EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP: ONYEME DOLES OUT OVER N5m SCHOLARSHIP TO ONICHA-UKWUANI INDIGENES IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.
.......Says He Will Not Derail In His Yearly Educational Scholarship For The People

The Executive Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue DBIR Sir Monday John Onyeme has awarded this year 2017 Scholarships worth over N5m to Onicha-Ukwuani Indigenes in Tertiary institutions.

Onyeme who disclosed this yesterday 7/10/2017 at Onicha-Ukwuani Promised not to derail in his Yearly Scholarship Programmes for the People of Onicha-Ukwuani Community noting that he understands that the common man has no hope without Education, he called on the beneficiaries to take their Studies serious in other for them to sustain the Scholarship " I take Education as a major priority because of where I am coming from, without Education, I will not be where I am today, hence I will not relent in encouraging my People to get Quality Education via my yearly Scholarship Awards" he said.

The 50 Awardees who came from far and near tertiary Institutions expressed unquenchable joy as they receive Cheques for the scholarship fund valued at N100,000 each, while the overall best students went home with Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000) while three Students who came out as Second Overall Best went home with One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Naira each. The 50 Students drawn from the five Quarters that make up Onicha-Ukwuani Community with 10 Students from each of the Quarters (Five male, Five Female).

Speaking at the presentation of the over N5 million worth scholarship, Onyeme, said: “My indulgence in Scholarship was borne out of my long passion and desire to support Education, which I see as my major Priority “My background and how i went to School made me to always encourage Education " Onyeme enthused.

While calling on the Parents of the beneficiaries to always Support the Okowa's led administration at all times as he noted that the Scholarship giving to Undergraduates who hails from Onicha-Ukwuani Community is in line with the SMART Agenda of Dr Ifeanyi Okowa's Administration" Scholarship will always go a long way in checking vices and socially-related challenges among the youths " Onyeme added

In their separate remarks, the DBIR Board Member Representing Delta South Chief Dr Barry Pere Gbe, Parents of the beneficiaries,Council of ELDERS of Onicha-Ukwuani Community Applauds Sir Monday John Onyeme for the Scholarships, as they describe him as a Trailblazer, a Philanthropist and a Committed Preacher of Dr Ifeanyi Okowa's SMART Agenda.

URHOBO ECONOMIC AND INVESTMENT GROUP

Collectivity and synergy are vital force necessary for the growth of every society. The Urhobo Nation is the 5th largest Ethnic Nationality in Nigeria. Apart from our numerical strength, human and natural resources abound in Urhoboland.

The prevailing economic reality across the Nation is the dearth if not absence of white colar jobs that ought to accommodate the teeming unemployed skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled youths in our country. The vogue these days is on green colar jobs and self reliance by harnessing available economic and investment potentials that nature has given to us for the betterment of our people and society.

Urhobo Economic and Investment Group is a brainchild of young and emerging elites across Urhoboland that is committed to harnessing the economic potentials and unlocking investment opportunities in Urhoboland. We realize the huge task ahead, however, a purposeful partnership and collaboration with our traditional rulers, technocrats, academia, political and religious leaders, inherent challenges are surmountable.

The hour is now, to contribute our own quota towards the growth and development of Urhobo Nation and beyond.


Watch Out!

Delta to blacklist contractors over failed projects

ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

By Festus Ahon

ASABA—DELTA State Government has vowed to blacklist and persecute any contracting firm whose project does not stand the test of time.

The state Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye, who stated this at a meeting with contractors in the state, told contracting firms to take their jobs seriously, reiterating that their jobs must not fail within their agreement period with the state government.

Urging them not to compromise standard even when under pressure from supervising engineers, Augoye said shoddy jobs would be seen as sabotaging efforts of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration towards ensuring better lives for all Deltans.

Warns farm tank owners

Meanwhile, the state government has given farm tank owners two weeks ultimatum to get more fire service trucks and set up a taskforce to monitor the activities of truck drivers outside their loading stations to guide against selling and spilling diesel on the road.

Issuing the ultimatum during a meeting with tank farm owners in Warri South Local Government Area on how to synergize on maintaining and decongesting traffic caused by heavy duty trucks plying the NPA Expressway, Shagwolo, Ubeji and Ode Itsekiri axis, Augoye and his counterpart in the Ministry of Transport, Mr. Vincent Uduaghan, said the meeting became a necessity following the recent fire outbreak that destroyed property worth millions of naira at the Shagwolo/Ubeji road axis.

They said the safety of the residents of the area was paramount, instructing the tank farm owners to get their own tankers park and desist from parking on the roads and bridges.

They enjoined them to use a maximum of 40 tons capacity trunks instead of the 60 tons capacity trucks, lamenting that they were destroying bridges on the Trans Warri/Ode Itsekiri road.


Vanguard

CHIEF PIUS OVBIJE (POC ) CONGRATULATES OLOROGUN BARR KINGSLEY ESISO ON HIS EMERGENCE AS DELTA STATE PDP CHAIRMAN.
"Charges All Party Faithfuls To Queue Behind Him"

The Desopadec Commissioner Representing Ughelli North, Ethiope East and Urhobos in Patani Chief Pius Ovbije has congratulated Olorogun Barr Kingsley Esiso on his emergence as the elected Delta State People's Democratic Party (PDP )Chairman.

Ovbije issued this Congratulatory message yesterday after Barr Kingsley Esiso has been declared as the Elected Delta State PDP Chairman after a peace Congress held at Cenotaph in the State Capital, Asaba.

Chief POC express confidence on the leadership of Barr Kingsley Esiso, he said with the peaceful emergence of Barr Kingsley Esiso as the State PDP Chairman, the party will experience stronger unity,peace and massive inflow of multitude into the party.

He describe the victory of the newly elected Delta State People's Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman as divine, he charged all PDP Faithfuls to queue behind the newly elected PDP Chairman in other for him to take the party to a greater height.
"With Olorogun Barr Kingsley Esiso, the Party will be better off in terms of unity, peace and Strength" Ovbije Stated.

Noting that the new Party Chairman has the clout and the administrative/political acumen to take the party to a greater height. He wish the new party executives well and success in office.

WEEKEND FILES
TAX: NO HIDING PLACE FOR TAX EVADERS/DEFAULTERS AS DBIR VOWS TO SANCTION ESTABLISHMENT, INDUSTRIES, CORPORATE BODIES, AGENCIES ETC FOR NON COMPLIANCE OF TAX PAYMENT AND FAILURE TO SUBMIT PAYE END OF YEAR 2015 ANNUAL TAX RETURNS.


The Delta State Board Of Internal Revenue Under the leadership of Sir Monday John Onyeme has embarked on a tough exercise on tax evaders and defaulters in various establishment,Industries,Cooperate Bodies etc who has failed to remits/pay their taxes such as Business Premises, Development levy and also those who has failed to show evidences of payment by submitting their Paye End Of Year 2015 Annual Returns and personal Income tax to the Board.

The DBIR Board Under the leadership of Sir Monday John Onyeme has vow to sanction Industries, establishment etc for non compliance of their Tax Payment.

To this end, Establishment,Companies, Industries etc who has failed to comply to their tax obligations under the Personal Income tax Act will be penalize,therefore a notice of non compliance has been pasted on the forefront of defaulted companies,Industries etc which is still ongoing notifying them of the penalty.

Furtherance to the provision of the personal Income Tax Act Cap P8(LFN) of 2004 as amended,all organizations in Delta State are required to furnish the DBIR Board with employers annual returns.
The returns is statutory requirement pursuant to Section 81(2) and (3) of the personal Income tax,Cap P8,LFN,2004 as amended which states that
Section 81(2)
"Every employer shall be required to file a return with the relevant tax authority of all emoluments paid to its employees not later than 31st January of every year in respect of all employees in its employment in the preceding year"
Section 81(3)
Any employer who contravenes the provisions of this section shall be liable on conviction to a penalty.
The move is part of the renewed effort of the Board to Boost Internally Generated Revenue and to ensure that tax defaulters face the penalty of the law. Tax-payment is a civic responsibility of everyone because it is a major source of government’s revenue and also the only means government can provide the basic amenities for its citizens to improve their living standards.

With the dwindling revenue from federal government, Delta State under the leadership of Dr IFEANYI OKOWA is doing greatly for quick delivery of the SMART Agenda that is geared towards prosperity for all Deltans.
We as an individual,Industries etc must play our role in assisting the government by complying to our tax obligations because failure to comply is highly punishable under the law.

