From Unclear Career to the Tax Arena: My Journey to ACTI- Toyin Abdulazeez Lawal
From Unclear Career to the Tax Arena: My Journey to ACTI- Toyin Abdulazeez Lawal
The road to purpose is rarely straight. Mine began with a dream to study Law and become a practicing Barrister, fully robed in the courtroom. I was also passionate about community development; committed to building people and impacting lives.
But life had other plans.
After graduating, I found myself doing hand-to-mouth jobs just to get by, still driven by the hope of becoming useful to my society. Then came a divine encounter with a visionary leader, Professor Muritala Awodun, the pioneer Chairman of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS). He saw potential in a young man with fire in his belly and invited me to be part of a transformational story.
That single opportunity changed everything.
I became increasingly fascinated with how the Service mobilizes revenue strategically for Kwara State’s development. I saw firsthand how tax compliance was encouraged not just through enforcement, but through community impact programs (CIP) that directly benefited the people. My passion was ignited.
In 2017, I was nominated to attend KW-IRS’ first-ever Management Retreat. That moment brought clarity. I saw how my desire for public service and love for community development aligned perfectly with the mission of tax administration.
A major turning point was meeting Mr. Lekan Rotimi, one of the pioneer Directors of KWIRS (2015–2019). He became my mentor, and through his guidance, I saw tax practice not just as a profession, but a purpose.
And today, to the glory of Almighty Allah, I’m proud to be inducted as an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (ACTI).
This is more than a certificate, it’s a symbol of resilience, of faith, of growth, and of a future filled with greater service.
This milestone marks a new chapter in my journey as a tax professional, aspiring barrister of law and a community-focused leader.
Along the way, I have also earned several recognitions and certifications:
*Certified Senior Lead Implementer – ISO 9001*
*Fellow, Chartered Institute of Public Diplomacy and Management*
*Member, International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA)*
*Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA) – in view*
None of this would be possible without divine grace of Almighty Allah and the unwavering support of the executive chairman of KW-IRS, Engr. Folashade Omoniyi and other management staff. Thank you for giving me the platform to grow.
To my family, friends, mentors and bosses that I'm under their tutelage, and loved ones, Thank you believing in me and walking this journey with me.
This is not the end—it's only the beginning. The dream is not just to grow, but to serve, to lead, and to impact.
The journey continues...
*TOYIN ABDULAZEEZ LAWAL* Dip(Law), BA, MBA, SLI (QMS), MIIBA, FCIPDM, ACTI
#ACTI #CITN #KWIRS #TaxAdministrator #Taxprofessionals #LifePurpose
