Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has charged Inner Galaxy Steel Company, a Chinese firm operating in the state, to evolve initiatives that can positively impact the socioeconomic growth of its host communities and the state at large. The Governor made this charge during a meeting with the company's management and the Ukwa West Traditional Rulers Council at his residence.
The meeting was prompted by a petition written by the Traditional Rulers Council of Ukwa West to the Governor, alleging that the company had been abusing its employees and neglecting its corporate social responsibility. Governor Otti emphasized the importance of good communication between the company and its host community, stressing that successful companies establish a host relations department to interface with the community.
He urged the company to conduct an internal audit to address the issues raised about the minimum wage it pays its staff and to comply with government directives. The Governor warned that the continued operation of the company in Abia would be based on its good behavior, respect for the host community, and payment of taxes.
Governor Otti charged the company to become a good corporate citizen by carrying out activities that would positively impact its host community. He also directed the Mayor of Ukwa West LGA, Mr. Newman Azu, to coordinate quarterly meetings between the company and the host community to improve engagements.
The Governor's stance on the matter demonstrates his commitment to ensuring that businesses operating in Abia State contribute positively to the growth and development of their host communities. The meeting was attended by members of the State Executive Council and other Governor's appointees.
In his remark, the Chairman of the Ukwa West Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Augustine Dike, alleged that the company mistreats its employees and has not had any developmental impact on the community. The Mayor of Ukwa West LGA, Mr. Newman Azu, also stated that the company has not paid any taxes to the local government council in the past six years.
The Managing Director of the company, Mr. Hongming Zhang, responded that staff welfare is a top priority, and the company ensures that it transacts its business in line with international best practices. He promised that the company would make serious efforts to meet the demands of the community and improve its engagements with the host community.
The meeting ended with a resolution that the company would hold quarterly meetings with the host community to improve engagements and that the Mayor of Ukwa West LGA would coordinate the meetings. The Governor also warned that his administration would not tolerate any form of non-compliance to government directives.
This development is a positive step towards ensuring that businesses operating in Abia State contribute positively to the growth and development of their host communities. It also demonstrates Governor Otti's commitment to ensuring that his administration promotes businesses that benefit the state and its people.