Training Young Nigerians for Economic Growth
President Bola Tinubu emphasized on Wednesday that Nigeria’s economy is on a path of continuous growth. His statement came during a meeting with Deloitte Africa, where the consulting firm praised the President for the strides made towards financial reforms and economic stability.
Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Assistant on Information and Strategy, shared that Deloitte Africa’s delegation, led by CEO Rwaida Redfern, engaged with the President along with key figures such as Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele and Zac Adedeji, Commissioner of the Nigeria Revenue Service. The President acknowledged the steady stabilization of the economy over the past three years, highlighting positive indicators of growth and development.
In his address, President Tinubu noted the importance of following Deloitte’s example in driving transformation from the ground up. He remarked that while reform is challenging, the ultimate goal is to cultivate favorable outcomes that benefit citizens. He commended Deloitte’s attentiveness to Nigeria’s developmental initiatives, reinforcing the significance of the fiscal, revenue, and tax reforms currently underway.
The President indicated that these reforms are pivotal for stimulating growth, acknowledging that while some aspects may be difficult to accept, their positive impact on the economy is evident. He stated, “Nigeria is making serious fundamental progress,” reinforcing the notion that substantial improvements are underway in various sectors.
Calling on Deloitte Africa to enhance its engagement with Nigeria’s youth, he said the firm should focus on training and recruiting talented individuals. Reflecting on his past experiences as an accountant in Chicago, he expressed confidence in Deloitte’s training programs as a means to nurture future leaders in the financial sector.
Earlier in the discussion, Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele emphasized the need for accounting and business leaders to invest in the capacity building of young professionals. Rwaida Redfern highlighted Deloitte Africa’s commitment to digital and business transformation, noting that the organization employs over 500,000 individuals globally, with more than 6,000 based in Africa. The firm anticipates achieving $74 billion in revenue by 2025.
Redfern announced that Deloitte’s local teams are committed to supporting both governmental and corporate initiatives across the continent. Yomi Olugbenlo, CEO of Deloitte Africa, reiterated the company’s dedication to impactful reform, aiming to enhance the lives of ordinary Nigerians through democratic benefits. He expressed eagerness to collaborate closely with the Nigerian government to unlock further value and drive transformative changes.
