By Mu’azu Abubakar Albarkawa, Kaduna
The Chartered Institute Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) in collaboration with Association of Nigerian Taxation students inaugurated virtually over 23 higher institutions into Tax Clubs/Association.
The 15th president of CITN, Chief Adesina Adedayo mni FCTI, then graced the event with opening remarks story on how tax evolved amongst the youth and encourage the Exco to continue the legacy as well as gave assurance of maximum support in the activities of the students in tax even after office
The Antas National President Mohammed Yusuf Idris said;
Today, we inaugurate the Tax Family across our various campuses. It is our expectation that these Tax Clubs and Associations become worthy examples in flying the flag of Tax Advocacy, Knowledge and Compliance currently being exemplified by the CITN leadership humbly led by the Executive President. Take giant strides and spread the gospel of Taxation to everyone. Imbibe the tax paying culture in every student within your various campuses so, together, we may achieve our collective goal of making tax of our beloved country’s main source of revenue.
Saying that, you all are commissioned to be worthy ambassadors of the CITN and ANTAS brand. It is our firm believe that you will all surpass our expectations.
In his speech Journey so far by the Antas National president Mohammed Yusuf Idris highlighted some of the achievement of the association which includes:
1. ANTAS COLLABORATION WITH OCTAVE FOR STUDENTS SCHOLASHIP ON SOME BASIC TRAINING.
2. ANTAS EXECUTIVES SCHOLARSHIP FROM OCTAVE.
3. EDUCATING INSTITUTIONS ON TAX MATTERS.
4. ANTAS PARTICIPATION IN FIRS WORKSHOP ON ENTRENCHING THE TAX CULTURE IN NIGERIA ( THE ROLE OF TAX CLUBS IN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS).
5. ANTAS PARTICIPATION ON ICAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE (WELL RECOGNIZE).
6. ANTAS PARTICIPATION ON WORLD TAX DEBATE (CHIDOZIE REPS).
7. ORGANIZING NATIONAL TAX QUIZ.
8. ORGANIZING NATIONAL TAX DRBATE .
9. ORGANIZING NATIONAL TAX ESSAY COMPETION.
10. ANTAS EXECUTIVES PARTICIPATION ON CITN/KADIRS JOINT TAX EDUCATION AND ENLIGHTMENT PROGRAMME.These are only a few from the top of my head.
Speakers of the Event:
Prof. Godwin Emmanuel Oyedokun is a multi-talented with over 20 years of experience. He is a public policy analyst, author, and international speaker who is currently a Professor of Accounting and Financial Development at the Lead City University Ibadan, Nigeria.
Godwin said Nigerian government at all levels should open space for the youth to engage in tax processes at different levels on one hand while the tax authorities should initiate robust tax education programmes designed to educate Nigeria youths on taxation. Programmes that target young people in their spaces should be developed to suit their peculiarity. Example, students and undergraduates, youth entrepreneurs and businesses, informal traders, among others. This would provide the needed platform to actively engage tax reform conversation with the country’s largest demography, help young people to appreciate taxation and its place in national development and become more receptive to paying taxes.
He further conclude and recommend incentives and rebates should be directed at youth led businesses to drive business innovation and creativity, employment creation, the growth of the local economy and its competitiveness in a global economic landscape.Young people must continue to engage issues of transparency and accountability in the management of public resources. Through local groups working in solidarity with broad platforms young people have the capacity to hold leaders to account on their responsibility CSOs should build the consciousness of young people to understand taxation as a social contract between the government and the people, strengthen capacity for young people to advocate and participate in tax policy design, budgeting and demand investment in youth responsive public projects.
Mr. Isah Aruwa Yusuf is a distinguished finance expert with an impressive academic background.
With over 13years practice experience in Tax (advisory and compliance), Regulatory and Fiscal planning across two of the Big four accounting firms. He shared his experience on how been active during in youth age help his career and make him better off in labour market. He further buttressed more on Prof. Godwin view and explained significantly how youth empowerment and tax culture will enhance economics growth.
The oath of allegiance sworn in by all schools virtually done by Chief/Executive Registrar CITN, Mr Awogbade Adefisayo FCTI. Who expressed his gratitude as “this event will be my last official duties in office ” he said, Dr. Titilayo FCTI was also delightful and congratulate the Registrar on his retirement and other audience applaud his efforts.
Conclusively, The National Vice President Sodeeq Opeyemi ADESOYE gave vote of thanks and explained with word ” Coincidence of Fortune” and explain how LASU is one of the trigger factors for virtual Inuaguration program. He appreciates each and every one;
The lecture in attendance we’re council members from CITN, lecturers from various universities, Antas committee, students community and other stakeholders.
The program director, Mr. Olukunle Orimijupa, end the session with virtual group photography and guide audience on changing of background for uniqueness. He appreciates everyone and congratulate every winners.
