The Mangal Industry, a leading cement company operating in Iluhagba, Ijumu and Mopamuro Local Government Areas of Kogi, says it has donated items and executed projects worth N106 million to host communities.
The Mangal Industry’s Executive Director, Alh. Nasiru Ladan, at the event on Thursday, described the initiative as a significant step towards improving the lives of its host communities.
Ladan praised the host communities for their cordial relationship, which has enabled the company to operate peacefully over the past year.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations and promoting harmonious relations.
According to him, this gesture is part of the company’s Community Development Agreement (CDA) obligations, as outlined in Section 116 of the 2007 Act.
“The agreement mandates that social and economic benefits be transferred to the host communities.
“The CDA is a testament to Mangal Industry’s commitment to promoting harmonious relationships with its host communities,” he said.
The company’s Community Relations Manager, Mr Ifeanyi Nwachukwu, disclosed that the total cost of the initiative is N106 million, covering several projects.
“Mangal Industry has donated over N20 million worth of medical and educational materials to beneficiaries from Mopa and Iluhagba communities.
“These include: supply of medical equipment and drugs to Mopa General Hospital and educational materials for students.
“Also, the Installation of eight solar-powered boreholes across communities, including three in Iluhagba, one each in Odokoro, Agrigbon and Iyara communities in Ijumu LGA, and one each in Ijagbe and Adogbe communities in Mopamuro LGA.
“Scholarships’ awards of N200,000 each to 20 tertiary institution students and 25 secondary school students.
“As well as payment of WAEC, NECO, and JAMB registration fees for secondary and tertiary students,” Nwachukwu stated.
The company’s General Manager, Administration and Human Resources, Dr Umar Musa, assured the host communities that Mangal Industry will continue to fulfill its obligations and maintain a peaceful working relationship.
He added: “Mangal Industry has promised to continue doing its best to promote the well-being of its host communities.
“With the current CDA set to lapse in 2028, the company is committed to reviewing and improving its initiatives to accommodate new needs and address inadequacies”.
The Ministry of Mines Environmental Compliance Officer, Mr E.O Olaitan, commended Mangal Industry for adhering to CDA rules.
He noted that the ministry has a redress mechanism for communities lacking knowledge about CDAs and that these agreements are reviewed every 5 years.
Olaitan urged the host community to maintain peace with the company, emphasizing that the government will ensure fairness and prevent exploitation.
The beneficiaries, in their various comments, expressed gratitude for the company’s generosity.
The Principal of Technical College, Mopa, Mr Ode Olusegun, commended Mangal Industry for alleviating the suffering of students, especially those from poor backgrounds.
Mrs Funmilayo Lewu, who received the medical items on behalf of Mopa General Hospital, praised the company for providing quality drugs and medical materials.