Agoi Ekpo Community Receives Assurance of Development As Arittgray Begins Mining Operations
Ndifereke BASSEY
THE Agoi Ekpo community in Yakurr local government area of Cross River state has been assured of significant infrastructure development, improved healthcare and enhanced educational facilities as Arittgray Nigeria Limited, a mining company, prepares to commence operations in the area.
Speaking during a meeting with community leaders, the Managing Director of Arittgray, Engineer Israel Uboh, reaffirmed the Company’s commitment to fostering sustainable development in the host community.
He emphasised that the their corporate social responsibility initiatives would prioritise projects that directly benefit the people as well as contributes positively to the growth of the community.
He said: "We are not just here to mine resources. We are here to build a lasting partnership with Agoi Ekpo and its people.
" We will ensure that our operations leave a positive legacy in the areas of infrastructure, healthcare and education," Engineer Uboh stated.
The Cross River state government represented by the Senior Security Adviser (SSA) to the Governor, Major General Okoi Ubi Obono (rtd), highlighted the administration’s proactive measures to address illegal mining activities in the state.
General Obono said government is committed to creating a safe and regulated environment for mining operations which would benefit the state, the community and its people.
Clarifying recent reports about illegal mining activities in the area, the head of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Cross River State, Mrs. Funke Adeuyi, debunked claims that foreign nationals were involved stating that the 203 individuals arrested and profiled during recent operations were all Nigerians.
Mrs. Adeuyi enjoined the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
Also speaking, the Federal Mines Officer in Cross River State Mr. Ayelebola warned against illegal mining activities, stressing that such practices would result in significant revenue losses for the government, the community and legitimate investors.
He urged all stakeholders to cooperate in eliminating illegal operations in the area.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Illegal Mining Taskforce, Mr. Paul Effiong, maintained that the Taskforce would not tolerate any form of illegal activity, warning all illegal miners to vacate the sites immediately or face the full force of the taskforce.
In their separate speeches, the Clan Head of Agoi Ekpo, HRH Chief Michael Onun Mbang, and the Clan Head of Agom Ibami, Ujong Charles, expressed their support for Arittgray’s operations, emphasising the importance of collaboration between the company and the community to ensure mutual benefits.
According to them, the partnership would mark a new beginning for “our community” and urged the company to honour its promises as well as work closely with them to address the needs and challenges of the community.
The meeting underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement in ensuring that mining activities bring development rather than disruption.
