Olusegun Obisanya
The 16th President and Chairman in Council, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, CITN, Mr Samuel Agbeluyi has inaugurated the United Kingdom and district society and invest Chief Peter Boladale Makinde as the pioneer Chairman.
The CITN boss stated this in his keynote address which he delivered at the inauguration, according to a statement from the organisation, which was obtained by our correspondent.
Agbeluyi stated: “Today marks a truly historic moment in the annals of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) as we gather to inaugurate the United Kingdom and District Society and invest Chief Peter Olu Boladale Makinde, as its pioneer Chairman.
“The establishment of the United Kingdom and District Society not only signifies institutional growth but also embodies the spirit of resilience, dedication and vision.
While commending the unwavering commitment of all members of the District who have worked tirelessly to see this event a reality, the president noted that the concept of District Societies is the connecting link bridging the gap between the Central Body and its numerous members across various states in Nigeria.
He was delighted when he mentioned that the district societies, planted about 20 years ago, are expanding in Nigeria and that CITN has been able to establish a foreign branch.
“This initiative that began about two decades ago has grown and spread to about 34 States in Nigeria and the FCT. It is also worthy of mention that the number of District Societies has expanded tremendously to an impressive 44 districts. What is even more remarkable is that we have today transcended borders and established our presence in the United Kingdom demonstrating that our professional expertise knows no boundaries.”
Reeling out the mandate of the UK District, Agbeluyi noted that the foreign society will be beneficial to Nigeria and the UK.
“I expect the District Society, as part of its core mandate to focus on knowledge sharing on the potentials of the OECD Beneficial Ownership Initiative and the Common Reporting Standard which gave rise to automatic exchange of information between tax administrations.”
He continued, “I also expect the District to create awareness and advocate for the effective implementation of bilateral treaties between the UK and Nigeria, particularly, Double Taxation Agreements. This District Society holds a key to unlocking the benefits and expectations of these frameworks for businesses and tax authorities operating in both jurisdictions.”
Congratulating the newly elected Chairman and his executives, Agbeluyi charged the chairman to see his investiture as a call to service and without prejudice to the challenges that may emerge, you have taken on a responsibility to which you are accountable.
“The task ahead is enormous, but I believe you have all it takes to perform exceedingly beyond expectations. I therefore, urge you to work assiduously and selflessly to make this District a point of reference among other district societies in the shortest possible time. Members will be looking up to you for responsive leadership and I am confident you won’t let them down.
“Under the leadership of the pioneer Chairman, Chief Peter Olu Boladale Makinde and his executives, I believe this District will thrive to surpass these expectations through various impactful initiatives and programmes that promote the Institute’s tax advocacy drive.
“To all members of the United Kingdom and District Society, I urge you to embrace this new chapter with enthusiasm and a sense of purpose. It is important that the newly elected leadership receive all the support they can get. This will be the springboard for the District Society to thrive, operate efficiently and accomplish outstanding feats,” Agbeluyi said.
