BY LAW IBITOYE
Over thirty Victims of rainstorm in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday got financial support from the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS).
Presenting cheques worth millions of naira to spirited tax payers whose properties and shops were affected during the recent downpour got 200 to 400 percent of their yearly tax payment. The chairman of EKIRS, Mr Olaniran Olatona said showing empathy with tax payers during the trying period became imperative, saying, their responsibility was not only to collect revenue from residents but to ensure that business owners are safe and secure in doing their businesses in serene environments.
The chairman said ” the core purpose of any responsible government is the welfare and protection of its citizens. This duty extends unequivocally to the entrepreneurs and business owners who form the backbone of our state’s economy. You are not merely taxpayers; you are the engine of job creation, the providers of essential goods and services, and the vital contributors to Ekiti’s prosperity. When you suffer, our state suffers. When you thrive, Ekiti thrives.
Therefore, the initiative we gather to witness today transcends a simple financial gesture. This relief effort embodies the very essence of compassionate governance. It is a tangible demonstration that your government, led by His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (the executive Governor of Ekiti State, understands that its role is not just about collecting revenue, but about safeguarding the sources of that revenue—you, our valued taxpayers and business partners.”
He added that the mandate of the agency is based on trust and partnership that drive development, pointing out that sustainable revenue generation flourishes in an environment where taxpayers feel supported, valued, and secured.
Reacting, the Ekiti state governor applauded the kind gesture of the agency, saying it’s unprecedented and promised Government continued support.
The Secretary to Ekiti state Government, Prof. ABIBAT Adubiaro who represented the state governor at the programme, urged the beneficiaries to use the money judiciously while calling them to always cooperate with the agency by paying their tax as at when due.
Prof ABIBAT assured business owners and tax payers in the state that government would continue to use the revenue garnered to develop the state.
Giving their Goodwill messages, the commissioner for Budget and Economic planning, Hon Femi AJAYI, speaker of Ekiti state house of Assembly, represented by the leader of the House, Hon Tolu and General Manager, State Emergency Agency, Mr Oludare Asaolu, CAN chairman , Rev Emmanuel Aribasoye among others applauded governor Oyebanji for approving the initiatives to giving back taxpayers who were distressed.
The stakeholders enjoined residents to plant trees around their houses and shops to serve as wind breakers to avert such ugly occurrence.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Ogunsakin Ademola, Mrs Omoyeni Adebimpe and Chukwu Ugoke thanked the agency and Ekiti state government for the relief fund. They said the money given them will lessen their problems, while assuring the agency of the unalloyed support always.