Dr. Kazeem Olayimika Salaam; OAU Accounting Graduates in the UK, Europe and Asia Celebrate a thought leader of impeccable character

The alumni group of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife based in the UK, Europe, Asia and Middle East celebrate its regional coordinator, Dr Alhaji Kazeem Olayimika Salaam (popularly called Salaam K O by all) as he celebrates another year of remarkable life.

In the statement released by the group signed by the global welfare officer and his regional counterpart, the group reiterated Dr Salaam’s exceptional contributions to the association and Nigeria community in the UK in general, saying his dedication to philanthropy and leadership has touched countless lives, inspiring hope and positive change wherever he finds himself.

"Your unwavering commitment to making the world a better place serves as a guiding light for us all. Through your tireless efforts, you've shown us the true meaning of accountability and transparency, compassion, generosity, and selflessness. We sincerely hope to see you reshaping our fatherland’s politics with your wisdom, exemplary leadership style and impeccable character.

"Dr Salaam is not just a financial expert; he is a visionary leader with a passion for driving positive change in the society. He possesses the foresight to anticipate emerging trends, identify opportunities for innovation, and develop strategic initiatives that has been beneficial to the association and our dear country as a whole. Additionally, he believes in using his expertise to address socio-economic challenges, promote ethical governance, and advocate for policies that foster economic growth and prosperity for all. May this birthday be filled with joy, laughter, and all the happiness our dear Dr. Salaam.

Going by the import of the above felicitation, it is therefore, imperative to dissect the conceptualization of leadership by the former Prime Minister of Philippines, Gloria Aroyo, who explicitly posited that " The litmus test of a good leader is ability to be at the fore-front leading, at the middle inspiring and at the back defending the superior interests of his followers".

This postulation of the 'Iron Lady' alongside the felicitation implicitly define Dr. Salam in all ramifications, ranging from his humility and receptive inclination and coupled with his sense of selflessness and alacrity to serve humanity.

He has exhibited high degree of patriotism as an indigene of Kwara and citizen of Nigeria in diaspora, representing his lovely State and country well. Dr. Kazeem Olayimika Salaam has always expressed his conviction about good governance and quality leadership.

A highly accomplished Chartered Accountant and PhD holder in Finance, with an impactful and meritorious career spanning over 20 years, both in the corporate and academic realms, Dr. Salaam has proven to be a trusted advisor, a strategic thinker, and a catalyst for positive change for multinationals across the globe. He combines a unique blend of analytical rigour, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to social change to every endeavour both as a community leader and as a captain of industry.

As a Chartered Accountant, . Salaam possesses a wealth of experience in financial management, accounting principles, regulatory compliance, strategy implementation as well as process re-engineering. He has a proven track record in Accounting & Financial Controlling, Asset Valuation, Business Analysis & Strategy formulation; Data Analysis & Data Management, Product Development, Process Improvement and Re-engineering, Financial Risk Reporting including Credit Risk, Market Risk and Operational Risk; Internal and External Audit; Capacity Management & Project Management, Retail Banking (Digital and Open Banking Solutions), Trade Finance, Fund Management, Oil & Gas, Road & Transport Management to mention a few.

Dr Salaam’s direct technology experience spans enterprise architecture, telecommunications networks, API management, operating systems, database management systems, network management systems, application development and support, technology forensics, business continuity, and operations processes.

As a Ph.D. holder in Finance, Dr. Salaam possesses deep insights into financial theory, quantitative analysis, and investment strategies. His research contributions have expanded the boundaries of knowledge in finance and provided valuable insights into complex financial phenomena. He has proven experience in research and teaching MBA students at top universities across the globe. His publications focused on Finance, Lending and Financial Market Supervision.

With a BSc. Accounting from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife; MBA – Financial Services (London), and a PhD in Finance. His professional certifications include FCCA, FFA, FIMC, FHEA to mention a few.

Based currently in the United Kingdom, he is originally from Omu-Aran, the headquarter of Irepodun local government area of Kwara State. He is currently the Secretary General of the Kwara State Association in the UK (KWASANG), and an Advisory Board member of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK).

Indeed Kwara and Nigeria at large is in dire need of this cerebral and enigmatic personality of impeccable character and pedigree.

As he celebrates his birthday on Monday, 13th May, 2024, May Allah continue to increase his wisdom and knowledge in sound health and functional mind.