News

Gov. Adeleke Vows to Protect State’s Mining Sector

By Web News 285

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Governor says it will not tolerate attempt to deny the state and its people their rightful share in the mining sector.

Governor Adeleke stated this at the Solid Minerals Stakeholders, workshop with the theme, Enhanced Internally Generated Revenue and Sustainable Environmental, Friendly Mining in Osun State, at Aisu Ede, Osun State.

The Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye said his government’s mining reforms are not about targeting any particular group but ensuring that the rights of all stakeholders, including businesses, host communities, and the state government are respected.

“Our main preoccupation is to block any exploitation and cheating of our people,” he said. We desire that our people and state should feel the impact of their God-given resources.”

While reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ensuring fair practices in the state’s mining sector, Governor Adeleke emphasized the need for clearer boundaries between state and federal responsibilities to address complications in the sector just as he commends the regulatory coordination by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals.

In a paper presentation on “Devastating Effects of Illegal Mining” a Professor of Geology, University of Ibadan, Adeniyi Gbadegesin explained that though mining of mineral resources has contributed to National GDP, however, it has led to deforestation, contaminated water and environment which affects human and animal habitat.

Professor Gbadegesin urged the federal government to make policies to regulate mining activities especially by the illegal Miners.

In his remark, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Mining and Mineral Matters, Professor Lukman Adekilekun-Jimoda explained that the workshop aims to form a synergy between state government and stakeholders in the mining in order to increase the state Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, and ensure Sustainable Environment.

Professor Adekilekun-Jimoda said the government has taken proactive steps to strengthen Osun’s position within mining sector through hard but equitable policy actions.

Economy

Women’s Aspiration in Mining Receives Boost from Gov. Adeleke

By Web News 464

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has expressed commitment to supporting and empowering women in the mining sector.

The Governor made this known at the Gold and Gemstone Conference and Exhibition (GGCE, 2023) at African Gemstone and Jewellery Conference Centre, Lagos.

Represented by the Special Adviser, Mining and Mineral Matters, Professor Lukman Jimoda, the Governor noted that the inclusion and empowerment of women in the mining industry is not only essential for their own economic emancipation but also for the overall growth and prosperity of the state and nation.

He maintained that the Osun state government under his watch was committed to promoting gender equality and the full participation of women in all sectors of the state’s economy.

He said, Osun State is one of the key states in Mineral Exploration and Mineral Processing with 300 mining titles within the state.

“It is now crystal clear that our State is one of the strongest states in the mining industry. Our state is presently working toward engaging our women in Cooperative exploration and finally Buying Centres. This will be an attempt to finally empower our women. The inclusion and empowerment of women in this critical industry are not only essential for their own economic emancipation but also for the overall growth and prosperity of our state and nation.

“We firmly believe that empowering women in mining is not just a matter of equity; it is also a strategic imperative for sustainable development. While we acknowledge the challenges that women in mining often face, such as limited access to resources, education, and opportunities, we also recognize the incredible resilience, resourcefulness, and determination that they bring to this industry. It is our responsibility to create an enabling environment that harnesses the talents and potential of our women miners.

“Under my leadership, Osun State has taken significant steps to support women in mining. We have initiated programs to provide training, access to modern technology, and financial assistance to women miners. These efforts are aimed at improving their working conditions, enhancing their safety, and increasing their productivity.

While calling on the private sector, civil society organizations, development partners, and the international community to join hands with state government in supporting women in mining, the Governor noted that investment in the mining sector is not just an investment in women; it is an investment in the sustainable development of Osun State.

Governor Adeleke also expressed commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment in Osun State adding that his administration is determined to break down barriers and create pathways for women to thrive in the mining industry and beyond.

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Crime

 EFCC, Customs Service Vow to Fight Illegal Mining in Oyo, Osun

By Web News 436

By Oluwakayode Banjo

The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and the Oyo State Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service have vowed to join forces in tackling illegal mining activities in the State.

The agencies made the commitment when the Acting Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Ibadan, Mrs Halima Rufa’u paid a courtesy visit to the Oyo/Osun State Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba.

Mrs Rufa’u, while expressing her delight for the warm reception accorded her, decried the threat activities of illegal solid mineral operators in the zone pose to national economic growth.

