Delta state Governor,Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed readiness to further develope the state by awarding a contract of 78 Billion Naira to Julius Berger to construct three flyover bridges and expand some roads in Warri and Effurun.
Governor Oborevwori who spoke at the 4th Lecture Series of Delta Online Publishers Forum, DOPF at Asaba was
Represented by the Functional Permanent Secretary, Ministry Information, Mr. Lucky Omokri.
Governor Oborevwori at the event with the theme : “Fiscal Policy And Taxation: Balancing Revenue Generation And Economic Growth noted that with the present developmental projects across the state, Deltans will be encouraged to pay their taxes.
He promise to continue to provide peace and security for all businesses to thrive in the state .
Also speaking Secretary, Uvwie Traditional Council of Chiefs and Chairman of the event, Chief Dr. Samuel Eshenake, emphasized the need to balance fiscal policy and taxation as well as economic growth.
Chief Eshenake commended Delta Online Publishers Forum, DOPF for the programme, describing the focus of the 2023 lecture series as apt
He urged the discussants to do justice to the topic, stressing that it is important to strike a balance between revenue generation and Economic growth
Earlier the chairman of Delta online Publishers Forum ,DOPF Mr Emmanuel Enebeli disclosed that the choice of this year’s topic aligns with the group commitment to contribute significantly to the country’s development through the prism of economic policies and their practical implementations.
He added that as a media forum DOPF plays a pivotal role in shaping public discourse and Awareness
The guest speaker, CEO ,Doris Amaka Ochei foundation , Dr Doris Ochei who stated that the topic Fiscal Policy and Taxation: Balancing Revenue Generation and Economic Growth.”is of paramount importance to the society and the nation noted it also resonates deeply with economists, policymakers, and citizens alike, as it lies at the heart of how government functions.
Dr Ochei stated that Tax policy in Nigeria focuses on scaling up domestic revenue mobilization to enable it implement development strategies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and Africa’s aspirations of Agenda 2063.
She said there is strong need for government at all levels to balance revenue generation and economic
growth.
Dr Ochei recommended that Delta State Government should leverage information and communication technology to improve revenue generation,improve governance in revenue collection by combating corruption and promoting tax education, ensure that the process is transparent and accountable, amongst others .
Speaking at a panel session moderated by a Veteran Journalists and retired Staff of Delta Broadcasting Service,DBS Warri Mr Benjamin Ovberedjo at the convention ,the Director of operations ,Delta state inland revenue services , Dr frank Nwugo revealed that Delta state Government generates up to 6 Billion Naira monthly and encouraged Residents and cooperate bodies to ensure they pay their taxes as the state government is committed to embark on more developmental projects in the state .
He stated that Asaba is one of the fastest growing states capital in the country.
Also , member Delta state house of Assembly Hon Bridget Anayafulu stated that corruption is a major problem that affects development , stressing that most consultants that collect revenue for state governments hardly remit the actual amount generated .
She added that most Bussiness owners are also not faithful in paying their taxes because they believe the money is not properly used for governance .
Hon Anyafulu however advised Bussiness owners to pay their taxes promptly .
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalist, NUJ, Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe in his goodwill message commended Delta Online Publishers, DOPF for organizing the convention and retreat for online publishers to further broaden their knowledge in the reportage of issues on Fiscal Policy And Taxation.
