Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Ameka community in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on Wednesday opened a new chapter in its long mining history with the signing of a landmark five-year Community Development Agreement (CDA) valued at over ₦2 billion with First Patriots Limited.
The agreement, signed in the presence of state officials, community leaders and other stakeholders, is designed to ensure peaceful mining operations while guaranteeing tangible development benefits for the host community.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Chidi Onyia, described Ameka as a “special community,” noting that it is one of the oldest mining areas not only in Ebonyi State but across the South-East region.
According to Onyia, historical records indicate that Ameka and neighbouring Enyigba were among the first locations where early European explorers conducted mining activities over a century ago.
“Ameka has been on the world map for over 100 years. The first white men who came to Ebonyi worked here, and to the glory of God, these mineral resources have remained inexhaustible,” he said.
The commissioner acknowledged community concerns over land ownership and mineral rights, explaining that while land belongs to individuals and state governments, mineral resources are vested in the Federal Government under Nigerian law.
He appealed for continued cooperation, stressing that although development may come with challenges, it must be guided by the constitution and existing legal frameworks.
Onyia assured the community that the Ebonyi State Government would not allow any investor to exploit or impoverish the host community.
“If the intention of First Patriots Limited is to come here and impoverish Ameka people, the same state government supporting you will push you away,” he warned. “You are here to make profit, yes, but you are also here to impact lives.”
He further urged the company to go beyond the provisions of the agreement in fulfilling its corporate social responsibilities and to maintain a harmonious relationship with the host community.
“These are your landlords; you are their tenant,” Onyia said, adding that peaceful coexistence would promote ease of doing business and sustained government support.
In his remarks, a Director of First Patriots Limited, Satya Penneru, said the company was fully committed to the agreement, which includes the provision of infrastructure such as roads, training programmes, scholarships and other community development initiatives.
“The total commitment is around ₦2 to ₦2.5 billion over five years, and that is 100 per cent what we intend to deliver,” Penneru said. “Beyond what is written, we will still do much more.”
He noted that the company has operated in Ebonyi State since 2015 without defaulting on its commitments, adding that peace remains critical to sustainable progress.
“If peace is there, progress will automatically be there,” he said, citing instances where the company helped resolve long-standing communal conflicts in other mining communities.
Also speaking, a community member and Vice-Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, Professor Michael Awoke, expressed satisfaction with the agreement, describing it as inclusive and responsive to the developmental needs of Ameka.
“We have been praying for this type of development to happen,” he said.
“The agreement is very accommodating and addresses many of the problems facing the Ameka community.”
Addressing concerns about possible mismanagement of benefits, Awoke said the agreement clearly outlines a sharing formula that must be strictly adhered to.
“All stakeholders here have unanimously accepted the agreement, and we will ensure it is implemented strictly, without default,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has unsealed the mining site to enable the company commence operations.
The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Southeast Zone, SC Nkoro Emmanuel, unsealed the site shortly after the signing of the agreement.
He explained that the site had earlier been sealed due to illegal mining activities by another company.
Emmanuel said the site was reopened after First Patriots Limited fulfilled all regulatory requirements, including the signing of the CDA with the host community.
“We successfully evacuated the illegal mining company that operated here unlawfully. I therefore unseal the site for First Patriots, the rightful owner,” he said.
The signing of the agreement was met with optimism by residents, who view it as a major opportunity to convert Ameka’s rich mineral endowment into sustainable development, improved infrastructure and better living conditions.
