EKO NEWS

DMD Ajibode Unveils Lekki Free Trade Zone CSR Initiatives, Empowers Tiye, Imobido, Ilege, Idasho Communities

Published

11 months ago

Jan 4, 2024.

By Babawale Solomon

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Management has demonstrated its commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) by organizing an event for the host communities within the zone’s premises on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.

The beneficiary communities, including Tiye, Imobido, Ilege, and Idasho, had their respective Baales (community leaders) present, alongside representatives of women, youths, and other community members.

The low-key CSR initiative aligned with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the LFTZ Management and the various communities.

Among the commitments was the provision of exotic boat engines for community members involved in fishing.

However, the management exceeded expectations by also supplying fishing nets, modern fish kilns, and solar street panels to illuminate the communities.

In her address, Deputy Managing Director of the LFTZ, Mrs. Bolatito Ajibode, thanked community leaders for their support, particularly in providing land for the LFTZ project.

She emphasised the zone’s goal of fostering an environment for industries, benefiting the community with job opportunities.

Mrs. Ajibode stressed the importance of community members gaining skills for zone employment, assuring the management’s commitment to fulfilling agreements and supporting community training.

“The communities have been instrumental in supporting our organization, particularly by releasing their lands for our significant project, for which they are now beneficiaries,” she said.

Lekki Free Trade Zone Deputy Managing Director, Mrs. Bolatito Ajibode

“Our goal is to create a conducive environment for industries and investors to thrive, offering employment opportunities and various benefits to community members.

“However, we acknowledge the challenge of a lack of skilled workers from the community, and we are committed to addressing this gap by exploring ways to provide training and opportunities for community members to join our workforce.

“As part of our corporate social responsibility, we are delighted to go beyond our initial commitment.

“Today, we provide not only exotic boat engines for fishing but also essential tools such as fishing nets, modern fish kilns, and solar street panels to illuminate your communities. This is a testament to our dedication to the well-being and development of our host communities.

“We understand that there are areas where we can improve, and we assure you that we will work together to fulfill the remaining agreements with the communities.

“We are committed to exploring avenues to train and integrate community members into our workforce. Your support is invaluable, and we look forward to a continued partnership for the mutual benefit of the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the communities we serve.”

Leaders from the communities and representatives of women and youth expressed appreciation for the LFTZ Management’s initiative.

They lauded the current management for its attention to community needs, contrasting it with previous administrations and other organizations. While expressing gratitude, they also appealed for continued support in various areas.

Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, the Chairman of Ibeju Lekki Local Government, acknowledged the LFTZ management’s efforts and urged them to address the critical issue of electricity in Ibeju Lekki.

DMD Ajibode and Hon. Olowa presented valuable equipment, including boat engines, fishing nets, fish kilns, and solar panels, to community leaders. The event concluded with a vote of thanks and commemorative photographs.

See more photos from the event below: