By Jubril Bada

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Taxation is fundamental to national development, enshrined as a legal and compulsory obligation by the constitution, just as blood is essential to the human body.

This was the stance of the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, while speaking at the annual lecture and dinner of Elizade University Tax Club in Akure, the state capital.

He noted that effective tax administration is vital for the functioning of a country, adding that in the contemporary world, a nation without a robust tax system is unimaginable.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Prince Olusegun Omojua, the governor said, “This is the reason government at all levels cannot afford to trivialize the collection of taxes and levies.”

He acknowledged that the annual gathering was beneficial in many respects and serves as a great advertisement on behalf of the government and all tax authorities, and a reminder of the government’s commitment to effective tax collection and administration.

The governor further said that it creates awareness among taxpayers of the importance of their civic obligation to the government, as well as another gentle reminder of citizens’ rights to hold tax authorities and government accountable for the taxes and levies they pay.

Expressing concern over challenges faced by economies of the world, particularly developing ones, Aiyedatiwa called for new approaches and innovations among stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the ease of tax collection and make tax convenient without compromising national development.

While commending the management and staff of ODIRS for effective service delivery, the governor pointed out that the state government parades a tax authority that is well-structured, focused, and result-oriented.

The Chairman of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Tolu Adegbie, explained that the ODIRS initiated the idea of catching them young through the establishment of tax clubs at primary, secondary schools, and even tertiary institutions to inform the young ones about the importance of paying taxes.

Represented by Director of Personal Income Tax (DPIT), Mr. Oluwasegun Enikuomehin, the chairman charged the newly inaugurated executives of the Elizade University Tax Club (EUTC) to focus more on the practicality of tax and taxation.

Adegbie, who is the patron of EUTC, stressed the need to diversify as the country cannot rely on oil as a source of revenue.

The guest speaker on “AI and Evening Deduction” at the event, Dr. Olatunde Fajimbola, called on the members of EUTC to navigate their lives in this age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) competition with human beings.

Fajimbola enjoined them to devote their time to growth and self-improvement in battling the reality of life.

Also speaking, a legal practitioner, Mr. Olumide Ogidan, emphasized the importance of networking and making contact, which he said will go a long way in moving them forward in the profession.