The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Ben Nwoye, has been honoured with the Award of Excellence in Political Leadership and Public Service by the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, in recognition of his contributions to public service and leadership.
The latest recognition comes barely a month after Dr. Nwoye received an award from Godfrey Okoye University, further adding to his growing list of honours.
The award was presented during the colourful investiture of His Royal Majesty, Victor Chukwuma Onah, the traditional ruler of Ukwuoto, Ede-Oballa Ancient Kingdom, as the 7th Chairman of the CITN Enugu and District Society, held in Nsukka, Enugu State, at the weekend.
Speaking at the event through his Special Adviser on Special Duties and Strategic Engagements, Dr. Chiedozie Nelson Nwafor, Nwoye described the institute as a critical institution in Nigeria’s fiscal system, stressing that taxation remains the backbone of sustainable national development.
According to him, although the institute plays a significant role in the nation’s tax administration, many Nigerians are unaware of its responsibilities.
“You must endeavour to always publicize your activities because you are the conscience of Nigeria’s fiscal system. You play a vital role in the nation’s tax ecosystem, and for that reason, your organization must be well known to the taxpayers.
“Your CITN is part of the entities that make sure that revenues generated by government are translated into essential benefits for the people.”
The APC chieftain maintained that a robust tax system provides governments with the resources needed to deliver infrastructure and improve citizens’ welfare.
He pointed to ongoing development projects under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Peter Ndubuisi Mbah as examples of how tax revenue can be deployed to drive development.
“That is why if you look at the APC manifesto you will see that it has a lot of promises made to the people which the government is not relenting in fulfilling via its various human-oriented programmes and policies.
“But the truth remains that for us as a ruling political party in Nigeria to really accomplish all our campaign promises as contained in our manifesto, there is also need for citizens to play their own civic part, and that is, the obligation of tax payment. It’s very necessary and essential.”
Nwoye thanked the institute for the honour, describing the award as an encouragement to remain committed to serving society.
“I thank the organization for this honour. This recognition will spur me to continue contributing my quota towards uplifting society.”
Earlier, the President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Innocent Ohagwa, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s tax administration aligns with global best practices.
In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Chairman of the CITN Enugu and District Society and 3rd Zonal Chairman of the CITN South-East Zone, Victor Chukwuma Onah, pledged to reposition the institute by prioritising professionalism and members’ welfare.
He disclosed plans to acquire 100 plots of land to establish a dedicated CITN Estate for members in Enugu.
The event attracted several prominent personalities, including the Chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, Dr. Ekene Nnamani; the Enugu State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Osinachi Austin Nnajieze; and the Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Ikechukwu Asadu, among other dignitaries.
