina Yusuf described the judgment as “a reinforcement of the principle of fiscal federalism,” stressing that local government allocations are a constitutional right, not a privilege.

Continue Reading

News

Ibadan North Bye-Election Aspirant, ‘Socrates’, Bags NANS Southwest Award

Published

on

By

 

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone-D (Southwest), the umbrella body representing students across Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti States, has conferred an Award of Honour on one of its former leaders and a frontline aspirant in the forthcoming Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election, Hon. Monsuru Akintunde Adeyemo, popularly known as Socrates.

The prestigious recognition was bestowed during the NANS Zone-D inauguration ceremony held on Monday, February 10, 2025, at the FUOYE Part-time Centre, Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, Ayegbaju, Ekiti State.

While presenting the award, Com. Owolewa Taiwo, NANS Zone-D Coordinator, lauded Adeyemo for his selfless leadership and unwavering commitment to the association and Nigerian students. He described him as a pro-people thinker who served meritoriously and empowered many.

“Our amiable leader, Sir! Indeed, we’re proud of you, and we want to say thank you for all you’ve done for Nigerian students and humanity in general,” Owolewa said.

“On behalf of myself, the executives, leaders here present, and the entire Nigerian students in Yoruba land, I present this Award of Honour to you, Sir, Hon. Monsuru Akintunde Adeyemo (Socrates), in recognition of your invaluable contributions and meritorious service to NANS Southwest (Zone D).

“You’re being honoured with much appreciation and gratitude. May you continually flourish. Congratulations!”

In his appreciation and solidarity message, the politician, Adeyemo who was represented by the immediate past NANS/JCC Chairman in Oyo State and the current NANS Zone-D Contact and Mobilisation Secretary, Comrade Ridwan Ademola Adegoke (Pa Solution), thanked the association for recognising his contributions to students and humanity.

Describing the honour as a challenge to do more, he reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people.

“Indeed, I dearly use this medium to appreciate the current leadership of NANS Zone-D, capaciously led by our own valued brother and esteemed comrade, Owolewa Taiwo. Thank you for this wonderful meritorious ‘Award of Honour’ that was bestowed on me in recognition of my invaluable contributions and meritorious service to NANS Southwest (Zone D) as a leader and former coordinator of the zone.

“I remain pro-people, and I promise to do more.

“I’m humbled by your encomiums and acts of honour. Of course, this award is a testament to my selfless service to the people, and it is dedicated to all my fellow constituents of Ibadan North Federal Constituency and all my supporters at home and in the diaspora. Thank you all.”

Adeyemo, a renowned pan-African activist and communication professional, has been a pillar of support for student activism and youth empowerment, making him a celebrated figure in the Nigerian student movement.

 

 

Continue Reading

News

Afenifere Chieftain, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Passes Away at 96

Published

on

By

 

Elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, has passed away. The renowned nationalist died peacefully on Friday morning at his residence in Lekki, Lagos, at the age of 96.

His family confirmed the development in a statement, expressing gratitude for a life dedicated to the service of God, the nation, and humanity.

“With a heart full of gratitude for a selfless life spent in the service of God, the nation, and humanity, we announce the passing on of our beloved patriarch, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo,” the statement read.

“The foremost nationalist, elder statesman, distinguished lawyer, very distinct politician, apostle of true federalism, former organising secretary of the Action Group, and national leader of Afenifere is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

“We will forever cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity, and justice. His belief and struggle for a truly independent and progressive Nigeria was total, and this he fought for until he breathed his last.”

The family noted that consultations are ongoing with Pa Adebanjo’s associates, political allies, and various interest groups to plan a befitting funeral. Details of the burial arrangements will be announced in due course.

Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at his Lagos residence (8, Ayo Adebanjo Close, Lekki Phase 1) and his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Pa Adebanjo was a towering figure in Nigeria’s political history, known for his unwavering advocacy for true federalism, democracy, and justice. His passing marks the end of an era in Yoruba and Nigerian politics.

 

Continue Reading

Trending