Firm launches N500m lifeline for communities

A N500 million five–year socio-economic welfare package to uplift the economic wellbeing of the people of Okobo/Enjema in Ankpa Local Council Area of Kogi State, where mining activities is going on has been launched by the Eta–Zuma Group.

The initiative, which is part of Eta–Zuma’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to its host communities, is in addition to many other of such programmes already undertaken in the areas running into hundreds of millions of naira.

Announcing the new gesture in Abuja at the weekend at the Company’s Corporate Headquarters, Chairman of the Group, Dr. Innocent Ezuma, explained that the scheme, which is a micro-credit and revolving plan at almost zero per cent interest will economically empower the host communities.
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The loan will also enable them to set up or expand businesses such as farming, trading and other artisanal engagements aimed at advancing the wellbeing of the entire people of the area where mining activities are taking place.

The Eta–Zuma boss, represented by the Group Executive Director, Corporate Relations, Ambassador Joseph Ayalogu, who unfolded the plan at an interaction with newsmen, also explained the purpose of the five year scheme.

He said: “The aim is to ensure the growth and development of communities in our operational areas, the company is putting together a N500 million comprehensive community development package for communities in our mine areas of Okobo/Enjema in Ankpa LGA of Kogi State for a period of five years from 2017.”

“This way, investments will be made in developing critical infrastructure – schools, hospitals, potable water supply, and roads; entrepreneurship loans to support small and medium scale businesses especially those that are youth-driven (with a N20 million commitment per year specifically in this respect); sports and cultural activities as well as gender issues,” he added

He explained that the scheme is Eta-Zuma’s way of supporting Federal Government’s strides in tackling the nation’s current economic challenges in the areas of job creation.