By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Dangote Coal Mines Limited has donated multi-million Naira health and educational facilities to the coal mining communities in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The newly launched facilities include a fully equipped clinic located in Awo-Akpali and furnished block of Secondary School classrooms in Awo-Ojuwo.
General Manager, Special Duties, Mr Nuhu Elujah, disclosed this in a chat with newsmen said the donation was part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) schemes of the company.
He said the projects were contained in the mutually consented Community Development Agreement (CDA) earlier signed by the Dangote Coal Mines Limited and the host communities.
Elujah added that the company will be responsible for staffing of the Clinic as well as provision of initial funds for its initial take-off.
He said that the two facilities were commissioned by Ankpa Local Government Council Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Abagwu, represented by the Council’s Education Secretary, Prince Yakubu Ishiaka.
Abagwu who later handed over the facilities to representatives of the two communities expressed delight over the successful completion of the Projects.
He stressed the need for the communities members to maintain and secure the facilities in order to impact positively on the lives of rural Communities.
In his remarks, Mr Samuel Olaetan, representative of Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development commended management of Dangote Coal Mines Limited for fulfilling its promises.
Olaetan urged the host Communities to continue to support the company in its mining activities and discharge of its Corporate Social Responsibility schemes.
Reacting to the development, Mr Robert Agagwu, National Chairman, Awo Community Development Association, commended Dangote for the timely completion and delivery of the projects.
Agagwu assured the company of his community and the association’s continued cooperation.
Also reacting, the traditional ruler of Ojoku Community, Onu-Ojoku, Alhaji Mohammed Ogbe represented by his Council Secretary, Alhaji Usman Abu, applauded the efforts of Dangote Group for ensuring that the agreement had come to fruition.
Present were Dangote Officials including Director Finance, Mr Michael Etu; General Manager, Human Asset Management, Mr Abrauna Keri; Mr. Aluka Bem, (Community/Governmental Relations); Yahaya Zakari and Engr. Umar Mohammed.