By Adedotun Ajayi

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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has described taxation as the life blood of any government.

   He said this while declaring open the South-West Regional Training on Tax Audit, Investigation, Compliance, and Enforcement, held in Akure.

The three-day training, held 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.

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 showed 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 southwest, 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 southwest region”, he added, urging the participants to enjoy the hospitality and pleasant ambience of Akure, the Ondo State capital.

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, adding that his presence underscores his commitment to enhancing revenue generation.