The Chairman of Gem Giant Limited, Babatope Agbeyo, has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to community growth and development, stating that its driving force stems from patriotism rather than business interests.
Agbeyo made this declaration following the successful signing of a Community Development Agreement (CDA) with the Faforiji Community in Osun State, Nigeria, over mining activities. He emphasised that empowering the community remains the company’s top priority.
“Our driving force in doing this is patriotism! We are passionate about change and growth for the community and are committed to exploring how we can develop it using the resources and potential that already exist.
“Gem Giant is not just about business but about empowering the community.
“Over the past few years, we have seen how the community has played a role in this journey. We understand the technologies and the necessary steps needed to maximise benefits for our people. Regardless of the outcome, we believe our collective efforts will contribute to the greater good.”
He reassured the Faforiji community that the company remains dedicated to ethical exploration practices and sustainable development. He pledged that all mining activities will be conducted professionally, peacefully, and in full compliance with government regulations and global best practices, ensuring active stakeholder involvement.
Agbeyo also commended the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Mining Cadastral Office for upholding transparency and fairness in the regulatory process, reinforcing the government’s commitment to accountability.
Accompanied by his chiefs, the King of Faforiji, Oba Adebayo Faforiji, lauded the company for taking bold steps toward unlocking the community’s mining potential. He expressed hope that the venture would lead to the discovery of commercially viable gold deposits and other valuable minerals.
“We are very happy and delighted that although a lot of people have speculated about gold deposits in almost all of Ijesha land, no one has come forward to confirm if we have them in commercial quantities.
“We thank God that today we are welcoming Gem Giant, a company owned by a son of the soil—born, bred, and raised in Faforiji—who has volunteered to go round the community to determine if we have mineral resources in commercial quantities.
“We are praying to God that after signing the agreement today and granting him the approval to explore, he can successfully find gold deposits and other minerals that will benefit both the company and the community.”
The Community Development Agreement (CDA) was presented in English and thoroughly explained to the community by representatives from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. To ensure full comprehension, the document was also translated into the local dialect.
The event witnessed the active participation of officials from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Osun State Chapter, and the Osun State Ministry of Environment.
