—Denies illegal mining

By Henry Ojelu

SAF Properties & Investment has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development, job creation and long-term socio-economic benefits for the Ado-Odo community in Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency, Ogun State, as it moved to allay concerns over its operations in the area.

At a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Ado-Odo Town Hall, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Alhaji Safiriyu Kazeem, declared that SAF was in the community to invest responsibly, not to exploit resources, insisting that the firm is not involved in illegal mining.

Kazeem said all statutory approvals and regulatory documents required for its operations had been duly obtained, stressing that the company would operate strictly within the law while prioritising community welfare and environmental responsibility.

The meeting drew a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including traditional rulers and high chiefs, elders-in-council, the Chief Imam, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), leaders of traditional worshippers, youth representatives and professionals from the community.

According to Kazeem, SAF’s business model is anchored on sustainability and shared value, with plans to reclaim mined land for agriculture, particularly plantain cultivation. He said the produce would be processed into plantain chips and flour, creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for residents.

He also disclosed plans for skill-acquisition programmes targeted at youths, both male and female, focusing on market-relevant skills capable of providing sustainable livelihoods locally and beyond Nigeria.

“I want to clearly state that SAF Properties & Investment is here with a difference. We are not like companies that come, exploit and abandon projects. Our goal is to leave lasting value in Ado-Odo,” Kazeem said.

Responding on behalf of the community, President of the Ado-Odo Club and Chief Coordinator of Ado-Odo Professionals, Elder Olusegun Aina, announced that the community would constitute a committee to critically examine SAF’s proposal, in line with the directive of the Adimula of Ado-Odo, Oba Olusola Idris Osolo (Otenibotemole II).

Aina said the committee would assess environmental implications and community interests before submitting its report to the monarch for a final decision, noting that the community remains open to dialogue and further engagement.

He assured that youths in the community had been briefed to maintain peace and respect traditional authority throughout the process.

“We have spoken to our youths, and there will be no violence. We respect the decision of our Kabiyesi, our number one citizen,” Aina said.