FOR OPTIMAL REVENUE GENERATION, DBIR GOES TOUGH ON TAX EVADERS, DEFAULTERS.
.......Vows To Sanction Industries,Establishment etc For Non Compliance Of Tax Payment And Failure To Submit Payee End Of Year 2015 Annual Tax Returns.

The Delta State Board Of Internal Revenue Under the leadership of Sir Monday John Onyeme has embarked on a tough exercise on tax evaders and defaulters in various establishment,Industries,Cooperate Bodies etc who has failed to remits/pay their taxes such as Business Premises, Development levy and also those who has failed to show evidences of payment by submitting their Paye End Of Year 2015 Annual Returns and personal Income tax to the Board.

The DBIR Board Under the leadership of Sir Monday John Onyeme has vow to sanction Industries, establishment etc for non compliance of their Tax Payment.

To this end, Establishment,Companies, Industries etc who has failed to comply to their tax obligations under the Personal Income tax Act will be penalize,therefore a notice of non compliance has been pasted on the forefront of defaulted companies,Industries etc which is still ongoing notifying them of the penalty.

Furtherance to the provision of the personal Income Tax Act Cap P8(LFN) of 2004 as amended,all organizations in Delta State are required to furnish the DBIR Board with employers annual returns.
The returns is statutory requirement pursuant to Section 81(2) and (3) of the personal Income tax,Cap P8,LFN,2004 as amended which states that
Section 81(2)
"Every employer shall be required to file a return with the relevant tax authority of all emoluments paid to its employees not later than 31st January of every year in respect of all employees in its employment in the preceding year"
Section 81(3)
Any employer who contravenes the provisions of this section shall be liable on conviction to a penalty.
The move is part of the renewed effort of the Board to Boost Internally Generated Revenue and to ensure that tax defaulters face the penalty of the law. Tax-payment is a civic responsibility of everyone because it is a major source of government’s revenue and also the only means government can provide the basic amenities for its citizens to improve their living standards.

With the dwindling revenue from federal government, Delta State under the leadership of Dr IFEANYI OKOWA is doing greatly for quick delivery of the SMART Agenda that is geared towards prosperity for all Deltans.
We as an individual,Industries etc must play our role in assisting the government by complying to our tax obligations because failure to comply is highly punishable under the law.

Onyeme Urges Informal Sector To Pay Tax


BY VINCENT ANIKWUSHE
THE Chairman, Delta State Board of International Revenue (DBIR), Sir Monday Onyeme, has underscored the need for Deltans especially those in informal sector to pay their taxes in order to shore up the revenue base of the state for accelerated development.
Onyeme stated this during Tax Justice Colloquium with the theme: Taxation: Challenges and Prospects of the Information Sector organised by Delta State Tax Justice and Governance Platform with support from Oxfam, NOVIB and Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) held at Labour House, Asaba.
Represented by Mr. Alexander Meteke, Chief Inspector of Taxes, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Onyeme maintained that payment of taxes “is a civic responsibility of the citizens”, adding that failure to pay tax or evading tax payment is against the law.
The DBIR boss pointed out that payment of tax was crucial and had become imperative, especially now that the revenue from oil was dwindling.
He said that government cannot perform magic to get money for development, stressing that the only option or alternative was the payment of taxes to shore up the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the State.

In her remarks, the State Coordinator, Delta State Tax Justice and Governance Platform, Barrister Bridget Anyafulu, said that the seminar, which was earlier held in Warri and Asaba tagged: Town Hall meetings, was to sensitise and create awareness on the need to pay tax by the informal sector.

Barr. Anyafulu who is also the Chief Executive Officer, International Centre for Women Empowerment and Child Development (ICWECD), Asaba, opined that when citizens pay their taxes, they have the right to demand for accountability and question how their taxes were being utilised by the government.
The participants which included market women, keke riders, NGOs, CSOS, NUJ, TUC, NLC, NUT, faith based organisations, advocated harmonisation of payment of taxes to avoid multiple-taxation.

Quality Of Talents In Niger Delta MarvellOUS-Okowa


GOVERNOR IfeanyiOkowa of Delta State has said that he is marvelled and astonished at the quality of talents that abound in the Niger Delta region.
Senator Okowa, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, at the grand finale of Girls in Engineering, Mathematics and Science (GEMS) competition held on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, stated that with what he saw, youths in the region have the capacity to compete favourably with their counterparts all over the world.
The governor congratulated Miss Oneyor Oritsemeyiwa Alero, who represented the state during the finals of the competition, for her feat of using water turbine to generate light.
Senator Okowa urged other youths in the state to emulate the doggedness of Miss Oneyor so that together, they will contribute their quota to the development of the state in particular and the country in general.
The Special Adviser to the state Governor on Niger Delta Affairs and BRACED Commission, Hon. Kelly Penawou, also attended the ceremony.
GEMS is a programme of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and have been running in the nine states of the Niger Delta region. It started with the screening of young girls in SS1 and SS2.
A selection of the best participated in the region-wide state competitions. The best from the states competed at regional levels. The very best from the regions competed at the grand finale.
GEMS programme is a way of making science fun, as well as encouraging girls to take interest and make choices in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.

TAX: DUE TO THE SHORTFALL IN THE OIL PRICE AND THE DWINDLING OF FEDERAL ALLOCATION TO STATE, INTERNALLY GENERATED REVENUE IS THE ONLY SOLUTION TO BOOST THE ECONOMY OF OUR STATE.
"For Speedy Actualization Of The S.M.A.RT Agenda of Dr IFEANYI OKOWA, We All Must Pay Our Taxes.

It's no longer news to us as Deltans that the shortfall in the oil price is indeed affecting the State economy deeply which has also affected the monthly allocations from the Federal Government to State. But despite that, the Delta State Governor Dr Ifeanyi Okowa is working so hard to transform the State in terms of Infrastructural Development that is geared towards Prosperity for all Deltans.

Moreso, this administration under the leadership of Dr IFEANYI OKOWA from inception has envisaged that an effective and efficient tax system is a prerequisite for optimal governmental performance and is already showing in all areas of the state. Taxation is therefore key to democratic sustainability and impactful economy

DBIR BOARD
The Members of Delta State Board Of Internal Revenue under the leadership of Sir Monday John Onyeme has been working assiduously to ensure optimal increase in the Internally Generated Revenue of the State.
DBIR Board members due to their activities and programmes has double size the tax net compare to what they met on ground and they are still on the go for more increase in the Tax-Net because Increase in the tax-net in addition with total Compliance will lead to optimal Increase in the Internally Generated Revenue.

Internally generated revenue is undoubtedly the way forward for all governments at all tiers in the federation. It has become imperative to ask for the understanding and support of all Deltans to pay all due taxes for the purpose of provision of infrastructure across the state. Deltans, no matter their political persuasion, should support the state revenue drive in order for the state government to take development to all nooks and crannies of the state.
Furthermore, for speedy actualization of the S.M.A.R.T Agenda of Dr IFEANYI OKOWA there must be a robust IGR and for us to have a robust IGR WE ALL MUST PAY OUR TAXES. Taxpayers money is use to develop the State.

PAY YOUR TAXES TODAY FOR GOVT TO SERVE YOU EXCELLENTLY

To Boost Power Generation, Delta State Government Signs MoU For 500 MWA

To boost power generation in the state, Delta State Government [7-4-16] signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] with Alpha Energy and Electric Inc., an American company, for the generation of 500 Megawatts [MWA] of electricity through public- private partnership.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Asaba, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa said that the development of the Independent Power Plants (IPP) would help boost the energy capacity of the state to meet the power needs of investors and businesses in the state, disclosing that power was a prerequisite for investments and industries to thrive in the country.

The MoU was signed on behalf of the state government by the Secretary to State Government Barr. Ovie Agas witnessed by Governor Okowa along with other members of the State Executive Council.

" This MoU we are signing today is for the development, design, financing, construction and maintenance of multiple power production plants in multiple locations in the state, as a state we are ready to give the necessary assistance and co-operation to enable your company succeed because the power generated in the country is very low and we need to boost it to meet the power needs of our industries and attract investors to the state so as to impact on our economy and create employment.", he said.

“President Buhari has promised to improve energy generation in the country to 10,000 MWA by 2018, so this partnership will enable us contribute our quota to achieve the President’s energy goal while investors will get high yield for their investment”, the governor added.

