METRO Feature Technology drives all our processes for optimal performance - FCT-IRS boss Gov't endorses 'sewing' vocational training in Abuja schools

By Stanley Onyekwere

The FCT Administration said it has made necessary provisions for the strategic vocational training of school children across the six area councils.

This is coming as the administration had approved, provided venue and released funds to a non-governmental organisation, Ladi Memorial Foundation for sewing competition for schools.

Speaking at the championship finals, 'upskilling sewing boot camp' held in FCT Youth Centre, Nyanya at the weekend, the director FCT Department of Mass Education, Mrs Titilayo Alayande said the exercise is aimed at assisting students to learn skills that will help them to be self-employed.

The pilot project, which she said had received full blessing of the minister of FCT, Mallam Muhammad Bello, targets fifty four students and learners in junior and Secondary schools alongside non formal students under the age of 20.

"It targets fifty four (54) students and learners in Junior and Senior Secondary Schools alongside non formal students under age twenty (20) across the FCT Area Councils"

"The pilot scheme is aimed at skills development for economic independence.

"It was born out of the desire to empower the participants to start earning money even before leaving school as a way of helping to curb the rising number of unemployed graduates", she explained.

Earlier in her remarks, the Executive Director, Ladi Memorial Foundation, Mrs. Rosemary Oshikoya, said her foundation was driven by the desire to dignify skills acquisition among students.

"At the end of the Boot Camp, winners who would emerge would be given starter packs including industrial sewing and weaving machines among many other items", she said.Earlier in her remarks, the Executive Director, Ladi Memorial Foundation, Mrs. Rosemary Oshikoya, said h the desire to dignify skills acquisition among students.

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory - Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) Mr Haruna Abdullahi has reiterated the commitment of the Service in prioritising technology to drive its processes for better performance and to also ease procedures of accessing services by taxpayers.

Abdullahi stated this while giving a Goodwill message at the International Technology and Communication Expo (ITEC Expo 2023), in Abuja.

He underscored the importance of taxation as the mainstay of the economy and the need to leverage and optimise the use of technology to boost revenue generation at both national and subnational levels.

“In FCT-IRS, we have built our platforms to be technology driven.Technology is now driving all our processes, from Taxpayers Identification Number (TIN), to registration, verification, payment and issuance of Tax Clearance Certificate among others.

“The Service under my watch is open to innovation and new technology to further enhance our collection and simplify the processes for our taxpayers in the FCT.

“As we explore the vast landscape of modern technology, let us also consider the essential role that taxation plays in supporting and sustaining these advancements”, he FCT-IRS boss reaffirmed.

According to a statement signed by Head, Corporate Communications, FCT-IRS, Mustapha Sumaila, the Chief Executive explained that taxes are the lifeblood of any economy because they provide the funding necessary for public services, infrastructure, and social programmes that form the backbone of the society noting that a strong tax-paying culture is vital in enabling the government invest in the technologies and industries of the future.

He however, noted that FCT-IRS was deeply committed to fostering a vibrant ecosystem where technology and communications could thrive.

He added that the Service having recognised the transformative impact of these advancements on all human endeavours, is dedicated to providing a conducive environment for entrepreneurs, innovators and stakeholders to flourish and contribute to the progress of the society.

Furthermore, the Chairman noted that the Service is focused at adapting and evolving in order to meet the challenges of the digital age considering the importance of leveraging technology to simplify and streamline tax compliance as well as making it easier for businesses and individuals to meet their obligations.