Ekiti first class Oba, Elekole supports revenue drive
By John Omodara
The Elekole of Ikole Ekiti, Oba Adewunmi Fasiku has expressed full support for efforts of the Ekiti State Government to boost the State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Reports made available to Irohonoodua stated that the revered King made the comments while receiving the Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS), Mr. Olumuyiwa Ogunmilade who was on an advocacy visit to the palace, Oba Fasiku described the efforts of the Fayemi led administration to develop the State, as laudable, stressing that the level of transparency exhibited by the administration in the process of executing its programmes is commendable.
Oba Fasiku noted that it would however be difficult for any government to achieve much without adequate funding, adding that the prevailing economic meltdown and the dwindling monthly allocation from the Federation Account must have constituted a major hindrance to government’s ability to achieving its target.
According to him, the only option available is for people in the State to pay their taxes and fulfil their civil responsibilities.
He said “money makes things work and Government cannot do anything for the people without money. The needs of the people cannot be met without money. Our taxes will go a long way to help the Government help us”.
“Due to paucity of funds, Government will not be able to meet the needs of the people. The people must play their part to move the State forward. We don’t have sea or sea ports, so the only way is the payment of taxes as and when due”.
Oba Fasiku however appealed to the State Government to urgently look into the issues of bad roads and provision of potable water to Ikole and its environs.
Speaking, the Chairman of EKIRS, Mr. Olumuyiwa Ogunmilade explained that the visit was to solicit the support of the highly revered traditional ruler for efforts of Government to boost IGR in the State.
Ogunmilade stressed the need for traditional rulers and community leaders to assist in sensitizing people in the State to pay their taxes, adding that every stakeholder must contribute their quotas to the development of the State.
