From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Students from across Kwara State, showcased intelligence and civic awareness as the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS), held the grand finale of its 2025 Annual Tax Club Quiz Competition at the Ilorin Innovation Hub.
Executive Chairman of KW-IRS, Mrs. Shade Omoniyi, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his sustained investment in education and fiscal responsibility, describing his leadership as a model for other states.
“Governor AbdulRazaq’s visionary leadership and fiscal prudence have positioned Kwara among the best-performing states in Nigeria,” she said.
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“In BudgIT’s 2025 State of States Report, Kwara ranked third in subnational fiscal performance, moving up from tenth in 2021. Between 2023 and 2024, our Internally Generated Revenue grew by 36 percent — a reflection of strategic governance.”
She explained that harmonizing taxes and reducing reliance on federal allocations were part of the administration’s long-term vision for transparency and accountability. Omoniyi also applauded the collaboration of the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, the Ministry of Youth Development, and the Kwara State House of Assembly in promoting tax education and civic awareness among young people.
“This administration is committed to building a fair and efficient tax system that fosters economic growth and strengthens public trust,” she added.
Omoniyi congratulated the six finalist schools out of ninety-nine that participated across the state, reminding them that their participation itself reflected success.
“Whether your school made it to the finals or not, you have all won by choosing to learn and grow,” she told the students.
She explained that the annual competition is part of KW-IRS’s 5-Es Community Impact Programme — Enterprise, Energy, Education, Empowerment, and Environment — designed to nurture responsible citizens through early exposure to taxation principles.
Acting Director of KW-IRS, Mrs. Funmilola Oguntunbi, said the competition reflects the agency’s commitment to shaping civic-minded youths.
“The competition is not just about winning but about learning the value of civic duty. By helping young people understand how taxes drive national development, we are building informed citizens who will contribute meaningfully to governance,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to teachers, coordinators, and the Executive Chairman for their support and revealed that this year’s edition featured computer-based testing, which improved participation and efficiency.
Shepherd School, Lafiagi, emerged the overall winner with -20 points, followed by Government Secondary School, Lafiagi, with -16 points, while St. Anthony’s Secondary School, Ilorin, took third place with -10 points. The top three schools will receive cash prizes of N2.5 million, N1.5 million, and N1 million respectively, while other participating schools will receive consolation prizes.
In his goodwill message, the Deputy Chairman of the Kwara State House of Assembly Committee on Finance, Hon. Muhammed Karim, urged the students to take the lessons from the competition back to their communities.
“Every question asked today is an opportunity to shine, and every answer given shows your readiness to make a difference,” he said.
The Emir of Ilesa Baruba, Prof. Halidu Abubakar, called on Nigerians to support ongoing tax reforms by the Federal Government, stressing that “without a proper tax system, we cannot build a responsible society.”
He also advised KW-IRS to partner with traditional rulers to promote tax compliance at the grassroots.
Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olorungbebe, praised Governor AbdulRazaq for integrating tax education into the school curriculum and urged students to become ambassadors of fiscal responsibility.
Representing the governor, Deputy Chief of Staff, Princess Bukola Babalola, reiterated the government’s commitment to raising informed and responsible citizens. “We have laid the foundation for a generation that understands that paying tax is a contribution to the society they desire to live in,” she said.
She applauded KW-IRS for its innovative approach to tax administration, emphasising that continuous investment in education and fiscal reforms would sustain the progress already achieved in the state.
The event ended with cheers and applause as students, teachers, and dignitaries celebrated a vision of a self-reliant Kwara built on knowledge, accountability, and good governance.
