The Executive Chairman, Oyo State Internal Revenue Service in person of Mr. Adebowale Olufemi Awakan FCA on 19 January, 2022 played host to the Exco members of IB & DS of ICAN ably led by its Chairman, Mr. Abiodun Adedeji FCA.
They were on a courtesy/solidarity visit to one of its members who is the current Revenue Chair.
The program was anchored by the Director, Audit Investigation and Compliance in person of Mrs. Adebola Amoo FCA, who also doubles as the Membership Secretary of IB & DS. She flagged off the meeting which commenced at exactly 2pm at the Conference Hall, Revenue House, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Also in attendance were members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) who are in the management level of their various MDAs in the Service of the Oyo State Government.
In his introductory remarks, Mr. Abiodun Adedeji FCA introduced the Exco members in his entourage, he affirmed that the visit was to identify with one of their own, encourage him to be a good brand ambassador of our great institute – ICAN and show solidarity with the Executive Chairman OYSIRS.
He assured that the Institute will support him all the way so that Oyo State IGR can grow exponentially during his tenure.
He expressed his delight that it is an ICAN member that has been put in the helm of affairs at the Service, noting that, it was also an ICAN member that was in the acting capacity before Mr. Awakan was appointed.
He asserted that the ICAN brand is arguably the national leader in the Accountancy profession in Nigeria.
Responding, Executive Chairman OYSIRS thanked members for their visit and show of solidarity.
He used the occasion to thank His Excellency, the Governor-Engr. Seyi Makinde for having that much trust in his capabilities and putting him at the helm of affairs at the Service.
He admitted that a lot of work needs to be done to shore up the revenue base and broaden the tax net of Oyo State. He remarked that unlike other MDAs, performance evaluation of the OYSIRS is open to the general public as IGR performance that is not improving regularly shows that something is wrong somewhere.
He promised to be guided at all times by ICAN’s motto of Accuracy and Integrity and that he will not leave any stone unturned to achieve appreciable increase in the State’s IGR, though, without unnecessarily increasing the tax burden on the good people of Oyo State.
He solicited the support of ICAN, he admitted that ICAN certificate has given members a lot of leverage and promised to be guided by professionalism at all times.
Members at the meeting were then given the opportunity to express their minds as it relates to tax and other issues.
Mrs. Olaitan Babatunde FCA advocated for improved service delivery especially on the issuance of Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) and called for a review of the direct assessment basis.
Responding, the Executive Chairman OYSIRS assured that since his assumption of office, he has tidied a lot of things and thatTCC is now issued ASAP.
The director Income Taxes, OYSIRS in person of Alhaji T.M Azeez FCA spoke on the challenges being faced by ICAN members in the service of Oyo State especially the request for writing of ASCON examinations and the regarding of ICAN certificate as a proficiency certification as against the provisions of the Extant schemes of service which says on appointment, members are entitled to be placed on GL 10, he said that sadly this is no longer the case. He therefore solicited for the help of the Executive Chairman OYSIRS to tackle the problems, noting that something needs to be done urgently to address the challenges.
The Executive Chairman OYSIRS assured that he will consult widely with a view to ameliorating the situation.
The Chairman and Vice Chairman of IB & DS took turn to present the host with gift items.
Group photographs were taken and members treated to lunch.
The vice Chairman, IB & DS in person of Alhaji Quadri Ayuba FCA did the vote of thanks.
In the absence of any other matter to discuss, the program anchor, Mrs Adebola Amoo FCA close the meeting and all 19 ICAN members in attendance rose at 3.25PM.
