News

CSR: Reps Vow To Fight Back Companies Who Refuse To Honour Invitation

Published

7 months ago

April 18, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Committee investigating the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility by multi national oil companies operating in the South-South region of Nigeria has vowed to drag in the mud the image of the companies operating in the region, who have refuse to honour the committee’s invitation

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Lilian Orogbu who stated this at the resumed hearing of the committee expressed displeasure about the attitude of some companies, according to her, they were being disrespectful to the National Assembly.

She said some of the companies have been ignoring invitations from the Committee, and that after three invitations, the committee will be left with no option that to invoke the powers or the parliament on the affected companies.

She said: “We don’t know who you are. This committee was formed to investigate petitions coming from those places where you operate. Series of petitions coming from your host communities. We are not here to witch hunt anybody, not by any means.

“We are here to work together to see that your operations are carried out with all sense of responsibility and that those communities where you operate feel happy that they are also benefiting from these companies operating in their midst.

“We are all talking about building a new Nigeria, while the Presidency is talking about renewed hope agenda. We need to give hope to our citizens.

“The committee report will be prepared very soon and we won’t want your companies to be indicted. In the next few days, you are going to see me in Channels TV discussing the host community issues, the company issues and how these companies have been handling the host community issues. I am sure you won’t want your companies to be mentioned.

“If that does not mean anything to you, by the time we begin to invoke the powers of the National Assembly and the powers of the constitution on your companies, I am sure you won’t like it.

“We are here to work with you and in the area where you are not meeting up, the committee will advice you to do the needful and we will come on sight of to oversight what youbare doing. But don’t make us look as if we are witch hunting you.

“But if we find out that your company has become a troublesome company to this committee, I will weild everything I have and the committee will use all its powers to fight back. So please, we would want you to conduct yourself in the most appropriate manner expected of companies of your repute”.

Rep. Orogbu said the meeting was a follow up to the initial one held on the 6th of March, and also part of the efforts being undertaking to ascertain the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by Multi national oil companies and other corporate bodies operating in the South-South zone.

“It is an incontrovertible fact in Nigeria that the South-South region is the life blood of our nation’s economy, rich in natural resources and brimming potentials.

“However, alongside this bounty comes responsibility — a responsibility for corporate bodies to ensure their operations contributes positively to the socio-economic and environmental well-being of this region in line with Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021”, she added.

According to the Committee Chairman, the investigation was to find out how efficient are companies integrating CSR principles into their operations, whether Local Communities benefiting from the presence of the corporate bodies and determinie the balance between resources extraction and environmental sustainability?

“These findings will be Instrumental in shaping future policies and fostering a more responsible and sustainable business environment in the South South.

“I urge all participating companies to approach this process with transparency and commitment to the nation. We want to work with you, not against you to create a win win situation where businesses flourish along thriving and empowered communities.

“For those multi national oll companies and corporate bodies operating in the South South who have disrespectfully ignored this Joint Committee’s invitations for this strategic steering meeting consecutively, the Joint Committee wishes to unequivocally state that, It will employ all the constitutional means at its disposal including the invocation section 89(d) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As amended) to compel them to appear before the Committee.

“I am optimistic that this investigation will be a catalyst for positive change in the South-South and a model for responsible corporate conduct throughout our nation Nigeria”, Orogbu asserted

News

HoR to Lead March, Launch Initiatives Against Gender-Based Violence

Published

4 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

As part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the House of Representatives is set to lead a historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024, in a bold effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.

The march, which begins at 8:00 AM, will see over 1,000 participants, including lawmakers and members of the public walk from the National Assembly to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The event will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action against GBV and greater protection for vulnerable groups.

Speaking about the initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON, said, “This march and the activities that follow are not mere gestures but a reflection of our determination to confront gender-based violence head-on. We are committed to building a society where justice, equality, and safety prevail for all Nigerians.”

In a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi on Saturday in Abuja, he said, “The 10th House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to systemic reforms, collaboration, and accountability in the fight against gender-based violence.

“In addition to the march, the House has outlined key activities in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027) to sustain awareness and action throughout the campaign period.

“Sash Demonstration Ceremony – Tuesday, November 26, 2024

“Convergence of State Assembly Speakers – Monday, December 9, 2024. A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative measures for combating GBV nationwide.

“National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 – Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The summit will focus on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives led by the House of Representatives”.

Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s 16 Days of Activism aims to galvanise nationwide efforts and inspire collective action to protect human rights, ensure justice, and create a safer, more equitable Nigeria.

News

NUJ-FCT Elections: Comrade Ike To Flag-Off Campaign With Free Medical Checks, Treatment

Published

8 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Ahead of theDecember 4, 2024 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council (FCT) election, Comrade Grace Ike, will flag-off her campaign for the position of Chairman with free eye check for journalists on Sunday, November 24, 2024, by 12 noon.

The exercise, under the auspices of the Grace Ike Campaign Council (GICC), which will be held at the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat, Utako, Abuja, is expected to attract interested journalists and her teeming supporters across all chapels.

According to Comrade Ike, the reason behind the free eye checks for journalists is based on the critical role their eyes play in their daily tasks as watchdogs and also being a critical organ of the body, there is the need to be attended to and checked by qualified ophthalmologists to boost their productivity.

During the flag-off, the Ike will unveil her campaign management team and itinerary in line with the NUJ FCT Council Election timetable.

The campaign will be anchored on the slogan, “One Voice, New Era” and focused on Accountability, Transparency, Accelerated Development, Capacity Building, New Innovation/Creativity, Improved Welfare & All-round Empowerment for members.

Naijablittznews.com reports Comrade Ike was yesterday cleared by the Credentials Committee and declared elected by the NUJ National as the only candidate for the position of Chairman in the December 4, NUJ-FCT election.

News

President Tinubu Leaves Brazil After G20 Summit

Published

10 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).

President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.

The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.

He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.

The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.