The Chairman of Mainstream Energy Solution Limited, Colonel Sani Bello, Wednesday, in Abuja disclosed that the power-generating company has spent N288.4 million in delivering on its corporate social responsibility.
Mainstream Foundation was launched by Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL) in 2016 “to give the company the leverage to focus on its core business of generating electricity while the foundation takes over its Corporate Social Responsibility,” according to the MD/CEO, Lamu Audu,
MESL is the concessionaire of Jebba and Kainji Hydro Power Plants, and immediate beneficiaries of the CSR are within the catchment area, covering Niger, Kwara, Kebbi and Kogi states.
Speaking shortly after Col. Bello at the special general meeting of the foundation which took place at Sheraton Hotel, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Umaru Farouq, Bako, said “The total sum spent for projects is N288, 414, 368.20, this includes the rehabilitation of schools in Shagunu, Kuruwasa, Anfani and Mazhi. The sum of N45, 887, 937.50 was also spent towards the rehabilitation and equipping of health facilities, and the treatment of persons within the catchment area. The sum of N88, 839, 702.70 was also expended towards empowering the communities and N23, 906, 435.50 spent on improving critical aspects of the environment. N821, 839.00 was spent on other projects towards the benefit of the communities.”
Mr. Bako also added that, “The foundation sponsors 10 selected youths annually from the host communities to study at the National Training Institute of Nigeria… A good number of the trainees are offered employment in Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited after the training programme.”
In his remarks, Managing Director of MESL, Lamu Audu, said the company was determined to lift people in the host communities from poverty in a shared-prosperity strategy.
“The idea is that first of all, we have to create a very harmonious relationship between the company and the host communities because without peace, definitely, our business cannot thrive. We also want to give back to the owners of the land, so to say, whatever benefits we are getting from our business.” He said.
Members of the host communities in attendance expressed their gratitude, and satisfaction in the success of the foundation’s intervention projects. They took turns to ask questions and make suggestions during the concluding session of the forum.
A representative of New Bussa community, commending Mainstream for providing standard primary and secondary schools for members of the community, recommended establishment of a tertiary institution in the catchment area. Responding, the Mr. Audu, said “Education is one of the key areas of our interventions. We have noted you recommendation, we will return and consider the cost and sustainability first making any commitment. However, we are about to roll out an empowerment programme, where people from the catchment area will be sponsored to learn trades and return to contribute to their communities.”
In concluding the forum, The Executive Director of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, Siraj Abdullahi, who is also the Executive Secretary of the Foundation, revealed that the Board has approved the 2018 development projects for communities in Bida/Jebba, Borgu, Kontangora, Kainji, and Yauri zones.
