By Femi Anamelechi
The never say die and resilience of Nigerians despite a very depressed economy often orchestrated by visionless political leadership, Nigerians any where in the world have always and continually demonstrated excellence and capability in whatever they are doing. However, it is very worrisome that in spite of all the great human and natural potentials the country has, it has continued to wallow in both economic and political quagmire. The Governor of Texas in the United States of America, Greg Abbott in a major move, appointed Nigerian-born Kenneth Omoruyi to the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. The little known Nigerian born Omoruyi, a certified public accountant, is expected to play a key role in regulating the profession and ensuring that accountants in Texas meet high ethical and professional standards. Omoruyi’s story is many of such stories accredited to most Nigerians both home and in the diaspora; resilience perseverance dedication and commitment to excellence in the face of daunting Challenges.
For Kenneth Omoruyi growing up in Nigeria, his mother, a street food vendor, taught him the value of financial management astuteness, this virtue encouraged the young man to pursue accounting at the University of Benin before immigrating to the United States. He later earned a Master of Science in Business Taxation from the University of Southern California and a Public Leadership Credential from the Harvard Kennedy School. Omoruyi before he was appointed was the managing partner of CKO CPAs & Advisors and an adjunct professor at Lone Star College, he has gained national recognition in his field. His accolades include the CPA Practice Advisor 40 Under 40 Award and the AICPA Outstanding Young CPA Award. He was also a candidate for Texas’ 7th Congressional District, highlighting his commitment to public service. Speaking after his appointment, Omoruyi expressed deep gratitude:
“I am profoundly honoured by this appointment. I dedicate this honor to my mother, whose staunch support has been my guiding force, and to my wife, whose encouragement has been most instrumental. “He emphasized that his journey reflects the resilience of the African diaspora and the opportunities available in the United States.With his appointment, Omoruyi will contribute to the oversight and regulation of the accounting profession in Texas, ensuring that accountants adhere to the highest standards of integrity and competence. His story serves as an inspiration to many, proving that hard work and determination can lead to remarkable achievements.
