The people of Nfamosing
in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, have again been assured that the state government will soon wade into the issues of marginalisation and total neglect of the people by UNICEM now Lafarge Holcim and other companies operating in the community.
Special Assistant to the Governor on Petroleum and Local Content Implementation, Mr. Imoh Imoh Anthony gave the assurance when he embarked on fact-finding visit to the community.
Imoh said the visit was to acquaint him with first hand information on the operations of Lafarge Holcim and other companies operating in the area, especially as it concerns the employment of indigenes or Cross Riverians by the companies and as well report back to  State Governor, Prof . Ben Ayade, for necessary action.
He commended the Paramount Ruler, His Royal Majesty, Nufam Clement Emayip and his people for not taking laws into their hands and assured the host community that the state government would resolve teh matter.
According to Imoh, “the state government has received several complaints about the negligence of UNICEM to this community which is catchment area. The governor is a man who has passion for the people of Cross River and he has mandated us to come here today for fact findings about what is happening between UNICEM and this community. If it is true that UNICEM is doing employment without engaging the youths of this community or Cross Riverians, we will report back to His Excellency, Prof Ben Ayade”.
“I assure you that His Excellency will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that he arranges a meeting between you and the companies operating here in your domain,” he added.
Commissioner for Solid Minerals in the state, Hon. George O’ben Echi thanked the people for their peaceful nature and also assured that government will not hesitate to wade into matter.
On his part, Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Hon. Efa Esua called on the community to avail them of the complete list of companies operating in the area in order to arrange a meeting with them.
Earlier in his remarks, the Paramount ruler of Akamkpa and Clan Head of Ojuk South Clan, HRM Ntufam Clement Emayip decried the insensitivity  of UNICEM and other companies operating in the area towards the plight of the people.
Ntufam Clement Emayip noted that  despite several attempts made by him to get UNICEM  and other companies to a round table  with a view to resolving vexed issues of unemployment of indigenes, provision of basic infrastructure and award of scholarships in the area,  proved abortive.
He further hinted that due to the hazardous nature of the chemical substances emitting from the production of cement, economic trees and other farm crops could no longer yield good harvest while the stream being the only source of drinking water had been polluted and the people left with no good drinking water.

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar