Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has mentioned that fee of taxes by residents of the state stays a significant collective dedication in the direction of the infrastructural and sustainable improvement of the state.
Towards this finish, the governor referred to as for tax training amongst residents and colleges in a bid to strengthen income era,
promote equity and enhance compliance.
AbdulRazaq acknowledged this in Ilorin on Thursday through the 2026 grand finale of the state Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) tax membership quiz competitors.
The governor, who was represented on the occasion by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, mentioned that introduction of scholars to the basics of taxation at an early stage by the KWIRS is a commendable funding in the state.
He additionally mentioned that the transfer would assist to nurture a era that appreciates the connection between tax income, public expenditure, accountability, and improvement.
The governor mentioned that his administration remained dedicated to constructing a Kwara State the place alternatives for studying, innovation, and private improvement are accessible to younger folks.
“We recognise that education and human capital development are critical pillars of sustainable growth, and we will continue to support initiatives that equip our students with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to succeed in an increasingly competitive world,” he mentioned.
Meanwhile, Government Secondary School, Lafiagi, has once more emerged the general winner for the KWIRS annual tax quiz competitors with N2.5 million grand prize.
This is the second time the college will likely be rising as the general winner because it did in the 2025 tax quiz competitors.
Saint Anthony Secondary School, Ilorin got here second with a N1.5 million prize, whereas Ebenezer High School, Ilorin got here third with N1 million prize.
For the coed members prize, the general winner acquired 500,000, second place acquired 375,000, whereas third place obtained 200,000 as their academics acquired 150,000, 100,000 and 50,000 respectively.
Also talking, the Chairman, Kwara State Internal Revenue Service, Shade Omoniyi, advised the members that the data gained via the competitors is efficacious, and the expertise ought to encourage them to goal greater.
She mentioned: “And to all the students here, I encourage you to remain committed to your studies, continue to develop your talents, and believe that with hard work and perseverance, the possibilities before you are limitless.”
She mentioned competitors is among the initiatives of KWIRS beneath the 5Es Community Impact Programmes (CIPs) beneath Education because the programme is designed to nurture a era of tax-compliant residents by introducing college students to the basics of taxation whereas they’re nonetheless in faculty.
Omoniyi famous that their goal is to assist them perceive that tax training is a civic accountability and an necessary contribution to the supply of public infrastructure and providers, in addition to the sustainable improvement of the state.
She famous that the competitors additionally supplies a chance for college kids to construct confidence, sharpen their critical-thinking expertise and study the worth of wholesome competitors hoping that the teachings gained will stick with them as they progress via their training and into maturity.
One of the royal fathers current on the occasion, the Olofa of Offa, Oba Muftau Gbadamosi Esuwoye, in his speech, mentioned the extent of academic development of the folks of the state have saved it from sliding into the listing of states with excessive poverty index.
He mentioned the latest rating of 20 states in Nigeria with excessive poverty index which exonerated Kwara State, was the results of the the extent of academic development of the folks of the state and its authorities investments in the sector.
The monarch, who mentioned he was excited by the latest rating of the state as a low poverty standing one, urged stakeholders in the state to assist academic improvement of the youthful era to additional assure the way forward for the state.
