The Federation of Nigeria Mining Host Communities (FNMHC), Ebonyi chapter, has solicited partnership with the Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation (EBBC) to strengthen advocacy for the rights of mining host communities in the state.
FNMHC State Coordinator, Dr Francis Orji, made the appeal on Friday in Abakaliki, when he led the federation’s members on a courtesy visit to EBBC Director-General, Chief Tony Nwizi.
Orji said the federation was committed to working with the state-owned media to sensitise the public, build community capacity, and demand accountability from extractive companies.
“We recognise EBBC as one of the cardinal organs of government that can support us in our information and sensitisation drive in pursuit of our objectives,” Orji said.
He regretted that mining host communities in Ebonyi continued to live in poverty without social amenities, notwithstanding the huge revenues accruing to extractive companies operating in their areas.
“It is sad to note that almost all the host communities in the state wallow in abject poverty without social amenities such as roads, electricity, water and education.
“They also suffer pollution, environmental degradation and uninvestigated human rights abuses,” he added.
The coordinator explained that the federation was established in 2019 by Global Rights to unite mining host communities across Nigeria to articulate common demands for equity and justice in the extractive sector.
He said the Ebonyi chapter planned to embark on visits to mining host communities and sites to engage them in conversations and understand their challenges.
According to him, the federation will also build the capacity of host communities and members on responsible mining practices, legal rights, community development agreements and environmental protection.
“To successfully implement these activities, we shall, as the need arise, seek the support and partnership of EBBC,” the DG said.
Responding, Nwizi, assured the delegation of the corporation’s readiness to support their advocacy for mining host communities.
“We are impressed with the vision of your federation; I assure you that EBBC will partner with you in creating awareness and sensitising the public on the plight of mining host communities,” Nwizi said.
He commended the group for their commitment to promoting social justice and urged them to remain consistent in their advocacy.
“Our doors are open for collaboration and we shall deploy our platforms to give voice to your programmes and activities in line with our mandate as a public service broadcaster,” the DG added.
