By Our Correspondent, 10th May, 2024
The Management of the Akure South Local Government Area Council of Ondo State has rewarded hard working and diligent Tax Consultants and Collectors of the Local Government.
The first of its kind appreciation programme in the local government was put together by the Council under the leadership of Mrs Dupe Omoloja, the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA).
The gifts presentation to deserving Revenue Consultants and Collectors was held on Friday, 10th of May at the Council’s Secretariat, Akure where three outstanding persons among the Tax Collectors went home with Cheques and gift items.
Speaking, Mrs Omoloja said the need to reward diligent, honest and hardwork among the Council’s Tax Consultants/ Collectors led to the award programme organized by the Management of the Local Government.
She said Tax plays an integral role in the government’s quest to boost revenue that will help bridge infrastructure deficit and build social safety nets that will cater for the people of the local government.
The HOLGA added that, the three lucky awardees were carefully selected by the Committee set up for the assignment, saying they have made the council proud in their respective line of duties.
” They have been found worthy to receive this award of integrity. The people that are being awarded today are not selected nor recommended by me rather by the Committee set up for the assignment and the process that produced them is a very transparent process”.
Mrs Omoloja said that cheques and gift items were given to the Tax Collectors to further encourage them and other Staff of the local government to be diligent in their respective duty posts saying there’s always a reward for hardwork and honesty.
” In the past, revenue collectors were believed to be fraudulent, irresponsible touts who only delighted in living their pockets with the proceeds gained from tax collected from the people, rather than paying the money into the local government account. It is worthy to note that today’s awardees have been themselves and they have made us proud”.
She enjoined all Staff of the local government to be up and doing in stepping up the Internally Generated Revenue of the local government as a way of complementing the meagre allocations accrue to the Council from the Federation Account.
“I using this medium to implore our tax collectors and consultants to be honest, faithful and make integrity your watchword while discharging your duties and you can be rest assured of continuous rewards from the leadership of the Council”.
She frowned at the tax collectors not remitting fund into the purse of the local government saying it is not going to be business as usual, noting that the era of cutting corners and shortchanging the government has gone.
Mrs Omoloja thanked the State Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa for prompt release of funds due to the local government, while also commending his giant strides since he took the mantle of leadership of the state.
The Guest Speaker, Mr Adaramola, an expert and propagator of the IPSAS system in Ondo State charged the Consultants with the government recepit to remit same to the council as and when due while asking the management of the council to issue receipt with due date to prevent fraud and under hands dealings.
The Retired Auditor General of Local Government further urged tax collectors in the service of the council to be honest while discharging their revenue generating duties, saying non-remittance of revenue to government coffer will hinder developmental projects in the council.
In the same vein, the Director of Finance and Supplies, Mr Michael Folorunsho Amusitan commended the leadership of Mrs Dupe Omoloja for various initiatives at the local government, adding that history won’t forget her laudable achievements.
While congratulating the awardees, he urged them not to relent, asking other tax collectors of the local government to emulate the good work of the three beneficiaries that were honored by the local government management.
Chief Olu -Aina Segun, the Director of General Service and Administration (DGSA) beamoned the failure to implement the agreement reached with the government by the Consultants, saying the local government won’t hesitate to use stick approach on erring tax collectors and consultants with intent to shortchange the local government.
The DGSA urged the tax collectors to imbibe spirit of integrity and shun any form of sharp practices, saying the eagle eyes of the government is watching their daily activities.
The NULGE Chairman of the Local Government, Comrade Oluwatuyi Olasoji commended the outstanding achievements of Mrs Omoloja at the council, saying she has written her name in gold as one of the best brain to have served as the Head of Local Government Administration in Akure South Local Government.
” We are happy to have a focused and Visionary woman as our HOLGA in Akure South. She brought new life to the Council. Within the shortest period in office, her achievements speak volumes. Are we to talk of provision of Waste bins and Waste Baskets, repairing of moribund boreholes, Solar Energy, renovation of roof removed by winds, repair of Aluminum Windows, Construction of Marriage Registry Photo Shoot Stand, clearing of bushes, indoor training for Alaga Iduro and Alaga Ijoka, Seminar for Food Vendors among others stand her out”.
In separate interviews with the PATH, the Awardees commended the Management of the local government for rewarding tax collectors, promising to further put more efforts to increase the IGR of the local government.
The three awardees were Mr Owo Segun, Mrs Ogundari Foluke and Mr Alimi Yusuf.
