By Zacchaeus Ozovehe.
Kogi State Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) recently held its final meeting for the year 2019 today at its secretariat in Government House, Lokoja.
This was disclosed in a press statement signed and made available to newsmen by the Committee’s Media representative, Ahuoiza Zubair Memunat.
According to the statement, the meeting which was presided over by the chairman of the committee, Hajiya Hassiat Ozavize Suleiman had in attendance all statutory committee members and representatives of Zuma 828 Coal Ltd and the host communities of Okobo/Enjema in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The Committee reviewed the year in terms of goals met despite paucity of funds at the beginning of the year, as well as the distraction of the Gubernatorial elections and other State activities.
The Chairman expressed appreciation to the State Government for its continuous support of the committee.
Participants were reported to have unanimously agreed that the committee achieved a lot of its set mandate especially in the area of mediation and conflict resolution, just as they evaluated the existing Community Development Agreement between the mining company of Zuma 828 coal and its host communities of Okobo /Enjema with a viewing to assessing its level of impact so far.
In her address, the Chairman noted that the timely intervention of the committee and its adherence to the dictates of the Mineral Act went a long way towards averting the brewing conflict between both parties, stating that the company’s delay in fulfilling its part of the agreement ultimately led to the unsavory actions of the community youth.
She urged the company to be more committed in implementing its parts of the agreement and admonished the community youths to avoid taking laws into their hands saying that their feelings should be channelled through appropriate authority for arbitration.
The Committee meeting also lightened to recognise one of its members who had been transfered out of state: Engr. Ishaku who was the Mining Environmental Compliance officer at the State Mines Office, also served as a statutory member of the committee. His transfer was marked by a sendforth organized to recognise his efforts towards the success of MIREMCO.Members remarked at his tenacity and drive, and congratulated him, while wishing him every success in his future endeavors.
A commemorative plaque and gift was presented to him in appreciation while the beneficiary in turn appreciated the efforts of the committee and wished the members the very best for the coming year.
Subsequently, Hajiya Hassiat who appreciated all the stakeholders for their support in the year under review expressed optimism that with their continued support, lots of achievement would be recorded in the coming years.
