From Samuel James, Ilorin

In the recently concluded 2024 edition of the Kwara State Tax Club Quiz Competition saw Government Day Secondary School Gaa -Akanbi the winner of top prize of N2.5m and a trophy in recognition of their outstanding performance presented by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

The Governor expressed his delights in the increased engagement of the quiz competition which reflected its growth and influence in enhancing public understanding of roles of taxation in socio- economic progress. In this year’s competition 154 secondary schools, both public and private, across the state participated while six schools advanced to the final stage.The two prized awardees students of the GDSS Gaa- Akanbi, who participated in the contest, went home with personal cash of N400,000 and their counterparts from the other schools also got away with different cash prizes for their efforts, ranging from N300,000 to N200,000.The school teachers were also awarded cash for their hard work, and other finalists schools were Government Secondary School Lafiagi, which won N1.5m as first runners-up; and the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Model College Asa Dam, are the second-runners-up won N1m.Kwara College of Education Model Secondary School Oro came fourth; Anglican Boys’ Academy, Oro, were in fifth position while Shepherd Secondary School Lafiagi came sixth in the list.Moreover, each of the winners also received trophies to celebrate their efforts and achievements in the keenly contested competition.The Governor said the event underlines the importance of financial literacy and the role of young minds in shaping the economy, as he added that the Tax Club Quiz Competition is not just a contest but an educational platform that nurtures a crucial cultural legacy and empowers young minds with knowledge about finance, taxation, and economics.He said his government will continue to invest in the education and empowerment programmes for the youth in order to become responsible citizens who will contribute to the social welfare of the society.He further applauded KW-IRS for the introduction of a virtual dimension to this year’s quiz competition as he said the innovation has enabled the students to participate online from the comfort of their respective schools.“This is in line with the State’s strategy on full adoption of technology and to ensure students are further exposed to the use of ICT for examinations in line with global best practices,” the Governor said.“The world is rapidly changing and the economic landscape likewise evolving, and as we navigate these changes, it is essential that young people are well-informed about the principles of finance management, taxation and economic development.“By participating in this event you are equipping yourselves with the necessary skills and knowledge to make informed decisions and contribute to the prosperity of our state.”The Governor however, appreciates the teachers, parents, and mentors who have played significant roles in guiding and supporting the young talented students.Also speaking, the commissioner of education, Hajiya Moddibo said beyond academic benefit, the competition has instilled in the participants a sense of civic responsibility, sharpened their critical thinking skills, and expanded their horizons.The event attests to the administration’s commitment to fostering an informed, responsible, and future-oriented citizenry, she said.In her remarks, chairman of KW-IRS, Shade Omoniyi, said the competition is not just a movement but a platform that serves as a beacon of hope and enlightenment for the younger generation.“By engaging our young ones early, we are planting seeds for a future generation that will champion accountability, transparency, and economic growth,” she said.“For the first time in the history of the Tax Club Quiz Competition, we conducted the preliminaries using a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format, allowing students to participate from the comfort of their respective schools.”