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.

Mr 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, 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,” Mr Wike said that investment in CSR would promote community development, build trust, and contribute positively to the state’s overall growth.

“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.

Mr 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 the 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 company’s presence to improve their livelihoods.

Mr Wike recalled that, during his tenure as governor of Rivers State, he presented the company with a certificate of occupancy (C of O) to enable it to access banking services.

Earlier, Mr Maol explained that he invited Mr Wike to inaugurate the edifice to show gratitude for giving the company the C of O two weeks before leaving office as governor of Rivers.

(NAN)