By Francis Ajuonuma
Taidob College, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has immortalised Jim Osayande Obazee, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Investigator, by naming a newly constructed 172-metre road within the school premises after him.
The recognition, according to the school, celebrates his immense contributions to educational growth and national development.
The Vice-Chancellor of Bowen University, Iwo, Professor Jonathan Babalola, who commissioned the road during the college’s graduation and prize-giving ceremony on Wednesday, August 20, praised Obazee for his steadfast support, genuine commitment, and belief in shaping young minds for a brighter future.
In a formal letter dated August 13, 2025, signed by the Director of Taidob College, Obawumi Jiboku, the institution described Obazee as “a lover of education, a parent, and a steadfast supporter of the college” whose contributions had left indelible marks on its progress.
“The college management has resolved to name the newly commissioned 172-metre road leading to the college auditorium in your honour,” the letter stated.
“This is more than a name on a signpost; it is a lasting symbol of gratitude and a testament to the critical role you have played in our story. The road will henceforth be known as Jim Osayande Obazee Road, serving as a daily reminder to all who pass through our gates of the value of service, integrity, and dedication to the common good.”
The recognition by Taidob College brings to 55 the number of awards and honours conferred on Obazee for his works, achievements, and contributions to the accounting profession, Nigeria, and the global community.
Many of these accolades stem from his sterling performance at the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) and his fearless investigations into the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other Government Business Entities (GBEs) in 2014 and again in 2023.
The latest honour comes on the heels of several high-profile recognitions:
The Gold Award in the Public Service Category by ThisNigeria Newspaper in 2024.
The Outstanding Investigator of the Year Award by Top Society Magazine, published by Agii Multimedia Concept, UK, will be formally bestowed on him on August 25, 2025.
The Outstanding Investigator of the Year 2024 Award by Blueprint Newspaper’s Impact Series and Awards on July 22, 2025.
His investigations have had far-reaching consequences. The 2014 CBN probe led to the removal of then-CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, while the 2023 investigation into the apex bank under Godwin Emefiele resulted in the sack of Emefiele and his four deputies.
In its letter announcing the Gold Award, the Publisher of ThisNigeria, Eric Osagie, stated, “This is to notify you of your emergence as Gold Winner in the Public Service Category in recognition of your laudable contribution over the years to nation building, deploying your professional knowledge and personal sacrifice in the service of the country.
“You won this prize for your courage, forthrightness in the discharge of your duties, and service to your fatherland.”
The award ceremony, chaired by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), also honoured the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Governor Bassey Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, and Comrade Issa Aremu, Director-General of the Michael Imoudu Institute of Labour Studies.
Top Society Magazine, in its citation, lauded Obazee’s “exceptional investigative skills, impactful outcomes, promotion of integrity and ethical standards in public service, and dedication and tenacity in handling high-profile investigations.”
Signed by Convener Isaac Ifeanyichukwu Agwazim and General Manager Oluwafunmilayo Ogedengbe, the magazine noted, “You have demonstrated remarkable investigative skills, uncovering significant information and evidence in complex cases, including that of the embattled CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele. Your commitment to integrity and ethical standards in investigation ensures that your findings are credible and respected.”
Similarly, Blueprint Newspaper praised his fearless pursuit of institutional accountability, transparency, and governance reforms. Its Managing Director, Salisu Umar, wrote on July 10, 2025, “Your fearless pursuit of institutional accountability and governance reform, especially in your role as Special Investigator into the activities of the CBN and related entities, has captured national attention and earned the admiration of millions.
“Your work has deepened public confidence in the reform efforts of the current administration and reaffirmed the critical role of due diligence in upholding the values of public service.”
In his reaction, an elated Obazee stated, “Once you become convinced that shadows are beautiful, irretrievable darkness becomes your reality. It is important to note that the institutional environment of darkness loathes accountability because accounting is law in figures, history in qualitative disclosures, and surgery in interpretations.”
He added, “That Taidob College named a road after me, and that newspapers such as ThisNigeria, Top Society Magazine, and Blueprint have recognised me, shows that there are still sane minds who believe shadows are not beautiful.
“I am sincerely grateful and humbled by this gesture. The kind words in the letters serve as a strong reminder to remain steadfast in my efforts, regardless of how rough and ridiculous the road may be. This recognition will remain a source of encouragement to keep investing in young people, who are the hope of Nigeria.”
President Tinubu appointed Obazee as Special Investigator to probe and reform the CBN and other critical GBEs, including the FIRS, NNPCL, NAICOM, Nigeria Gas Company Limited, NPA, and NIMASA. His mandate, rooted in Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), is to block leakages and recover public wealth held by corrupt individuals and establishments.
The presidential letter of appointment read, “By the fundamental objective outlined in Section 15(5) of the Constitution, this administration continues the fight against corruption by appointing you as Special Investigator to investigate the CBN and related entities.
“This appointment shall be with immediate effect, and you are to report directly to my office. You are required to strengthen key GBEs, further block leakages, and provide a comprehensive report on public wealth in the hands of corrupt individuals and establishments.”
The appointment was based on Obazee’s proven track record, including his 2014 CBN investigation and his leadership of a team of experts assembled by the DSS in December 2022.
Groundbreaking reforms have marked Obazee’s professional journey.
He led Nigeria’s adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in 2012, instituted the National Code of Corporate Governance (NCGG) in 2016, and exposed the MTN $8 billion repatriation scandal, which led to fines of N5.87 billion against four banks.
He also spearheaded investigations into Zenith Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Access Bank, and Stanbic IBTC Plc, forcing restatements of financial statements and recovery of stolen assets.
As the first Executive Secretary/CEO of the Financial Reporting Council, Obazee oversaw the setting, monitoring, and enforcement of financial reporting standards and corporate governance practices across public and private sectors.
Beyond Nigeria, Obazee has played a prominent role on the international stage. He chaired the United Nations Intergovernmental Working Group on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR), the only intergovernmental body devoted to corporate transparency and reporting issues.
He also served on the UN Consultative Groups on Accounting by SMEs and on Compliance, Monitoring, and Enforcement.
Through these roles, he contributed to enhancing global corporate transparency, comparability, and accountability.
From the corridors of corporate reform to the trenches of anti-corruption investigations, Jim Osayande Obazee’s life has been defined by courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to accountability.
With Taidob College’s tribute and a cascade of prestigious awards, his name is now firmly etched not only in Nigeria’s governance history but also in the minds of future generations who will walk daily along Jim Osayande Obazee Road.
