Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Wednesday declared open the South-West Regional Training on Tax Audit, Investigation, Compliance, and Enforcement, holding in Akure.
The three-day training, holding at the Revenue House of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service in Akure, features participants from Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, and Lagos Internal Revenue Services.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor reports that the training aims to enhance regional tax administration and ensure effective revenue collection, setting a strong foundation for future fiscal stability and growth in the South West states.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who expressed his delight that Ondo State is hosting the crucial training, said it shows the commitment of the state government to regional integration to drive the development of the South West.
Highlighting the significance of the training in enhancing tax systems and administration across the South-West, the Governor said the States must adapt and strengthen tax audit, investigation, compliance, and enforcement capabilities to maintain fiscal stability and sustain development initiatives.
“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 honoured 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.
“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.
“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”, he said.
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”, he added, urging the participants to enjoy the hospitality and pleasant ambience of Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Earlier in his welcome address, the 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, adding that the Governor’s presence underscores his commitment to enhancing revenue generation.
Adegbie noted that hosting the 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.
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.
Those present at the event included the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philips and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa, among other top government functionaries.
Study @ Achievers University
