By ebosele@hotmail.com –
The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Otunba Oladele Bankole-Balogun has been honoured with the prestigious Humanitarian Service Award by Rotary International District 9141 in recognition of his outstanding commitment to community service and social impact.
The award was presented at the installation ceremony of Rotarian Mariam Obomeghie Kadiri-Ezelome (PHF) as the first President of the Rotary Club of Auchi, Hilltop.
City Business News reports that the event held on Monday, December 29, 2025, in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Receiving the award on behalf of the EIRS Chairman, the Edo State Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Chief Yakubu Musa Jackson, presented the honour to Mr. Courage Eboigbe, Head of Corporate Communications, EIRS, who represented the EIRS boss at the ceremony.
In his remarks, Eboigbe emphasized Hon. Oladele Bankole-Balogun’s strong belief in the fusion of public service and humanitarian responsibility, noting that his passion for service remains deeply rooted in the people of Auchi and the core ideals of Rotary International.
“I stand here today on behalf of my boss and Executive Chairman, EIRS, who believes that the true measure of any public institution such as the EIRS is not just in the figures it generates but in the lives it impacts,” he said.
He added that the award affirms the transformation of EIRS under Hon. Oladele’s leadership into an institution that prioritises social development alongside revenue generation.
“This award is a testament to the fact that under Otunba Hon. Oladele Bankole-Balogun’s leadership, the EIRS is not just a revenue generation agency but a partner in social progress,” Eboigbe noted.
Highlighting the agency’s contribution to governance, he explained that revenues generated by EIRS directly support the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led administration in delivering critical infrastructure and social services under the SHINE Agenda.
“Every naira we collect is a seed planted for the development of Edo State—building schools, roads and hospitals. To be recognised by Rotary validates our efforts to give tax administration a human face,” he stated.
Eboigbe also paid glowing tribute to the newly installed Rotary Club President, describing Rotarian Mariam Obomeghie Kadiri-Ezelome (PHF) as a trailblazer, role model for women and a beacon of hope for Etsako West.
“As you take the mantle as the first President of the Rotary Club of Auchi, Hilltop, you carry the aspirations of many. The Executive Chairman congratulates you and pledges his support for initiatives that promote communal well-being and economic growth,” he said.
The ceremony attracted a distinguished audience, including top government officials, traditional rulers and high-ranking Rotarians from across Rotary International District 9141, marking a significant milestone for Rotary activities in Etsako West and Edo State at large.
