Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji on Thursday, was received by jubilant workers who had assembled at the agency’s headquarters at Sokode Crescent, Abuja, to appreciate him for his numerous welfare packages for them.
As early as 8 am, the workers who said they have continuously enjoyed uncommon welfare packages from Adedeji since he assumed office over a year ago, carried placards with various appreciative inscriptions like ‘We love you Zacch’, ‘You’re a man of the people’, ‘We support you 100%…’ and many others.
They sang appreciative songs, danced, and engaged in a form of gyration. No sooner had they started than the Chairman arrived. Others who had stayed under the shed for protection against the Abuja sun joined in leading the Chairman to his office.
A statement by Sikiru Akinola, Technical Assistant (Print Media) to Adedeji, quoted the staff members as saying that Adedeji has proven himself as a staff welfare-minded administrator.
He noted that FIRS staff were happy with the welfare packages extended to them, most especially the salary increment.
He quoted a staff member as saying: “Being someone 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. We all can attest to that. So for us, we decided to gather today to appreciate him. This was something he had avoided. On more than two occasions, we had attempted it. When the news of the increment was first spread in-house, it was well-received. During the first anniversary, the leadership of the staff union openly revealed that this was the first time they would sleep with their eyes closed as members don’t have any complaints to warrant a confrontation with the leadership of FIRS.”
Another staff was quoted as saying: “The Executive Chairman did not even brief many people before increasing staff salary and other welfare packages. He is someone who believes that those who help make sure the audacious target of N19.4 trillion for 2024 is met should also be properly treated to motivate them. A few months ago, in what many of us described as unprecedented, he had increased our salary. It was uncommon. This was after many other packages had been introduced. He listens to our yearnings and aspirations”, she said.
In their various remarks at the gathering, most of them agreed that no Executive Chairman of the agency had been so celebrated as Adedeji in just a year and four months of his stewardship, confirming that his magnanimity to staff has been awesome and unprecedented.
Adedeji accepted the cheers by saluting the jubilant crowd, waving his hands to show his gratitude.
