By Emmanuel Oluwadola

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As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility to mark the yuletide season, Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) has distributed over 600 bags of 50 kg and 25 kg rice to commercial motorcycle and Tricycle Riders

Star prize of brand new motorcycles were presented to two winners in Okada and Tricycle categories as well as bags of rice, groundnut oil, among other gifts to winners in the raffle draw.

The Acting Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the event thanked ODIRS for doing a yeoman’s job, noting that contributions of the beneficiaries to the development of the state is of great value.

Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor, Tobi Ogunleye assured the operators of his administration’s commitment in creating the enabling environment for their operations within the state.

He applauded ODIRS for the huge success in revenue generation in the state just as he tasked other sectors to live up to expectation by blocking leakages and liberalizing participation.”

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties and Strategy, Dr. Doyin Adebowale who emphasized government’s commitment to the state’s peace and welfare, advised drivers to maintain good character and protect state property.

He highlighted that revenue generation improvement since the government’s involvement, praising the key role played by participants in the liberalized system.

 Adegbie, detailed the rewards given, including bags of rice, motorcycles, and other items, emphasizing the performance-based nature of the disbursement.

Adegbie who said the state generated N1billion last year and has generated about N900million in the outgoing year, commended the riders for their cooperation, saying the gesture for the day is a direct intervention from the state government to bring succour to them.

“The money we generate determines what we give out and this is a direct intervention of the government to the people who are paying their taxes. This is all about performance, data and statistics. If the tricyclists can also cross a certain threshold, next year, at least one of them will get a tricycle too.

“It is not politics, when you generate the money, you get the reward. Although, one of the principles of taxation is that when you pay your tax, you aren’t expecting a direct benefit, at times it comes as social infrastructural benefits,” Adegbie noted.

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Revenue, Mr Femi Feyide said the disbursement aimed to give back to the motorcycle and tricycle riders for their role in the state’s reformation.

Adio Ojo, one of the winners of the ODIRS motorcycles in a ticket raffle draw, expressed gratitude to the state government, ODIRS board of directors, and everyone involved. Other lucky riders received rewards such as bags of rice, vegetable oil, packs of soft drinks, among others items.