GDSS Gaa Akanbi, others share over N5 million cash prizes as Kwara concludes 2024 tax quiz competition

An N2.5 million cash prize has been awarded to Government Day Secondary School Gaa Akanbi, which came first in the 2924 edition of the Kwara State Tax Club Quiz Competition, which concluded on Thursday.

The state Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, while presenting the prize for the overall winner and a trophy in appreciation of their excellent display, said the increasing popular participation in the quiz underscores the rising popularity of the programme and its impacts on public understanding of taxation and the link to socioeconomic development.

No fewer than 154 Kwara-based public and private secondary schools participated in the contest, out of which six made it to the grand finale.

Also, Government Secondary School Lafiagi won N1.5 million as the first runners-up, and the second-runners-up went to Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Model College Asa Dam, which won N1 million); Kwara College of Education Model Secondary School Oro came fourth; Anglican Boys’ Academy, Oro placed fifth; and Shepherd Secondary School Lafiagi came sixth.

Each winner got trophies to celebrate their efforts and achievements in the keenly contested competition.

The governor, while highlighting the importance of financial literacy and the role young minds play in shaping the economy, disclosed 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 taxation, finance, and economics.

He said the government will continue to invest in the education and empowerment of the youth so that they can become responsible citizens who contribute to the well-being of society.

The two students of the GDSS Gaa Akanbi who participated in the contest went home with N400,000 personal cash. Their counterparts from the other schools also got different cash prizes for their efforts, ranging from N300,000 to N200,000. Their teachers also got cash rewards for their hard work.

Commending the KW-IRS for introducing a virtual dimension to this year’s quiz competition, AbdulRazaq said the innovation 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 that students are further exposed to the use of ICT for examinations in line with global best practices,” the Governor said.

“Our world is changing rapidly, and the economic landscape is evolving. As we navigate these changes, it is essential that young people are well-informed about the principles of taxation, financial management, and economic development.

“By participating in events like this, you are equipping yourselves with the skills and knowledge necessary to make informed decisions and contribute to the prosperity of our state.”

The governor thanked the teachers, parents, and mentors who have played significant roles in guiding and supporting the young talents.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, 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, adding that the event attests to the administration’s commitment to fostering an informed, responsible, and future-oriented citizenry.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of KW-IRS, Shade Omoniyi, said the competition is a movement and 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.”

At the event were top government officials including House of Assembly Chairperson on Finance and Appropriation Hajia Fatimah Arinola Lawal; Chief of Staff to the Governor Prince AbdulKadir Mahe; Special Adviser and Counsellor Sa’adu Sallau; Commissioner for Education Sa’adatu Moddibo Kawu; Commissioner for Communication Bola Olukoju; Commissioner for Youth Development Shehu Ndanusa Usman; Chairman KW-IRS Mrs Shade Omoniyi; Chairman State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Prof Sheu Raheem Adaramaja; and Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission Taoheed Bello; among others.

It was also attended by the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, who was represented by Balogun Alanamu Ilorin, Dr Abubakar Usman Jos; Olupo of Ajase Ipo Oba Ismaila Yahaya Alebiosu; and Olomu of Omupo, Oba Yakubu Buhari.