Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has disclosed that taxation is the lifeblood of any government which enables them to fulfill their mandate of providing essential services and infrastructure for the welfare and development of the people.
Aiyedatiwa stated this at the official inauguration of the South-West Regional Training on Tax Audit, Investigation, Compliance, and Enforcement.
The event, held at the Revenue House of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service in Akure, had participants from across the region, including Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, and Lagos Internal Revenue Services.
The Governor added that the training aimed to enhance regional tax administration and ensure effective revenue collection, setting a strong foundation for future fiscal stability and growth.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed his enthusiasm for the training, highlighting its significance in enhancing tax systems and administration across the South-West.
“I am delighted to welcome you all to Akure, the capital city of the Sunshine State, for this very important training programme.
“Ondo State is highly honored for the privilege to host the South-West Regional Training on Tax Audit, Investigation, Compliance, and Enforcement at this iconic Revenue House of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service,” he stated.
According to him, “Taxation is the lifeblood of any government, enabling us to fulfill our mandate of providing essential services and infrastructure for the welfare and development of our people.
“This training comes at a pivotal time when the global economic landscape is evolving rapidly. As states, we must adapt and strengthen our tax audit, investigation, compliance, and enforcement capabilities to maintain fiscal stability and sustain development initiatives”, he stated.
The Governor also praised the achievements in Internally Generated Revenue, attributing success to determination and focus.
“In our Internally Generated Revenue, we have achieved what seemed to be impossible despite all challenges. With sheer determination and focus, we set a record and created a story: a story which, for years to come, would reverberate across generations.”
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to effective tax governance and economic growth, encouraging participants to engage in robust discussions and share best practices.
“Together, we will strive towards achieving our revenue targets while fostering economic growth and prosperity for all residents of the South-West Region.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa declared the three-day training program open, urging participants to enjoy the hospitality and pleasant ambiance of Akure.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS), Tolu Adegbie, expressed his gratitude to the Governor for attending the opening ceremony of the training.
He highlighted that the Governor’s presence underscores his commitment to enhancing grassroots internally generated revenue.
Adegbie noted that hosting this training in Ondo State is a privilege and emphasized its focus on tax audit, investigation, compliance, and enforcement.
He also appreciated the Governor’s dedication to promoting sustainable development across the South-West states of Nigeria. On behalf of the people of Ondo State, he welcomed the trainees to the state.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Joint Tax Board (JTB), Olusegun Adesokan, reiterated the JTB’s mandate to enforce tax compliance in Nigeria. He praised the team’s efforts in positively shaping the tax landscape across the country.
Adesokan explained that the training aims to enhance participants’ tax knowledge and equip them with skills for effective revenue generation. He encouraged the trainees to collaborate during the sessions to maximize their learning experience.
In his goodwill message, Head of Service Bayo Philips emphasized the importance and seriousness of being a tax officer. He wished the trainees fruitful deliberations that would lead to successful outcomes.
Representative from Ondo State, Tijani Musbau, speaking on behalf of the participants, expressed optimism that the training would improve their technical skills and enhance the state’s internal revenue generation.
Representing participants from Oyo State Internal Revenue Service, Esther Ajibola, and Lagos Internal Revenue Service, Vera Ohai, highlighted issues of tax evasion.
They stated that the training would provide them with the knowledge necessary to perform their duties effectively. They also mentioned the challenges in auditing certain companies and expressed confidence that the training would equip them to handle such situations better.
They emphasized the importance of transformed ideas, open-mindedness, general tax law, and interaction during the sessions.
Representing Ogun State Internal Revenue, Felix Fashina, and Ekiti State Internal Revenue, Ibukun Ajayi, discussed the issue of companies concealing information with the help of experts. They expressed hope that the training would help them uncover these areas and enhance their enforcement capabilities.
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