SAF Properties & Investment has reiterated its commitment to sustainable development, job creation and inclusive socio-economic growth in Ado-Odo community, Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency of Ogun State.
The assurance was given on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Ado-Odo Town Hall, where the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Alhaji Safiriyu Adebanjo Kazeem, engaged community leaders and residents on the company’s planned operations.
Kazeem assured the gathering that SAF Properties & Investment is committed to responsible and lawful investment, stressing that the company is not involved in illegal mining activities. He explained that all required government approvals and documentation had been obtained, adding that SAF’s focus is on community development rather than short-term resource exploitation.
The meeting attracted a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, high chiefs, elders-in-council, religious leaders from both Islam and Christianity, leaders of traditional worshippers, youth representatives and other interest groups.
According to Kazeem, the company’s development plan includes the reclamation of mined land for agricultural use, with a focus on plantain cultivation. He noted that the harvested plantain would be processed into chips and flour, a move expected to create direct and indirect employment opportunities for residents of the host community.
He further disclosed plans to introduce skill acquisition programmes for youths, both male and female, in marketable and in-demand skills capable of providing sustainable livelihoods locally and beyond Nigeria.
“Allaying the fears of residents is important to us. SAF Properties & Investment is not like companies that came, made promises and abandoned projects. We are here with a clear vision and a difference,” Kazeem said.
Responding on behalf of the community, the President of Ado-Odo Club and Chief Coordinator of Ado-Odo Professionals, Elder Olusegun Aina, said the community had resolved to set up a committee to carefully review the company’s proposal. He explained that the decision followed the directive of the Adimula of Ado-Odo, Oba Olusola Idris Osolo (Otenibotemole II).
Aina stated that the committee would examine environmental, social and welfare implications of the project and submit its findings to the monarch for a final decision. He welcomed continued engagement with the company and noted that the community remained open to dialogue.
He also assured that youths in the community would remain peaceful and law-abiding, stressing respect for the authority of the monarch.
“We have spoken to our youths, and there will be no violence. We respect the decision of our Kabiyesi, who remains our number one citizen,” Aina said.
