Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to boosting the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) to fund recurrent expenditures without placing undue burdens on citizens. Speaking during the commissioning of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS) Area Tax Office in Ikole-Ekiti on Saturday, the Governor emphasized the need for a self-sustaining economy that reduces reliance on federal allocations.
Governor Oyebanji described the newly commissioned tax office as a crucial step towards decentralizing revenue collection and improving tax administration. He highlighted the initiative as part of his broader vision to strengthen the state’s financial independence and ensure sustainable funding for government operations. According to him, the increased IGR has enabled his administration to deliver on numerous campaign promises across education, agriculture, health, infrastructure, and governance.
Reflecting on his achievements so far, the Governor expressed satisfaction with the progress made in fulfilling campaign promises. He noted that the visible impacts of effective governance, driven by the enhanced revenue base, have justified the citizens’ trust in his administration. “Our target is to fund our recurrent expenditure entirely from IGR. This way, whatever comes from federal allocation can go directly into developmental projects,” Oyebanji stated, adding that the approach is both realistic and achievable.
The Chairman of EKIRS, Mr. Olutona Olaniran, commended the Governor for his prudent use of public funds, which has fostered taxpayer confidence and compliance. He remarked that ongoing developmental projects across the state serve as tangible evidence of the benefits of paying taxes, making it easier to encourage residents to fulfill their civic duties. Olaniran urged citizens to continue supporting the government through regular and prompt tax payments, emphasizing that collective responsibility is key to building a prosperous and self-reliant state.
The event was attended by notable figures, including the Commissioner of Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, and Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, among others. Governor Oyebanji concluded by urging all stakeholders to remain committed to the shared vision of a thriving Ekiti State, promising that funds generated would be transparently used to enhance infrastructure and improve the quality of life for residents.