The topic for the 2020 Maris annual public service lecture, “Effective Tax Administration For The Delivery Of Democratic Dividends”, has been described as an agenda-setting topic for democracies all over the world.
Executive Assistance to the Delta State Governor on Youth(s) Development, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, made the assertion in a chat with journalists in Asaba.
Ezechi noted that the choice of Asaba also is in sync with the topic not just because it is conducive, safe and accessible, but it is a city where a true democrat, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, sits as Governor.
“This is the auspicious time for this important topic, which people shy away from to be discussed.
“Our Governor, Senator Okowa is a true democrat who has been described as the face of democracy in Nigeria; and, the topic for sure is appealing to me the international audience, because governments all over the world rely mainly on revenue from tax to execute projects.
“We all know Chief Monday Onyeme, the Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue who is delivering the lecture, as an astute businessman, a technocrat who has found himself in a political position. Therefore, he is well qualified to deliver the lecture.
“Chief Onyeme has also brought a lot of innovation into politics and I am very confident that as a tax administrator who also pays tax as an employer of labour, he will certainly solve some riddles surrounding tax administration.
“Having gone through the list of discussants, who are all professionals doing well in their chosen fields, I will comfortably say that Asaba is set to host the world.
“Thank God our Governor has upgraded facilities at the Asaba International Airport, the town is wearing a new look, more like a garden; and, it has beautiful hotels that will certainly accommodate all those who will be attending the lecture from outside Asaba.
“As an individual, I am very happy to identify myself, friends and political followers with this lecture”, Hon Ezechi said, adding that he looked forward with excitement to the lecture which kicks off at noon on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at Orchid Hotel Asaba, saying he personally found the 2019 edition very enlightening and presented in a beautiful environment.
