In a bid to ensure professionalism, growth, significant impact, and success, the Executive Chairman of Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS), Mr. Olugbenga Olaleye has admonished staffers in the agency to exhibit commitment, ethical standard, selflessness, and loyalty to keep growing the tax net.

The Chairman revealed this during the New Year Prayer Session at the OGIRS' premises, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, emphasising the importance of dedication, hard work, and determination in achieving this year's target, while appealing to all taxable residents to pay their taxes on time, to avoid penalties and loss of man hours during enforcement.

He enthused that residents, particularly High Net worth Individuals (HNIs), should contribute their own quota in developing the State by paying adequate taxes, pointing out that critical strategy with the planned Tax reforms would help in maximising revenue growth.

Olaleye, appreciated Governor Dapo Abiodun for his leadership excellence in giving him a platform to serve the state, harping that OGIRS would continually work on improving digitalization. He  charged workers to be involved in Enhanced Customer Experience by educating taxpayers on the payment of appropriate taxes on daily basis.

OGIRS boss urged workers to have the fear of God, wisdom and discerning spirit, saying all these virtues would serve as basis for efficiency in every profession. Olaleye further hinted that, the agency already had a robust relationship with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) such as Bureau of Urban and Physical Planning, Bureau of Lands, Ministry of Education Science and Technology among others to boost revenue generation.

"Whatever you are going to do this year, particularly for OGIRS, do as unto God and not unto man because it is the fear of God that will make individuals display proficiency in their chosen career, knowing fully well that it is God who rewards accordingly, " he said.

He beckoned on investors from far and near to pick Ogun State as their destination of choice with the " Ease of doing Business " initiative on ground.

In his sermon, Diocesan Bishop, Egba Anglican Diocese, Bishop Emmanuel Adekunle took his sermon from Matthew 17: 24-27 titled" Doing things right" admonished taxpayers to always fulfil their tax obligations as Jesus did in the Bible, advising OGIRS to engage more in educative, informative and enlightenment programmes, that would allow the taxpayers to know the importance and benefits of paying taxes.

On his part, Imam, Central Mosque, Oke-Mosan, Imam Abdulazeez Adebayo, represented by Alfa Saheed Adebayo, appreciated the Chairman, Management and Staff of the Agency for starting the new year with prayer, he encouraged workers to have a positive mind and be dogged as they start the year.

In his vote of thanks, Director of Administration and Supplies, Mr. Olusegun Akinfaiye, eulogised the Chairman for his act of benevolence and generosity towards staffers’ wellbeing, encouraging workers to be committed, dedicated and firm in the discharge of their duties.