Issues for Immediate Action: Okun Economic Forum Meets Obajana Cement Factory Management

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Speech Delivered By Chief J.O Yusuf On Behalf Of Okun Economic Forum During Its Visit To The Management Of Obajana Cement Factory On 18th January, 2017

We wish to appreciate the management of the Obajana cement factory for making it possible for this forum to visit the factory at a very short notice.
About Okun Economic Forum
Okun Economic Forum is a group of volunteer Okun sons and daughters from the Okun speaking area of Kogi State, covering Lokoja, Kabba-Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba East and Yagba West LGAs of Kogi State. Members are drawn from Business, academia, NGOs and the political arena. It consists of people who have come together to serve as the vanguard of the economic advancement and the social integration of Okun people.
The vision of OEF is to identify the economic practices and potentials of Okun people, project them, mobilise the indigenes for effective engagement in its own economy, attract internal and external investors to exploit the economic endowments for the benefit of the people and promote understanding and peace between the investors and their hosts.
To this end, the forum has interfaced with Governments, Institutions and corporate bodies and has conducted sensitization among the economically active citizenry to explore the best options for transforming our natural endowments from potentials to production. Our visit today is one of those various efforts.
We are therefore grateful for the privilege to be here today to, among other objectives:
– Appreciate the choice and the commitment of the Dangote group to make Obajana the hub of its cement production operations in Nigeria;
– Accord due recognition to the Dangote group as a major stakeholder in Okun economic development agenda;
draw attention of your company to the objectives of our Forum  and to some of the desires of the Okun community, particularly to areas in which the wide network of  your corporate social responsibilities can be impactful, enhanced or initiated;
– To provide additional platform for effective flow of communication between Dangote Cement Company, Obajana and Okun people;
– To obtain first information on social responsibilities that have been discharged or that are incubating;
– To seek the support of the Dangote group in the development and execution of programmes that can promote the economic well- being of Okun people and  that can enhance social inclusion as a further guarantee for peaceful operations and shared prosperity.
Issues for Immediate Attention
We seize the opportunity of our presence here today to call attention to a few issues that we believe can catalyse the economic progress of Okun people and also enhance peaceful relations between the Dangote Cement Factory as a corporate entity and its host community.
Obajana – Kabba Road: In our various reviews, we have identified the poor conditions of roads traversing the entire Okun landscape constitute major impediments to the economic advancement of the people. A lot of businesses along the corridors of Obajana-Kabba road, Kabba-Egbe road, Kabba-Iyamoye road and Kabba- Ayere road have failed owing principally to the severance of clientele by poor road network. Of particular interest here is the Obajana-Kabba road which we know your company has graciously undertaken to construct under an understanding with the Federal Government. We are deeply concerned that active work has not started on this road, more so as the dry season is fast ebbing and the onset of another raining season could further depress the hope of our people.  The obtrusive nature of the road has also heightened insecurity along its path. It will be appreciated if we can be apprised of the detailed work plan on this road. We will also like to know if there are constraints that would necessitate our further advocacy with Governments and their agencies.
Skill Acquisition Centre, Lokoja: We commend the gesture of your company to set up a skill acquisition centre along Ajaokuta road in Lokoja.  We have observed, however, that the Centre is yet to take off. In the face of the high rate of unemployment among our youths, we plead that urgent attention be given to the activation of the centre.
Scholarship for Okun Students: Our experience has shown that one of the ways that major companies develop talents in their areas of operation is to provide scholarship awards to students in their catchment area. We are aware that specific trainings are being provided to some professionals by your company, but as it is often said among us, education is the major industry of Okun people. There is no doubt that an enduring legacy would have been laid if your company can graciously offer scholarship to Okun indigenes in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Beautification of Obajana: We notice that Obajana is fast becoming a sprawling slum. Although we realize that planning and development is government responsibility, corporate bodies often provide leadership in environmental enhancement in their areas of operation. We urge your company to galvanise the beautification of the Obajana front line.
Social Infrastructure: We wish to humbly suggest that you support adjoining communities in the provision of health, water and educational facilities. This again is aimed at promoting social inclusion.
Economic Empowerment: We also wish to request that the company considers the need of the people of the host community in terms of economic empowerment to get gainfully engaged in various income generating activities. In this regard, the company may want to consider granting loans to women and youths who may desire to go into farming, trading, etc.
Security: As a result of the activities of this company, security has become a major issue. Kidnapping and all sorts of security concerns have cropped up over the years. We therefore request the company to consider the need to work more closely with security agency with a view to developing a security architecture in Obajana and its environs to eliminate this security challenges. In this respect, intelligent gathering is a major issue because there are so many ungoverned spaces between Kabba junction and Kabba town.
Environmental Audit: This Company has been in operation for over ten years now and it is due for an environmental audit. The audit is expected to show how far the company has complied with the original Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and what should be done to enhance compliance. For example, since its operation, the trucks carrying the products of the factory has been packing on both sides of the road with the attendant risk posed to the residents and those who pass by. Also, the health hazard posed by the dust and the emissions from the furnaces as well as the high concentration of people need to be reassessed and adequate steps taken to prevent their consequences on the health condition of the residents.
Okun Agric Summit/Show: this forum will be hosting an Okun Agricultural summit/show in November this year. We are therefore soliciting the partnership of Obajana cement factor.
We thank you for the audience that you have granted us today. We are open to information on your activities on areas we have highlighted, so that we can provide necessary feedback to our members. Our visit today is also strictly impersonal.
We pray for the success of your business and we will be willing to work with you on the delivery of programmes that you have developed to enhance the quality.of life of Okun people.
Thank you for your audience and attention.
Chief J. O. Yusuf

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