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Ondo State Government Charged Forestry Firms On CSR To Host Communities

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The Ondo State Government has charged forest concessionaires operating in the state to strengthen their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, particularly towards host communities, as part of their long-term partnership with the state in forest regeneration and economic utilisation.

The Permanent Secretary in the Forestry/Produce Sub-Sector of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Chief Segun Odusanya, gave the cgarge during a working visit to Lisagbede in Odigbo Local Government area of the state.

According to a statement issued by the Head of Media and Public Relations in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr. Sola Omoboyowa, the site houses afforestation projects by Rex Forestry Ltd, Sul-Wood, and Blue Sky.

While commending the firms for their impressive performance in afforestation, planning, harvesting, and wood processing, Chief Odusanya acknowledged their significant investments and engagement of local labour.

He noted that such developments are commendable but must be complemented with robust CSR initiatives that directly benefit host communities.

“As you utilise the 37.226 hectares of land concessioned to you, we expect you to do more in terms of social responsibility in areas such as education, health, infrastructure, and community development. These communities are key stakeholders in your success,” he said.

Odusanya reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting concessionaires to ensure smooth operations, regulatory compliance, and peaceful co-existence with farmers, many of whom have encroached on the forest reserve for unauthorised agricultural activities.

He emphasised dialogue and engagement as tools to resolve such issues amicably.

He explained that while the government had allocated the land to investors for forest regeneration, economic development, and academic research, illegal encroachment for farming posed a threat to these objectives.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Rex Forestry Ltd, Mr. Vincent Servais, outlined the company’s long-term goals and contributions to sustainable forestry.

He disclosed that over 10,000 hectares of forest have been planted with species including Gmelina, Eucalyptus, Acacia mangium, and Tectona grandis (Arborea), while over 100 million seedlings are being raised for future expansion.

Servais highlighted the company’s potential to create more than 700 jobs and noted that 100 students from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), have already received training in forest and wood management through the company’s educational initiative.

He appealed to the state government for continued support in addressing land encroachment and illegal logging, pledging the company’s willingness to engage peacefully with affected farmers and communities.

As the state intensifies efforts to harness the economic, environmental, and educational potentials of its forests, stakeholders were reminded that sustainability is best achieved when investments are matched with meaningful social impact.

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Written by Ondopress

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