The Ilorin and District Society of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has held the maiden edition of its Distinguished Personality Lecture and installed Professor Yusuf O. Ali, SAN, FCLArb, FCTI, the 1st Kuliyan Gari of Ilorin Emirate as its District Patron.
The event, held on Thursday at Aga Woods Hotels, Ilorin, Kwara State, themed: “Law, Taxation and Nation Building: Advancing Fiscal Justice, Good Governance and Sustainable Development in Nigeria” was organised by CITN on honor of the renowned legal practitioner, Professor Olaolu Ali SAN.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of CITN Ilorin and District Society, Mr Taofiq Alabi, explained that the programme was organised to promote meaningful conversations around taxation, law, good governance and sustainable national development.
According to him, “this event underscores the need for professionals and stakeholders to contribute to the development of a fair and effective tax system capable of supporting economic growth and improving public service delivery.”
The guest speaker, Professor Abiodun Amuda-Kannike, SAN while delivering his lecture highlighted the importance of taxation to the economic development of Kwara State and Nigeria.
Professor Kanike noted that “an efficient tax system remains essential to generating revenue for government, financing critical infrastructure and promoting sustainable development.”
Speaking with journalists at the event, the honouree, Professor Yusuf O. Ali, SAN, FCLArb, FCTI, expressed appreciation to the CITN Ilorin and District Society for the recognition, describing the honour as significant and pledged his continued support for the institute and its activities.
Professor Ali called on members of the public who are qualified for tax paying to fulfill their constitutional right stating that “non compliance to tax paying is an offence and act of disobeying the law.”
The gathering which attracted legal practitioners, tax professionals, friends, colleagues and other well-wishers also featured the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities in recognition of their contributions to society and professional development.
Dignitaries at the event included the Executive Chairman KWIRS, Mrs. Sade Omoniyi (represented), Associate Professor Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Unilorin; Dr. Ruth Abiola Adimula, Senior Manager Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS); Mrs. Adeyemi Dolapo, Head of Public Planning Kwara Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS); Mr. Muhammed Audu and other notable personalities who are too numerous to mention.