By Our Correspondent
The G-8 Communities Development Union, representing eight communities in Okitipupa and Odigbo Local Government Areas of Ondo State have sought government intervention over Rex Forestry Limited's alleged failure to implement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and local content obligations.
The communities included; Korede community; Adewinle Community; Ago Oyinbo Community; Ago Alafia Community; Oloruntedo Community; Ayetoro Community; Mobolorunduro Mile 49 Community, of Okitipupa Local Government Council Area and Kajola Community of Odigbo Local Government Area.
In a peaceful protest held on Wednesday, residents with different placards with inscription; "Stop Treating us like a slave", "innocent must Go, Rex company, Give us our csr project" , "Ezekiel must go, give us our csr project" , said being Marginalized by the company's inability to implement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and local content obligations is unacceptable
Speaking with Newsmen, a community Leader, Chief Oloruntobi Kehinde expressed frustration over Rex Forestry Limited's disregard for its obligations, despite previous complaints and appeals.
According to him, a Concession Agreement on Sustainable Forestry Management Exploitation of Ondo State Afforestation Project, had been executed on August 17, 2021, between the Ondo State Government and Rex Forestry Limited, outlining specific CSR obligations.
"These include committing 1% of the annual budget to CSR activities, employing local persons, promoting education and sanitation, training employees, and adhering to sustainability standards.
"Despite these binding provisions, Rex Forestry Limited has allegedly willfully refused to honor its CSR obligations. The company has employed external labor, imposed an external community liaison officer, failed to commit 1% of its budget to CSR programs, and neglected its duty to promote education, sanitation, and skill training.
Other youth leaders who spoke with our correspondent including Hon. Sunday Aro, opined that Ondo state government under the leadership of Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa should urgently intervene on the matter with immediately alacrity
"We are using this medium to compel the immediate implementation of all outstanding CSR and local content obligations, establish a tripartite monitoring committee to ensure strict compliance, Invoke necessary sanctions, including suspension or revocation of concession rights, if Rex Forestry Limited fails or refuses to comply.
The union however sought government intervention to address the alleged breaches and ensure that the company complies with its CSR and local content obligations.
"We are seeking Ondo State Government, intervention as a contracting party to the Agreement, to take decisive action in defense of justice, fairness, and the well-being of G-8 community people.
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