The Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) has intensified efforts to promote tax awareness among young people, explaining that early exposure to taxation helps nurture responsible citizens who understand the link between tax compliance, public accountability, and economic development.
Shade Omoniyi, the Executive Chairman of KWIRS, disclosed this during the agency's annual Tax Club Quiz Competition, an event that drew participation from 90 secondary schools across the state.
She noted that the program aims to educate students on taxation as a fundamental civic obligation and its crucial role in financing public infrastructure, essential social services, and sustainable growth.
According to her, introducing tax concepts early helps cultivate a generation that comprehends both the duties of citizens and the obligations of public administrators in managing state revenue.
Omoniyi also highlighted that the contest offers students a platform to boost their self-assurance, sharpen their critical-thinking skills, and engage in healthy academic rivalry.
Representing the Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olorungbebe, lauded KWIRS and educational stakeholders for keeping the program running.
Why is early tax education important?
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq stressed that modern education must extend beyond traditional academic credentials to equip youths with an understanding of their civic duties and public institutions.
“By introducing students to the fundamentals of taxation at an early stage, KWIRS is helping to nurture a generation that appreciates the relationship between tax revenue, public expenditure, accountability and development. This is a commendable investment in the future of our state,” the governor stated.
He further congratulated all participating institutions, finalists, and organizers who ensured the smooth execution of the tournament.
The educational outreach aligns with broader nationwide strategies by tax administrators to broaden the tax net, encourage voluntary compliance, and reinforce public trust in state revenue frameworks.
Who attended the event?
The competition featured goodwill messages from several prominent figures, including the Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Shehu Ndanusa Usman; the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi; the Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Mohammed Kudu Kawu; and the Ilorin South Local Government Tax Club Coordinator, Romeo Oseni.
In his closing address, KWIRS Director of Income Tax, Mohammed Usman, praised the competing schools, traditional rulers, and special guests for their continuous support.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru; Commissioner for Communications, Bola Olukoju; traditional rulers; the Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Ilorin District Society, Taofiq Alabi; and the State Coordinator of the Society of Women in Taxation, Prof. Khadijat Yahaya.