The Ameka community in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has entered into a ₦2 billion Community Development Agreement (CDA) with mining firm, First Patriots Limited, setting the tone for structured development and peaceful mining operations over the next five years.
The agreement, which was formally signed on Wednesday, brings together the host community, the mining company, and government authorities to ensure that mineral exploitation translates into tangible socio-economic benefits for residents.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Chidi Onyia, described Ameka as one of the most historically significant mining communities in the state and the South-East region.
According to Onyia, historical records show that Ameka and neighbouring Enyigba were among the earliest sites of mining activities by European explorers more than a century ago.
“Ameka has had global relevance in mining for over 100 years. The earliest mining activities in Ebonyi State took place here, and remarkably, these mineral resources remain abundant,” he said.
The commissioner acknowledged longstanding concerns surrounding land ownership and mineral rights, clarifying that while individuals and state governments own land, mineral resources are constitutionally vested in the Federal Government.
He urged the community to continue engaging peacefully with investors, noting that sustainable development must operate within the framework of existing laws and constitutional provisions.
Onyia assured residents that the Ebonyi State Government would not tolerate any form of exploitation of host communities by investors.
“If any investor comes here to impoverish the Ameka people, the same government that welcomed them will resist such actions,” he warned. “Profit is important, but community impact is non-negotiable.”
He further encouraged First Patriots Limited to exceed the minimum obligations outlined in the agreement and maintain a respectful, mutually beneficial relationship with the host community.
“These people are your landlords. Peaceful coexistence will guarantee smooth operations and continued government support,” he added.
In his remarks, Satya Penneru, Director at First Patriots Limited, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the agreement, which includes investments in road construction, skills acquisition, scholarships, and other community-based development projects.
“Our total commitment is between ₦2 billion and ₦2.5 billion over five years, and we intend to deliver fully,” Penneru said. “Beyond what is documented, we are prepared to do even more.”
He disclosed that the company has operated in Ebonyi State since 2015 without defaulting on any agreements, stressing that peace remains central to sustainable development.
“Where there is peace, progress will naturally follow,” he said, citing past interventions by the company in resolving communal disputes in other mining locations.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of Ebonyi State University and a prominent member of the community, Professor Michael Awoke, described the agreement as inclusive and responsive to the development needs of Ameka.
“This is the kind of development we have long prayed for,” Awoke said. “The agreement is comprehensive and addresses many challenges facing our community.”
He assured stakeholders that the agreement contains a clear benefit-sharing framework and would be implemented transparently.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has officially unsealed the mining site to allow First Patriots Limited to commence operations.
The Southeast Zonal Commander of the Mining Marshals, SC Nkoro Emmanuel, said the site was previously sealed due to illegal mining activities by another operator.
He explained that the site was reopened after First Patriots Limited met all regulatory requirements, including the signing of the Community Development Agreement with the host community.
“We have successfully removed the illegal operators. Having fulfilled all legal obligations, the site is hereby unsealed for First Patriots Limited, the rightful operator,” Emmanuel stated.
Residents of Ameka have welcomed the development with optimism, expressing hope that the agreement will transform the community’s mineral wealth into improved infrastructure, economic growth, and better living standards.
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