Senator Okowa disclosed that the state government would partner with credible investors to develop the economy, create employment for the youths and improve the state's infrastructure stressing that " the state has vast untapped deposit of natural gas, land and friendly environment which investors can put into use."

He assured the company of government’s support and the necessary investment friendly environment to enable the IPP project succeed and charged them to commence work as soon as possible.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) OF Alpha Energy and Electric Inc., Mr. Ike Nwabuonwu, explained that the company was in the state to develop and maintain multiple power production plants in multiple locations in the state to generate 500MWA of electricity disclosing that they were keying into the Obama Power Initiative For Africa to contribute their quota to the improvement of power in the country using various energy sources.

“The MoU is to design, develop, finance, construct, operate and maintain multiple power production plants in multiple locations in Delta state of Nigeria. It is estimated to be up to 500 megawatts. This 500 megawatts will be executed in phases; the first phase is estimated to be for up to 150 megawatts”, he said.

Mr. Nwabuonwu assured Governor Okowa that the project would create employment opportunities for the teeming youths as well as boost the economy of the state.

Gov. Okowa Admonished Christians To Positively Impact On The Lives Of People In Their Communities.

Delta State Governor, Senator, Dr lfeanyi Okowa has admonished Christians to positively impact on the lives of people in their communities so as to enjoy eternal happiness with God.

Speaking during a condolence visit to the family of Late Ezinne Nwakaego Onyekwena in Akwukwu-lgbo, Oshimili North Local Government Area (7-5-16), Governor Okowa said that burial ceremonies was an opportunity for Christians to retrospect on their lives on earth and positively impact on the lives of the people stating that "We will only be remembered for the things we did to impact on our communities and not on our material acquisitions"

While consoling the family of the bereaved, Governor Okowa said "I know you have had a very big loss, it is very painful, l know that Mama lived a good life and will be with God in heaven, we should be celebrating her exit because she has played her role on earth and touched so many lives positively."

"I pray that God will order your steps and guide you as you go through the burial ceremony of your mother. l pray that we all grow old like Mama and contribute our quota to developing our communities before God calls us home to himself", he added.

In a brief response, The first Son of the deceased, Sir Emmanuel Onyekwena thanked the governor and his entourage for the visit stating that "This is an honor and privilege done to this family because the governor is a humble person and identifies with those he comes in contact with"

He assured the governor that his family would continue to support his administration with prayers because that was the legacy their late mother left for them.

Late Ezinne Nwakaego Onyekwena was blessed with five children, eighteen grand children and seven great- grand children, she died at the age of 83 years

DELTA STATE BOARD OF INTERNAL REVENUE
NOTICE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC
NEW PROCEDURES FOR TAXES/RATES PAYMENT AND PLACE OF COLLECTION OF RECEIPTS

This is to inform the General Public that a new procedure for payment of Taxes/Rates and the place for collection of Receipts have now been put in place by the Delta State Government effective 1st April,2016.

Subsequently, ALL TAX/RATE Payers are to:
1. Make Payments directly to the bank
2. Ensure that the bank cashier post their payments using the online platform to enable enable them collect their receipts promptly.
3. Collect their receipts for cleared payments at the bank of payment. This is immediate for cash and own bank cheques while other bank cheques may take up to 48 hours for clearing. The taxpayers is to collect the e-ticket in its place immediately pending the clearance and issuance of the receipts
4. In making payments for Tax/Rates, payers are to state the following: i Name of the Tax/Rates payer of Tax Agent (No Abbreviations please). ii. The type of Revenue being paid for. iii. The period the payment is meant for (Where relevant)
5. Taxes/Rates payers should please note that manual receipts will no longer be issued. All receipts are to be electronically generated and issued at the bank of payment.
6. You can verify the genuineness of the receipts via SMS,Delta Mobile App and website as stated on the face of the receipt.
7. Please, be guided accordingly.

SIR MONDAY JOHN ONYEME
Executive Chairman, Delta State Board Of Internal Revenue

HIP HIP HIP HURRAY
DBIR BOSS, SIR MONDAY JOHN ONYEME IS +1
The Executive Chairman of Delta State Board Of Internal Revenue Sir Monday John Onyeme is plus one today.

Sir Monday John Onyeme is a philanthropist and also a chartered Accountant who has contribute immensely to the growth of the DBIR Board.

As the Chairman of DBIR he has unfolded so many activities which has led to the drastic increase in the tax net.

May the Good lord bless your New Age and increase you in all areas of life.

DBIR: OUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE REVENUE FOR THE GOVT FOR QUICK DELIVERY OF THE S.M.A.R.T AGENDA OF DR IFEANYI OKOWA LED ADMINISTRATION.

The Executive Chairman Of Delta State Board Of Internal Revenue Sir Monday John Onyeme and other Board members has been working assiduously to ensure the board provides the state with enough revenue for quick delivery of the S.M.A.R.T Agenda of Dr Ifeanyi Okowa led administration.

In other to boost the IGR of the State, Board Members of DBIR has met with various Institutions in the state including the militaries for smooth collection of revenue,they have organize Programmes,Sensitization Seminars to make both the informal and formal sectors understand the needs to be faithful in paying their taxes as at when due.

Considering the shortfall of the oil price which has led to the dwindling of Federal allocation, states now find it difficult to even pay salaries of workers as looking inward is now the Solution.

For this course,the Board members has not fell asleep since they came into office just to ensure that they record success in boosting the revenue base of the State.Members of the board are still on the go to ensure total compliance by Industries,enterprises,companies etc in their tax obligation.

The Board has also setup Machineries to checkmate Industries,Enterprises, Companies,Small and Large businesses that has defaulted in submitting their 2015 Annual Returns,that has defaulted in paying their taxes regularly including their Development Levy and Business premises.

This exercise is still ongoing in all the Senatorial District and this is the first time since the history of DBIR that the board is embarking on a thorough exercise like this.

FAILURE TO PAY TAX IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
LETS SUPPORT THIS ADMINISTRATION BY PAYING OUR TAXES REGULARLY

Easter Celebrations: Onyeme Preaches Forgiveness, Love and Peace

As Christians all over the world begin the celebration of Easter today, The Chairman, Delta State Board Of Internal Revenue Sir Monday John Onyeme , has called on Nigerians, especially Deltans, to forgive one another and show love to all as Christ did.
Besides, he enjoined Deltans to continue to maintain the peace that the state has been enjoying.
In a goodwill message to mark this year’s Easter celebrations by Christians worldwide, Onyeme said Deltans and Nigerians in general should put behind hatred and unforgiveness and live in peace and love as exemplified by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“As Christians all over the world celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, I urge all Nigerians, especially Deltans to forgive one another and show love to all as Christ did”, he stated.

In His words: “permit me to use this medium to express my sincere gratitude to all Deltans who has shown commitment and support to this administration led by Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, he re-assures Deltans of Okowa's determination to put smile on the faces of Deltans via his prosperity agenda.

He charged all Deltans to key into the SMART agenda of Dr Ifeanyi Okowa's administration "Irrespective of the dwindling economy Dr Ifeanyi Okowa is standing tall in the area of Infrastructural Development that is why we all must give him our full support by been faithful in paying our taxes because in this era of dwindling revenue,Internally generated revenue is the only solution in other for us to experience quick delivery of the SMART agenda of this administration"Onyeme stated

While Speaking, Onyeme noted that by His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ gave Christians victory over death and liberated them from its fear, stressing that Easter was a season for the renewal of personal covenant with God and the relationship with the family, friends and neighbours.
“I pray that the peace, love, victory and joy, which the death and resurrection of Jesus brought to humanity, shall be the portion of Nigerians, particularly the good people of Delta State”, he stated.

THE CHAIRMAN AND OTHER MEMBERS OF DELTA STATE BOARD OF INTERNAL REVENUE FELICITATES WITH HRM THE OBI OF OWA KINGDOM @78

PHOTO L-R: Hon Solomon Ighrakpata( DBIR Board Member), Sir Monday John Onyeme(DBIR Executive Chairman), Dr Emmanuel EFEIZOMOR(HRM THE OBI OF OWA KINGDOM),Chief Barr Mike Edegware(DBIR Board Secretary),Chief Goddey Iwebuke (DBIR Board Member),Hon Barry Pere Gbe(DBIR Board Member),


The Executive Chairman, Sir Monday John Onyeme and other members of Delta State Board of Internal Revenue felicitates with HRM THE OBI OF OWA KINGDOM, Dr EMMANUEL EFEIZOMOR II on the Occassion of his 78th birthday.

