Leverage On Goodwill of Traditional Institutions To Educate Taxpayers, Ooni of Ife Advices Tax Agencies

The Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi II has called on tax authorities in the country to utilize the enormous respect and goodwill enjoyed by traditional institutions in the country to enlighten and educate taxpayers on the need to perform their civic responsibility of paying taxes.

The Ooni made the call when he received on courtesy visit to his palace, the delegation of the Joint Tax Board led by its Chairman Mr. Babatunde Fowler who is also the Executive Chairman Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), as part of the activities of the Board for its 140^th Meeting in Osogbo, Osun State.

Oba Adeyeye Enitan stated that because of their proximity to the populace and being the custodians of people’s culture and traditions, traditional institutions always secure the listening ears of their subjects and, as such, tax authorities should leverage on this important opportunity to pass messages to the taxpayers.

He noted that the importance of taxpayer enlightenment and Education cannot be over-emphasized; pointing out that voluntary compliance will only be possible when a taxpayer is fully aware of and understands his obligations.

His Imperial Majesty observed that a lot of taxpayers don’t comply with obligations because of inadequate knowledge and education; hence it is incumbent on the tax authorities to reach out to the taxpayers and educate them on how to perform their civic responsibility diligently.

Oba Adeyeye Enitan noted that Nigeria, more than ever before, needs a more viable and sustainable means to survive the prevailing economic downtown and taxation is such means.

He pointed out that traditional institutions have always been the vanguard and custodians of taxation and will always associate themselves with it, therefore modern tax authorities should work closely with them for guidance and advice.

The Ooni reiterated the willingness, of traditional institutions to work and contribute their quota to any endeavor aimed at empowering the people and the economic development of the country.

He called on governments at all levels to properly and judiciously utilize tax proceeds in the execution of projects that have direct bearing on the lives of the citizenry, as a means of encouraging taxpayers to pay their taxes willingly and voluntarily.

While urging the Chairman of JTB to use his wealth of experience in tax administration in improving the tax system, Oba Enitan encouraged Chairmen of the various State tax authorities to consider their assignment as a sacrifice for nation building.

Earlier, Mr. Tunde Fowler told the Ooni that they are in the ancient palace of Ife to pay homage to the royal father as well as tap from the vast experience and knowledge of the Ooni in tax administration with a view to improving on their responsibilities and the nation’s tax system.

He noted that traditional institutions have always played a key role in not just taxation but nation building as well, hence the need to leverage on their enormous goodwill for the country to prosper.

Mr. Fowler, who described traditional institutions as catalyst for national development, stated that tax authorities will always refer to them for guidance, advice and counseling.

The Chairman told the Oba about the numerous developmental projects executed by the Aregbesola’s administration in the State which is clear testimony of taxpayers’ money in action.

He thanked the Oba for the words of advice and encouragement and promised that members of the Joint Tax Board will continue to work tirelessly in ensuring that adequate funds are generated for government to utilize in the execution of more projects that would impact positively on the citizenry.

Highlights of the visit include display of the rich culture and tradition of the people of Ife and the hosting of a grand dinner in honour of the members of the Joint Tax Board by the Ooni.