Tax is vital for general development – Aiyedatiwa

Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State says taxation is not only a means of revenue generation but a vital tool for development.

Aiyedatiwa noted that for the state and the nation to advance, a collective effort was required to strengthen the tax system.

The governor made this known during the fourth edition of Elizade University (EU) Tax Club Dinner held at the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) in Akure on Thursday.

Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the Director of Personal Income Tax, Mr Stephen Eniafe, ODIRS, commended the tax club for its contributions towards promoting tax awareness in the state.

“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,” he said.

In his remarks, the Registrar of Elizade University, Mr Omololu Adegbenro, reiterated that tax was 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.

“The Ondo State Government should make its presence felt in the school through the construction of physical infrastructure through 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,” he said.

The President of Elizade University Tax Club, Miss Jumoke Adekanye, said the event was “more than just a dinner, but a celebration of dedication, growth, and the shared journey of club members”.

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

Our correspondent reports that the highlight of the event was the conferment of an Award of Excellence on the Chief of Staff to the Ondo State Governor, Prince Olusegun Omojuwa.

Our correspondent also reports that a former Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mr Banji Okunomo and several others were also conferred with the award.