By Chidi Ugwu
Dangote Coal Mines Limited and host communities in Benue State have sealed a landmark Community Development Agreement (CDA).
The CDA was described by government functionaries as a major ‘milestone.’
The pact, according to the representatives of Dangote Coal and host communities, will see the company performing social programmes in support of government efforts.
Representative of the company, Nuhu Elujah, described the Agreement as a “breakthrough in our effort to touch lives,” explaining further that “today we have a document to guide us with regards the Abache Community.”
He said the communities will see the company implementing projects in education, roads, health and water infrastructures.
“It is a new era for peace and development. It is also a major milestone,” said the representative of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Ms. Bimbo Adams.
Mrs. Adijetu Usman represented the federal ministry at the state level.
Ward Head of Ugbokolo, Chief Emmanuel Ikom, applauded Dangote Coal Mines Limited for the implementation of various projects in all the three host communities in Okpokwu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State and urged the company not to relent.
In his remarks, a representative of the Abache community, Mr. Sunday Onoko Aluh, appreciated the efforts of the company to make the signing of the CDA a reality, while promising that his community will co-exist peacefully with the management of the company to facilitate rapid development of the area.
Traditional leaders at the event commended Dangote Coal for its numerous interventions and social programmes.
The traditional leaders described the Agreement as win-win for all the parties.
