“As an accountant with a bias for taxation myself, I had heard Taiwo’s name from afar.
I had read much about him, yet after sitting down with him for just a little more than one hour in his office in Victoria Island I concluded that what has been in the public space about this gentleman is only a drop in ocean.
It was a Saturday, and he was already waiting for me.
Time is of essence to executives.
I considered his story so compelling that I found it difficult to summarize it like I did in the other case studies covered in my book. To those who are familiar with the taxation and fiscal policy circle in Nigeria, Taiwo Oyedele does not need any introduction. To those who read popular dailies like Guardian and Business Day, his face should not be strange either.
Widely regarded as one of the most respected authorities on tax matters in Nigeria, the unassuming Taiwo is a Partner and Executive Director in the Nigerian office of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the world’s leading professional services firm with presence in 157 countries.
Taiwo has one of the fastest career rises you can think of anywhere in the world. He joined PwC like any of his contemporaries – passing the selection test and interviews; did his National Youth Service with the firm; and seven years three months later, became a Partner and an Executive Director.
Think hard work and diligence still do not pay in our society? Then think again! How did this young man that was raised in a small village in Ondo State do it? It’s a most inspiring story…”
