Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
In every thriving society, taxation remains the lifeblood of sustainable development. For residents and business owners in Obafemi-Owode Local Government, timely payment of taxes is increasingly being emphasized as the key driver of visible transformation and meaningful grassroots progress.
Under the current administration led by Executive Chairman, Ogunsola Lanrewaju Adesina, the local government has continued to champion fiscal responsibility, transparency, and people-oriented projects. Widely described as a distinguished professional and accomplished administrator, Adesina, an FCPA, has reiterated that tax compliance is not merely a civic obligation but a direct investment in the future of the community.
According to the chairman, when residents fulfill their tax responsibilities promptly, they position the local government to deliver what he describes as the “dividends of democracy” right to their doorsteps. These dividends include improved road infrastructure, better-equipped primary healthcare centres, enhanced public schools, environmental sanitation initiatives, rural electrification support, and strengthened security architecture across towns and villages within the council area.
Obafemi-Owode Local Government, strategically located along major commercial routes in Ogun State, has witnessed growing economic activity in recent years. The presence of small and medium-scale enterprises, manufacturing outfits, agro-allied businesses, and service providers has significantly boosted the local economy. However, sustained development, stakeholders say, depends largely on consistent internally generated revenue — with taxation forming a substantial component.
Speaking during a recent stakeholders’ engagement forum, the chairman stressed that development cannot be achieved through federal allocations alone. He explained that reliance solely on statutory allocations limits the scope and speed of infrastructural and social interventions. “When residents and corporate organizations pay their taxes as and when due, the local government is empowered to plan effectively, execute projects promptly, and maintain existing infrastructure,” he noted.
Industries and companies operating within the local government have therefore been urged to ensure full compliance with tax regulations. Beyond fulfilling a legal requirement, corporate tax payment is viewed as a partnership with government in building a conducive business environment. Improved roads reduce logistics costs, enhanced security protects investments, and better public services improve the quality of life for workers and their families.
Community leaders and development associations across Obafemi-Owode have also thrown their weight behind the tax compliance campaign. Many argue that visible development projects in recent months — including road grading, rehabilitation of public facilities, and sanitation drives — demonstrate how internally generated revenue can be effectively utilized when properly managed.
Financial experts emphasize that taxation fosters accountability. When citizens contribute financially to governance, they are more likely to demand transparency and responsible leadership. This healthy cycle of contribution and accountability strengthens democratic institutions at the grassroots level.
For residents, the message is clear: prompt tax payment is not a burden but a tool for collective advancement. For businesses, it is a strategic contribution toward creating an enabling environment that guarantees sustainability and growth.
As the administration of Ogunsola Lanrewaju Adesina continues to pursue its development agenda, the call for increased tax compliance resonates louder across communities in Obafemi-Owode. With shared responsibility between government and the governed, the local government stands poised to accelerate its developmental strides — turning civic duty into tangible progress for all.
