Author: Wale Owoade

 

Effective taxation, pertinent for nation’s development – CITN President

 

By Olatunde Ajayi

 

The 16th President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Samuel Agbeluyi, has reiterated that effective taxation is an essential means for steady growth and development of any nation.

 

Agbeluyi said this while declaring open the 4th Edition of the CITN Tax Quiz Competition for Secondary Schools in Oyo State, sponsored by Prof. Ezekiel Williams, in Ibadan.

 

Agbeluyi, a fellow of the institute, represented by the Vice President of CITN, Mr Innocent Ohagwa, said that no clime could experience any meaningful development without an effective, efficient and consistent inflow of tax revenue.

 

According to him, tax quiz is in no doubt a great medium for grooming the brightest minds who will revolutionise the future of taxation in Nigeria.

 

“As an institute, CITN is committed to investing in the future of tax professionalism in Nigeria.

 

“For students who will ply the route of taxation in their academic pursuit, the Association of Nigerian Tax Students provides a post-secondary school platform that will help shape them to become distinctive tax professionals.

 

“In view of the critical nature of taxation, opportunities abound for each student to become a tax professional.

 

“This qualifies them to either practice taxation, work with tax authorities or related departments in both formal and informal sectors or even become an authority in the field of taxation and related studies,” he said.

 

Similarly, the Chairman, Students’ Affairs and Tertiary Education Relations Committee, CITN, Dr Abiola Adimula, said that the mutual civic responsibilities of all citizens in paying their taxes and government to provide infrastructural facilities cannot be overemphasised.

 

Adimula noted that the earlier the act of tax payment was incorporated into the consciousness of the young minds, the better for the nation.

 

According to her, the core objectives of CITN Tax Quiz are to enlighten the students’ understanding of the role of tax in the development of an economy.

 

“The tax quiz introduces students to building a career in taxation and other related areas of study.

 

“It also creates an interactive atmosphere for students to share ideas and contribute positively to the economic development of the country,” she said.

Adimula called on the Federal Ministry of Education and Federal Inland Revenue Service to work hand-in-hand with CITN to make taxation a subject of study in secondary schools.

 

She explained that CITN has huge professional resourcefulness and is ready to prepare and make available the required curriculum up to SS3 for internal and external examinations with JAMB, WASCE and NECO.

 

Commenting, the sponsor of the Catch Them Young Taxation Initiative, Prof. Ezekiel Williams, said that the concept of taxation in Nigeria over the years, had been nonexistent in the minds of young people.

 

Williams, represented by the Director of Administration Egg Head Group, Mrs Beloveth Amon, said that the birth of the Catch Them Young Taxation Competition in 2021 became essential to bring consciousness of taxation to young citizens.

 

“Catch Them Young Taxation Competition aims to bring the knowledge of taxation to the grassroots, to train young minds in the area to taxation, develop future leaders and encourage the spirit of competition,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Miss Abioye Oyinkansola of School of Science, Pade, emerged as overall winner of the competition which featured 12 selected secondary schools across Oyo State. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Coronation: Makinde implores new Onigbeti of Igbetiland to tackle insecurity

 

By Adewale Owoade

 

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has implored the new Onigbeti of Igbetiland, Oba Bashir Abioye, to cooperate with government to tackle illegal mining, land grabbing and kidnapping that threaten the peace and progress of Igbeti.

 

Makinde said this at the coronation and official presentation of instrument/staff of office to the royal majesty, the Onigbeti of Igbeti, in Olorunsogo Local Government, Igbeti, Oyo State.

 

Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, said the nomination process of Oba Bashir Abioye was meticulously followed.

 

He commended the transparency and adherence to tradition in the selection of leaders.

“It is with great pleasure and profound honor that I stand before you today at the coronation and official presentation of the instrument of office and staff of office to his Royal Majesty, Oba Bashir Abioye, Siyanbola IV, the Onigbeti of Igbeti.

 

“This momentous occasion signifies the embodiment of tradition, heritage and the continuation of the legacy of leadership in our land.

 

“I enjoin and implore Oba Bashir Abioye to work hand in hand with the government in tackling pressing issues such as illegal mining, land grabbing and kidnapping that threaten the peace and progress of our entire local government.

 

“Collaboration and cooperation between the traditional institution and government authorities are paramount in addressing these challenges and ensuring the safety and well-being of our people.

 

“I advise you to embrace the wisdom, grace, and humility that befit a leader of your stature.