Onyeme in a statement of felicitation describe the reign of the OBI of OWA Kingdom as peaceful,friendly and productive "Since you ascend the throne of your forefathers your reign has indeed benefited the people of OWA KINGDOM and Delta State in General."he Stated

Onyeme prayed that the legacy of peace, harmony, prosperity and steadfast progress which the Obi Of Owa Kingdom has witnessed since the monarch’s reign would endure perpetually.

He also prayed to God to continue to bless the traditional ruler with robust health and many more years of fulfilment.

Other Board members Chief Barr Mike Edegware,Mr Goddey Iwebuke, Solomon Ighrakpata and Mr Barry Gbe also threw in their messages of felicitation, they describe the monarch’s reign as fruitful, peaceful and productive

"As an Acting Chairman of Delta State Council Of Traditional Rulers, you have remained a source of pride, peacemaker and a splendor to the traditional Institution" They Stated.

They prayed for God’s continued protection and prosperity for the Monarch and the people of the Owa Kingdom.

ONYEME CONDOLES WITH IBRU'S FAMILY OVER THE DEATH OF EX-DELTA STATE GOVERNOR CHIEF FELIX OVUODOROYE IBRU.

The Chairman of Delta State Board Of Internal Revenue Sir Monday John Onyeme has condoles with the Ibru's families over the shocking demise of the Ex-Governor of Delta State Olorogun Chief Felix Ovuodoroye Ibru.

Onyeme in a Statements described the passing away of Chief Felix Ibru as a Painful exit, Sad and unfortunate, he said a great Icon who nurtured the modern day Delta into what it is today as the first Civilian Governor has gone home,It's shocking but we cannot ask God Why.

He noted that the late Chief Felix Ibru was a committed and dedicated gentleman of high standing, a democratic Icon,a great achiever and a patriot whose unblemished Service and exemplary career will always be remembered.

"On behalf of Delta State Board Of Internal Revenue DBIR, I sympathise with the Ibru's families,the Urhobo Nation over the demise of a legend, the first Civilian Governor of Delta State Olorogun Felix Ovuodoroye Ibru

He prayed the Almighty God grant repose to his soul and give the Ibru's families the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

ONYEME APPLAUD FRIDAY OSANEBI SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME
"Urges Well Meaning Deltans To Emulate his Good Gesture"

The Chairman Delta State Board Of Internal Revenue Sir Monday John Onyeme has applauded the Deputy Speaker of Delta State House Of Assembly Rt Hon Friday Osanebi ( Chairman, Friday Osanebi Foundation.) for his immense Contribution to the lives of humanity Via Awarding Scholarships to Students of Tertiary Institutions.

Onyeme made this Statement recently during a chat with newsmen, he describe the effort of the Deputy Speaker as laudable,wonderful and commendable which is inline with Dr Ifeanyi Okowa's S.M.A.RT Agenda, he further describe the Scholarship Award as a drive to encourage education in the society and also a divine intervention because many may have find it difficult to cope with the school fee
"Education is the bedrock of every Society, Investing in education is a medium to reduce youth restiveness in our Society" Onyeme Stated

While applauding the Deputy Speaker, he said the scholarship award will go a long way in wiping off tears from the eyes of the needy,noting that Osanebi has created an opportunity even for those who never thought of going to school due to lack of finance.

While urging well meaning Deltans to emulate the good gesture of Rt Hon Friday Osanebi he charged the beneficiaries to justify the good gesture rendered by the Deputy Speaker by remaining committed to their studies in other for them to remain beneficiaries of the Scheme

WEEKEND FILES:
Actualizing Gov. Okowa's SMART agenda is DBIR's major priority - Onyeme

PHOTO, L-R: Hon Solomon Ighrakpata(DBIR Board Member), Chief Goddey Daniel Iwebuke (DBIR Board Member), Barr Chief Mike Edegware (DBIR Board Secretary), Sir Monday John Onyeme (DBIR Board Chairman), Hon Barry Pere Gbe (DBIR Board Member).

Unlike most states , the Delta State Government relies on its internally generated revenue to meet its obligation to its citizens and residents. The development did not come as a magic, neither was it attain on a platter of gold. The turnaround in the revenue collection profile of the state is a result of concerted effort by successive governments including the present administration under the leadership of Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa especially the state board of internal revenue headed by accomplished accounting guru, taxation expert and a renowned technocrat Sir Monday John Onyeme.
The state government despite the economic downturn is striving to actualize its dream of making Delta a mega state and ushering Prosperity to all Deltans. It is also poised to live up to its responsibility of providing infrastructure, such as good roads network, durable drainage system, potable water, free education and quality healthcare system needed by its ever growing population.
Though, the people expectations are very high even with the protracted economic downturn; a task Monday Onyeme said is achievable. He has taken the challenge of increasing the internally generated revenue (IRG) of the state through the adoption and implementation of various strategies, which will impact positively on the revenue generations and collection in the state.
SMART agenda is a feat Monday Onyeme averred is achievable through the adoption of certain strategies and collective effort/synergy by board and other agencies of government. In a recent and an exclusive encounter with The Grassroots Trumpet International, Chief Onyeme spoke on plans of the government to increase its revenue base to effectively transform the state, ushering in prosperity to all Deltans, x-rayed the consequences of evading tax and other sundry issues. Excerpt:
Can you briefly tell us the importance of paying tax as an individual or organization?
It is important to understand what taxes do for our society if every citizen must pay his or her taxes voluntarily. When government raises money from the taxes paid by citizens, such funds are used for the provision of infrastructures for the common good. For example, money derived from the common used for the construction of roads, building of bridges, provision of health facilities, electricity, potable water, free education. Name them.
This is why citizens are oblige by law to pay taxes. The procurement of tractors for the farmers, empowerment of our youths and other monumental achievement of this administration in less than five months are clear testimonies of what the taxpayers' money is doing or can do.
The truth of the matter is that the more taxes we pay, the more government provides basic amenities for all of us and the converse is also true, since government owes it as a duty to provide for the welfare and security of its citizens. We also owe government the duty to pay our taxes prompts. So it is huge sign of irresponsibility for a citizen of any given state to evade paying his or her taxes because it is a serious offence punishable by law every society. And we must ensure that we pay our taxes as at which due.
What are the consequences of evading tax.
Tax evasion is a crime at which leads to serious loss of revenue to the government. It includes; deliberate evasion of payment of taxes, false declaration of income for tax purposes, deliberate failure or refusal to pay tax to the government, deliberate failure or refusal to remit deducted taxes to the government by the employers, deliberate refusal to pay taxes on income/salary earned by a worker or self employed persons, deliberate refusal to deduct and pay due taxes to government, etc.
Tax evasion therefore prevents government from getting funds to fulfil some of its obligations to the citizenry. It's clear that every citizens want government to provide society with good road network, constant electricity, potable water, free education, quality healthcare, durable drainage system and bridge, to link riverine with major towns in the state. It is also true that all these cannot be provided without funds. Many citizens think government can do everything for them without their contribution to empower government in providing these facilities; the truth however is that government can only get sufficient money when everybody contribute to the common pulse of government to enable the government provides these basic necessities. The consequence for not contributing by way of paying taxes is that government cannot provide these necessities readily. In other words, government cannot effectively carry out its functions if we don’t pay our taxes. This is why the Delta State of Internal Revenue encourages voluntarily payment of taxes so that the government can provide more health centres, good public schools, bridges, to link the riverine areas of our state.
Are there laws backing your operations? If yes, how do you ensure strict compliance?
The payment of taxes in societies is backed by laws. For example, the section 24 of our Nigeria's constitution states that it shall be the duty of a citizen to declare his income honestly and pay his tax without prompting. Taxation is statutory all over the world. This means that the law are put in place to guide the collection of tax. Our constitution empowers the National Assembly to make law foe the regulation of tax in the country.
The exclusive list of our constitution stated taxes such as such custom duties, excise duties, stamp duties and taxes payable on income from companies are under federal law.
The concurrent in the same constitutions that, states are to collect taxes from income and profits of individuals including stamp duties on transaction statement of individual. It prescribe the state House of Assembly are to make laws for collection of rates, duties and fees collectable by local governments. Local governments are also empower to enact bye laws on tax administration in their jurisdiction.
Our constitution therefore grants powers to all the three tiers of governments to collect taxes. There are other laws in Nigeria regulating tax payment.
Some of these includes; the company income tax Act, the personal income tax Act, the petroleum profit Act, the capital gain Act, the stamp duties Act, the custom and excise management Act, the value added tax Act, the tax and levies approved list for collection Act 21 of 1988 etc. these laws empower the relevant tax authorities to collect tax in Nigeria. In addition, various local governments have bye-laws for the purpose of collecting taxes the fell under their jurisdiction, since some people evade paying taxes.
Lastly, what is the way forward?
The good use of tax payers' money by this administration as evidence in achievement of Governor Okowa within 5 months in office shows that the way forward for government to meet the yearnings and aspirations of majority of Deltans is for every citizens within the age of paying taxes to voluntarily pay his or her taxes as at when due as such taxes will significantly enhance the SMART agenda of the present administration. So, taxation is one of the pillars of Governor Okowa's administration with major priority of ensuring the actualization of his SMART agenda, I want to use this medium to appeal to all Deltans and other Nigerians resident here as well as corporate organizations operating in Delta State to be proactive in paying their taxes to enable the government meet the people expectations. As you know, our offices are located round the towns in the state with our officers waiting to serve you better.

