The management team of the South South Media and Entertainment Awards (SSMEA), led by its President, Sammy Wejinya, has paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS), Sir Israel O. Egbunefu, FCTI, commending his transformational leadership, change management expertise and strategic deployment of digital technology in strengthening revenue administration in Rivers State. The team applauded his reported achievement in tripling the State's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), creating greater fiscal capacity for government to pursue capital projects and sustainable development in the state.
The delegation described Sir Israel as an outstanding public administrator whose results-driven leadership demonstrates how digital penetration, institutional reforms and voluntary tax compliance can transform public revenue management. His nomination for the prestigious SSMEA Man of the Year Award has attracted considerable attention, with the team noting that he has maintained a leading position in the voting since it commenced and remains a strong contender in the final stage of the competition. The recognition, according to the team, reflects the growing appreciation of his contributions to public service and economic development.
In a significant commitment to civic responsibility, the SSMEA management pledged to partner with RIRS in promoting voluntary tax compliance through public awareness campaigns, tax education, capacity-building programmes, trainings and workshops, both during and after the awards ceremony scheduled for 6th December, 2026. The partnership is intended to mobilise media practitioners, entertainers, business owners, creative professionals and the wider public to understand their tax obligations and appreciate the connection between responsible tax payment, government revenue and sustainable development.
Responding, Sir Israel expressed appreciation for the recognition, remarking that he was simply pursuing what he was passionate about: tax education, voluntary compliance and sustainable economic development through an integrity-driven digital system that delivers greater prosperity to the good people of Rivers State. He expressed surprise that his relatively quiet disposition and focus on his statutory responsibilities had attracted such public attention across the South South Region of Nigeria, noting that he was not given to media hype but remained committed to delivering results. He thanked the SSMEA team for finding him worthy of the honour and assured them that RIRS would welcome a mutually beneficial partnership extending beyond the awards ceremony. The 2026 South South Media and Entertainment Awards is scheduled for Sunday, 6 December 2026, at Aztech Event Centre, Stadium Road, Port Harcourt, celebrating excellence across the South South region, hosting the creme dela creme of men and women across the region from Government and the organized private sector.
Bonye LongJohn Information Exchange and Corporate Communications