ASABA, Delta State’s capital city, has been described as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful and hospitable any visitor would desire.
The Chairman, Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, Obi Kelvin Ezenyili, who stated this, asserted that Asaba was, an ideal place for any international discourse.
Speaking in Asaba on the forthcoming Maris Public Lecture billed to hold on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba , Ezenyili, welcomed the choice of the ancient city by the great River Niger as host for this year’s edition of the annual lecture series,
He noted that the topic for discussion, “Effective Tax Administration For The Delivery Of Democratic Dividends” was well chosen bearing in mind the effects of COVID-19 on the finances of government, corporate organisations and individuals.
“Asaba is reputed for playing good host to visitors,” he said, adding that it is also very peaceful and receptive.
The council chairman said, “The choice of Asaba for such international discourse like the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture series is ideal; Asaba is known for accommodating visitors.
“Asaba is peaceful and our Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has greatly improved on the aesthetic landscape of Asaba as a capital city.
“As the Chairman, Oshimili South Local Government Council, the host local government (of Asaba), I warmly welcome visitors who will come days ahead for the lecture and those who will fly in on that day. Happily, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has given us one of the best airports in the world, the Asaba International Airport; so, those who desire to fly in on that day are free to do so.
“I appreciate the organisers of Maris Lecture, especially Fidelis Egugbo, the Secretary, Maris Trust Council, for sustaining the lecture despite the challenging times. Certainly, we have a lot to talk about tax and this is the ideal time to face the reality of how people should be taxed, the necessity of tax.
“We will certainly learn a lot from this lecture, and the choice of Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, buttresses the fact that our Governor, Dr Okowa, encourages Deltans to excel and also shows his commitment to take the right decisions as a democrat.
“I am confident that the governor, and key players in governments in the country and all over the world and indeed all participants will for a long time appreciate this lecture as the guest lecturer and discussants were carefully chosen; they are all experts in their chosen fields.”
Egugbo had said that the Chairman, Delta State Internal Revenue Service (DSIRS), Chief Monday Onyeme, will deliver the lecture, which will have as discussants, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State, Peter Mrakpor (SAN); Mr Emeka Anthony Odo, Executive Chairman, Enugu State Internal Revenue Service; Dr. Shefiu Abiodun Muritala, Accountant-General of Lagos State; Hon. (Barr.) Orezi Esievo, Executive Secretary, Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprise Development Agency (DEMSA), and the Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Tony Elekeokwuri and Dr. Kemi Emina as Moderator.
“We are happy that the lecture has received endorsements from different quarters. Our Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, is the true face of democracy, he encourages Deltans to excel in what they do and we are grateful to God for such gift to humanity.
“The governor is expected to be the Chief Guest of Honour at the lecture as his colleagues in other states, financial experts and generally, those who are committed to the sustenance of democracy will be at the lecture.
“Moreover, an Abuja-based private sector operator, Chief Kennedy Kanma, will chair the Lecture while the Managing Director of Hellyncom Eye Clinic, Warri, Dr (Mrs) Comfort Omon-Irabor, is Mother of the Day and Very Revd. Fr. John Konyeke is Spiritual Father of the Day.
“While the lecture is free, we shall stick rigidly to COVID-19 health protocols. The good thing is that Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba is large enough to accommodate people.
“The traditional date for the lecture is every Wednesday before Easter Sunday, so the date for the lecture for years to come have been fixed, while it will take place at 12 noon prompt so that those who will fly in on that day using the Asaba International Airport can come in and possibly return to their base same day.
“Asaba, also hosts hotels of international standards and I can confidently confirm that most of the participants have indicated interests to arrive before the lecture, which would afford them the opportunities of doing one or two things while in Asaba.”
