Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, Concessionaire of Jebba in collaboration with Kainji Hydro Power Plants has invested N288.414 million in its Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, projects in the host communities.
Col. Sani Bello, retd, chairman of the company, stated this at a forum with representatives of host communities around both Jebba and Kainji Dams explained that the investments were made in education, health, water and power supply, through its subsidiary, Mainstream Energy Solutions Foundation.
Col. Bello urged the host communities to guarantee Mainstream peaceful environment to operate as the company was committed to providing more development projects for them.
In his remarks, Engr. Lamu Audu, the Managing Director, said his company was determined to lift people in the host communities from poverty in a shared-prosperity strategy.
Audu said: “The idea is that first of all, we have to create a very harmonious relationship between the company and the host communities because without peace, definitely, our business cannot thrive. We also want to give back to the owners of the land, so to say, whatever benefits we are getting from our business.
We have to cultivate that kind of relationship to ensure that what is happening in other parts of the country, we are all aware of what is happening in the Niger Delta, which has significant impacts on Nigeria’s economy.”
He noted “Considering the fact that the two power plants (Kainji and Jebba ) are two critical national assets, we want to see that there is a good relationship between the company and the communities.
“If the company goes down, they will also lose. So far so good, whatever we have spent, I think, is worth the while. I can assure you, that is why we have peace around our facilities.
Apart from this Foundation, we have a Community Consultative Forum in each of the communities which allows us to meet them on a quarterly basis. We take messages across to them and we hear from them, to receive feedback on the impacts of our CSR projects and what more can be done to assist them.”
Siraj Abdullahi, the Executive Director of Mainstream Ebergy Solutions Limited, , who is also the Executive Secretary of the Foundation, revealed that the Board has approved the 2018 development projects for communities in Bida/Jebba, Borgu, Kontangora, Kainji, and Yauri zones.