Ogun State Government has advised companies to ensure the needs of their host communities are in tandem with their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.  

This was made known by the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, while speaking during a programme organised for the elderly by Lafarge Africa, in Ewekoro area of the state, saying companies should synergise with their hosts and have a clear understanding of their needs before embarking on projects.

Mr. Sofela, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola, stressed that host communities must be able to benefit exponentially from the operations of companies in their domain.

He urged the various industries to ensure indigenes of host communities were employed, as a way of giving back to where they source materials for their business activities.

"I want to advise that you do things on need-basis. The people should tell you what exactly their need is and it must be on continuous basis because to whom much is given, much is expected. You are drawing your major raw materials from the community and they must be able to benefit exponentially from what you are doing there", he said.

Assuring the company of government support, the Commissioner said the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration remained resolute in its determination to continue to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

In his remarks, the Group Managing Director, Lafarge Africa, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said the programme aimed at supporting aged members of the host communities, particularly retirees and vulnerable individuals with the care and assistance needed for fulfilled live.

Also speaking, the Onipapa of Papalanto, Oba Abdul-Rasak Famuyiwa, solicited for peaceful coexistence among the companies and host communities and called on residents to support the companies.