 

“Listen to the voices of your people, engage with them and lead by example in fostering unity and progress in your domain.

 

“Your reign should be marked by compassion, integrity and a dedication to the welfare of every individual under your care.

 

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those involved in making this ceremony possible and thank everyone for their support and dedication to the progress and unity of Igbeti.

 

“Let us continue to work together for a brighter future for generations to come,” Makinde said.

 

In his acceptance speech, Oba Abioye promised to be a better king as the people of Igbeti cherish peaceful co-existence, are law abiding, very resourceful and industrious.

“I am humbly honoured and privileged today to be installed and presented with the staff of office as the 16th Onigbeti of Igbetiland.

 

“I sincerely appreciate and acknowledge the people’s governor, His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Abiodun Makinde and the Deputy Governor Barrister Bayo Lawal for yielding to calls of our people for the approval of the new king and presentation of staff of office today.

 

“I call on the people of my great town of marble city; a new dawn has come, lost love is back, prosperity is returned and peaceful breeze has started blowing.

 

“I shall work with traditional chiefs-in-council, honorary chiefs, Igbeti Toro in and outside Nigeria, prominent sons and daughters of our great town.

 

“Together we will ensure our youths are gainfully employed and empowered through skill acquisition, grant and soft loans, and provision of scholarships for our students.

 

“Our farmers would be supported for abundant harvest, our women would be trained and equipped in creating wealth. I shall work to ensure available and affordable medical care for all,” Oba Abioye said.

 

Earlier in his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, implored the Oba, as the traditional head, to ensure cooperation and harmonious relationship with the government to fasttrack government developmental projects to the town.

“It is believed that nobody knows the people and the terrain better than you as leader and custodian of our heritage thus I wish to urge you to assist our security agencies with useful information; you see something, say something,” he said.

Speaking to journalists, the Director General, Oyo State Solid Minerals Development Agency, Mr Abiodun Oni, an indigene of Igbeti, urged the citizens to cooperate with Oba Abioye for peace to reign in the land.

 

Also, the member representing Irepo/Oorelope/Olorunsogo Federal Constituency, Hon. Olaide Mohammed, while praying for a successful reign, urged Oba Abioye to be fair to everybody, regardless of their religion or political affiliation.

The event was attended by the State Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni, traditional rulers in the area and members of the newly constituted Elders Council led by Elder Wole Oyelese, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Obaje Encourages Gov. Makinde To Leverage More On NG- CARE Intervention Programmes.

By Adewale Owoade

Dr. Abdul-Karim Obaje, the National Coordinator, Federal CARES Support Unit of Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES), has advised the government of Oyo State to leverage more on the intervention programmes of the body to improve the infrastructural development of communities in the State.

Obaje stated this over the weekend at a meeting with the Chairman, Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency, OYCSDA, Hon. Tokunbo Adeaga in Ibadan.

He also called on Gov.Seyi Makinde not to relent in giving succor to the downtrodden in the State, while commending him on his multi-prong approaches towards tackling poverty through its social protection programmes.

Parts of which include; employment of youths, agricultural inputs support, small and medium scale business empowerment as well as intervention in healthcare, education, water, environmental and psychosocial areas in communities across the State, through OYCSDA.

Obaje enjoined the state government to align its social protection programmes with the NG-CARES guidelines and improve on its contribution to the projects delivery platforms to earn more reimbursement from the World Bank.

“My advice to Oyo State government is to put more resources to the NG-CARES, while aligning with the stated guidelines on its various social protection programmes, so as to benefit by earning more reimbursement from the World Bank.

“Oyo State has done so much to eradicate poverty and empower the people through the NG-CARES programmes handled by OYCSDA, it is reflected in the results we get from Abuja, but we need to do more through collaboration,” he said.

In his response, Hon. Adeaga, appreciated Dr Obaje, and promising him to do all within his means to improve on the performance of OYCSDA with the support of the State Governor.

“Oyo State has been know as the Pace-Setter, we will continue to set the pace and we shall take our rightful position in performance of all World Bank-assisted programmes,” Hon. Adeaga said.

Makinde signs Oyo Electricity Regulatory Commission Bill into Law

 

 

By Adewale Owoade

 

 

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has signed into law the Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission Bill 2024.

