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By Abubakar Umar
Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS) has commended the state government’s sustained investment in education, saying it continues to yield impressive results and position Kwara on an enviable pedestal both locally and internationally.
The Executive Chairman of KW-IRS, Mrs. Shade Omoniyi, made the remark at the Grand Finale of the 2025 KW-IRS Tax Club Quiz Competition for secondary school students held in Ilorin.
Omoniyi lauded Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his unwavering commitment and consistent investment in the education sector, which she said has produced disciplined, tax-conscious, and multi-talented youths capable of competing globally.
“Your Excellency, we are deeply grateful for your developmental initiatives and landmark achievements that have positively transformed every sector of the state since the commencement of your administration,” she said.
According to her, the governor’s vision and strategic leadership have translated into remarkable achievements across various sectors, particularly in fiscal management and education.
Citing the BudgIT 2025 State of States Report, Omoniyi revealed that Kwara State ranked third in subnational fiscal performance in 2024—an impressive leap from 10th position in 2021 and 4th in 2023.
She added that the report noted a 36 percent year-on-year growth in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) between 2023 and 2024, reflecting the state’s economic resilience and efficient revenue administration.
“Furthermore, Kwara was ranked fifth among states with the least dependence on federally distributed revenue — a reflection of our state’s fiscal discipline, innovation, and sustainable approach to public finance,” she noted.
The KW-IRS boss also commended Governor AbdulRazaq for approving the constitution of a Stakeholders’ Committee to review and harmonise all taxes, levies, rates, and charges in the state. She said the initiative would ensure alignment with the newly enacted national tax laws and the proposed Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Bill 2025.
“This action reaffirms His Excellency’s commitment to a fair, transparent, and efficient tax system that not only drives economic growth but also enhances public trust and compliance,” she added.
Speaking on the essence of the event, Omoniyi explained that the KW-IRS Tax Club Quiz Competition is part of the Service’s 5-Es Community Impact Programme — Enterprise, Energy, Education, Empowerment, and Environment — designed to promote tax education and civic responsibility among students.
In her presentation titled “The Journey So Far,” the Head of Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Funmilola Oguntunbi, described the quiz as one of the Service’s most cherished platforms for nurturing future taxpayers and responsible citizens.
“The consistency of this initiative over the years reflects our unwavering commitment to building a tax-conscious and responsible society, starting with our students who are the leaders of tomorrow,” she said.
Mrs Oguntunbi noted that the competition goes beyond winning, as it aims to educate young minds on the importance of taxation, its role in development, and every citizen’s responsibility in sustaining good governance.
She emphasized that early exposure to tax education would help build a generation that values accountability, voluntary compliance, and collective prosperity.
Editing: Abdullahi Ahmed
