By Saheed Ibrahim

Ondo state government has stressed that it will continue to appreciate tax payers in recognition of their commitment to the development of the state economy.
The state government felicitated with Okada riders in the state by giving them mouth watery incentives.

Speaking at the programme, held in Akure, Chairman, Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS), Tolu Adegbie said the programme was part of the community impact project of the tax collection office and such gesture were extended to many communities and sectors in terms of road grading, electrification and other projects.

He revealed that about N700 million was realised from the riders’ tickets in 2021 as against the N400,000 Okada union leaders used to remit to the state in time past.
Also speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Finance, Wale Akinterinwa noted that it was the first time any administration in the state would extend such gesture to tax payers, stressing that Governor Akeredolu would always appreciate any sector that contributed to the development of the state.

He appealed to them to continue to cooperate with the government and pay their dues as expected.
In his address, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, Dr Doyin Odebowale added that Okada registration exercise was not to witch-hunt them but to prevent criminals from infiltrating them.

While appreciating the riders for their continuous cooperation with the state government, Odebowale said that the state would extend such gesture to other sectors that were paying their dues to the state as appropriate.

Many of the riders smiled home with power generating sets and gas cylinders and they could not hold back their appreciation to the state government.