The Acting Chairman of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS), Mr Adebayo Rojugbonkan, has emphasised the need to invest in and engage young people in tax awareness.
He noted that tax awareness is crucial to national development.
Rojugbonkan made this statement during a tax awareness programme organised in partnership with the Elizade University Tax Club, held in Akure, the state capital.
The partnership between ODIRS and the students of the Elizade University Tax Club aims to foster a culture of tax responsibility and ensure that more people contribute to the growth and progress of the state.
Rojugbonkan disclosed that the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service has embraced technology to enable citizens to pay their taxes from anywhere in the world.
He added that taxpayers can now make payments through the agency’s website, banks, or directly from their mobile phones. He highlighted the introduction of a USSD code that facilitates seamless tax payments, ensuring efficiency and accessibility.
According to him, “With this innovation, people can pay their taxes from anywhere in the world. We have also established a dedicated department to manage and oversee all payments made through the system.”
He further stated, “If we want meaningful progress in this country, we must invest in the youth.
By interacting with them, we can equip them to spread awareness about taxation among the populace.
They will help educate people on why paying taxes is essential for development.”
Reiterating that taxation is a civic duty and a vital tool for progress, he added, “It is important to instil this sense of responsibility in young people early so that when they become business leaders in the future, they will understand the value of tax compliance.”
He also noted that ODIRS has aligned itself with the government’s policy initiative, tagged “OUR EASE,” aimed at simplifying tax payments for residents.
Speaking earlier, the Staff Adviser of the Elizade University Tax Club, Mrs Chiyenre Oloko, emphasised the need for tax education and compliance.
“We have observed that many Nigerians evade taxes, which hinders development both in the state and the country at large.
” If citizens fulfil their tax obligations, the government will have the necessary resources to improve infrastructure,” she said.
She pointed out the visible effects of tax evasion, such as poor roads that damage vehicles, stressing that a well-structured tax system is essential for sustainable development.
The President of the Elizade University Tax Club, Adejumoke Adeleye, explained that the outreach programme aims to educate the public on taxation and its benefits.
“Our goal is to enlighten people about their tax rights and obligations, as well as the penalties for tax evasion.
By reaching out to markets, motor parks, and other public spaces, we are positively impacting citizens, and their responses have been encouraging,” she said.
Adeleye further noted that their efforts align with the state’s development agenda, adding that tax compliance is a collective responsibility that benefits everyone.
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