Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and his deputy, Cecilia Ezeilo, (both middle) flanked by members of the newly reconstituted state Board of Internal Revenue shortly after their inauguration at Government House, Enugu.
Lagos-based banker and luxury real estate operator, Mr. Chukwuemeka Anthony Odo, who is the chairman of Bluewaters Capital is the chairman of the Enugu revenue board and pledged on behalf of other members of the new board to work diligently to operate a leak-proof revenue generation system for the state to shore up its economy.
While inaugurating the board at the Government House, Enugu, Governor Ugwuanyi explained that the charge on the members to work hard on their assignment has become necessary in the face of the severe economic depression that is threatening the solvency of government at all levels.
He noted that how well the new board plays its role was crucial to the economic well being of the State government and by extension that of the people of Enugu Sate.
He observed that with the receipts from the federation account dwindling rapidly, most State governments have become increasingly dependent on internally generated revenue to fund their activities and service their obligations.
“ Government as a result of the current economic condition, is struggling to meet its financial commitments to pay salaries, fund development activities, ensure social services and maintain security, among others”, the governor stated.
Governor Ugwuanyi pointed out that he had earlier envisaged this situation when he warned in his inaugural speech that revenue generation agencies should be ready to intensify efforts to generate more revenues to fund government’s development efforts.
He equally charged members of the board to ensure that all revenues accruable to government are fully collected and all avenues of leakages are effectively checked. The governor then called on individuals and corporate bodies not to fail in their obligations to pay their taxes.
He promised that every kobo that accrues to government will be fully utilized transparently and in a manner that will transform the life of every citizen of Enugu State.
On his part, Odo, a former executive director of the defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc, stated that their appointment came at a time when the crashed oil price has affected the economic fortunes of the country negatively, and assured that they will explore and exploit all sources of internally generated revenue to ensure that government meets its obligations to the people.
According to Mr Odo, members of the Board will ensure that all taxable persons in the State are given the opportunity to perform their civic obligations, while equally exploiting technology to block leakages so that all government revenues are fully collected.
Other members of the board include Mr Chucks Onodugo, member representing Enugu West senatorial zone, Mr Jude Sunday Egbo, representing Enugu East zone, Barr Joseph Onuoha, representing Enugu North senatorial zone and Mrs Chinasa Perpetuul Awkadigwe, a lawyer who would serve as secretary to the board.
