GOVERNOR ABIODUN TASKS INDUSTRIES ON CSR, HOST COMMUNITIES’ RECRUITMENT

      Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on industries and other private organizations to complement the State government’s efforts in the area of employment generation by employing qualified Nigerians from the host communities where they operate, as well as engage in more Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, especially at this period to cushion the adverse effects of the pandemic.

      

    Governor Abiodun made the call during the commissioning of a community electrification project and distribution of Covid-19 palliatives, donated by International Breweries Plc, to members of its host community in Bara, Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of the State.

          The Governor, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe said industries should partner with the government, in line with the present administration’s “Building our Future Together’’ Agenda by going beyond employing unskilled labour from host communities to recruiting skilled and professional workers, who he noted could contribute to the growth of their organisations.

          He added that the declaration of a State of emergency in Education at the on-set of the present administration and decisive steps taken, were already yielding positive results, as more youths in various communities have now acquired requisite skills and qualifications that have empowered them to contribute to the development of businesses and economic growth which the State is currently experiencing.

          Governor Abiodun while lauding the company for donating 300 KVA, 3-phase transformer and Covid-19 palliatives, called on more companies operating in the State to embark on different Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects to aid development of their host communities.

          He assured that, as a responsible and responsive Government, providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive remains a key priority.

          The Governor called on the people to adhere to all safety measures in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that residents must reject all assumptions doubting the existence of the virus.

          Delivering her speech, the company’s Director, Legal and Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Temitope Oguntokun, said the donation was  part of the company’s CSR and vision, which was consistent with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that the N12.4 million electricity project would bring about greater economic growth to the over 1,000 inhabitants of the community.

          Oguntokun, represented by the Plant Manager, Engr. Tony Agah, said the palliatives which included: bags of rice, 500 trays of Malt drinks, 72 cartons of alcohol-based hand sanitisers, 3,500 pieces of 3 ply face masks, 50 infrared thermometers, 400 pieces of VTM (Gene Aid) kit, 1000 pieces of overall (Hazmat suits) and 300 pieces of reinforced protective gowns, were meant for residents of Logbara, Orile-Imo, Siun and Bara communities.

          Speaking earlier, the Baale of Bara community, Chief Olusola Solagbade lauded the company for all projects that had been executed for the community, calling on the organisation to do more through the provision of a healthcare facility within the community and employing more indigenes.

          He assured that the community would continue to support the company by promoting peaceful atmosphere to ensure actualization of the organisation’s objectives.