According to The Nation, the 2024 edition of the Kwara State Tax Club Quiz Competition concluded on Thursday, with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq awarding Government Day Secondary School Gaa Akanbi the top prize of N2.5 million and a trophy in recognition of their outstanding performance.

The Governor commended the increased engagement in the quiz competition, reflecting its growing popularity and influence in enhancing public understanding of taxation's role in socioeconomic progress.

This year, 154 secondary schools, both public and private, across Kwara State participated in the contest, with six schools advancing to the final round.

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.

Other finalists were Government Secondary School Lafiagi, which won N1.5 million as first runners-up; and second-runners-up 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 of the winners got trophies to celebrate their efforts and achievements in the keenly contested competition.

The Governor said the event underlines the importance of financial literacy and the role young minds play in shaping the economy.

He said 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 the society.

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.

Moddibo 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.

The event attests to the administration’s commitment to fostering an informed, responsible, and future-oriented citizenry, she said.

Chairman of KW-IRS, Shade Omoniyi, said the competition is not just a movement but 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.”