…..Increases Revenue Generation from N600Million to N2.3Billion
The Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS) has provided cash support for 30 businesses recently affected by rainstorm in Ado Ekiti.
Speaking during the official presentation of cheques to the affected business owners, Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Olaniran Olatona described the development as a demonstration of the unwavering commitment of the Ekiti State Government to stand with its people, especially in times of adversity.
According to him, the innovative relief assistance transcended a simple financial gesture, stressing that it expressed the very essence of compassionate governance and showed that Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration understands that its role is not just about collecting revenue, but about safeguarding the sources of that revenue which are the valued taxpayers and business partners.
Mr. Olatona noted that although, the support may not cover the full extent of the losses, it would significantly help alleviate the immediate burden, meet basic needs during the emergency and aid recovery.
Explaining that the gesture of the State Internal revenue Service was neither in isolation nor competition with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Olatona said that the move was to complement other Emergency Management activities and sustain mutual trust and partnership with the people.
“At EKIRS, our mandate is clear: to mobilize resources efficiently and fairly and provide fund for the development aspirations of Ekiti State. However, this mandate is built on a foundation of mutual trust and partnership. We recognize that sustainable revenue generation flourishes in an environment where taxpayers feel supported, valued, and secure”, he stressed.
He emphasized the State Government’s commitment to prioritizing the well-being of residents and other stakeholders in the State, adding that the support should be seen as Government’s investment in the ability of the affected businesses to rebuild, reopen, and continue contributing to our great state out of empathy and recognition of their pain and loss as well as a reaffirmation of partnership between government and plus an assurance that the State would continue to prioritize the well-being of its economic drivers business.
The IRS boss recalled that “a few weeks ago, our beloved Ado-Ekiti was struck by devastating storms. The fierce winds did not discriminate—they tore through roofs, shattered windows, and left a trail of damage impacting many, including our dedicated business owners. We witnessed firsthand the disruption to livelihoods and the deep anxiety caused by forces beyond our control. To those business owners who suffered losses: we see you, we hear you, and we deeply empathize with the challenges you have faced. Your resilience in the face of this hardship is truly commendable”.
”Ladies and gentlemen, the core purpose of any responsible government is the welfare and protection of its citizens. This duty extends unequivocally to the entrepreneurs and business owners who form the backbone of our state’s economy. You are not merely taxpayers; you are the engine of job creation, the providers of essential goods and services, and the vital contributors to Ekiti’s prosperity. When you suffer, our state suffers. When you thrive, Ekiti thrives”.
Urging beneficiaries to judiciously utilize the support to rebuild, Olatona reiterated the commitment of the EKIRS to fostering a tax environment that is supportive, understanding, and conducive to business growth, adding that the new tax administration has successfully increased the Internally Generated Revenue in the State from between N600 and N650million to N2.3billion.
“We urge you to continue fulfilling your civic obligations your taxes are the lifeblood that enables the government to build roads, provide healthcare, educate our children, and indeed, to offer support in times like these”, he advised.
In his remarks, the General Manager of the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Oludare Asaolu described that the EKIRS’ gesture as first of its kind in the entire country.
Mr. Asaolu however noted that the development would have been impossible without the commitment and compassion of Governor Oyebanji for the people, adding that it was done in collaboration with his agency that helped collate and authenticate the list of beneficiaries.
Asaolu disclosed that though the support from State Government is continuous, people in the State needed to cultivate the habit of erecting windbreakers around their properties, stressing the importance of planting trees to protect their abodes from windstorms.
Two of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Mercy Oni and Mr. Chukwu Ebuka expressed gratitude to the State Government and the EKIRS for the kind gesture and promised to use the funds sensibly.
The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Tolulope Ige; Commissioner for Budget, Mr. Femi Ajayi and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. (Dr.) Emmanuel Aribasoye amongst others.
Last modified: June 11, 2025
