P.C. Aiah Denton Bona Foamansa III displaying a ceremonial cheque presented by Nimini Mining Limited.
By James Tamba Lebbie
Chiefdom authorities of Nimikor Chiefdom last week received the second annual surface rent from Nimini Mining Limited at the chiefdom headquarter town of Jaiama Nimikor. The surface rent of Le 146 million is in respect of its gold prospecting activities in the chiefdom started last year.
Handing over the cheque to the Acting Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, for onward transfer to the chiefdom authorities, the Exploration Manager of Nimini Mining Limited, Alastair Gallagher said the company was honouring its commitment to the government and the people of Nimikor in line with the Mines and Minerals Act.
Presenting the cheque to the Senior District Officer (SDO) of Kono District on behalf of the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, the Acting Deputy Secretary in the ministry, Sidie Sesay said by accepting a surface rent cheque in a ceremony attended by the chiefdom authorities and ordinary citizens, Nimikor Chiefdom was a "crystal example" of not only transparency and accountability but also in terms of utilising their mining funds for development purposes, as well as the existence of a cordial relationship between the chiefdom and the mining company.
The SDO, Kono District, Moses Gbetu said he was surprised that such an event was happening in the open. He said Nimikor Chiefdom had always exhibited exemplary character in local governance administration. He said by receiving the cheque in a ceremony attended by the chiefdom authorities, the paramount chief had demonstrated inclusiveness and openness which he described as a requirement for good governance. He thanked Nimini Mining Limited for adhering to their commitments.
Receiving the cheque, Paramount Chief of Nimikor Chiefdom, P.C. Aiah Denton Bona Foamansa III thanked the company for respecting their commitment which he said was part of their corporate social responsibility. Expressing appreciation to the company for the construction of markets, toilets and other amenities in which they operate, P.C. Bona III pointed out that investment in education in the chiefdom would be a welcome development. He said capacitating the youth in the chiefdom would not only help to divert their attention from mischief-making but would also help develop the human resources of the chiefdom. He therefore appealed to Nimini Mining Limited to consider establishing a technical or vocational institute in the chiefdom to train middle-level man power in the district.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, chairman of the ceremony, Sahr Emmanuel Gbomor said the presentation marked the second presentation of cheque for surface rent to the chiefdom. He said the funds would go towards the development of the chiefdom in the areas of road construction and subsidies for schools among other areas.
(C) Politico 12/12/13
