AS countdown begins for the March 31, 2021 Maris Public Service Lecture, the Unity Hall, Government House Asaba, Delta State has been announced as the new venue for the lecture.
The lecture, with the theme “Effective Tax Administration For The Delivery Of Democratic Dividends”, was initially to hold at Orchid Hotel, also in Asaba.
Comrade Fidelis Egugbo, Special Assistant, Media to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, who is also secretary to the lecture organising council, disclosed this on Tuesday in Asaba.
He, however, noted that the choice of the Government House as the new venue for the lecture was advised by some factors that the organising body had to take into consideration.
Egugbo said, “Today, with joy in our hearts, we wish to unveil a new venue for the 2021 edition of Maris Annual Public Service Lecture. It is the prestigious and famous Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, Delta State.
“The topic for discourse, ‘Effective Tax Administration For The Delivery Of Democratic Dividends,’ has elicited a lot of reaction from far and near, including concerns about the ravaging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on economies, corporate organizations and individuals’ finances, which is probably unprecedented in the world.
“The lecture, we believe, will proffer solutions to financial challenges facing governments, corporate organisations and individuals; and the workaholic governor of Delta State, a man reputed for knowledge-driven initiatives, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, will be the Chief Guest of Honour at the Lecture.
“Based on the critical nature of the lecture, especially in the wake of financial impact of COVID-19, several governors of other states of the federation, members of the National Assembly, captains of industries and policy makers, especially in the financial sector, among other dignitaries, are expected to attend the lecture.
“A renowned tax expert and business man, Chief Monday Onyeme, will deliver the lecture, which also parades able discussants, including the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State, Peter Mrakpor (SAN);
The Executive Chairman, Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Emeka Anthony Odo;
Accountant-General of Lagos State, Dr. Shefiu Abiodun Muritala;
The Executive Secretary, Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprise Development Agency (DEMSA), Hon. (Barr.) Orezi Esievo; and,
The Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Tony Elekeokwuri.
“Dr. Kemi Emina is the Moderator.
“Also, Dr (Mrs) Comfort Omon-Irabor, Managing Director, Hellyncom Eye Clinic, Warri, will be the Mother of the Day and Very Rev. Fr. John Konyeke will be the Spiritual Father of the Day at the lecture.
“With the new normal, we shall stick strictly to the COVID-19 health protocols. Happily, the venue for the lecture, and Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, Delta State is large enough and conducive for the strict adherence to COVID-19 health protocols.
“Nevertheless, we appreciate the support and understanding of the Management of Orchid Hotel, which was initially chosen for the lecture; we also thank those who are working behind the scene for the lecture to be successful; may God bless you.
“For those who have already made hotel reservation in Orchid Hotel and its environs, please note that the new venue, Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba is barely about five minutes drive from the hotel.
“For sponsorship, placement of goodwill messages for the Guest Lecturer, Discussants, Moderator and those participating in the lecture in the brochure, kindly reach Fidelis on +2348032933933.
“Time for the lecture, which takes place annually on the Wednesday preceeding Easter Sunday, remains unchanged: 12 noon prompt,” Egugbo said.
