Mining Operators across Kogi State have been charged to hasten the execution of the signed Community Development Agreements (CDAs) with the host Communities in the State.

The Chairman, Kogi State Chapter of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), Hajiya Hassiat Ozavize Suleiman, gave the charge during the CDA Implementation Committee Meeting between representatives of Zuma 828 Coal Ltd, the Mining Communities Okobo and Enjema in Ankpa Local Government Area.

Hajiya Hassiat explained that CDAs are time bound and specified in the Minerals and Mining Act for the purpose of entrenching corporate social responsibility in the mining sector, saying that commitment to such agreement will go a long way at developing the society.

She called on investors to contribute their quota to the development of their host communities by honoring their commitments in a timely manner, assuring that them of government‘s cordial relationship at all times.

The Kogi State MIREMCO Boss lauded Zuma 828 Coal Ltd for not reneging on their CDAs obligations, describing such as encouraging.

She commended the Chairman of the Area for his commitment to the security of lives and property of the people of the Area, stressing that a well secured environment serves as a catalyst to unprecedented development.

Hajiya Hassiat Suleiman Ozavize also commended Members of the Communities for their support and patience with the Company so far, calling on them to sustain such synergy.

She urged other Mining Companies across Kogi State to emulate Zuma 828 Coal Ltd to encourage Community development.

Present at the meeting include a representative of the Honorable Minister for Mines and Steel Development, Executive Chairman of Ankpa Local Government Area, MIREMCO members, as well as representatives of the Communities and Zuma 828 Coal Ltd.

Highlight of the Meeting was inspection of ongoing projects at various sites, which included renovation of the Palace of Onu Enjema by ZUMA 828 Coal Ltd, construction of culverts at some strategic locations, sinking of two (2) industrial boreholes each for Enjema and Okobo communities.

All projects were at various levels of completion with the Palace renovation nearing total completion.

Recall that a 5-year CDA between Zuma 828 Coal Ltd and Okobo/Enjema Communities was signed in 2018 under the guidance of the Committee and will expire in 2023, after which it is expected that a new contract is signed by both parties.