The communities surrounding HBM Nigeria Plc, formerly Lafarge Africa Plc, in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest over what they described as the company’s alleged environmental impact and the withdrawal of community benefits.
The protesters, comprising traditional leaders, youths and students of Ewekoro Grammar School, alleged that the cement manufacturing company’s operations had become more harmful than beneficial to their host communities.
The demonstration, which lasted for over an hour, saw protesters displaying placards bearing various inscriptions to express their grievances.
They also prevented vehicles from entering or leaving the company’s premises during the protest, although the exercise remained peaceful.
Addressing the gathering, the Youth Community Leader, Prince Quadri Oluwasemilore, alleged that the discovery of limestone in their ancestral land had exposed residents to severe environmental and health challenges.
According to him, emissions of dust and smoke from the cement factory had resulted in chronic illnesses and untimely deaths, while the communities’ close proximity to the plant continued to endanger their health and livelihoods.
The protesters further alleged that the company previously provided annual community grants to cushion the effects of its operations, but claimed the benefits had been suspended following the intervention of the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola.
They accused the monarch of taking actions contrary to the interests of the host communities and appealed to the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, to intervene and prevail on the Olowu to reverse the decision.
The protesters also demanded the withdrawal of a letter they alleged was written by the Olowu to the company directing it to halt the community benefits.
According to them, the suspension of the grants amounts to “double punishment” as residents already bear the environmental and health consequences of living near the cement plant.
A community leader, Chief Oloyede Musedik, the Ekerin of Akinbo, also urged the company to rehabilitate Ewekoro Grammar School, alleging that the project had been abandoned for years.
Responding on behalf of HBM Nigeria Plc, the Community Relations Officer, Engr. A Yomi, assured the protesters that management would consider the issues raised.
He added that the company had made efforts to engage the Olowu over some of the concerns but had not been able to meet with the monarch.
The reactions of the Olowu of Owu, Oba saka Matemilola has not been gotten as at the time of the publication of this news.
