Nigeria’s economic growth and generational wealth were yesterday hinged on strong determination by Nigerians to build organisation that priorities foundations and structures that can withstand the test of time.
Chairman, Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele; Managing Partner, Kreston Pedabo, Ajibade Fashina; Chairman and Founder, Elizade Motors, Michael Ade-Ojo; Managing Consultant, Kreston Pedabo, Albert Folorunsho; Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe insisted that Nigerians must look beyond themselves when building businesses.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark Kreston Pedabo’s silver jubilee in Lagos, Also speaking, Oyedele, who revealed that he started his career at the firm, noted that the level of professionalism that marked the foundation of the organisation if replication by other companies would enable the country to build trans-generational businesses that would end up on the global stage.
Oyedele also noted that the priority by the organisation on staff welfare and development remained critical to sustainable growth both in the public and private organisations.
President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Innocent Okwuosa, said the firm has not only demonstrated proficiency in the accountancy and advisory services but has also consistently raised the bar for professionalism and client satisfaction.
Ade-Ojo, who asked business owners to choose the firms they would entrust services wisely, noted that the choice of wrong and incompetent service providers could jeopardise businesses.
Folorunsho disclosed that the company started from a firm of two young partners and one employee, but has grown to 10 partners with over 170 employees.
Similarly, ahead of the company’s 25th anniversary, Pedabo commissioned the redevelopment of Falomo Junior High School in Lagos, as part of it’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Speaking at the event, which brought together partners of Kreston Pedabo, representative of Lagos District III Tutor–General/Permanent Secretary (TGPS), the school principals, students and members of the community, Managing Consultant at Kreston Pedabo, Albert Folorunsho, said it was necessary to impact its immediate community with the redevelopment of the block of two classrooms, adjoining toilets, and its surrounding appurtenances.
He said the school has been in existence before the organisation started operating in the environment, and it deserves to benefit from the operation of the accounting firm, which majors in auditing, tax and advisory.
Stressing that the renovation was a priority for the company, he pledged that the company would do more and continue its quest across other aspects of the system.
Managing Partner at Pedabo, Ajibade Fashina disclosed that the organisation would be committed to helping nurture the future of the children by constantly sending professionals that would hold classes to educate them and motivate them towards an impactful future.
The organisation, according to him, has embarked on multiple CSR initiatives and has in the past five years honed its yearly CSR strategy around economic growth through MSME empowerment, particularly women-owned businesses; capacity building and holistic education interventions across all levels, including young professionals, and general philanthropy where most needed.
Ajibade said the inspiration behind the project is aimed at providing a conducive learning environment for school children, who are the future leaders.
Still at the event, Partner, Olubunmi Kuteyi said the corporate social responsibility activity is a key part of the company’s 25th anniversary.
Principal, Falomo Junior High School, Mrs Shobande said the new classrooms would be used as Library and Information Communication Technology (ICT) centre.
