In an act to pay last respects to the 13th President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Chief Dr. Cyril Ede, who recently passed away, Senior Government Officials and Individuals from various walks of life honoured the late Business Magnate.

The tribute day was held in Lagos, at the Council Chamber of the CITN.

Mr Samuel Agbeluyi, the President/Chairman of the Council of the Institute, said in his key note speech, that “Dr Ede did his best as the 13th president of the institute; life is a stage. We gather to pay tribute to a visionary leader in the field of taxation and a beloved past president of our noble institute, Dr Cyril Ede.

“He dedicated his life to the advancement of our profession; he served as the institute’s president between 2017 and 2019.”

Agbeluyi said, Ede’s professionalism in taxation and leadership not only elevated the standard of the institute but also inspired countless thousands of professionals to strive for greatness and uphold the values of the tax profession.

In her welcome address, the Ag. Registrar/Chief Executive, Mrs Afolake Oso, said, “We gather here today in solemn tribute to a man who has left an indelible mark on our institute and the tax profession at large. Mr Ede being the 13th president of the institution was not just a leadership position but a dedicated call to service with over two decades of commitment to the institute.”

She quoted him, saying, “My election was a call to service.”

“This sentiment encapsulates the heart of Mr Ede. He was a silent leader with integrity, and always putting the best foot forward to make a lasting impression.

“As chairman and president of the institute, his eight-point agenda for the institute resonates deeply with our collective aspirations and his emphasis was on the increased feasibility of the institute,” she noted.

Also, Mrs Titilayo Fowokan, a council member of CITN, described Ede as a remarkable individual who had left an indelible mark on the world of taxation and public service.

“He was a man of great integrity, and wisdom, and he has departed from this world, leaving behind a profound legacy that will continue to outlive him,” she stated.

On his part, the Deputy Vice President of CITN, Mr Simon Kato, said, “Chief Ede, your humility and love for CITN and your family were very contagious. You were very professional in your work and relationship. You were truly a statesman.”

Also, a past President of CITN, Dame Gladys Simplice, declared, “I have worked with him, I travelled with him, and he is a leader and a father, RIP.”