Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State has implored its communities to welcome investors wishing to carry out economic activities that will help generate employment opportunities for their youths and increase the economic prosperity of the people.
The Council’s Chairman, Mr. Peter Averik, made the plea on Thursday during a site board meeting in Kafanchan.
He said that the essence of the meeting was to engage traditional leaders and communities’ representatives in the state government’s plan to acquire 1,989 hectares of land in Dangoma, Bakin Kogi and Nindem Roro communities for the purpose of mining.
Averik said that nickel and other precious natural treasures found in Jema’a are nature’s gift to the area, hence, the need for the communities to cooperate with government to ensure successful mining and other activities for the benefits of all.
The chairman commended Gov. Nasir El-Rufai for providing a conducive business environment for investors to operate, noting that it was a good strategy to generate employment opportunities for the youth.
In his remarks, the member representing Jema’a constituency at the state assembly, Ali Kalat, pleaded with the stakeholders to intensify mobilisation and awareness to ensure massive community support for government’s genuine intentions and efforts.
Kalat assured the people of Jema’a, especially Dangoma, Bakin Kogi and Nindem communities, that he would monitor the processes to ensure they are duly involved and compensated.
Also speaking, Mr. Bulus Audu, the Special Assistant to the state governor on land matters, explained that the meeting was meant to inform the people of the state government’s intention to acquire the land and to mobilise their support for a peaceful process.
Audu noted that government’s involvement was to strengthen engagements with the mining company in line with the standard global practices and to ensure that the people are compensated and not exposed to dangers when the mining activities begin.
Similarly, the Council Chairman had inaugurated the Local Government Land Advisory Committee with a charge to the members to be diligent in carrying out their assignment.
The 10-man committee which would be chaired by the Local Government Chairman would be responsible for advising the local government on all land issues and compensation. (NAN)
