….Promises to reposition revenue collection process
The newly appointed Acting Chairman, Ondo State Internal Revenue Service,
ODIRS, Mr. Adebayo Olorunwa Rojugbokan has set a target of 120 per cent Internal Generated Revenue for the state.
This, as Rojugbokan identified digitalisation of revenue collection process as a major priority in the repositioning programme.
The state raked in N0 billion in 2023, which indicated a 300 per cent increase from the N10billion.
His appointment follows the resignation of the erstwhile Chairman, Mr. Tolu Adegbie.
Rojugbokan who outlined his plan for the agency said lots of attention would be paid to Staff Welfare, stressing that staff welfare is central to achieving the goal of repositioning of ODIRS.
Rojugbokan also said great efforts would also be placed on improving the ease of doing business in the state so as to make Ondo state much more attractive to potential investors.
He argued that the state possesses a great investment opportunity that is begging to be tapped.
The Acting Chairman who assumed office on the 9th August 2024 said he is also targeting expanding the tax net so as to ensure the state makes more money from Internally General Revenue rather than relying solely on the monthly federal allocations.
He stressed that expansion of the tax net would include entrepreneurial development & diaspora engagement.
He said the state would be better off with more funds to develop its infrastructure.
He said efforts also would be on improving the state database to ensure its effective deployment.
The financial accountant and tax expert also promises to embark on stakeholders’ engagement, education, and enlightenment.
This, he said, is crucial to get the people’s buy-in and understanding of government intentions and programmes.
Rojugbokan, who was grateful to the state governor, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for the appointment said he would do everything possible to achieve the target set for ODIRS at the end of the fiscal year by 120%.
Mr. Rojugbokan, a tax, financial, and management accounting expert, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from then University of Ado Ekiti (now Ekiti State University) and a Master’s degree in Accounting, with specialisation in Sustainability Accounting, from Babcock University, Illisan-Remo.
His other specialities include Cloud Accounting, Internal Audit, Risk Management and Corporate Governance compliance.
Mr. Rojugbokan, a Certified Forensic Accountant, is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Fellow Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.
He worked as a Group Head, Internal Control with Sterling Bank between 2014 and 2017, and is the Founder and Managing Partner, Adebayo Rojugbokan & Co (Chartered Accountants).
His vast experience in taxation included working as the General Manager of JK Consulting Co. Ltd, Abuja under the leadership of former Executive Chairman, FIRS and former Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. J. K. Naiyeju, FCA, OON.