In this insightful interview, we delve into the life and experiences of Jones Rotimi Orosundakinte, a distinguished Chartered Accountant with over two decades of experience. Hailing from Idanre but raised in Ekiti, Jones shares his journey from his early education to his impactful career at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). He reflects on the challenges of growing up away from his parents, the inspiration he drew from his father’s mechanic workshop, and the values that shaped his character. Being a responsible family man, he is happily married to Mrs Jumoke Jones Oluwarotimi, a woman of impeccable character with the cerebral mien and enterprising spirit. He also fathers three brilliant children.
As a passionate advocate for education and personal development, Jones discusses the evolving landscape of today’s society compared to his formative years, emphasizing the importance of character and perseverance in achieving success. Join us as we explore his insights on revenue generation in Nigeria and the lessons he imparts to the next generation.
Can you introduce yourself and give an insight into your background?
My name is Jones Rotimi Orosundakinte, and I come from a clan in Idanre. Although I hail from Idanre, I grew up in Ekiti. My parents are from Idanre, and my father is passionate about education. He believed that working as a mechanic might hinder me from achieving my goals, so he sent me to live with his sister, who was a teacher. I completed my primary, secondary, and tertiary education in Ekiti while living with my aunt, although I would return home for holidays. During those breaks, I stayed with my dad in his workshop, which was originally in Irowo before we moved to Yaba in Idanre, specifically on Technical Road. We relocated there around 1982/1983, and he facilitated electricity from the workshop to our house. The marks of the poles are still visible today. Thus, my early days were primarily spent in Ekiti. I attended Saint Michael’s Primary School in Iyin Ekiti and was among the first students admitted to Unity Secondary School in Ado, due to my exceptional performance. At that time, there were nine Unity Schools in the old Ondo State, and I was selected to attend the one in Ado alongside Taiwo Ajayi, who is now in Sweden. I later attended the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti. I proceeded to a private university in Ondo State, Achievers University, Owo, where I graduated with First Class Honours. That sums up my early years in Ado, although I frequently visited Idanre during holidays.
What were the challenges you dealt with as a young person?
The main challenge I faced was being separated from my parents, which made me miss the parental love that is irreplaceable. Living with my aunt, I often wished to be with my dad and mom. When I returned home for holidays, I dreaded going back to Ekiti because of the bond I shared with my parents. My dad is an intelligent man, and being around him offered valuable life lessons. He inspired us to focus on our future. I often questioned why I couldn’t stay with him and why I had to return to Ekiti. While these were not major issues, they were emotional. My dad is not poor; he is one of the most successful businessmen in Idanre and has been selling spare parts since 1966. He is currently 84 years old and perhaps the longest-serving businessman in Idanre, known for his accountability despite not being highly educated.
Do you support your dad in his place of work during holidays?
Yes, whenever I am home, I spend time at his workshop. I assist him in selling spare parts and support those who repair vehicles. As a mechanic, he often hosts educated individuals in Idanre who come to his shop in Irowo to fix their cars. I found inspiration from people like Chief Olu Akinyelure and Ayinnuola (now deceased) who visited with their vehicles. They were introduced as Executive Directors or bankers, which motivated me. I was inspired by Idanre indigenes who achieved landmark feats by sitting on the management team of blue chip companies in Nigeria then. They are the cynosure of all eyes during their occassional visits in their official posh vehicles with the trademarks of the different companies they work for clearly evident on their vehicles. They also had police orderlies to open their vehicle doors, follow them everywhere. I admired all these interesting sights and I wanted to be like them one day. The likes of Chief Olu Akinyelure FCA (Director of Finance Mobil oil), Late Chief Olowokande FCA (MD Berger Paint), Chief Olowoniyi FCA (MD Longman), Yomi Akinsunlola FCA (Director of Finance John Holt UAC), Hon. Banji Akinkuowo (Marketing Manager, Chrisleb and later Chairman, Idanre Local Government), Late Chief Owoseeni (former ICAN President), Ayinnuola (Director, Personnel, WEMA), among others. I had some emerging uncles then: Engr Benson Ajisegiri, Engr Bright Akinuliola, Mr Ajijala FCA and Prof Jejelola Jones. Professor Jejelola Jones furnished me with enough newspapers, thereby framing my perspective about how to read newspapers in my emerging years on paying him regular visits. He was a student at the then University of Ife (now OAU).
My dad made me appreciate education, sharing stories of how successful individuals achieved greatness through academic excellence, such as Chief Akindeko, Obafemi Awolowo, and others. I aspired to be a Chartered Accountant from an early age, influenced by the successful people I saw and the police escorts they had. I have been a Chartered Accountant for about 20 years, becoming an FCA for nine years, the highest level in ICAN. My dad’s role in my life has shaped my perspective on helping academically inclined young people achieve their goals while emphasizing the importance of character.
Was seeing great Chartered Accountants at your dad’s shop your only inspiration?
Sincerely, the way one grows and the values instilled by parents matter significantly. Spending whole days with my dad helped me understand the importance of hard work, leadership, and success. As a young boy, I absorbed these lessons, shaping my reasoning and mindset.
Is there a difference between what we have now and what used to be during those times?
Yes, there are significant discrepancies between the environment that nurtured me and today’s society. While growing up, I was closely connected to my dad’s mechanic business. Although there were some recalcitrant individuals, they were not worshipped by society as they are now. Today, thuggery and other negative behaviors are often glorified. In my time, even a young person playing football would be scolded if they were not focused on academics. We aimed to be professionals, citing examples of successful lawyers, doctors, and Chartered Accountants. Nowadays, students seem to explore alternative paths instead of focusing on their studies. Many students, even those attending private schools, struggle academically, while in my day, most of us excelled in public schools. I was admitted to Unity School alongside others without knowing anyone, and 90 percent of us became successful.
How did character push you up the ladder?
There is an adage that charity begins at home; character is a form of charity. You cannot excel in life without building good character, strong interpersonal relationships, and empathy. Knowledge alone is not sufficient. One must be humble and considerate in their interactions. Human beings can open or close doors, and a negative impression can hinder future opportunities. I learned that character is essential for success. The Bible advises against weariness in doing good, so I strive to maintain good conduct and a positive reputation. I avoid actions that could harm my goodwill, which I consider an asset. I respect those I need to respect and am careful in choosing friends, ensuring they do not tarnish my name. My choices are driven by my goals and the purpose of my existence.
What have you done in your own corner to improve revenue generation in Nigeria?
I am in a Diectorate Cadre at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), currently serving as a tax controller and having been the Commissioner of Stamp Duty for eight years in Lagos. My selection for this role reflects my contributions to growth and revenue generation in the office. Our mandate is to generate revenue for the federal government, and we are composed of experts who deliver results. During my tenure, I won several awards, including the Tax Office of the Year in 2021. That year, I achieved 396 percent of my collection target. Beyond collection, I worked to revamp stamp duty operations, implementing renovations and changes with management support. I focused on legal issues, interpreting tax laws, and played an active role in automating stamp duty processes. I was even shortlisted to train the entire Lagos Island tax offices on handling tax issues.
In my personal space, I have been honoured with various leadership responsibilities. I see these opportunities as platforms to manifest my potentials and contribute to the society. I learnt all these from my dad. Apart from being the President of the BOT of my alma mater, Unity Secondary School, Ado Ekiti Old Students Alumni; I also led the Knight Club, Idanre as the President. I am a member of the Club 66, Idanre. My membership of Club 66 is symbolic in that it is a club comprising the most successful people in my community. It is the most celebrated club with many of my mentors as its pioneers.
