In a thought-provoking sermon during the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) New Year Prayer session in Abeokuta, Archbishop Olusina Fape, the Bishop of Remo and Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, emphasized the scriptural mandate for paying taxes.
Citing Romans Chapter 13 verses 1 to 2 and 6 to 7, Archbishop Fape declared taxation as a divine arrangement and asserted that failure to pay taxes amounts to sinning against God. He urged for righteousness in tax assessment and collection, drawing parallels to the Bible's characterization of tax collectors as sinners.
The Islamic counterpart, Alhaji Hamid Olanrewaju, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the trust government places in its staff. OGIRS Executive Chairman Olugbenga Olaleye urged staff support for the 2024 revenue target, announcing plans for a new Border Tax Office at Oyo State border areas.
The declarations underscore a unique intersection of religious teachings and fiscal responsibility, prompting reflection on the moral implications of tax compliance.
