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The Alimosho Event Vendors Association has urged the Federal and Lagos State Governments to address the challenge of multiple taxation faced by its members, lamenting that this has led to harassment, exploitation, and financial strain.
The association identified multiple taxations as a major problem affecting the profit margin of its members.
Speaking at the Annual General Meeting/ Inauguration of the new executive members of the association on Saturday, the president of AEVA, Mrs. Rosemary Ajayi said the imposition of multiple taxes, levies, and charges at various levels of government on their members remains a major barrier to their services.
The event, held recently in Lagos, brought together professional event vendors from across Alimosho Local Government in Lagos State, providing a unique opportunity for networking and growth.
Ajayi, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Mary’s Golden Event Ltd, said AEVA members were levied by both the Federal and Lagos State Governments, a situation she said was inimical to the industry’s growth.
She said, “We are facing multiple taxations. We are taxed by the Lagos State Government and the Federal Inland Revenue Service. We want the government to address this because we are small-scale businesses. We want the government to help us in any way they can.”
The president urged the government to implement a single, unified tax payment system to eliminate the burden of multiple levies.
Ajayi also appealed to the government to assist members of AEVA with soft loans to boost their business and contribute more to the economy by addressing unemployment.
“We are a big community of employers of labour for Nigeria. The event industry employs a significant number of people, and that is why we want to project the industry and our activities.
“We want the government to come and see what we are doing and help us and encourage us more. We address unemployment in Nigeria. So, we want the federal and Lagos State governments to support us with soft loans to grow our businesses and make more impact, “she said.
Ajayi said she would steer the affairs of the association in the next two years with a special focus on innovation, strategic partnerships with organisations, community building, and collaboration among members and relevant stakeholders to carry out big events as her major goals.
She assured that under her leadership, the association would work harder to unite the members and achieve its goals.
Ajayi took over from Eunice Iwu-Basil; the immediate past president who successfully led the association for two years.
The other new executive members include Helen Fregene, Vice President;
Oluwaseyi sylv-kadiri, Secretary;
Folashade Adelaja, Treasurer; Florence Oyegwa, Admin; Ayo Adewuyi, PRO; Oluseye Jegede, Social; Doris Monyei, Welfare and Eche Blessing Ogbe, Assistant welfare.
In her remarks, the AEVA Board of Trustee Chairperson, Mrs.Taiwo Awojoodu, said the association with 146 members was all about giving a voice to event planners and promoting the industry.
She urged the new executives to unite members of the association and to move it forward.
Awojoodu said the executives were elected by the members, unlike in the past when they were appointed.
