Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa has launched a three-day training for tax officers from the South-West region on tax audit, investigation, compliance and enforcement.
Aiyedatiwa who declared open the training in Akure, said it comes at a pivotal time when the global economic landscape is evolving rapidly and states must adapt and strengthen their tax audit, investigation, compliance, and enforcement capabilities to maintain fiscal stability and sustain development initiatives.
His words: "Without mincing words, 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. Today's gathering is not merely a training but a testament to our commitment to enhance revenue generation through efficient tax administration."
He charged participants from Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Oyo and Lagos to capitalize on the opportunity to learn from each other and explore innovative approaches that can further enhance tax administration frameworks in the region.
"Comparatively 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 be retold by the coming generations; a story, which will portray us as a courageous, fore-sighted and purposeful-driven leadership. Such is the legacy we hope to leave behind, and similarly, such should be the focus and aspiration of these distinguished professionals even as you gather here today."
Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration's unwavering commitment to supporting initiatives that promote effective tax governance as it strive towards achieving revenue targets while fostering economic growth and prosperity for all residents of the South-West region.
Earlier, the Chairman of ODIRS, Dr Tolu Adegbie said the training was designed to foster knowledge exchange, promote best practices, and equip tax administrators in the region with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of modern tax compliance.
"It is through such initiatives that we can build a resilient tax administration framework that supports economic growth and social progress across the South-West States.
"I extend my sincere gratitude to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his unwavering support and vision in advancing our state's fiscal agenda. Your presence here underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in driving sustainable development through effective tax governance."
Also, the Executive Secretary of Joint Tax Board, Mr. Olusegun Adesokan said tax audit and investigation were critical components of an effective tax administration system which ensures compliance, promote transparency, and deter tax evasion, thereby safeguarding the revenue that is vital for the development of the states and nation in general.
