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 in Abuja, to appreciate him for his numerous welfare packages for them.
As early as 8am, 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.
According to a statement that was issued by the Technical Assistant (Print Media) to the FIRS chairman, Sikiru Akinola, the staff sang appreciative songs, danced and engaged in a form of gyration. No sooner had they started than the Adedeji arrived. Others who had stayed under the shed for protection against the sun joined in leading the chairman to his office.
Akinola quoted the staff members as saying that Adedeji has proven himself as a staff welfare-minded administrator.
The statement noted that FIRS staff were happy for the welfare packages extended to them, most especially the increment in salary.
The statement quoted a staff member as saying: “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. We all can attest to that. So for us, we decided to gather today to appreciate him. This is something he had avoided. 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 one year anniversary, the leadership of the staff union openly revealed that this is the first time they would sleep with their eyes closed as members don’t have any complaint 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 in making sure the audacious target of N19.4 trillion for the 2024 was met should also be properly treated to motivate them. A few months ago, in what many of us described as unprecedented, he increased our salary. It was uncommon. This was after many other packages had been introduced. He listens to our yearnings and aspirations.”
In their various remarks at the gathering, most of them agreed that no Executive Chairman of the tax agency had been so celebrated like Adedeji in just a year and four months of his stewardship, confirming that his magnanity to staff has been awesome and unprecedented.
Adedeji acknowledged the cheers by saluting the jubilant workers, waving his hands to show his gratitude.