The Senate on Tuesday confirmed the nomination of Zacch Adelabu Adedeji as Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS.
The confirmation took place at the Senate plenary, presided by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio after his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Iwo Ate, Oyo state born Adedeji who was Special Adviser to the president on Internal revenue was appointed as Acting Chairman of the Federal Internal Revenue Service on September 14 when the former chairman, Muhammed Nami was directed to embark on a terminal leave.
During his screening, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor explained that President Tinubu has honoured his word that there would be a place for the younger generation in his administration, saying that the nomination of Adedeji was one of such promises.
Senator Sunday Katung, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District in his contribution, urged the lawmakers to allow the young man to “take a bow and go”, recalling that his presentation at the lawmaker’s retreat at Ikot Ekpene was brilliant.
Katung said: “Mr Senate President, Distinguished Colleagues, this young man presented a paper at our retreat in which all of us were present and he did it brilliantly. His nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Chairman of FIRS was rightly done and I wish to seek your indulgence for him to take a bow and go.”
After explaining ways to generate revenue for the nation in response to questions by the lawmakers, the Chamber was dissolved into the Committee of Whole and he was confirmed by the Red Chamber.
Zacchaeus Adedeji Adelabu, born on January 8, 1978, hails from Oyo State, Nigeria. He spent his formative years in Iwo-Ate, Ogbomoso, Oyo State. Growing up, he closely observed his late father, a cocoa merchant, navigating the challenges and determination required in the cocoa trade. These early experiences instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility and a drive to effect positive change.
Adedeji’s educational journey reflects his unwavering commitment to excellence. He began his formal education in AFIJIO, a local government area, where he completed his secondary school education while assisting his father during visits to Oyo Town. His academic prowess shone through as he consistently ranked among the top performers in his class. This success earned him a scholarship established for bright but economically disadvantaged students by Chief Gani Fawehinmi, a renowned legal luminary and human rights advocate.
He furthered his education at the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, where he excelled in accountancy, earning a distinction. Subsequently, he gained admission through direct entry at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, where he continued to distinguish himself academically. Adedeji graduated with a first-class degree in accounting, becoming one of the country’s youngest chartered accountants, achieving this milestone at a remarkably young age.
Zacchaeus Adedeji Adelabu’s career trajectory is marked by exceptional achievements. In 2011, at the age of 33, he was appointed Commissioner for Finance by Governor Abiola Ajimobi, making history as the youngest individual to hold this position in Oyo State. Prior to this, his career gained momentum through his dedicated work with the multinational company Procter and Gamble (P&G), where he attained a managerial role. His expertise and reputation have established him as one of the most sought-after professionals in Oyo State and beyond.
Adedeji’s extensive knowledge extends to corporate tax and public finance development, leading to his current role as the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC). In this capacity, he plays a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the sugar industry’s growth. Additionally, he co-founded RTR, a financial consulting firm specializing in providing comprehensive financial advisory and policy development services to public administrators and private institutions across West Africa.
