The headquarters of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, came alive on Thursday as jubilant staff celebrated the Executive Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, for his outstanding contributions to their welfare.
From as early as 8 a.m., workers gathered with placards bearing various inscriptions. The atmosphere was festive, with employees singing, dancing, and expressing their gratitude for Adedeji’s leadership and generosity.
The celebration, which coincided with Adedeji’s arrival at the office, saw workers shield themselves from the Abuja sun under nearby sheds before coming together to welcome their Chairman.
In a statement issued by Sikiru Akinola, Technical Assistant (Print Media) to the FIRS Chairman, staff members praised Adedeji for prioritising their welfare, particularly through a salary increment and other benefits introduced during his tenure.
One staff member described Adedeji as a compassionate leader who listens to the aspirations of those under his stewardship.
“Being someone who is deliberate and intentional, Zacch Adedeji is always concerned and mindful of those around him and people whose paths have crossed with him. He is our boss and our friend. So for us, we decided to gather today to appreciate him,” the staff member said.
The statement highlighted that efforts by workers to celebrate Adedeji had previously been declined by the Chairman.
Another staff member noted that the recent salary increment, implemented without fanfare, was a testament to Adedeji’s commitment to their well-being.
“The Executive Chairman did not even brief many people before increasing staff salaries and other welfare packages. He believes that those helping to achieve the ambitious target of N19.4 trillion for 2024 should be well-motivated. A few months ago, in what many described as unprecedented, he increased our salaries. This was after introducing other welfare measures,” the staff member said.
Adedeji’s efforts, they agreed, had created a new era of harmony within the agency. During a staff union event marking his one-year anniversary, the union leadership noted that this was the first time they could sleep peacefully without complaints from members.
Staff members unanimously described Adedeji’s tenure as unmatched in the agency’s history.
“No Executive Chairman of the agency has been so celebrated within just one year and four months. His magnanimity to staff has been nothing short of exceptional,” one employee remarked.
Adedeji acknowledged the outpouring of goodwill by saluting the crowd, waving and expressing his gratitude to the jubilant workers.
Credit: The Guardian
