By Victor Omoalu

BENIN CITY- The need to equip the youths ahead of  future leadership  endeavour played out recently as the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Edo State council in collaboration with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service held a two-day sensitization/ awareness campaign on tax payment.
The event which was preceded by a mass awareness rally round the Benin City metropolis has as its theme “Your Tax: A Panacea to Development”.
The representatives of the state Internal Revenue Service, Mrs S.A Abu and Peter Omoruwa, Directors, Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and Income Tax respectively, harped on the importance of taxation towards the development of any society.
S.A Abu (Mrs.) who spoke on the topic “Your Tax: A panacea To Development,” described taxation as a veritable source of revenue for government toward providing basic necessities of life to the people.
She said that for any payment to be regarded as tax, it must be compulsory, certain and made to government authority, adding that any levy made out of voluntary donation can not be regarded as tax.
Abu disclosed that the Federal Government took proactive steps towards the transformation of the revenue with a view to reinforcing the role of taxation as a tool for development.
The Director of PAYE further stated that the state internal revenue has recorded a phenomenal progress since the inception of the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole led administration compared to what it used to be.
She noted that with the enactment and signing into law, the state Revenue Administration law 2012, new sources of revenue approach have been reinforced with the purpose of ensuring a sustained development.
Deputy Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Edo State council, Comrade Michael Omomila stated that the event became imperative because of the need to abreast the people with the importance of paying tax.
Noting that taxation plays a pivotal role towards nation’s building, Comrade Omomila said there was need to conscientise the people especially the youths whom he said are future leaders on the need to embrace the issue of taxation in the state.
He acknowledged the Edo State IRS for championing the cause of taxation in the state which he said has culminated into an even development scattered across the state.
“We want to form a synergy that would help create the enabling environment where development can strive”, stated Omomila.