By Philip Yatai
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has urged indigenous companies to invest in life-impacting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in their host communities for mutual benefit.
Wike gave the advice on Friday in Port Harcourt while inaugurating the Corporate Office of Giolee Global Resource Ltd, an indigenous firm providing environmental solutions for sustainability.
The minister commended the founder and Managing Director of the company, Mr Lesi Maol, for siting the corporate office in Port Harcourt rather than Lagos or Abuja.
According to him, the decision will create employment opportunities for Rivers residents and boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue.
Describing the gesture as “very encouraging”, Wike said investment in CSR would promote community development, build trust and contribute positively to the overall growth of the state.
“I commend you for what you are doing for the host community and pray that the community will take advantage of these initiatives,” he said.
Wike noted that many companies neglected corporate social responsibility, stressing the importance of giving back to host communities.
He commended the company for pledging to provide a 500 KVA transformer and to pay the school fees of 50 students, describing the gestures as “highly commendable”.
The minister added that company was not only creating jobs but also opening its facilities to science students for excursions and industrial training.
He encouraged host communities to leverage the presence of the company to improve their livelihoods.
Wike recalled that he presented the company with Certificate of Occupancy (C o O) during his tenure as governor of Rivers State to enable it access banking services.
Earlier, Maol explained that he invited Wike to inaugurate the edifice to show gratitude for giving the company the C o O, two weeks before leaving office as governor of Rivers.
He explained that the company, specialised in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries, was one of the leading providers of environmental consultancy and technical services, across Nigeria and West Africa.
He added the company, established on Nov. 5, 2004, was committed to delivering world-class environmental solutions with a focus on sustainability and excellence. (NAN)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
