The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere has called for a symbiotic relationship between the business communities and their host communities, describing it as a panacea to achieving peaceful and progressive coexistence.
Prince Madumere made this call through his Special Assistant on Special Duties, Hon. Emeka Ajih during the commissioning of a “Youth Center” built and donated to Irete Autonomous Community in Owerri West Local Government of Imo State by Nigeria Bottling Company (NBC).
Prince Madumere who expressed excitement on the cooperation that exist, at the moment, between the people of Irete and Nigeria Bottling Company recalled the effort of Owelle Rochas Okorocha led Rescue Mission Administration in reconciling Irete Community and NBC during a seeming irreconcilable crisis between the two entities. He said he was particularly happy to have, on the mandate of Governor Okorocha while he was the Chief of Staff, drafted to handle the matter.
He therefore called on the host communities and the business organizations to always design an effective channels of communication so as to avoid misunderstanding, misgivings and suspicion in their relationship.
He admonished the leaders of both sides never to betray the trust their people have bestowed on them by engaging in any questionable dealings to avoid erosion of trust and confidence, which he described as chief cause of conflicts in any association.
He also warned the Business Communities to always keep agreements reached with their host communities, saying such inconsistency would always brew restiveness in the community, which would ultimately cause disharmony, thereby creating an atmosphere of crises.
Speaking earlier, Mr. Eze Ekume, Community Relations Officer of Nigerian Bottling Company who represented the Managing Director of the Beverage Company specially thanked Governor Okorocha led Government for its timely intervention through the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere who also followed up to ensure that peace and progress returned to the community.
He also gave assurance of the company’s deep commitment to its host communities. He however hinted of the challenges to meet up with the need of all the host communities at the same time thereby compelling them to invest more in general need of the people. Speaking further on the future of Irete plant, Mr. Ekume revealed the plan for the expansion of the plant due to its strategic location in the South East and Southern Zone in general.
In his address, the Guest of Honour, Mr. Godwin Osuji, a Port-harcourt based Maritime Consultant commended Governor Okorocha and his Deputy, Prince Madumere for their effort towards restoring peace in the community, which the gains are being reaped by the people. While hailing the Nigerian Bottling Company for keeping to the development plan for Irete, he advised the youth to see that the Center is not mismanaged either because of in-fighting or transition problem.
In the same vein, the Traditional Ruler of the Community, HRH, Eze Ethelbert Ekwuribe commended members of his community who willing donated their land for the project free of charge while thanking the Company for actualising the project.
The high point of the event was the commissioning of the project performed by Prince Madumere who was represented by his aide on Special Duties, Hon. Ajih. Meanwhile, the Youth Center has a furnished Office for the Youth leader, a resource center equipped with internet enabled computers , which has provision for e-library and a hall for seminar and other social activities.
