Building a Brighter Future: The Promise of Mangal Cement in Kogi State - By Sade Bara'u

     Alhaji Ɗahiru Bara'u Mangal

The attention of the good people of Katsina, especially those with a penchant for an industrial and industrious Nigeria, was captured by a viral picture on social media showing the first debut of Mangal Cement from the cement industry of Dahiru Mangal - an international business mogul of Katsina State extraction. No doubt, the start of cement production in the plant has placed the people of Katsina State at the forefront of opening new vistas of investment in areas that were thought to be the preserve of a few Nigerians, especially in a difficult period of an unpredictable business/investment climate.

For Dahiru Mangal to conceive and hatch the idea of establishing a cement plant underpins the courage and commitment he has in venturing into the industrial domain, which only the mighty could hazard. Be that as it may, all is now history, as the plant is on the threshold of flooding the nation's building industry with another sound and quality cement that can bring down cement prices, given the ease of doing business stance of the government. Though this may not be the driving force behind the multi-billion-naira investment, it is the poor man who toils and saves a little amount of money that would benefit from the dream of getting affordable cement to build a house from the plant.

Much as Alh. Mangal enjoys commendation for divesting resources from his earnings, he still needs to be courted in his chosen state of investment. First, he should learn not to fall into the quagmire of casting aspersions on the faces of those he meets on the ground. Kogi, as a confluence state, is home to many known cement production giants—the BUA and Dangote Cement companies belonging to the two next-door neighbors from Kano State. Mangal must study the sources of conflict to avoid becoming a victim of similar or near circumstances. I know the laws guiding investments in Nigeria are well known to Mangal, having been in the field for quite a while. Mangal must equally understand the laws peculiar to Kogi State. Even the local government area(s) of operations and their bye-laws must be studied and understood by Mangal. Essentially, this will make his romance with the host community joyously fruitful, devoid of rancor and spitefulness.

Mangal Cement must imbibe the culture of altruism and true corporate social responsibility. The standoff between Ashaka Cement and Gombe State Government, for instance, must be avoided. Taxes must be paid as and when due. Repairs of any damaged utilities must be effected. Host villages must be relocated to avoid litigation in respect of pollution, health hazards, environmental damages, and the long- and short-term scenario of disrespecting and damaging the sanctity of the community's places of worship, e.g., graves, churches, mosques, and other sanctuaries belonging to the people.

On the issue of corporate social responsibility, the company must be seen to be active in the construction of schools, hospitals, and even dispensaries. A few menial and other direct/indirect jobs could be outsourced to the immediate community so that no Kogite could one day claim to champion an ulterior cause for and on behalf of the good people of Kogi State. This measure could preempt any possible threat to the investment, either now or in the future. The company must be commissioned physically, not virtually, in the presence of eminent Kogites, their government, and, of course, the federal government.

Finally, while wishing Mangal Cement a seamless operation, may I urge the people to take ownership of the facilities that would be established as corporate gifts by the company, as this would symbolize their warm embrace of the workers and the industrial facility.

Sade Bara'u Writes from Kankiya