Gov Bello flags off Synergy Workshop for Mineral Resources Sector in Kogi State »

Tasks stakeholders to intimate Govt on CDAs

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello says his administration will foster sustainable agreement modalities that underscore the social and economic benefits accrual to host communities of mining companies in the State.

He disclosed this through his Deputy, Chief (Dr) Edward Onoja during the synergy roundtable workshop for active stakeholders in the mineral resources sector held at Lugard House, on Thursday.

Declaring the event open, Governor Bello advised relevant community leaders to intimate the State Government on the adoption and implementation of Community Development Agreements (CDAs) between mining companies and their host communities, as conditions precedent to the commencement of mining operations in the State.

He maintained that host communities are always at the receiving end of the negative impacts of mining operations on the environment such as land degradation, air, land, and water pollution, among others, saying such agreements would further create frameworks for the development of host communities in line with the vision of the New Direction Government.

He remarked that asides other Social Responsibility programs, host communities must possess shareholder rights to further benefit from the operations of such mining companies as such would encourage them to secure the company assets within their communities.

While reiterating his commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in the State, Governor Bello emphasized that Kogi State not only boasts of being the confluence of rivers Niger and Benue, but the mineral capital of Nigeria considering its extensive mineral deposits which makes it the treasure trove of opportunities for the country.

The event was attended by State Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon Sunday Faleke; Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Hon Bashir Gegu; Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon Idris Musa; Chairman, KGMRDA, Hajiya Hassiat Suleiman, among other top government functionaries.

Others were the APC candidate, Kogi Central Senatorial District, Hon Abubakar Ohere, royal fathers, heads of security agencies, and other actors in the mineral resources sector.