Wishes to Fabulous Four

A Standing Ovation to Our Esteemed Retired Partners - Your Journey, Your Way

Dear Retired Partners,

Today, we gather not just to bid farewell, but to celebrate the remarkable journeys you have each embarked upon during your time with us. As I reflect on your contributions, the timeless words of Frank Sinatra's "My Way" echo as a fitting tribute to how each of you has charted your unique path.

Mr Wole Obayomi, as you step into the world of retirement, we remember the countless moments where your wisdom steered us through challenges. Much like the poignant lines, "And now, the end is near, and so I face the final curtain." You leave behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

Mrs Adetola Aibangbee, your pursuit of new interests reminds us of the courage it takes to explore uncharted territories. Sinatra sang, "I did what I had to do and saw it through without exemption." Your dedication to seeing things through has been nothing short of exemplary.

Mr Dapo Okubadejo, in stepping away to explore further horizons, you embody the spirit of "My Way." Your ability to embrace change and new beginnings is a testament to your dynamic and forward-thinking nature.

And Mr Joseph Tegbe, as you retire after years of exceptional service, your journey resonates with the line, "Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew, when I bit off more than I could chew." Your resilience and perseverance have been a guiding light for us all.

As Sinatra aptly put it, "I faced it all and I stood tall; and did it my way." Each of you, in your unique way, has lived these words. You've faced challenges head-on, stood tall in the face of adversity, and carved paths that were distinctly your own.

As we bid you farewell, I do so with deep respect and admiration. You exit not just as partners but as legends who have left an indelible mark on our Firm. I am honored to have walked part of this journey with you.

Wishing you all the joy, fulfillment, and success in your new endeavors. You will always be a cherished part of our story.

Thank you all for your meritorious service to humanity within your sphere of influence. May the almighty God grant you wisdom and grace required as you all step into new beginnings and phase in life.

Dapsy, thank you so much for your contributions in building a great KPMG Firm in Nigeria. Wishing you the very best of your service to country and the people.

I wish you well as you move from one assignment to another. It’s not yet time to retire! To my friend Wole you have been very consistent, always reaching out and willing to share professional advice. I wish you and family good health and enjoyment at your next stage in life.

My dear Partners,
I cannot believe that this day has come. Wow!
Words fail me to express how I feel. It is clearly with mixed feelings that we mark this day.

Lord JT,
You were an enigma. A very vibrant and outgoing person, full of drive and exuded great confidence and intelligence. You imparted great knowledge to all of us. Thank you for all you did and continue to do.

Dapsy Baba,
I remember you were one of the first faces and ambassadors of the firm having stayed with us for three weeks at NIMR, Yaba as one of the resident instructors during my LOBAC. Thank you for inducting us into the hall of fame that the firm is known for. As I grew in the firm, I found you a great personality, very clear and sharp in your dealings. We enjoyed your dress sense and that influenced some of us too. I enjoyed working with you both as my incharge, Manager and eventually my partner. Thank you!

Detola,
You were my sounding box on tax matters on our clients in CM. Thank you for all you did for us and continue to do. God bless you.

Lord Wole,
I have said this before and will say it again, you are excellent relationship builder. We learnt a lot from you and are still learning this unique skill of yours. Thank you for your tutelage, guidance and prayers.

I wish you all the best in your next endeavors.

Distinguished Guests, Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Tonight, we gather not just to bid farewell to a distinguished professional but to celebrate the extraordinary career and unparalleled contributions of Wole Obayomi, a true luminary in the field of tax, regulatory, and people services. It gives me great joy to express our heartfelt gratitude, on behalf of the firm, for the profound impact Wole made during his illustrious 33-year journey with KPMG Nigeria.

Wole's tenure as Partner and Head of Tax, Regulatory & People Services (TRPS) Practice, as well as Head of Tax for KPMG in Africa, speaks volumes about his dedication, expertise and leadership.  Over the course of 35 years in taxation, regulatory advisory, and legal services, Wole has not only become a guiding force within our firm but also a beacon for the entire industry.

Wole's achievements are woven into the fabric of KPMG's success.  He has played an instrumental role in shaping the trajectory of our Tax, Regulatory and People Services practice. His strategic insights, coupled with an unwavering commitment to excellence, have set new standards and created a legacy that will endure long after his well-deserved retirement.

Beyond the confines of our organization, Wole's influence extends into the very fabric of Nigeria's business landscape. His involvement in key initiatives, such as the study of the Nigerian Legal Sector for the World Bank and his role as project manager in the electric power sector reform, showcases his dedication to driving positive change and institutional reforms. Indeed, Wole is an epitome of KPMG’ purpose of inspiring confidence and empowering change. 

Wole's impact is not limited to the boardroom. He is a recognized thought leader and has generously shared his expertise as a resource person, speaker, panellist and moderator at numerous local and international conferences. His extensive writing on diverse tax, legal, and business regulatory issues underscores his commitment to knowledge sharing and advocacy.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Wole's commitment to societal development is evident through his service in various capacities in organizations dedicated to improving the business environment and fostering socio-economic progress.

As we bid farewell to Wole, let us carry forward the lessons of his remarkable career - integrity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.  Wole, your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us as we navigate the future landscape of tax, regulatory and people services.

Here's to Wole Obayomi, a leader, mentor, and friend whose impact is immeasurable. May your retirement be filled with the joy of accomplishment and the fulfilment of new endeavours.

Cheers to Wole!

We wish you all the best in your future endeavours!

Dear JT, Wole, Dapo and Adetola

I celebrate you for shining your light brightly while at KPMG. You left a legacy of integrity, excellence, courage, diligence, kindness and results. May the Lord continue to guide your paths and increase you on all sides.

Best regards,
Edememe

To the Fabulous Four (JT, Wole, Dapsy & Tola) - I wish you guys a very wonderful retirement. You have indeed had fabulous careers at KPMG and your respective legacies within the Firm stand tall. I trust that the next phase of your careers & endeavors will be as rewarding and exciting as your period at KPMG was. All the best!

Congratulations guys l pray for God’s guide and guidance. Well done for your contribution to the progress and growth of KPMG. Blessings

This is wishing you all the best in the years ahead. You have all demonstrated capacity on your roles in the firm, this is now another opportunity to take on new challenges and I pray you excel as always.

Wishing you the best in your future endeavours.
God’s speed

It is remarkable that I have had business relationships with all four retiring partners. And a common thread is excellence in the delivery of service to their clients. Of all four, I have been closest to Wole Obayomi with whom an advisor and client relationship has morphed into a more deeper friendship that now transcends our families. Wole is kind and very thoughtful and is a friend I am truly blessed to have. "Dapper Dapo" as I refer to him is suave and does what he does with gravitas. KPMP will need a replacement for another sharp dresser. Adetola and JT were no less impactful. KPMG truly builds excellence. I wish all four a great future ahead, health in their mortal bodies and peace in their minds and homes. Amen