- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
In a bid to make tax services more accessible to people at the grassroots and enhancing taxpayer convenience, the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS) has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Okemesi-Ekiti Tax Station.
Speaking at the ceremony held beside the palace of the Owa-Ooye of Okemesi-Ekiti, the Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Akin Oyebode, urged residents of the state to remain faithful to their tax obligations. He attributed many of the achievements of the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to prudent utilization of tax revenues and reiterated the government’s commitment to accountability and transparency in tax administration.
Hon. Oyebode commended the Executive Chairman of EKIRS, Mr. Olaniran Olatona, for his contributions to the state’s revenue growth and expressed appreciation to the people of Okemesi-Ekiti for producing the revenue chief.
The Commissioner assured residents that the government would continue to deliver impactful projects across the state and called for sustained support for the administration.
On his part, the Executive Chairman of EKIRS, Mr. Olaniran Olatona, dismissed as unfounded, rumours suggesting that taxes would be increased following the forthcoming governorship election. He said the state’s revenue growth has been driven by improved compliance, efficiency and reforms rather than arbitrary tax increases. He however stressed that only those who deliberately evade their tax responsibilities should be concerned, adding that law-abiding taxpayers have nothing to fear.
Mr. Olatona explained that the new tax station would improve access to tax services and make it easier for taxpayers to fulfil their civic responsibilities. He noted that Okemesi-Ekiti, being a university community, is witnessing increasing commercial activities and therefore requires stronger tax infrastructure to support its growth. He further observed that a conducive working environment significantly enhances staff productivity and service delivery.
In his remarks, A former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Ekiti State, Mr. Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, attributed the developmental projects being attracted to Okemesi-Ekiti to the goodwill of Governor Oyebanji towards the community. He urged residents to remain committed to fulfilling their tax obligations to enable government to undertake more developmental initiatives.
Earlier, the Owa-Ooye of Okemesi-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Gbadebo Adedeji, offered prayers for the successful completion of the project and expressed confidence that the facility would contribute significantly to the state’s revenue profile. The monarch pledged the support of the community towards the successful delivery of the project.
He also commended Mr. Olatona for his leadership of EKIRS and encouraged him to remain focused on his responsibilities despite criticisms.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Okemesi/Ido-Ile Local Council Development Authority, Hon. Sunday Ajibade, assured EKIRS of the support of indigenes at home and in the diaspora throughout the construction phase of the project.
Similarly, the lawmaker representing Ekiti West Constituency II in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Bode Adeoye, thanked the state government for citing the tax station in Okemesi-Ekiti, describing the project as a significant development for the community.
The event attracted a large turnout of community leaders, government officials, representatives of various interest groups, other key stakeholders and staff of EKIRS.