DELTA STATE BOARD OF INTERNAL REVENUE
L-R: Barry Pere Gbe(DBIR Board Member Representing Delta South),Chief Goddey Iwebuke(DBIR Board Member Representing Delta North), Sir Monday John Onyeme (DBIR Board Executive Chairman),Barr Chief Mike Edegware (DBIR Board Secretary) AT ASABA DURING AN INFORMAL SECTOR AND STAKEHOLDERS INTERACTIVE SESSION WITH DR IFEANYI OKOWA. — with Comr Okoh Ezekiel Tega and 38 others.

Actualizing Gov. Okowa's SMART agenda is DBIR's major priority - Onyeme

Unlike most states , the Delta State Government relies on its internally generated revenue to meet its obligation to its citizens and residents. The development did not come as a magic, neither was it attain on a platter of gold. The turnaround in the revenue collection profile of the state is a result of concerted effort by successive governments including the present administration under the leadership of Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa especially the state board of internal revenue headed by accomplished accounting guru, taxation expert and a renowned technocrat Sir Monday John Onyeme.
The state government despite the economic downturn is striving to actualize its dream of making Delta a mega state and ushering Prosperity to all Deltans. It is also poised to live up to its responsibility of providing infrastructure, such as good roads network, durable drainage system, potable water, free education and quality healthcare system needed by its ever growing population.
Though, the people expectations are very high even with the protracted economic downturn; a task Monday Onyeme said is achievable. He has taken the challenge of increasing the internally generated revenue (IRG) of the state through the adoption and implementation of various strategies, which will impact positively on the revenue generations and collection in the state.
SMART agenda is a feat Monday Onyeme averred is achievable through the adoption of certain strategies and collective effort/synergy by board and other agencies of government. In a recent and an exclusive encounter with The Grassroots Trumpet International, Chief Onyeme spoke on plans of the government to increase its revenue base to effectively transform the state, ushering in prosperity to all Deltans, x-rayed the consequences of evading tax and other sundry issues. Excerpt:
Can you briefly tell us the importance of paying tax as an individual or organization?
It is important to understand what taxes do for our society if every citizen must pay his or her taxes voluntarily. When government raises money from the taxes paid by citizens, such funds are used for the provision of infrastructures for the common good. For example, money derived from the common used for the construction of roads, building of bridges, provision of health facilities, electricity, potable water, free education. Name them.
This is why citizens are oblige by law to pay taxes. The procurement of tractors for the farmers, empowerment of our youths and other monumental achievement of this administration in less than five months are clear testimonies of what the taxpayers' money is doing or can do.
The truth of the matter is that the more taxes we pay, the more government provides basic amenities for all of us and the converse is also true, since government owes it as a duty to provide for the welfare and security of its citizens. We also owe government the duty to pay our taxes prompts. So it is huge sign of irresponsibility for a citizen of any given state to evade paying his or her taxes because it is a serious offence punishable by law every society. And we must ensure that we pay our taxes as at which due.


What are the consequences of evading tax.

Tax evasion is a crime at which leads to serious loss of revenue to the government. It includes; deliberate evasion of payment of taxes, false declaration of income for tax purposes, deliberate failure or refusal to pay tax to the government, deliberate failure or refusal to remit deducted taxes to the government by the employers, deliberate refusal to pay taxes on income/salary earned by a worker or self employed persons, deliberate refusal to deduct and pay due taxes to government, etc.
Tax evasion therefore prevents government from getting funds to fulfil some of its obligations to the citizenry. It's clear that every citizens want government to provide society with good road network, constant electricity, potable water, free education, quality healthcare, durable drainage system and bridge, to link riverine with major towns in the state. It is also true that all these cannot be provided without funds. Many citizens think government can do everything for them without their contribution to empower government in providing these facilities; the truth however is that government can only get sufficient money when everybody contribute to the common pulse of government to enable the government provides these basic necessities. The consequence for not contributing by way of paying taxes is that government cannot provide these necessities readily. In other words, government cannot effectively carry out its functions if we don’t pay our taxes. This is why the Delta State of Internal Revenue encourages voluntarily payment of taxes so that the government can provide more health centres, good public schools, bridges, to link the riverine areas of our state.

Are there laws backing your operations? If yes, how do you ensure strict compliance?

The payment of taxes in societies is backed by laws. For example, the section 24 of our Nigeria's constitution states that it shall be the duty of a citizen to declare his income honestly and pay his tax without prompting. Taxation is statutory all over the world. This means that the law are put in place to guide the collection of tax. Our constitution empowers the National Assembly to make law foe the regulation of tax in the country.
The exclusive list of our constitution stated taxes such as such custom duties, excise duties, stamp duties and taxes payable on income from companies are under federal law.
The concurrent in the same constitutions that, states are to collect taxes from income and profits of individuals including stamp duties on transaction statement of individual. It prescribe the state House of Assembly are to make laws for collection of rates, duties and fees collectable by local governments. Local governments are also empower to enact bye laws on tax administration in their jurisdiction.
Our constitution therefore grants powers to all the three tiers of governments to collect taxes. There are other laws in Nigeria regulating tax payment.
Some of these includes; the company income tax Act, the personal income tax Act, the petroleum profit Act, the capital gain Act, the stamp duties Act, the custom and excise management Act, the value added tax Act, the tax and levies approved list for collection Act 21 of 1988 etc. these laws empower the relevant tax authorities to collect tax in Nigeria. In addition, various local governments have bye-laws for the purpose of collecting taxes the fell under their jurisdiction, since some people evade paying taxes.

Lastly, what is the way forward?

The good use of tax payers' money by this administration as evidence in achievement of Governor Okowa within 5 months in office shows that the way forward for government to meet the yearnings and aspirations of majority of Deltans is for every citizens within the age of paying taxes to voluntarily pay his or her taxes as at when due as such taxes will significantly enhance the SMART agenda of the present administration. So, taxation is one of the pillars of Governor Okowa's administration with major priority of ensuring the actualization of his SMART agenda, I want to use this medium to appeal to all Deltans and other Nigerians resident here as well as corporate organizations operating in Delta State to be proactive in paying their taxes to enable the government meet the people expectations. As you know, our offices are located round the towns in the state with our officers waiting to serve you better.

ONYEME,EDEGWARE,BARRY GBE OTHER DBIR BOARD MEMBERS CONGRATULATES DR IFEANYI OKOWA ON HIS VICTORY AT THE SUPREME COURT

PHOTO:L-R: Hon Solomon Ighrakpata ( DBIR Board Member Representing Delta Central) Chief Goddey Ikebuke(DBIR Board Member Representing Delta North), Chief Barr Mike Edegware(DBIR Board Secretary), Sir Monday John Onyeme(Executive Chairman DBIR Board), Hon Barry Pere Gbe(DBIR Board Member Representing Delta South)

The Chairman Delta State Board Of Internal Revenue(DBIR) Sir Monday John Onyeme has congratulated the Executive Governor of Delta State,Dr IFEANYI OKOWA on his victory at the supreme court,he describe the verdicts as victory for the people of Delta State, saying, the supreme court ruling has vindicated PDP and is also a vindication for democracy.
Onyeme made this statements in his office today while addressing staffs of DBIR to key into the S.M.A.R.T agenda of Dr IFEANYI OKOWA in whatever they do, he said the victory has confirmed to all both in the state and beyond that the election that brought in Dr IFEANYI OKOWA as Governor is free, fare and devoid of violence which was affirmed by the international observers.

