3 Host Communities: Protest Against Segilola Mining Company Baseless, Uncalled For

The three host communities of Segilola Mining Company; Iperindo, Odo Ijesa and Imogbara have described the protest embarked on by some people against the mining company last week as baseless and uncalled for.

The communities in Atakumosa East Local government said they were in solidarity with Segilola Mining Company.

Representatives of the three communities who spoke with newsmen today said all indigenes of the towns including Obas and Chiefs were not aware or part of the protest.

In a solidarity match in support of the company a crowd of residents thronged the NUJ press center Osogbo to condemn the protest by hoodlums last week

Spokespersons of the residents of the three communities, Chief Ademola Oshobu from Imogbara, Hon Soji Gbege from Iperindo and Mr Odusanya Ishola Isaiah from Odo Ijesa who spoke on behalf of the three communities said Segilola Mining Company has been assisting them according to the existing agreement signed with the company.

According to the three communities the company has been paying inconvenient allowance to over one hundred households within 50 to 300 meters range to the Segilola mining pit, adding that environmental impart assessment is being carried out to determines further compensations

They maintained that the company has facilitated scholarship award worth several millions of naira for over 120 students in Secondary And Tertiary Institutions just as it has organized several Agricultural Programmes And Training On Poultry, Vegetable Farming, Distribution Of Cocoa Seedlings as well as paying Compensations for farmers

The spokespersons said this is apart from the employment of over 300 inhabitants of the communities as full time staff, provision of transformers, over 20 boreholes, and distribution of drugs to residents of the three communities among others

They called on Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke to investigate those behind the protest and take necessary actions so as to prevent further protest against the company.

The three communities noted that Osun State is a share holder in the company and so any request or demand should be channelled through the government of Osun

“We also disregard all the claims itemized by the protesters, Affirmatively, we will like to put the record straight that there has been good rapour, understanding and mutual relationship between the three host communities and Segilola Mining Industry (SROL)

“Moreso, there has never been a conflict and misunderstanding that could degenerate to protest and lawlesiness since the inception and commencement of the mining operation by SROL

“The Community Development Agreement (CDAs) was signed since year 2018, reviewed is year 2023 and SROL has implemented a higher percentage of its covenants in the Agreement and even carried out additional ones outside the agreement.

“We leaders, indigene and dwellers of the 3 communities that host Segilola Mining Industry (SROL) are highly delighted to mention and itemize the projects and programmes of benefits which SROL has implemented to support and improve the lives of people in our communities against the claims of the confusion causing protesters.

“The items implemented are as follows:
Employment of over three hundred inhabitants and indigenes of the communities who are currently receiving monthly salaries adequately.

“Provision and installation of 33KVA electric transformers

“Renovation of three blocks of secondary school and upgraded to standard level.

“Provision of about 20 standard boreholes and reactivation of the several old ones

“Construction of six blocks of market stalls.

“Provision and distribution of drugs to prevent environmental health hazards

“Periodical medical checkup such as minor surgical operations, eye care programs, ete,

“Periodical supportive programmes and palliatives distribution to aged people

“Yearly Women empowerment programs, such as distribution of materials and amenities which include refrigerators, dryers, Palm kernel cutters, grinding milling machines, etc.”