By Bukola Olamona

|

For Ondo state to be self sufficient economically, experts have advised the state government to ensure that those who were not captured in paying their taxes are captured.
The experts were of the opinion that a lot of people who are of a taxable capacity are evading tax, which they said can rake in a lot of money for the state.
In an interview with The Hope, Head of Department, Political Science and Public Administration, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof Lanre Olu-Adeyemi, said government should expand its tax net to cover those that are not currently captured but that the rate should also be reduced so as to encourage mass participation.
This he said, would bring in more money to the coffers of government and would not have to wait for the federal government to pay salary.
He also said, the forest reserve in the state can also bring in money if it is judiciously managed by those that are put in charge.
According to him:” It will amaze you how much the government can make from the forest reserve if it is judiciously managed , but if you also consider the lifestyle of those in charge, you’ll realise that the wealth from the forest is being stolen or diverted into private pockets.”
Olu-Adeyemi posited that government could also partner with the private sector to fund some of its programmes, this he said depends on the amount of goodwill that the government have with the private sector.
“Government can actually make more money if it reduces the cost of service. It will interest you to know that people no longer seek approval for house plan/drawing because the cost is exorbitant whereas many citizens will gladly pay for such service if it is pocket friendly” he added.
Also in an interview, an associate Professor, Dr Fatukasi called on government to re- invest in agriculture by encouraging the youth to go into it, though, it is a long term thing but he said, the result will soon be visible.
Fatukasi also stated that the government should try and revive the moribund industries in the state, which he said will create employment for the teeming youth.
He commended the state government for investing heavily on the seaport and some other project that can hitherto bring multiple income in the future.
He called on the citizens to allow the government to invest in those things that can better the future of the state,though it might be painful now but what will be coming later will be sufficient” he stated.