By Abdullahi Alatare
The main hall of the Ilorin Innovation Hub erupted in jubilation, on Wednesday, after Government Secondary School (GSS), Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State was declared winner of this year’s tax club quiz competition of Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS).
Out of six secondary schools that sailed through the final stage of the competition, GSS Lafiagi emerged winner in the grand finale with 20 points.
The medium reports that with the latest victory, the school has won the competition three times consecutively.
At the grand finale on Wednesday, GSS Lafiagi was rewarded with N2.5million while students who procured the victory for the school were awarded cash prizes in appreciation of their brilliance and good showing in the encounter.
Teachers of the schools that performed exceptionally well in the competition were presented with cash for building the capacity of the students.
Saint Anthony Secondary School, Ilorin claimed the second position with 16 points; Ebenezer High School, Ilorin emerged third with 14 points while Ansarul-Deen College, Offa grabbed 12 points, Government Secondary School, Ilesha-Baruba (10 points) and Oro Grammar School, Oro (6 points) respectively.
Dignitaries at the event including Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (represented), traditional rulers and top government officials hailed the performance of the debaters for doing themselves, schools they represent, the community and the state proud.
Governor AbdulRazaq, at the event, stressed the importance of early tax education among young people, describing it as essential to building a generation that understands the relationship between taxation, public finance and sustainable development.
The Governor, who spoke through the state Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, noted that the initiative has evolved into an important platform for deepening students’ understanding of taxation and the role of citizens in governance.
According to him, the competition goes beyond the excitement of winning, as it provides an opportunity to equip young people with the knowledge and values required to contribute meaningfully to the development of Kwara State and Nigeria.
AbdulRazaq noted that early tax education has become particularly important at a time Nigeria is implementing significant tax reforms aimed at strengthening revenue administration, promoting fairness and improving compliance.
He explained that taxation should not be viewed merely as the payment of taxes but also as a collective responsibility through which citizens support the provision of public infrastructure, social services and other essential amenities needed for sustainable development.
The Governor commended KWIRS for its efforts in nurturing a generation that appreciates the connection between tax revenue, public expenditure, accountability and development.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a Kwara State where opportunities for learning, innovation and personal development are accessible to young people.
AbdulRazaq said education and human capital development remain critical pillars of sustainable growth, assuring that his administration would continue to support initiatives that equip students with the knowledge, skills and values needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.
The Governor also congratulated the participants in the competition, expressing delight that students from public schools emerged first and second.
He described the performance as encouraging and a testament to the potential of students in public schools when given the right opportunities and support.
In her remarks, the Executive Chairman of KWIRS, Shade Omoniyi, said the tax club quiz competition was designed to nurture a generation of tax-compliant citizens with the introduction of students to the fundamentals of taxation while still in school.
She noted that the event marks another important milestone in the state’s collective commitment to promoting tax education, civic responsibility and voluntary tax compliance among young people.
The KWIRS boss explained that the objective of the service was to help the participants understand that tax education serves a civic responsibility and an important contribution to the provision of public infrastructure and services, as well as the sustainable development of the state.
Omoniyi added that the competition also provides an opportunity for students to build confidence, sharpen their critical-thinking skills and learn the value of healthy competition.
She, however, applauded Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his support for the initiatives that empower young population in the state.
“I wish to express my sincere appreciation to His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Governor of Kwara State, for his unwavering commitment to the education sector and his continued support for initiatives that empower our young people with the knowledge, skills and values needed to contribute meaningfully to the development of our State.
“Your Excellency, we remain grateful for your developmental initiatives and landmark achievements across various sectors, as well as your support for Kwara Internal Revenue Service in strengthening revenue administration for the sustainable growth and development of Kwara State.
“To the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, our valued stakeholders, the management and staff of KWIRS, and all our partners, I sincerely appreciate your cooperation and collaboration in making this competition a success. Your support continues to demonstrate the importance of working together to build a tax-aware and responsible society,” she said.
The state Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, who also spoke at the event, said the competition was meant to introduce the state young learners to the principles of taxation, public finance, civic responsibility and the obligations of citizenship.
He added that the government expects authorities of schools to prepare learners to understand how society functions and the responsibilities they will assume as future leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs and citizens beyond academic knowledge.
