4th EU Tax Club Dinner: Aiyedatiwa Harps on Strong Tax System

By Kanu Samuel 

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has emphasized that taxation is not merely a means of revenue generation, but a vital tool for development. He noted that for the state and the nation to advance, a collective effort is required to strengthen the tax system.

Governor Aiyedatiwa made this known during the fourth edition of the Elizade University (EU)Tax Club Dinner, held at the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) headquarters in Akure, the state capital.

Represented by the Director of Personal Income Tax, Mr. Stephen Eniafe, on behalf of the Chairman of ODIRS, Mr. Bayo Rojugbokan, the Governor commended the Elizade University Tax Club for its contributions toward promoting tax awareness in the state.

He said:”Lawyers are expected to be the best practitioners of taxation, but unfortunately, that has not been the case. I want to urge the new generation of lawyers we are grooming to understand that taxation goes beyond revenue generation it is key to development.”

“We will continue to support the Elizade University Tax Club as long as they remain committed to doing what is best.”

In his remarks, the Registrar of Elizade University, Mr. Omololu Adegbenro, reiterated that tax is not just a civil obligation but a tool for national transformation.

“Tax is the heartbeat of public infrastructure and the driving force behind improvements in education, healthcare, security, and overall progress,” he said.

He also appealed to the Ondo State Government to make its presence felt in the school through the construction of physical infrastructure via ODIRS.

“We pay our taxes regularly without issues, so it is not out of place to expect the state, through ODIRS, to reciprocate with tangible support for the university.”

The President of the Elizade University Tax Club, Jumoke Adekanye, described the event as more than just a dinner — a celebration of dedication, growth, and the shared journey of club members.

She thanked the lecturers and invited guests in attendance, describing their presence as a strong affirmation of continued support for the club.

A highlight of the evening was the conferment of the Award of Excellence on the Chief of Staff to the Ondo State Governor, Prince Olusegun Omojuwa, Hon. Banji Okunomo, and several others.

Dignitaries at the event included: Lady Bishop Funke Felix Adejumo, Chairman, House Committee on Youth and Sports, Hon. Olajide Oguntodu, Former Chairman of Ondo State Internal Revenue Service, Dr. Tolu Adegbie (represented by the Director of Finance and Accounting, Mr. Sanaya Adedipe), Chairman, Ose Local Government, Barr. Clement Kolapo,Former Commissioner, Barr. Akinwumi Sowore, and other distinguished guests.