 

 

The governor, who performed the signing ceremony at the Conference Room of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan,

 

 

Makinde said the signing was to give the state opportunity to develop its own roadmap to sustainable electricity, and that with the decentralisation of electricity generation, transmission and distribution, it has become obvious that Nigerians can access dividends of democracy if federalism is practised as it should be and more powers are devolved to the states.

 

 

“As promised earlier in the week, we are signing the Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission Bill 2024 into law today. This law will enable Oyo State generate, transmit and distribute electricity within the State.

 

 

“Amendments of the constitution like these is what we mean when we advocate for fiscal federalism. In years to come as we work towards energy sufficiency, our people can hold State Governments accountable on the issue of electricity supply,” Makinde said.

 

 

Presenting the Bill earlier, Deputy Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Mohammed Fadeyi, said this is the first time that the state would come up with an independent electricity project.

 

 

Present at the signing of the Bill were the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal; Secretary to the State Government; Prof. Olanike Adeyemo: Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi and the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni.

 

 

From the House of Assembly, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Fadeyi; chairman, House Committee on Energy, Hon. Deji Oparinde and a member of the committee, Hon. Gabriel Babajide, were in attendance.

 

 

Also in attendance were the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Barr. Biodun Aikomo; Commissioner for Energy, Barr. Temilolu Ashamu; chairman and co-chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr Saka Balogun and Elder Wole Oyelese respectively.

Explosion: Makinde signs order on safe handling of harmful substances

 

By Adewale Owoade

 

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has signed Executive Order 001 of 2024 on the safe handling of harmful substances.

 

Makinde, while signing the order in his office in Ibadan, said that the state now had the Executive Order as a law.

“We are signing the Executive Order 001 of 2024, and this is on the safe-handling and storage of harmful substances within Oyo State.

 

“We are doing this in light of the unfortunate incident at Bodija, where explosives were stored in a residential area. So, dated today, 31st of January 2024, we have the Executive Order, which is now a law in the state,” Makinde said

 

The event had in attendance the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi; and the Commissioner for Justice/Attorney-General, Barr. Biodun Aikomo.

 

The governor after signing the executive order, proceeded to Ground Zero, site of the incident, where he monitored progress of work there.

Addressing newsmen at the site, the governor stressed that the state government is taking all necessary actions to prevent a recurrence of the January 16 explosion in the state.

 

He said the structural integrity tests on buildings around the site had been concluded, adding that the state government would officially receive the report next week.

 

“We have scheduled an expanded meeting for Tuesday. After that meeting, we should be in the position to lay out what next step we are going to take to launch out.”

 

Also speaking with newsmen, the Attorney-General,  Barr. Biodun Aikomo, said the law was not necessarily about explosives, as that is on the exclusive legislative list, saying that there were many other harmful substances.

“If you store gas in a way that is irresponsible and can make heat trigger an explosion, it becomes harmful and would have the same dangerous consequences that are negative to human existence.

 

“So, what this Order has done is to say that the government, not being super-human, cannot know what people have stored in their respective homes. And it is to say, any company or individual that has harmful substances stored in residential houses should notify the state government.

 

“And this obligation takes effect immediately and they are required to report within 72 hours to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security.

 

“After that, the Special Adviser will arrange for evacuation in a very safe and decent manner, working with other law enforcement agencies.

 

“Going forward, anybody who has harmful substances in Oyo State, it does not matter if you have a licence to hold it, you have a duty to notify the Special Adviser to the governor so that we are sure you are not endangering the lives of other people around you.

 

“And this will be on until the governor revokes the Executive Order,” Aikomo said.(NAN)

Edited for use

 

Bodija Explosion: Makinde Appreciates Obi, Berates Atiku’s non response

 

By Adewale Owoade

 

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, has commended the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last general election, Mr Peter Obi, for identifying with the state over the Jan. 16 explosion in the area.

 

Makinde gave the commendation while playing host to Obi who was in Ibadan to commiserate with him and the people of the state, over the incident that occurred in Bodija area.

 

Gov. Makinde also berated former vice president and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for not reaching out to him over the ugly incident.

 

 

“I will use this opportunity on behalf of the good people of Oyo State, to thank His Excellency, Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra and also the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election.

 

“I thank you because, politics didn’t sip into this, you came to commiserate with us over the explosion.

 

“Actually, investigation is still going on, it was simply a case of illegal miners storing explosives in an environment where they shouldn’t be, a place meant for people to live is not a mining site.

 

“So, all the lapses that allowed such to happen are being looked into. I’m particularly grateful because the president called me. We have three musketeers that went for that election.

