By Friday Omosola
The 2024 edition of the Kwara State Tax Club Quiz Competition concluded on Thursday, with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq awarding the grand prize of N2.5 million and a trophy to the overall winner, Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Gaa Akanbi, in recognition of their outstanding performance.
Governor AbdulRazaq highlighted the growing participation in the quiz, noting that it reflects the program’s increasing popularity and its impact on enhancing public awareness of taxation and its connection to socioeconomic development.
A total of 154 public and private secondary schools from across Kwara State competed in the contest, with six schools advancing to the grand finale.
The two students from GDSS Gaa Akanbi received N400,000 each in personal cash prizes for their efforts.
Other winners included: first runner-up: Government Secondary School Lafiagi, awarded N1.5 million; second runner-up, Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Model College Asa Dam, with a prize of N1 million and fourth place, Kwara College of Education Model Secondary School, Oro.
Anglican Boys’ Academy, Oro took fifth place while sixth place was Shepherd Secondary School Lafiagi.
In addition to the cash prizes, all finalists were presented with trophies to honour their accomplishments in the highly competitive event.
Governor AbdulRazaq emphasised the significance of financial literacy and the role that young people play in shaping the state’s economy.
He described the Tax Club Quiz Competition not just as a contest, but as an educational platform designed to cultivate a culture of financial responsibility and empower students with essential knowledge about taxation, finance, and economics.
He assured the audience that the state government would continue investing in education and youth empowerment, fostering a new generation of responsible citizens who will contribute to the state’s development.
The governor also commended the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS) for introducing a virtual component to this year’s competition, allowing students to participate online from their schools, thereby making the contest more inclusive and accessible.
“This is in line with the State’s strategy on full adoption of technology and to ensure that students are further exposed to the use of ICT for examinations in line with global best practices,” the Governor said.
“Our world is changing rapidly, and the economic landscape is evolving. As we navigate these changes, young people must be out the principles of taxation, financial management, and economic development.
“By participating in events like this, you are equipping yourselves with the skills and knowledge necessary to make informed decisions and contribute to the prosperity of our state.”
The governor expressed his gratitude to the teachers, parents, and mentors who have played pivotal roles in nurturing and supporting the young talents.
Among the distinguished attendees were top government officials, including the Chairperson of the House of Assembly’s Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hajia Fatimah Arinola Lawal; the Governor’s Chief of Staff, AbdulKadir Mahe; Special Adviser and Counsellor, Sa’adu Sallau; the Commissioner for Education, Sa’adatu Moddibo Kawu.
Other were, the Commissioner for Communication, Bola Olukoju; the Commissioner for Youth Development, Shehu Ndanusa Usman; the Chairperson of KW-IRS, Shade Omoniyi; the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Sheu Raheem Adaramaja; and the Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission, Taoheed Bello, among others.
The event was also graced by notable traditional leaders, including the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, represented by Balogun Alanamu Ilorin, Abubakar Usman Jos; the Olupo of Ajase Ipo, Oba Ismaila Yahaya Alebiosu; and the Olomu of Omupo, Oba Yakubu Buhari.
In her remarks, Commissioner Sa’adatu Moddibo Kawu emphasised that the competition has not only provided academic benefits but has also instilled a strong sense of civic responsibility in the participants.
It has sharpened their critical thinking abilities and broadened their perspectives. She further highlighted that the event is a testament to the administration’s commitment to cultivating an informed, responsible, and future-oriented citizenry.
Chairperson of KW-IRS, Mrs Shade Omoniyi, described the competition as more than just an event, calling it a movement and a platform that serves as a beacon of hope and enlightenment for the younger generation.
“By engaging our young ones early, we are planting seeds for a future generation that will champion accountability, transparency, and economic growth.
“For the first time in the history of the Tax Club Quiz Competition, we conducted the preliminaries using a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format, allowing students to participate from the comfort of their respective schools.”
