Kosile Stella, the Special Assistant on Revenue Matters to Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, has dismissed as “untrue” the recent comments made by Reno Omokri regarding the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, had claimed on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account that, “Wizkid’s Morayo album has generated more revenue in two weeks than the total Internally Generated Revenue raised by Osun State in 2023.”
Osun State’s Revenue Growth
In a statement issued in Osogbo on Sunday, Stella described Omokri’s comparison as “illogical and unfair.” She pointed out that while Wizkid enjoys a global fan base, Osun State’s IGR is drawn solely from its residents and local economy.
“Since the inception of His Excellency Governor Ademola Adeleke’s tenure, Osun State’s revenue has seen consistent growth,” Stella said. She highlighted year-on-year increases, noting:
- 2022: 9.7% growth.
- 2023: 13.5% growth.
- 2024: 46% growth.
- Since 2021: An 82% overall increase in IGR.
Stella further explained that while these figures may seem complex to individuals like Omokri, critical thinkers and data analysts understand the methodology behind revenue extrapolation and the significance of sustained growth.
“Apples and Oranges” Comparison
Stella criticized Omokri’s comparison between the revenue generated by Wizkid’s album and Osun State’s IGR as a flawed analogy.
“Reno Omokri is comparing apples with oranges. Wizkid’s audience spans the globe, whereas Osun’s IGR is sourced from its residents alone. Only someone who lacks depth in analysis would equate the two.”
She likened Omokri’s argument to comparing the earnings of global sports stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi with state revenues.
“Ronaldo and Messi earn $213 million and $130 million annually, amounting to about ₦583 billion. Does this mean they should be invited to teach 25 Nigerian states how to generate IGR? Similarly, Jon Rahm, despite not winning any tournaments, is the highest-paid golfer of 2024 with $218 million in earnings, surpassing self-employed taxes of all Nigerian states, including Lagos, from 2019 till date.”
Dismissal of “Illogical Half Statements”
Stella also criticized Omokri’s comments as reflective of a declining ability to engage in logical discourse since leaving political office.
“It is extremely funny that Reno is no longer capable of making logical arguments. Instead, he resorts to half-baked statements, hoping to ride on Wizkid’s recent album release to regain relevance,” she remarked.
Osun State’s Commitment to Revenue Growth
The Governor’s aide reiterated the state’s commitment to sustainable revenue growth and economic development under Governor Adeleke’s leadership. She emphasized that the administration is focused on real progress rather than engaging in baseless comparisons.
“Osun State is on a trajectory of consistent revenue growth. We remain committed to our strategies for increasing IGR and fostering economic prosperity for our citizens. Misinformed comments from individuals seeking attention will not deter us from our mission,” she concluded.
Final Thoughts
The statement from Kosile Stella not only refutes Reno Omokri’s claims but also highlights Osun State’s significant strides in revenue generation. It calls for a more informed and logical discourse on economic matters and underscores the importance of context and accuracy in public commentary.
