A first-class monarch in Ogun State, Olu of Itori, Oba Fatai Akamo, has raised alarm over the operation of the popular cement company, Lafarge Africa plant, in his domain.
Aside from pollution, the monarch noted that the operation of the factory was destroying the community and that the company was not mitigating the harsh effect on the locals.
Oba Akamo made the complaints on Wednesday during a press briefing addressed to usher in a week-long 20th anniversary celebration of his coronation.
The monarch accused the cement company of destroying the only General Hospital in the community and refusing to salvage the situation, leaving locals to travel for medical attention.
Akamo lamented, “WAPCO is not doing fine at all, Is that a company? If you pass through their company what they blast affects mostly all the houses in their environment, so if you don’t bind your house firmly it may collapse.
“WAPCO was the one that destroyed the General hospital, But for them to demolish it and rebuild became a problem but God will use Dapo Abiodun for me, he will build it again.
“I don’t believe that Larfage exists because their actions or reactions to things are not normal. How would a multi-billion naira company be sited in a community and our roads will be in this condition?
“What takes Larfage to do this road?”
The monarch also noted that the company was responsible for the horrible plights of motorists on the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway.
He also recalled that at the start of the factory in the community, the company had agreed to always take the host community into cognizance, alleging that the community had never benefited anything from the company.
He said, “I don’t know what Larfage is doing there, the raw materials they are using are from here, they don’t import anything. It is even very worrisome that a bag of cement is being sold for N10,000 now.
“When they were doing their MoU, they promised to do a lot of things for the community, they promised to take care of their host community, honestly this is not the way things are supposed to be done.”
Also speaking on the bad situation of the road, the monarch stressed, “We thank God that the Federal government has mandated Ogun and Lagos States to do the road together and our governor said recently that they will start before the rainy season.”
Responding to the allegation, Head of Corporate Communications at Lafarge Africa, Ginika Frank Durugbor, said the company holds Oba Akamo in high esteem, noting that the company would engage with the monarch for further understanding of his concerns.
She added that the monarch has always been a valued partner in the company’s contribution to the socio-economic development of the host community.
Her words, “Lafarge Africa holds His Royal Majesty, the Olu of Itori, Oba Abdul Fatai Akorede Akamo in high esteem. He has been a highly valued partner in our contribution to the socioeconomic development of the Itori Community and, indeed, Ewekoro host community. As is customary, we will engage His Royal Majesty to deepen our understanding of his concerns.
“Lafarge Africa will continue to prioritise open communication and collaboration with all stakeholders to build trust, foster positive relationships, and create shared value for the long-term prosperity of our host communities.
“We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to the well-being of our host communities through targeted CSR initiatives in line with our sustainability strategy.”
Meanwhile, a supporting document attached to the statement sent to our correspondent showed a number of Corporate Social Responsibilities undertaken by the company in favour of the community.
