In a bid to take tax education to the door steps of every home, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has distributed thousands books tagged: “Coming Book” to the Ondo State ministry of education, Science and Technology.
The FIRS Coordinator of Ondo, Ekiti and Kwara States, Mr Ishola Akingbade explained that the “Coming Book” was specially designed for easy reading and understanding for the people, preferably pupils in secondary schools.
Akingbade added that they decided to start the tax education from the foundation, saying that was why they are starting with schools.
He said tax is the bedrock of Nation building, and it is the reason we decided to take it to the consciousness of the people through their children.
He said: “We use Ondo State as a pilot state because when it comes to issue of tax, the state has been so fantastic, they are one the best in terms of tax payment.”
“We want people to really know what we are talking about in taxation, what is it for, what type of tax do we have, how do we pay all these taxes and how do we appeal if there are reasons they are not satisfied with the process”.
“We are very much optimistic that the efforts will bring positive result, because youths are very curious to have knowledge and they are at the vantage position to educate their parents once they are well equiped with the importance of tax payment.”
The Chairman of Ondo State Internal (ODIRS) Revenue Service, Mr Tolu Adegbie disclosed to newsmen that his organization is currently working with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on how to establish tax club in secondary schools.
He added that ODIRS is collaborating with the Federal Inland Revenue Service on tax education of youths, saying they will ensure that books distributed get to many schools in the state.
According to him, “we are going to do follow up by going to those schools and talk to them and set up tax clubs in those schools, promote dialogue on tax among the students in the secondary schools and at the University level.
“We are going to ensure that we take the importance of tax payment into their consciousness at a tender age.
“This will enable them grow with it and the issue of tax will not be alien to them when they become adults.
Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Femi Agagu represented by Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Abimbola Folashade commended the Federal Inland Revenue Service for deeming in fit to make Ondo State the first point of call in distribution of the books.
The Commissioner also lauded the State Revenue Service for their collaborative efforts with the ministry ,which he said have yielded good results.
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