By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
Nigeria’s renowned women advocate in mining Dr Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji has been honoured with the prestigious “Peace and Development in Mining Host Communities” award.
The award given by the Northern Youth Peace Ambassadors (NYPA) according to a statement, is in recognition of her relentless commitment to creating sustainable solutions and empowering mining host communities across Africa.
By this development, Dr Asokoro-Ogaji joins a distinguished group of Nigerians who have previously received this same honour, including: General C.G. Musa, Current Chief of Defence Staff, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, CEO, Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission; and Comr. Joe Ajaero, President, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).
Speaking after receiving the award, Asokoro-Ogaji who was represented by Dr Antonia Nebo, Assistant Director, Administrations at WiM-Africa, said, “To be recognised alongside such notable figures in national development and peacebuilding is both humbling and inspiring.
“This award is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our team at Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa). There is much work to be done in empowering mining host communities across Africa, but together, one mining community at a time, we can create meaningful change.”
According to the statement, Dr Asokoro-Ogaji has worked with over 250 mining host communities, developing Community Development Agreements, Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD), and Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Programmes.
As Group Managing Director of Richflood Group, Dr Asokoro-Ogaji, has led projects to improve the livelihoods of mining host communities by implementing sustainable environmental and social standards.
Her efforts are supported by development banks funding transformative projects, including the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Through her leadership of Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa) which stands for inclusive and responsible mining across the continent, she has championed the empowerment of women and improved mining practices across African countries.
Key initiatives like the “Voices of Children from the Pits” programme and community restoration projects are changing lives, removing children from hazardous mines, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
Her career spans over 15 years, with her expertise shaping over 350 investment projects in key sectors such as mining, agriculture, power, and manufacturing.
Her academic achievements include a Ph.D. in Strategic Management and ongoing research toward a second Ph.D. in Environmental Resources Management.
Her leadership roles also include serving as Country Director for the Africa Minerals and Miners Centre (MMC) and heading Richflood Laboratories, specialising in mineral ore testing and sustainable mining practices.