Oscarline Onwuemenyi
21 December 2016, Sweetcrude, Abuja – In an effort to contribute to the socioeconomic development of the host community, Ashaka Cement Company, a subsidiary of Lafarge-Holcim, has signed a community development agreement with communities around Maiganga coal mine in Akko Local Council Area of Gombe State.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Managing Director of AshakaCem, Mallam Rabiu Umar, said the signing of the agreement signalled the beginning of new dawn in the relationship between the company and the host communities.
He said the Company remained committed to good corporate citizenship and environmental friendliness, as well as fulfilling all statutory and regulatory obligation and striving to exceed expectations in terms of socio-economic offering to the communities is an integral part of their business.
“AshakaCem’s environmental policy reflects on our commitment to sustainable development and our approach to meeting new challenges in environmental protection. We operate with utmost respect for the common interest of the people, and we support the host communities by generating economic growth creating job providing training and social support,” he added.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Maiganga Community Development Association, Gibar Tsabta, said that wide consultations and negotiations were involved in the process of preparing and finalising the agreement.
“We have put the interest of all stakeholders into consideration in arriving at this document, and we will remain dedicated to its full implementation to the benefit of all communities in Maiganga area,” he said
The Chairman assured the people of the communities of better days with increasing value, and appealed for more support and constructive engagements with AshakaCem to engender the necessary conducive environment for continued excellent performance.
