WINNERS EMERGE IN 2024 KWARA STATE TAX CLUB QUIZ COMPETITION

The 2024 Tax Club Quiz Competition organized by the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS) in partnership with the Kwara State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development for Secondary Schools in the State, came to a successful conclusion on Thursday, 7th November, 2024, with Government Day Secondary School, Gaa-Akanbi, clinching the top prize of N2,500,000 (Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira).

The annual event which took place at the Kwara State Banquet Hall in Ilorin, had six schools contesting for the various categories of prizes at the final round of the competition after an intense Semi-Final stage held virtually in October, 2024. These schools were: Anglican Boys Academy, Oro; Government Day Secondary School, Gaa-Akanbi; Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Model College, Ilorin; Government Secondary School, Lafiagi; Shepherd Secondary School, Lafiagi; and Kwara State College of Education Model College, Oro.

At the end of the two rounds, Government Day Secondary School, Gaa-Akanbi emerged overall winner of the 2024 Tax Club Quiz Competition, receiving the sum of N2,500,000 (Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) for the school project; N150,000 for the teacher and N400,000 for the students. The school demonstrated exceptional knowledge and skill, outshining five other schools in the final stage of the competition.

In second place, Government Secondary School, Lafiagi, earned N1,500, 000 (One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) for their school project, N100,000 for the teacher and N300,000 for the students. Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Model College, Ilorin, which was first runner-up in the 2023 edition of the competition, finished in third place this year, securing N1,000,000 (One Million Naira) for school projects, N50,000 for the teacher and N200,000 for the students. All students’ prizes will be channeled towards their scholarship upon gaining admission into tertiary institutions.

In his address at the grand finale, the Kwara State Governor, His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, praised the participants for their dedication and applauded KW-IRS and the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development for their efforts in promoting tax education, awareness, and compliance. He emphasized the importance of the program in fostering the socio-economic growth of the State and building a generation that understands and values taxation. The Governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the education sector, empowering the youth, and creating opportunities for the younger generation to excel in various fields.

KW-IRS Executive Chairman, Shade Omoniyi, stated that the competition’s aim is to nurture tax-compliant citizens and raise awareness on the importance of taxation among the youth. She highlighted the technological dimension introduced to this year’s competition whereby the preliminary and semi-final stages were conducted virtually, as part of the broader vision of integrating technology into the educational landscape and preparing students for a future where digital literacy will be indispensable, in line with global best practices. She expressed gratitude to the Kwara State Government for its continuous support and congratulated all schools that participated in the competition.

Honourable Commissioner for Education, Hajiya Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, praised the Tax Club Quiz Competition for its significant impact on students across the State, describing it as a vital educational initiative that instills civic responsibility and promotes understanding of taxation. She assured of continued support from the Ministry to KW-IRS.

Goodwill messages were delivered by distinguished guests, including the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Dr Hauwa Nuru, represented by the Director of Finance, Mr. Anthony Abu Gana, who congratulated KW-IRS for the successful organization of the program. The Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Kwara State House of Assembly, Honourable Fatimah Arinola Lawal affirmed that taxation plays a vital role in nation building, and applauded KW-IRS and the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development for providing the platform for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skill in taxation. The Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Amb. Ndanusa Usman, also commended the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq led administration for its efforts to promote economic development through youth-focused initiatives and advance education and civic engagement.

Traditional rulers, including the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, CFR, represented by Balogun Alanamu, Alhaji Abubakar Jos; HRH Oba (Barr.) Ismail Bolaji Yahaya, Olupo of Ajase-Ipo and HRH Oba Yakubu Buari, Olomu of Omupo, were also present at the ceremony.

The convener, KW-IRS Tax Club Advocacy Committee and Ag. Head, Corporate Affairs Department, Funmilola Oguntunbi, reflected on the competition’s journey so far, noting how it has not only enhanced tax knowledge but also rewarded academic excellence among young ones in the State. She highlighted the successful school projects funded with prizes won in past editions of the competition, and assured the current winners that their cash prizes and project funds would be delivered in full, in accordance with the promises made.

The event was attended by a wide array of government officials, stakeholders, industry leaders, and media representatives, all of whom celebrated the remarkable achievements of the students and the success of the 2024 Tax Club Quiz Competition.

Signed
Corporate Affairs, KW-IRS
08/11/2024