The Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS) has commenced the construction of a tax station in Okemesi-Ekiti as part of efforts to expand access to tax services and improve taxpayer convenience at the grassroots.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony held beside the palace of the Owa-Ooye of Okemesi-Ekiti, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akin Oyebode, urged residents to remain faithful to their tax obligations.
Oyebode said many of the achievements recorded by the administration of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji were made possible through the prudent utilisation of tax revenues, adding that the government remained committed to accountability and transparency in tax administration.
He commended the Executive Chairman of EKIRS, Mr Olaniran Olatona, for his contributions to the state’s revenue growth and appreciated the people of Okemesi-Ekiti for producing the revenue chief.
The commissioner assured residents that government would continue to deliver impactful projects across the state and called for sustained support for the administration.
In his remarks, Olatona dismissed rumours that taxes would be increased after the forthcoming governorship election, describing such claims as unfounded.
According to him, the state’s revenue growth has been driven by improved compliance, efficiency and reforms rather than arbitrary tax increases.
He said only those who deliberately evade their tax obligations should be concerned, adding that law-abiding taxpayers had nothing to fear.
Olatona explained that the proposed 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 experiencing increasing commercial activities, required stronger tax infrastructure to support its growth.
The EKIRS chairman added that a conducive working environment would enhance staff productivity and improve service delivery.
Also speaking, 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 Gov. Oyebanji towards the community.
Fapohunda urged residents to remain committed to fulfilling their tax obligations to enable government to undertake more developmental projects.
Earlier, the Owa-Ooye of Okemesi-Ekiti, 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 and commended Olatona for his leadership of EKIRS.
He also encouraged the revenue chief to remain focused on his responsibilities despite criticisms.
The Chairman of the Okemesi/Ido-Ile Local Council Development Authority, Mr Sunday Ajibade, assured EKIRS of the support of indigenes at home and in the diaspora throughout the construction phase of the project.
Similarly, the member representing Ekiti West Constituency II in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr Bode Adeoye, thanked the state government for locating the tax station in Okemesi-Ekiti, describing the project as a significant development for the community.
The event was attended by community leaders, government officials, representatives of various interest groups, stakeholders and staff of EKIRS.