The Nasarawa State Government has tasked all registered winners in the state to fulfil their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to their host communities to improve their livelihoods.
Margaret Elayo, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources made the call in an interview with journalists on Tuesday in Lafia.
The commissioner highlighted the environmental challenges posed by mining activities, including erosion, deforestation, and water pollution, among others.
Elayo commended Yakubu Sawadogo, Executive Director of a Private Mining Company in Uke, Karu Local Government Area for partnering with the state government and for transforming the lives of its host community and its environs.
The commissioner challenged other mining companies in the state to emulate Sawadogo in providing some basic needs of life for their host communities to ensure smooth working relationships.
She also called on mining companies in the state to abide by the Nasarawa State Government policies to ensure that they do not degrade the environment.
The commissioner noted that traditional rulers in mining communities should ensure that they do everything possible to maintain peace in their areas to enable them benefit from the resources gotten from their areas.
Elayo used the opportunity and appreciated the Yakanaje of Uke (Traditional Ruler), Ahmed Abdullahi-Hassan for maintaining peace in his domain.
She threatened to shut down mining companies that would fail to comply with environmental safety standards and CSR obligations.
She urged the youths from mining communities to shun crimes and support the peace efforts by the government and traditional rulers for investments to thrive in their communities and attract more investments.
The commissioner therefore, implored people of the state to support the ministry to continue to keep the environment clean and safe for the public.
Commenting on the traditional title bestowed on her by the Yakanaje of Uke, the Commissioner appreciated the royal father for acknowledging her modest contributions to humanity, but said she would prefer people of the state to address her just as a princess.
“I was actually in shock that that was the title that was going to be given to me, but as you are aware, as a royal daughter, I do not take titles like that.
“I have to talk to my parents, get their consent and make sure that it is in line with our royal home,” Eleyo added. (NAN).
