The Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AiRS) has successfully concluded its 2024 Schools Tax Competition, themed “Increasing Tax Awareness in Tomorrow’s Leaders.”
The grand finale, designed to promote tax awareness and sensitization, was held at the SSG Hall, Government House, Awka, on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
Private secondary schools from the state’s three geopolitical zones, participated in the competition. Meanwhile, quiz-based elimination rounds determined the finalists, with Lady Hannah Model Secondary School Awada, Grace Court Secondary School Awka, and Marist Comprehensive Secondary School Nteje advancing to the final stage.
The competition was initiated by Mrs. Oyeka Amara Kate, FCA, FCTI, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo on IGR Technical.
In her remarks, Mrs. Oyeka emphasized the competition’s objective of fostering tax compliance awareness among private school owners and students.
She acknowledged challenges faced during planning and expressed gratitude to AiRS management, the organizing committee, and sponsors for their support in making the event a success.
The AiRS Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr. Greg Ezeilo, FCA, ACTI, praised the initiative and commended the students for their intellectual performance.
Similarly, the Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Mr. Chris Molokwu, lauded the competition’s impact on students’ tax knowledge. He pledged to feature top-performing students and schools on ABS Radio 88.5 FM as part of the station’s contribution to youth development.
The Chief of Staff to Governor Soludo, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, underscored the importance of taxation for state development.
He highlighted Governor Soludo’s achievements, including road construction, free education, the employment of over 8,000 teachers, and other infrastructural developments—all made possible through effective use of taxpayers’ money.
The Executive Director of Direct Assessment at AiRS, Mr. Ben Anierobi Okafor, also commended the organizers for their dedication to the success of the maiden competition.
Lady Hannah Model Secondary School Awada emerged as the overall winner, receiving a set of tablet computers and a trophy; Grace Court Secondary School Awka secured second place, earning a printer and a trophy, while Marist Comprehensive Secondary School Nteje came third, receiving school stationery and a trophy.
The event concluded with prize presentations by Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Dr. Greg Ezeilo, and Mr. Chris Molokwu. Other dignitaries included Mr. Chuka Nnabuife, Managing Director of the Civic and Social Reform Office, Anambra State.
