Growth in Revenue and Fiscal Responsibility
The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service, Shade Omoniyi, has revealed that the state achieved a remarkable 36 percent increase in internally generated revenue from 2023 to 2024. This significant growth positioned Kwara as the third highest-performing state in terms of subnational fiscal performance, according to the BudgIT 2025 State of States Report.
Omoniyi shared this information during the grand finale of the 2025 KW-IRS Tax Club Quiz Competition held at the Ilorin Innovation Hub. She emphasized that this achievement is a testament to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s visionary leadership and effective management of the state’s finances. The governor’s approach has not only boosted revenue but also ensured sustainable economic development.
In addition to the impressive revenue growth, Kwara was ranked fifth among states with the least reliance on federally distributed revenue. Omoniyi highlighted this as a reflection of the state’s fiscal discipline and its commitment to responsible public finance practices. She noted that this ranking underscores the importance of self-sufficiency and prudent financial planning.
Omoniyi also announced the formation of a stakeholders’ committee aimed at reviewing and harmonizing all taxes, levies, rates, and charges within the state. This committee will ensure that Kwara’s tax laws align with the newly enacted national tax framework and the proposed Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Bill 2025. The initiative is part of broader efforts to create a fair, transparent, and efficient tax system that supports economic growth and enhances public trust in government.
Promoting Financial Literacy and Civic Responsibility
Omoniyi expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development for their collaboration in promoting tax education and civic responsibility among students. She described this partnership as essential in cultivating a generation that is aware of its responsibilities and contributions to governance.
Head Corporate Affairs and Convener of the Tax Club Committee, Mrs Funmilola Oguntunbi, stated that the quiz competition is a key component of the agency’s mission to enhance financial literacy and awareness about taxation among young people. She added that the event is one of the agency’s proudest initiatives for fostering civic awareness among youths.
“The competition is not just about winning but about understanding how taxes fund national development. Through this, we are raising informed citizens who can meaningfully contribute to governance,” she said.
This year’s edition of the competition introduced computer-based testing, which significantly improved participation across schools. The use of technology allowed more students to engage with the content and understand the importance of tax compliance.
Recognition and Celebration of Excellence
Representing the Commissioner for Education, Mr Adeshina Salami from the ministry commended the initiative and encouraged students to embrace the culture of tax compliance and responsible citizenship. He emphasized the importance of such programs in shaping future leaders and informed citizens.
Traditional rulers and education stakeholders were present at the event, which saw the participation of 99 schools from across the state. After rigorous preliminary and semi-final stages, six schools advanced to the grand finale.
The competition was organized under the agency’s 5-Es Community Impact Programmes—Enterprise, Energy, Education, Empowerment, and Environment. These programs aim to create a positive impact on the community through various developmental initiatives.
Shepherd School, Lafiagi, emerged as the overall winner with 20 points, followed by Government Secondary School, Lafiagi, and St. Anthony’s Secondary School, Ilorin, which secured second and third places respectively.
The winners received prizes of ?2.5 million, ?1.5 million, and ?1 million for first, second, and third positions, respectively, along with consolation prizes for other participants.