The Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS) has extended financial support to 30 businesses affected by a recent rainstorm in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.
During a cheque presentation ceremony held on Thursday, EKIRS Chairman, Mr. Olaniran Olatona, said the intervention reflects the state government’s commitment to safeguarding revenue sources by ensuring that local businesses can recover swiftly and continue contributing to the economy.
“A few weeks ago, our beloved Ado Ekiti was struck by devastating storms. The fierce winds did not discriminate—they tore through roofs, shattered windows, and left a trail of damage impacting many, including our dedicated business owners,” Olatona recalled.
He described the cash support as more than a gesture—it was a strategic investment in the resilience and productivity of the state’s economic drivers.
“You are not merely taxpayers; you are the engine of job creation… When you suffer, our state suffers. When you thrive, Ekiti thrives,” Olatona stressed.
While the exact monetary value of the support was not disclosed, the chairman said the assistance is meant to ease immediate burdens, restore essential services, and enable affected entrepreneurs to rebuild operations.
The initiative, he added, complements broader emergency response efforts and reinforces the government’s credibility among residents.
“We recognise that sustainable revenue generation flourishes in an environment where taxpayers feel supported, valued, and secure,” Olatona noted.
He urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly and remain active contributors to the state’s development through consistent tax compliance.
He said, “Your taxes are the lifeblood that enables the government to build roads, provide healthcare, educate our children, and indeed, to offer support in times like these.”
Also speaking at the event, the General Manager of the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (EKSEMA), Mr. Oludare Asaolu, praised the revenue service for taking swift action.
He called the move “a clear reflection of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s compassion and proactive governance.”
Asaolu further advised residents to adopt preventive measures against future disasters, including planting trees and erecting windbreakers to shield properties from windstorms.
The affected business owners thanked the state government for the timely assistance.
