Edo Govt Jettisons Obaseki’s Digital Revenue Collection, Okpebholo Unveils Back-to-Farm

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The Edo State Government might have jettisoned digital revenue collection operated during the  administration of Godwin Obaseki, and appointed a new revenue enforcement collector/consultant.

The government  had during the administration of Godwin Obaseki operated 100% digital revenue collection that gives less space for human to human interaction and physical altercation that characterised revenue collections and enforcement in previous administrations.

However, in the letter of appointment by  the Executive Chairman Board of Edo State Internal  Revenue Service,  Otunba Oladele  Bamkole-Balogun, and addressed to the  Managing Director, Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, with its headquarters at No. 1 Tony Kabaka Avenue,  Ugbor, GRA Benin City, Edo State, stated that the contract was target-based and negotiable after 3 months.

The statement read: “I am pleased to convey His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State’s approval of your proposal to act on behalf of the Edo State Government as revenue enforcement consultant  to the Edo State internal Revenue Service (ElRS).

“You will be expected to work closely with the in-house compliance and enforcement unit (EllS). This appointment is target-based and as such, the Service expects a marked increase in revenue collection and remittance.

“You are to ensure in the conduct of this appointment with professional approach, devoid of any rancour or public outrage.  The Service is mindful of its obligations to the people of Edo State and welcomes your partnership.

“This appointment is effective for three months in the first instance and subject to review at the end of the period. Please, accept the assurance of my warmest regards and best wishes.”

In another development, Okpebholo has launched a back-to-farm initiative to boost food production across the three senatorial district of the state.

Okpebholo made this known while meeting with farmers at the Iguoriakhi Farm Settlement, in Ovia South West Area of Edo South.

The 2,300 hectares of farm land known as the Iguoriakhi farm settlement was established in 1963.

The back-to-farm initiative is an agricultural revolution in the state, as the Okpebholo administration plans to establish farms in the three senatorial districts of the state, as well as provide farmers with the needed incentives to produce more food for the nation.

The governor said Edo people were known for farming and assured the people that his administration would revive farming across the State to produce food for Edo citizens, Nigeria, as well as export to other states and countries.