By Segun Adewale in Gombe
Ashaka Cement Company and Maiganga community in Gombe State have signed a five-year Community Development Agreement aimed at strengthening relations between the company and its host community while promoting sustainable development and improving residents’ welfare.
The agreement was signed yesterday at the Gombe State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, with representatives of the company and the community committing to honouring their respective obligations.
In his remarks during the ceremonial signing of the agreement, the Managing Director of Ashaka Cement Company, Ibrahim Aminu, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to maintaining cordial relations with its host communities and fulfilling its responsibilities under the agreement.
He said the agreement would strengthen cooperation, promote sustainable development and improve the welfare of the host community.
He explained that the Ashaka Cement had maintained cordial relations with its host communities since the commencement of its operations in 1979.
He expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Gombe State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources for creating an enabling environment for the agreement.
The state Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Alhaji Sanusi Ahmad Pindiga, reaffirmed the State Government’s readiness to support initiatives that promote development and responsible mineral resource exploitation in the state.
He urged mining companies and host communities to maintain peaceful and cordial relationships, describing the agreement as a commitment that must be honoured through practical actions.
The Commissioner also called on both parties to respect the terms of the agreement, stressing the importance of sustainable mineral development and the protection of the interests of host communities.
In his remarks, the District Head of Akko, Engineer Muhammad Ardo, called on both the company and the Maiganga community to honour their commitments under the agreement for the benefit of the State and the host community.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Maiganga Community Development Association, Mr David Daniel, commended the company for its efforts towards maintaining the agreement, and urged it to fulfil its obligations to the host community.
The event featured the signing of the Community Development Agreement by representatives of the Maiganga community and Ashaka Cement Company as witnessed by the representative of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Abinbola Adams.
