AshakaCem signs community development agreement with communities
The Management of Ashakacem has signed a community development agreement with its host communities around Maiganga Coal Mine in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, on Tuesday December 13, 2016 in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 and its Regulation, 2011.
At the signing ceremony held in the premises of ‘the Star of the North’ were representatives of the relevant stakeholders, including the local communities led by the Chairman of the Community Development Association, Alhaji ……….., the government represented by………. and AshakaCem management led by the Managing Director, Rabiu Umar.
The agreement entails commitment of all parties to developing a positive relationship, which recognizes the need for all stakeholders to commonly benefit and co-exist through a process of mutual respect, ongoing dialogue and regular interaction. The parties agreed to work together to realize the objectives of understanding each other’s needs and values, committing to fair and balanced negotiations and dealing with each other in an open, honest, transparent, and fair manner.
Speaking at signing the ceremony, the Chairman of the Community Development Association revealed that wide consultations, engagements and thorough negotiations were involved in the process of preparing and finalizing 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” he said.
Alhaji --------- assured members of the concerned communities of better days, with increasing and more value adding benefits in all agreed areas, while urging for more support and constructive engagements with Ashakacem to engender the necessary conducive environment for continued excellent performance.
In his speech, Mr. Rabiu Umar, Managing Director, Ashakacem declared that the signing of the agreement signaled the beginning of a new dawn in the relationship between Ashakacem and the neighbouring communities. “Ashakacem, following the precepts of its sister company, Lafarge Africa Plc, remains committed to good corporate citizenship and environmental friendliness. Fulfilling all statutory and regulatory obligations and striving to exceed expectations in terms of socio-economic offerings to her partnering communities is an integral part of the way we run our business” he stated.
Speaking further, the Managing Director affirmed that “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. We support the host communities by generating economic growth, creating jobs, providing training and social support”
Mr. Umar passed a vote of confidence on the membership of the Community Development Association to continue to look after the interest of the communities and their people in a constructive and profitable manner, and proclaimed Askakacem’s readiness to address passionately, all community issues that are routed through the committee as the only arbiter between the communities and the organization.
