Tinubu Celebrates Business Tycoon, Changoury, FIRS Chair, Adedeji’s Birthdays 

Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

President Bola Tinubu has rejoiced with business titan, Ambassador Gilbert Chagoury, as he marks his 78th birthday on January 8.

The president has also felicitated the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, as he marks his 46th birthday January 8.

Dr. Zacch Adedeji

The president, according to a release issued on Sunday by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, appreciated Chagoury’s consistency and reliability demonstrated throughout his storied career, noting his desire to see Nigeria rise to the highest of heights in all spheres of human endeavour.

President Tinubu recalled how the Chagoury family kept faith with Africa’s largest economy by continually investing in various projects and philanthropic activities over the decades, irrespective of all the socio-political challenges that characterized the road to the nation’s return to civilian rule in 1999 and beyond.

He said: “Gilbert is a shining light in any room. He is compassionate, discerning and totally reliable in every respect. He has invested in our country in both good and bad times. He is generous with both his heart and his resources. With friends like him, one can sleep with a still mind. He is a valuable and cherished person who is worthy of celebration.”

Similarly, the president, in the statement by Ngelale, expressed optimism that the FIRS boss will reform the nation’s tax system for the benefit of Nigerians. 

He also extolled the fine defining qualities of the young first-class graduate of accounting who steadily rose through the ranks in public service by dint of hard work, loyalty and competence.

President Tinubu noted his service as the Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State at the age of 33; the CEO of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC); Special Adviser to the President on Revenue, and now Chief Executive Officer of the nation’s apex tax authority.

According to him, “Zacch is an innovator who consistently turns his creative ideas into change-making actions. He is a disciple of the ‘think-and-do’ school of changemakers. He will reform Nigeria’s tax system for the benefit of Nigerians. Give him a task, and it will be done and done well.” 

The president wished the FIRS Chairman more strength and zeal in the discharge of his duties.