The election of Dr Rabiu Onaolapo Olowo, The Executive Secretary, Chief Executive Officer ES/CEO , Financial Reporting Council, FRC, of Nigeria, as President at the 41st session of UNCTAD, held at the United Nations, during the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development UNCTAD/ISAR in November, 2024, brought alot of transformation and instilled Renewed Hope template, under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the global fold of the body.
This was in line with the inter- governmental working group of experts on international Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR), that showered huge commendation on the out gone leadership under Dr Rabiu Onaolapo Olowo as President who came on board between November, 2024 and November, 2025
Dr. Rabiu Olowo’s election as President of UNCTAD/ ISAR in 2024, that was described as a “New Era of Global Financial Reporting Excellence” on assumption of duty , a declaration that was proven beyond expectations of the global body.
The appointment was also a testament to Dr. Olowo’s exceptional leadership and expertise in corporate reporting and financial exploitation in FRC, Nigeria, that saw him piloted the affairs of the global body conscientiously for one year.
With ardent commitment to leading a global collaboration of experts focused on improving transparency and comparability in corporate reporting across the globe, in order to unlock capital flows for consecutive one year , it was not only an opportunity, but a platform that showcased the efficacy and leadership acumen of Nigerians at that level, to lead such fora in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.
Having played a crucial role in shaping the global financial reporting landscape, one year down the line , through numerous achievements, and the transformation at the local level for two years, the body was impressed by the exceptional performance of the outgone President, Dr Rabiu Onaolapo Olowo during the handing over ceremony.
The vision for improved administrative performance, transparency and comparability in financial reporting aligned with the FRC’s mission to promote excellence in financial reporting and governance in Nigeria, was exhibited at the global body, one year at the mantle of leadership.
Under Dr. Olowo’s leadership at UNCTAD/ISAR as President, unity among nations, cooperation was highlighted, with significant transformation, series of initiatives and decisions, that will be beneficial to the global body was effected, enacted and initiated.
The global recognition of Dr. Olowo’s election and achievements within one year, who led as President of UNCTAD /ISAR recognized his expertise and leadership in corporate reporting both locally and internationally.
His commitment to improved transparency and comparability in corporate reporting, had unlocked capital flows, both locally and globally, hence his exceptional performance at the global platform.
His leadership came at a time when Nigeria’s leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in the process of appointment of new envoys, after the dissolution and removal of the previous ones , yet does not preclude the exceptional performance of the out gone President of UNCTAD/ ISAR, Dr Rabiu Onaolapo Olowo that was glaring and manifested , a distinct feature of a Nigerian in international discourse.
The event which took place at the UN was an opportunity to once again prove to gimmicks, naysayers, the international communities the readiness of the country to display both tripartite and diplomatic acumen, towards the betterment of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, UNCTAD
Olowo’s leadership has proven again that the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was ready to key in into global understanding, navigate through the diplomatic shuttles and interactions along with cooperation of all forms.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
