The investiture ceremony of the 3rd Chairman of Onitsha and District Society of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, CITN, Dr. Lady Ifeoma Deborah Obieri, FCTI has ended with a call on members of the Institute to rise above personal interest and move the District Society to greater heights.
The event, held at Sharon Hall, All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha was graced by national officers of CITN, Presidents and chairmen of various professional bodies, government functionaries, industrialists, traditional rulers, the academia, and traders among others.
Declaring the event open, the chairman of the occasion, Prof. Ngozi Anyikwa expressed delight with the Onitsha and District Society of CITN for their inclusive approach and the recognition of the wider community of professionals, stakeholders and associates who share in their vision of promoting sound taxation practice, accountability and nation building.
Prof. Anyikwa who is also the Director of Affiliate Institutions, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka charged the new Chairman to see her role as a call to greater service, leadership, responsibility and innovation in the face of Nigeria’s evolving tax landscape, describing taxation as a crucial aspect of nation building, adding that CITN is the pillar that should strengthen the nation’s fiscal system by enhancing professional standards.
Earlier in a welcome address, the investiture planning committee chairman, Dr. Sylvanus Izebhokhae stated that Dr. Lady Ifeoma Deborah Obieri is the 1st female chairman of the District, pointing out that the event not only marks a transition in leadership but is a continued commitment to excellence in taxation practice and professional development in the South East region.
Presenting his keynote address, the CITN National President and Chairman of Council, Mr. Innocent Ohagwa, FCTI, described District Society as the power house of the institute following the wave of reforms in the taxation system in the country.
The CITN National President and Council Chairman, represented by the National Vice President, Dr. Simon Kato expressed joy that Onitsha and District Society is in capable hands with Dr. Obieri whom he described as competent, resilient and highly connected, urging her to uphold the image of CITN at all times by liaising with stakeholders and provision of opportunities for capacity development of the members.
The Executive Chairman of Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Emmanuel Nnamani in a lecture on “the Roles of Tax Practitioners and Administrators in Ensuring Voluntary Compliance” said that voluntary compliance to taxation is critical for sustainable revenue generation in any society.
Mr. Nnamani, represented by Barr. Ngozi Ezema observed that government revenue is generated mainly through taxes, fees, levies, fines and penalties, pointing out that tax practitioners and administrators should be knowledgeable in tax laws with integrity and sound mind to promote voluntary tax compliance.
The outgoing Chairman of the District, Chief Nick Mbagwu in his valedictory speech noted that awareness and enlightenment about taxation has been created in the District and appealed to the members to support the activities of the District.
The event climaxed with the investiture of the new District Chairman, Dr. Obieri by the representative of the National President of CITN, Dr. Simon Kato.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Obieri appreciated the 17th President and Chairman of CITN, Mr. Ohagwa; the Registrar, Mrs Afolake Oso, and other important personalities that graced the occasion, stressing that the focus of her Chairmanship year would be “Creating Tax Awareness and Enhancing CITN Visibility”. “This slogan is a strategic imperative, especially in a time like this, when fiscal responsibility and national development hinge on effective taxation, and we must all rise to the occasion”, she emphasized.
While reeling her policy trust which include: to amplify tax awareness, deepen engagement with policy makers to shape tax discourse and catching the next generation of tax leaders young, among others, Dr. Obieri called on her fellow elected executive committee to be courageous and rise above personal interest to achieve their set goals.
Inauguration of the other members of the executive for 2025/2027 by the new District Chairman, presentation of awards to deserving personalities and cutting of the investiture cake also featured.