He charged all Deltans not to relent in supporting the OKOWA led administration because Dr IFEANYI OKOWA means well for all Deltans,he further advise all opposition parties to put the interest of developing the state at heart and work with Dr IFEANYI OKOWA for the growth of the state.

Also Speaking,the Secretary to Delta State Board Of Internal Revenue, Chief Mike Edegware also congratulates Dr Ifeanyi Okowa on his victory at the Supreme Court, he commend the judiciary for their straight forwardness and sincerity in proving to the world that the election that brought in Dr IFEANYI OKOWA as Governor of Delta State was free and fair.
He called on all irrespective of your party to join hands with Dr IFEANYI OKOWA to build the state to the desire dream of Deltans.

Other board members,Hon Solomon Igrakpata,Chief Goddey Ikebuke and Barry Pere Gbe also congratulates Dr IFEANYI OKOWA for his victory at the Supreme Court.
In a statement issued in Warri, they describe the decision of the supreme court as incisive and fair
They urged the Labour Party/All Progressive Congress Governorship Candidates to seek forgiveness from God for trying to distract the Governor whose desire is for all Deltans to prosper and contribute their quarter in the advancement of Delta State.

ONYEME,EDEGWARE,BARRY GBE OTHER DBIR BOARD MEMBERS CONGRATULATES DR IFEANYI OKOWA ON HIS VICTORY AT THE SUPREME COURT

The Chairman Delta State Board Of Internal Revenue(DBIR) Sir Monday John Onyeme has congratulated the Executive Governor of Delta State,Dr IFEANYI OKOWA on his victory at the supreme court,he describe the verdicts as victory for the people of Delta State, saying, the supreme court ruling has vindicated PDP and is also a vindication for democracy.
Onyeme made this statements in his office today while addressing staffs of DBIR to key into the S.M.A.R.T agenda of Dr IFEANYI OKOWA in whatever they do, he said the victory has confirmed to all both in the state and beyond that the election that brought in Dr IFEANYI OKOWA as Governor is free, fare and devoid of violence which was affirmed by the international observers.

He charged all Deltans not to relent in supporting the OKOWA led administration because Dr IFEANYI OKOWA means well for all Deltans,he further advise all opposition parties to put the interest of developing the state at heart and work with Dr IFEANYI OKOWA for the growth of the state.

Also Speaking,the Secretary to Delta State Board Of Internal Revenue, Chief Mike Edegware also congratulates Dr Ifeanyi Okowa on his victory at the Supreme Court, he commend the judiciary for their straight forwardness and sincerity in proving to the world that the election that brought in Dr IFEANYI OKOWA as Governor of Delta State was free and fair.
He called on all irrespective of your party to join hands with Dr IFEANYI OKOWA to build the state to the desire dream of Deltans.

Other board members,Hon Solomon Igrakpata,Chief Goddey Ikebuke and Barry Pere Gbe also congratulates Dr IFEANYI OKOWA for his victory at the Supreme Court.
In a statement issued in Warri, they describe the decision of the supreme court as incisive and fair
They urged the Labour Party/All Progressive Congress Governorship Candidates to seek forgiveness from God for trying to distract the Governor whose desire is for all Deltans to prosper and contribute their quarter in the advancement of Delta State.

TO ENHANCE REVENUE COLLECTION, ONYEME INAUGURATES DBIR TAX MONITORING AND AUDIT TEAMS
"Task team members not to compromise their job by entering any negotiation with any organizations for personal benefits while discharging their duties in the field"

The Executive Chairman Delta State Board Of Internal Revenue Sir Monday John Onyeme has charged team members not to compromise their job by entering any negotiation with any organizations for personal benefits while discharging their duties in the field as he Inaugurates DBIR Tax Monitoring and Audit Teams to boost revenue collection.

Onyeme made this statement yesterday during a meeting with Board Directors,all DBIR ACTs, CITs, RCs, Head of Stations, ICMA Services on Possible Solutions to the challenges facing the board and also ways of improving the Internally Generated Revenue of the State. He said though we as Board members has address some of the issues most especially the issue of seniority.

He said both the Audit Team and the Monitoring Team members are made up of Staffs of the DBIR and ICMA Services,he charge the newly Inaugurated teams to work assiduously in other for the Board to meet his target,he said team members must not react provocatively when they are provocated while discharging their duties in the field.
He advised Inaugurated team members not to compromise their job by entering any negotiation with any organization for personal benefits, he said appropriate Sanction will be taken if found playing sharp practices, going to the field is to work in other to increase the revenue base of the State
"There will be no second chance if anyone is caught playing sharp practices in the field"Onyeme Stated.

While Speaking he commend staffs for their effort and support so far, he said with the collective effort of all, the Board will definitely remain in a progressive drive to increase the Internally Generated Revenue of the State.
"Crude Oil can no longer sustain us,Federal Allocation is not even enough to pay salaries due to the dwindling of the oil price, we must put in our best in whatever we do to boost the revenue base of the state" Onyeme Stated.

ADDRESS BY SIR MONDAY JOHN ONYEME, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN DELTA STATE BOARD OF INTERNAL REVENUE TO MEMBERS OF SENIOR COURSE 38 OF THE ARMED FORCES COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE, JAJI ON THE 27TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2016.
PROTOCOL:
Hosting the cream of the future leaders of the Nigerian Military from the famous tri-service Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, is a rare privilege and opportunity any day and for me, the very first of its kind. On this note and on behalf of the Board, management and staff of my board, permit me to welcome you to our headquarters, Revenue House. We count it a great honour to be counted worthy of this august visit inspite so many other equally important and strategic destinations.
The Delta State Board of Internal Revenue (DBIR) is the alternative or standby life line of the Delta State Government, providing additional or support income to the State Government, especially in critical times such as we are in. With steadily declining oil prices and consequent dwindling federal allocations, my board provides the economic survival platform through the generation of Revenue from taxes and other internal sources.
The Board is a five member Board made up of the Executive Chairman (my humble self), the Secretary to the Board and a member representing each of our senatorial zones of Delta North, Delta Central and Delta South. We also have external members who represent the ministries of finance, economic planning, justice and the office of the Accountant-General. Internally, we have the Directorates of Operations, Finance and Accounts, Administration, Corporate Development, Enforcement and Compliance and Other Revenues, each of which is headed by a director. A new directorate – Media and Publicity is in the works and will start operating in the not too distant future.
Our operations are essentially field based, headed in each senatorial zone by a Resident Controller – RC, under whom are the Area Tax Controllers (ATC’s) and other categories of staff. We operate from all the Local Government Areas of the State with a staff strength of about 1250. Our tax base stands at 1,700 businesses/organizations with a standby 3,500 to be injected into the tax system in the next few months.
No doubt, the task of Revenue Generation through taxes, charges, rates, levies, etc., can only be carried out in a secure and stable environment. Like many other states, Delta has had its fair share of insecurity and tempestuous environment and this has posed a serious challenge to our operations. Youth restiveness, vandalisation of oil pipelines, crude oil theft and other vices have posed the greatest danger to our efforts to provide the state with an economic life support system through alternative revenue sources. Our worry about events in the oil industry is based on the fact that the oil companies are our biggest tax payers.
Moving forward, we recognize and appreciate your efforts to ensure a calm and stable environment that is conducive for our tax collection activities. Through your Operations Restore Hope and Pulo Shield, you have significantly contributed to the enthronement of the much desired conducive and enabling environment for our activities. We are therefore strategic partners with a symbiotic relationship. You create and sustain the enabling environment for us to generate the revenue that pays your salaries and guarantees your welfare. Like the proverbial lizard that falls from the tall Iroko tree, we should applaud ourselves if no one does so.
Even as we applaud the much that has been done to make our work possible and easy, much more remains to be done, especially in view of recent developments. With oil facilities still being attacked and crude theft unabated, your support has become more critical than ever before. We urge you to give this task your all, as that is the key to our collective survival. In making this appeal, I am not oblivious of your current status as students of the Armed Forces of the Command and Staff College, but I am motivated by the realization that in the very near future, you will graduate and will be posted to various command posts and positions of responsibility around the country. I see amongst you Service Chiefs and top level commanders who will shape the future of the Nigerian military. We must therefore continue to partner and strengthen the bond of friendship between us.
Since your return to your constitutional role after your adventure in power, you have done exceptionally well in defending the Nation’s territorial integrity and ensuring internal security. I specially commend your efforts in the North East and such other hot spots across the country. Equally, worth commending are your legendary exploits in your various peace keeping and enforcement efforts in the various conflict theatres dotting the globe. From Congo to Lebanon, Liberia, Sierra-Leone, Sudan, etc. to mention but a few, you have contributed very handsomely to Global peace and stability even at huge human cost. We cannot thank you enough for this. What remains is for the Nigerian State to learn to harness and harvest the economic advantages and opportunities that such military campaigns normally throw up.
Training which this tour is an integral part of is very crucial in the life of the Military. I urge you to take your training very seriously and make the best of it. Given the level of commitment you have exhibited over the years, a well trained and equipped Nigerian Military will easily rank among the best in the world. The Nigerian Military must be in a combat ready state even in peace times.
Finally, and on a very serious note, the Nigerian Military must remain united, focused and fiercely loyal to the Nigerian State. You must shun all divisive tendencies and the cleavages in the Nigerian Society. In all your actions, you must be professional and patriotic. A divided military will surely spell doom for all of us. We cannot afford this. You therefore must be Nigerians at all times.
Surely, you will relish the experience of this tour as it will enrich you personally and professionally. For those of you who will be posted to Delta State, we will be too willing host you once again, to share experiences and to collaborate on areas of mutual interest. Have a pleasant tour and safe trip back to Jaji.
Thank you.

