Mining company pledges to prioritise welfare of host community in Ogun

From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta 

A mining company in Ogun State, SAF Properties & Investment, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development, job creation, and long-term socio-economic benefits for the residents of Ado-Odo Community in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of the state.

The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Safiriyu Adebanjo Kazeem, who stated this at the weekend during a stakeholders meeting in Ado-Odo, assured the residents that the company’s operations would prioritise responsible investment and community welfare, rather than mere resource extraction.

Community leaders, chiefs, elders-in-council, the Chief Imam, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), leaders of traditional worshippers, youth representatives, and other key stakeholders attended the meeting.

He declared that the company would not engage in any form of illegal mining and that all necessary government approvals and documents have been fully acquired to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

Kazeem emphasised that the company aims to establish a sustainable business model with lasting positive impact.

He added that his firm would embark on key initiatives, including, reclaiming mined land for agricultural purposes, specifically, cultivating plantain, which will be processed into plantain chips and flour, thereby generating employment for local residents.

“Additionally, the company plans to offer skill acquisition training for youths, both male and female, in high-demand, marketable skills that can provide sustainable income opportunities both locally and internationally.

“As the chairman of SAF Properties & Investment, I want to allay the fears of those who believe our presence in Ado-Odo will mirror that of previous companies that abandoned projects. SAF is here with a difference,” Kazeem stated.

Responding on behalf of the stakeholders, Elder Olusegun Aina, president of the Ado-Odo Club and chief coordinator of Ado-Odo Professionals, disclosed that the community has decided to form a committee to thoroughly review SAF’s proposal.