Sunday Okobi and Ugo Aliogo
As part of plans to affirm its commitment to the development of communities across the country, Beltij Limited, a gold mining company, has inaugurated three water projects as well as donated writing materials in Igun Ijesa community, Osun State.
The boreholes, which are now sources of potable water in the area, hitherto a big challenge to the rural village, are equipped with four water points each, to save the beneficiaries from the pains of fetching water from a well dug in the village.
Speaking during the presentation recently, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tijani Usman, said the company’s commitment is to continuously provide innovative solutions that support the people and their communities to do more by staying healthy at all times.
He also stated that the issue of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in developing countries should form part of the business strategic plans of relevant organisations, adding that host communities’ expectation and awareness now influence the operation of multinational and local companies.
According to him, “There has been a growing demand for companies to offer community development initiatives to the communities within which they are carrying out their operations, Beltij Limited has executed three broad platforms: Education, Health and Environment. Community sanitation is very important because of the need to preserve the environment for the present and future generations.
“We have realised that if we focus on providing education, contribute to the health of the people, but fail to preserve the planet, the gains would be lost in the long run†he added.
Usman explained that as a major awareness about the fragility and volatility of the natural environment is growing, global concerns about the planet’s sustainability and continuity is placed on stake.
He added that it has been known that ever since a company is doing business, it can possibly harm the environment through its day to day work activities, adding that organisations must assume responsibility and consider minimising their footprint on the natural environment.
According to him, “We are excited to demonstrate good corporate social responsibility by promoting sustainable and healthy communities through this initiative. This is indeed a day of celebration for both the company and the community because we are building effective partnerships.â€
Also speaking, the Oba Onigun of Ijesa, Chief Sunday Ajilore, commended the company for coming to their aid by providing clean water resources for the community.
While promising to partner Beltij and provide an enabling ground, he lauded the company’s initiative, and added that it would go a long way in promoting good health and safety environment for the people of the community.
While making the presentation of customised books, biros and other writing materials to the school, the Managing Director of Beltij Limited, Mrs. Belina Fumo Usman, said the gesture was meant to cushion the burden of parents and give the less privileged students the ideal opportunity to study.