We' re Delivering On Campaign Promises ----- Okowa

The Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has called religious leaders and indeed Deltans both at home and in Diaspora to continue to pray for the present administration in the State as he is working assiduously to deliver on his campaign promises for the overall good of the State.
Governor Okowa made this call in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of the State during the grand finale of the 50th Anniversary of Bible Society Of Nigeria (BSN) by the Delta North Area Chapter of the Society.
Represented by one time acting governor of the State and former Speaker of the State House Of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sam Obi, Okowa said that the call has become imperative as the state cannot achieve anything particularly in this present economic situation in the country without God.

He said that in keeping in his campaign promises, which according to him are anchored on the SMART agenda, his administration is taking steps to ensure that roads both in rural and urban areas are rehabilitated.
He also hinted that steps has been taken to ensure that the health policies of the state Free Maternal programme and others were implemented, just as he noted that his administration is also working hard to ensure that the youth training programme which he describe as one of the cardinal objectives of this present administration takes solid root.

He said "As laudable as this Programmes are, it's very obvious that we cannot achieve what we want to achieve without God. Therefore I call on the various religious leaders and Deltans in general to join hands with this administration in prayers so that we can collectively build the Delta of our dream and leave behind a legacy that our children we be proud of"

A WELCOME ADDRESS DELIVERED BY SIR MONDAY JOHN ONYEME, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN DELTA STATE BOARD OF INTERNAL REVENUE, AT THE JUST CONCLUDED STAKEHOLDERS RETREAT ON INTERNALLY GENERATED REVENUE ON MONDAY 18th JANUARY 2016, AT SONGHAI DELTA AMUKPE,SAPELE.
Your Excellency Senator DR Ifeanyi Okowa
The Executive Governor Of Delta State
Your Excellency Barr Kingsley Burutu Otuaro
the Deputy Governor Of Delta State,
The Honourable Speaker Of Delta State House Of Assembly,
My Lord, The Chief Judge Of Delta State
Hon Members Of Delta State House Of Assemly
Hon Commissioners
The Secretary To The State Government
The Head Of Service
The Chief Of Staff Government House
Special Advisers/Political and Economic Advisers
Permanent Secretaries
Chairmen Of Local Government Councils
Your Royal Highnesses
My Lord Spiritual and Temporal
Captains Of Industries,General Managers Of Companies,Banks and Other Financial Institutions,
Gentlemen Of The Press
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen


With great pleasure and expectation and on behalf of the Board, Management and staff of the Delta State Board Of Internal Revenue DBIR, I Welcome His Excellency, Sen Dr Ifeanyi Author Okowa, the Executive Governor Of Delta State and his entourage and our other very dear esteemed guest and stakeholder to this retreat with the theme: IMPROVING IGR ---A collective responsibility of all Deltans for the actualization of the S.M.A.R.T Agend.

The S.M.A.R.T agenda which is the vehicle through which the OKOWA administration promise of prosperity for all Deltans is to be actualised, is a highly ambitous and audacious program aimed at. unpresidented Infrastructure renewal,development and human empowerment. It is beyond debate therefore,that the successful implementation of the S.M.A.R.T agenda must of necessity be anchored on the availability of adequate financial resources.

In our life as a nation when we bragged even at National leadership level about money not been our problem, but how to spend it .Our confidence was anchored on the huge petro dollars which lined our pocket as a nation from oil exploration and export. This was a golden era of sorts,an era of unpresidented wealth but regrettably, due to lack of,or poor vision ,a skewed thought process and outright plainlessness. We squandered and fritter away our famed wealth into unwealth into unworthy causes.We Could not make the right choices or take the right decisions.

The result is that with our huge petro dollar income of yesterday,we could not lay a foundation worth the name for a post oil-era,or at best an era of sharply declined oil revenue as we are now in.
Surely,we know where we are currently and why we are there. Our current situation is not a sudden imposition from outer space,but the cumulative results of many years of neglect,poor, or lack of planning outright vision lessens and failed leadership.We failed to make hay while the petro dollar sun shine brightly above. Today, we are paying the huge cost and facing the monumental consequences of national profligacy.
Whether we swim or sink will depend on what policies we put in place and the actions we take from this point onward.

Let the truth frighten or hurt us if it will,but we have reached a critical stage where we must tell ourselves the whole truth and nothing but the truth about our very poor economic standing and the very visible threat to our collective survival as a people. Wallowing in self deceits and half truths will only aggravate our already very bad situation. As of today,oil is no longer the prime resource it used to be and does not command or occupy the pride of place it did in the recent past. For a combination of factors, oil is now selling below 30 dollar/ barrel, which some experts say is below the cost of production and a further crash towards the 20dollar/barrel mark has been predicted. At this level, the oil companies may just pack up as they cannot produce at a loss. The situation is frightening.
The big Arab producers are unwilling to cut back on production to assist price rebound. American oil is coming into the market for the first time in 40years. With the sanction on her lifted, Iranian oil is finding its way back into the International market. With the spectacular, positive results of the alternative energy source experiments, the oil market is shrinking daily,with a corresponding fall in the value of the NAIRA, which now exchanges for as low as #350 to dollar. In reality therefore, the much dreaded post- oil era which many thought was another lifetime away, is now here with us an era in which taxes from oil and allied ventures will either evaporate completely, or be reduce to an insignificant level.

So, where do we go from here? What are our realistic and viable options? Finding the right answer to these questions, learning the lessons from the past,taking the very tough decisions and making the very difficult choices which we parried or defend in the past,are the reasons for this retreat, because therein lie our collective survival
The verdict is near unanimous, that an aggressive expansion of our internally Generated Revenue base and opportunities is the way to go and our success or failure in this task is hinged on our modus operandi and commitment level. We are in deep crisis an emergency which requires that urgent and decisive steps be taken by all of us to save us. Our situation is too grave and urgent to accommodate any spectacles or bye standers because what is threatened, or at risk, is the Economic survival of All Of Us, and not some of Us. Yes,all hands must be on deck. Whatever we are, and no matter our primary assignment, we must make our modest contribution to the expansion of our IGR base.
In this new era therefore,it will it will be our collective responsibility to seek out and develope alternative income sources to the government . It is reassuring to observe that in the few months of the existence of this board, there has been an unprecedented surge in stakeholders and other third parties interest in the affairs of the board. We pray and hope that this surge in interest is not base on selfish consideration, but on the genuine desire to ensure that the OKOWA administration delivers handsomely on its S.M.A.R.T Agenda to usher in the era of Prosperity For All Deltans.

