Governor of Kogi State, Alh Yahaya Bello has called for more mining partnerships and ventures in the state, declaring Kogi open for business.
He made the open call at the commissioning of a block of classrooms constructed by Zuma 828 Coal Ltd, a coal mining company with sites in Okobo and Enjema communities, Ankpa, Kogi State.
The building was erected in partial fulfilment of the Community Development Agreement (CDA) duly signed by the company and its host communities.
The Governor who was represented by the Chairman, Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), Hajiya Hassiat Ozaviza Suleiman, also had in attendance, the Ejeh of Dekina, representatives of the State and Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, as well as Education, respectively. Representatives of the company and the community were also at the ceremony.
In her remarks, Hajiya Suleiman lauded the socially responsible company for fulfilling its contract with its host community. She recounted her committee’s initial encounter with both parties through a petition detailing the displeasure of the community over negligence by the company, and the eventual signing of a comprehensive CDA at the MIREMCO secretariat about four years ago.
The Chairman expressed gladness at the peaceful relations that has existed between both parties since then, and the efforts by the company to fulfil its obligation as stipulated in the agreement. Suleiman commended the community for forthrightness in seeking redress through appropriate channels.
She charged other mining operators and their communities to emulate both parties. While calling for more operators to invest in the sector, she noted that the Government has created a safe, enabling environment for business to thrive, for the good of the companies and the state as a whole.