 

” The president has reached out to me, you have reached out to me, but from my own party candidate, not even a call or text message.

 

” I mean I’m saying this openly so that our leaders would know that you have time for politics, you have time for governance, and you have time for humanity, so, we want to say thank you so much, we appreciate this visit,” Makinde stated.

 

Earlier in his brief remarks, Obi commended Gov. Makinde’s prompt response, saying that was what governance entails.

 

He also sent condolences to the bereaved families and all those people who lost their valuable properties during the explosion.

“We are here to pay our condolences to the governor and the good people of Oyo State, on the recent explosion, through him extend our condolences to the bereaved families and all those people who lost their valuable properties.

 

” In everything assure them of our prayers that God will grant all those who lost their lives eternal rest, also, to thank the governor for his prompt response, that is what governance should be when there is a problem.

 

” The system might not bring back the lost lives or replace properties that were lost, but that response is assurances and confidence to people that there is a government and system that cares for them.

 

“So, we thank him for that and for also ensuring that a proper investigation starts in earnest and also setting up a kind of support facility that people can be able to support those who are going through problems,” Obi said. (NAN)

We are not discouraged with results in Education Sector, Makinde says

 

By Adewale Owoade

 

 

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says his administration will not be discouraged with the seemingly slow results the state is getting in Education Sector.

 

 

Governor Makinde made this known while receiving a Sweden delegation led by the Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon and ECOWAS, Her Excellency Ms Annika Hahn-Englund, at his Ikolaba residence in Ibadan.

 

 

He expressed the readiness of the state to provide necessary support in the areas of education infrastructure and the recruitment of more teachers in order to improve the quality of education.

 

 

“As an administration, when we came in in 2019, we put together a roadmap for accelerated development of Oyo State. We focused on four major pillars – Health, Education, Security and also expansion of our economy through agribusiness and development of our infrastructure.

 

 

 

“That was why in my first budget we ensured that we met the UNESCO recommended standard, and since then we’ve tried to improve on that.

 

 

 

“If the result has not been commensurate with the investment, but we are not discouraged, because we know that if we have to treat something that has been on for so many years, we don’t expect that we will get a quick turnaround.

 

 

 

“But surely we know the gap that we have in terms of infrastructure

 

 

“I look forward to us having some breakthrough with the discussion we had,” Makinde said.

 

 

Speaking to Journalists, Hahn-Englund said the Swedish Government is interested in partnering with and complementing the efforts of Gov. Makinde in developing the state.

 

She added that Sweden is also ready to learn from Oyo State on ways to better improve the economy.

 

 

“The purpose of the visit is looking to possibilities to collaborate with Oyo state. So, with me I have a delegation of Swedish businesses, business in the urban transport sector, renewable energy, agriculture and education.

 

 

“These are all areas that we think we can do more together. It was a very good meeting with the governor, am very happy and honored that he made it possible to meet with us,” she said.

 

Similarly, the Regional Director, West Africa & Transport Industry Lead- Africa, Ms. Anthonia Adenaya Huard, said Nigeria was becoming a major interest of Swedish companies, indicating their

interest in working more with Oyo State in several sectors.

 

“Nigeria is becoming one of the major interests of Swedish companies in Africa and a major hub for West Africa. We see more and more interest, and for us, it’s not just looking at Nigeria, we are looking at proactive states.

 

 

 

“We are quite interested in working more with Oyo State in several sectors that the State is focusing on, like; sustainable urban transport, renewable energy, agriculture, education, and we have several companies today represented in this areas.

 

 

 

“We are also interested in other areas that we see we can share experiences from Sweden and learn from Oyo state as well on how we can better improve our relationship, trade wise, but also socially and environmentally,” She said.

 

 

The Executive Adviser to Gov Makinde on Agribusiness, International Cooperation and Development, Dr Debo Akande, reiterated the effort of Gov Makinde in growing the economy of the state.

 

 

 

“Responsibility of a government is to create enabling environment, develop infrastructure, and bring in right programmes and then allow private sector to drive it.

 

 

 

“This government under Gov Makinde is actually doing all those three.

 

 

 

“This is a big thing for us in the state the more of this, the better it is for the economy of the state and for the growth of the state as well, both at short and long term.

 

 

 

“In my new role as the International Development and corporation adviser for Gov Makinde is why we are bringing all these people,” Akande stated. (NAN)

OWO