As a Board, we have as we should,rolled up our sleeves and taken the lead and we urge you to follow. We are urgently putting in place new strategies and initiatives and fine turning old ones to adapt them to the realities of today. Strategic intelligence is being deployed with a view to swooping decisively on the largely untapped informal sector. The tax net is being expanded and we shall continue to do so until every tax payer is brought in. I am pleased to announce here, that through our field service and investigative activities,we have a whooping new 3500 businesses which hopefully will be in the tax net within the next sixty days at the most. This will bring our current tax base of 1700 to an encouraging 5,200.

The Implications for our IGR Growth are pleasantly obvious. We are also not letting up on our other Programmes- tax education and public enlightenment,manpower development ,retreats,seminars etc.
To our partners,we must say this: that tax collection is a massive operation requiring the deployment of human and other assets. We must move away from the pretentious and complacent routine approach of the past which curiously focused the exercise on some blue ship companies to the neglect of thousands of businesses which are registered daily. Now, everybody must be brought to the tax net. We must truly collect tax and not just collate figures. We must identify and do those things which state like Lagos are doing and sustain the tempo. We must not see internal generating activities as a honey pot to satisfy our appetite, rather than meet our collective goals. We must de-emphasize our personal gains.

CONCLUSION
If we do nothing now to change the course of events,the looming disaster will surely happen. The time to plot our escape is now, not tomorrow . Now that we know while we are where we are,we must be courageous enough to take very decisive and audacious steps to regain our lost paradise. Yes we can,if we are all determined. The mistake of the past will be too costly,if not suicidal to repeat. Our collective destiny is nowhere else,but in our own hands. That is the beauty of our situation.
We must emphatically progress from the era of endless postulations to an era of the practical application of all the articulated principles. If for altruistic reasons we partner and generally collaborate in growing our internally generated revenue,then I venture to say that no matter how rough and tough things may look now, " the ravening clouds" of crashing oil prices " shall no longer be victorious. They shall no longer possess the sky of our economic freedom and prosperity for all Deltans. There surely shall be light at the end of the long dark tunnel.

Thank You

FALL IN CRUDE OIL PRICE: GOV OKOWA OF DELTA STATE MAKES CASE FOR IMPROVED TAXATION

AS the economic situation of Nigeria remains gloomy as a result of continuous down slide of crude oil price in the international market, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has challenged the Board of Internal Revenue (DBIR) to ensure that everybody within the tax net was captured.
The Governor gave the charge today (18/01/16) during a 2-day stakeholders retreat on internally generated revenue organized by the DBIR, at the Songhai-Delta, Amukpe, Sapele.
According to the Governor, "this summit is very important because we need money to develop the state, we need money to drive our SMART agenda and with the dwindling oil price at the international market, we need to drive our IGR to a state we can say, we are doing very well."
"What we generate every month is a little over N3 billion and I don't believe that with the expanse of businesses in Delta State, that we have captured everybody within the tax net with such," he said. emphasizing, "I expect that within this year, I expect you (DBIR) to generate twice that amount of money, it is achievable; we have a population of over 5 million persons, with many growing cities, every hand must be on deck, we must go out, reach out to the people on the need to pay tax and devise ways to get every taxable person."
The Governor added, "oil revenue can no longer satisfy our needs, it is a statement of fact and not paying tax by anybody is a criminal offense, it is fraudulent; tax is not to inflict pains on the very poor but to ensure that everybody is taxed based on the amount of money he generates."
Earlier, Chairman of DBIR, Sir Monday Onyeme had said the theme of the retreat was, "Improving IGR - a collective responsibility of all Deltans for the actualization of the SMART agenda," saying, "we are urgently putting in place new strategies and initiatives and fine tuning old ones to adapt them to the realities of today."
"Strategic intelligence is being deployed with a view to swooping decisively on the largely untapped informal sector; the tax net is being expanded and we shall continue to do so until every tax payer is brought in," he said.

Onyeme Urges Staff To Imbibe The Spirit Of Togetherness.

"Saying Treat One Another With Respect And Love Irrespective Of Your Position"

The Chairman Delta State Board Of Internal Revenue,Sir Monday John Onyeme has urged Staff of Delta State Board Of Internal Revenue (DBIR) to imbibe the spirit of togetherness and love in discharging their duties.

The Chairman who gave the charge in Warri yesterday when he held a meeting with staff of the board,enjoined staff to always cultivate the spirit of togetherness and be of assistance to one another as they discharge their duties.

He appeal to staff to adopt his philosophy by treating one another with love, respect and with the fear of God irrespective of their position, he urged staff not to hesitate in sharing knowledge that will be beneficial to one another

Onyeme,who acknowledged that there is much work to be done to reposition the board for efficient service delivery, charged staff to put in their best and work assiduously to achieved the desire results, he assured staff of his commitment in taking the board to a greater height that will be enviable by all, he said measures are already in progress to update the data base of the board by including enterprises,organizations discovered recently after a tour that is not in the data base of the board. "Staff must eschew the attitude of murmuring and exhibit the spirit of tolerance and love for one another"he added

While Speaking he admonished staff to key fully into the SMART Agenda of Dr IFEANYI OKOWA in anything they do,he re-assured the staff of Dr Ifeanyi Okowa's determination to deliver the Prosperity for all Deltans to the people of the state irrespective of the current dwindling of the oil price.

"We will make resources available to the state government to implement all its programmes, especially the SMART agenda of the Okowa led administration" Onyeme stated.

Onyeme Urges Informal Sector To Pay Tax

BY VINCENT ANIKWUSHE

THE Chairman, Delta State Board of International Revenue (DBIR), Sir Monday Onyeme, has underscored the need for Deltans especially those in informal sector to pay their taxes in order to shore up the revenue base of the state for accelerated development.
Onyeme stated this during Tax Justice Colloquium with the theme: Taxation: Challenges and Prospects of the Information Sector organised by Delta State Tax Justice and Governance Platform with support from Oxfam, NOVIB and Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) held at Labour House, Asaba.
Represented by Mr. Alexander Meteke, Chief Inspector of Taxes, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Onyeme maintained that payment of taxes “is a civic responsibility of the citizens”, adding that failure to pay tax or evading tax payment is against the law.
The DBIR boss pointed out that payment of tax was crucial and had become imperative, especially now that the revenue from oil was dwindling.
He said that government cannot perform magic to get money for development, stressing that the only option or alternative was the payment of taxes to shore up the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the State.
In her remarks, the State Coordinator, Delta State Tax Justice and Governance Platform, Barrister Bridget Anyafulu, said that the seminar, which was earlier held in Warri and Asaba tagged: Town Hall meetings, was to sensitise and create awareness on the need to pay tax by the informal sector.
Barr. Anyafulu who is also the Chief Executive Officer, International Centre for Women Empowerment and Child Development (ICWECD), Asaba, opined that when citizens pay their taxes, they have the right to demand for accountability and question how their taxes were being utilised by the government.
The participants which included market women, keke riders, NGOs, CSOS, NUJ, TUC, NLC, NUT, faith based organisations, advocated harmonisation of payment of taxes to avoid multiple-taxation.

Christmas:Uduaghan Preaches Peace, Urges Nigerians & Deltans To Resolve To Live In Peace.

By Wilson Junior

In a goodwill message to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Immediate Past Governor Of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan has enjoined all Deltans and Nigeria in general to embrace the virtues of peace and love that the Christmas epitomized.

Uduaghan stated this in a chat with newsmen in Warri, advised Christians to celebrate in moderation and to devout much time to prayers for the peace and unity of our Dear State and country, he said the annual commemoration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ is a most auspicious time for us, as individuals,state and as a nation, to rededicate ourselves to the virtues and ideals which the Messiah preached and exemplified during his earthly ministry.
Let us all therefore resolve this Christmas to make the ideals of peace, harmony, tolerance, love and goodwill to all even more manifest in our interactions with others.

"Christmas, signifies hope and salvation brought to the world in need of redemption. The world would be a better place if the values and virtues reflected by the holy birth of Christ, especially love for one another were practiced faithfully”, he stated.

In a related development, Uduaghan urged Deltans to embrace peace as a way of life as that is the only way growth and development can be guaranteed, he call on all Deltans irrespective of party affiliations and religious believe to join hands with Dr Ifeanyi Okowa to take the state forward.

"The birth of Jesus Christ signifies peace, this is the season of peace and in the next few days, we will enter another year, we must decide that we must live in peace … Together we get more, divided we shall lose a lot”, he stated.