“I am glad to be here today on this familiarization visit but more importantly; this visit offers an opportunity to deliberate on how best to tackle the menace of illegal mining in Oyo, Osun and Ekiti States.

“It saddens me to see that our natural resources that should have been used to develop our country, build good health facilities, alleviate poverty, improve our educational system, etc. are being mismanaged by unscrupulous individuals for their personal gains.

“But the EFCC is undeterred by the antics of corrupt individuals who are benefiting from the illegal mining operations and will ensure that extant laws against illegal miners are enforced,” she said.

She called for a more robust collaboration and synergy between the EFCC and the Nigeria Customs Service.

In his remark, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba appreciated the Commander for the visit and commended her for the critical roles the EFCC is playing to combat illegal mining activities and cybercrime in the State.

He expressed confidence in the competence of both organizations to tackle the menace head-on.

“This visit is coming at the right time, when there is an increase in illegal mining activities in the State but I can assure you that the fight will be won  given the fact that both organizations are willing and ready to partner against the illegal activities”, the Comptroller said.

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Environment

 Mining: Safety of residents our primary concern – Osun Govt. 

By Web News 397

By Funmi Adekoya

Osun State Government says it is taking proactive steps to ensure safety of the people and prevent environmental degradation.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Mining and Mineral Matters, Professor Lukman Jimoda stated this in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Osogbo.

Professor Jimoda said the present administration was working to sanitize the mining sector in the state and to ensure the environment is secured.

He pointed out that any company that plans to mine in the state must present the modalities for environmental management and environmental audit which must be done in conjunction with National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA.

Professor Jimoda said the sector is being reorganized to generate more revenue for the state.

He added that the ministry will engage in constant monitoring of the mining activities in the state so as to prevent illegal miners from stealing the state resources and destroying the environment.

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Environment

FG Reads Riot Act to Illegal Miners

By Web News 587

By Iyabo Adebisi

Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Architect Olamilekan Adegbite has frowned at illegal mining in the country urging those who engage in the act to desist or face the full wrath of the law. 

He stated this in Ibadan while speaking with newsmen at the end of a 3-day retreat with the theme:Strengthening the reforms in the Mineral and Metals sector for enhanced productivity.

Architect Adegbite, who condemned illegal mining in totality said the ministry has mechanism in place across the nation to curb illegal mining.

Architect Adegbite said the retreat was to review the level of implementation of the roadmap for the growth and development of the Nigerian mining industry earlier carried out in 2019 for better performance.

“We can’t be in anybody’s mind.we always have people that are defiant in any society who want to do things that are illegal.

“To do mining legally is so simple, it doesn’t cost so much to get a license,even the beaurocracy  is so small. You can do it online.So,you wonder why anybody will go and do it illegally.Having said that,it happens,the ministry has a mechanism in place to detect illegality and once you have done that,we make sure to nib it in the bud.

“we are in constant touch with the community. So,any community where illegality is taking place,those people we interact with them,they are suppose to inform officers in that state. We have FMO,MEC and ESA in the state which interact with locals in the state,once they are informed,they can inform the office and we dislodge them.
“Another way to do that is that our FMO are empowered to go round and all our officers in the state.We have transport for them,they have hiluxes they go round. when they detect such illegality themselves,we dislodge them”.

Finally,we have a satellite program in the ministry, headquarters.Remote sensing which can detect this activity anywhere it is taking place in Nigeria and once we discover them as well, we move in and dislodge them.There is always a time between when they are doing their illegality and when we get to know,we act and put a stop to it.And of course we we always prosecute those  arrested to the full extant of the law”.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Deployment,Dr Oluwatoyin Akinlade said the retreat was geared to help government fulfill its own mandate and goals as designed in the medium term national development plan.

Mrs Akinlade said the three- day programme provided an opportunity for the ministry to better understand its mandate for effective service delivery across levels of officers the ministry.

Environment

Harm of Unwholesome Mining on Water Sanitation

By Web News 636

Every government strives to give its citizen portable water, safe enough to ward off diseases such as cholera, typhoid, guinea worm and other water borne diseases.

In Osun State, the over #48.7 billion Ilesa Water Project being co-funded by World Bank, Islamic Development Bank and the Federal Government will no doubt improve water sanitation in the state, but for the unwholesome mining activities.

Radio Nigeria correspondent, Isaac Haastrup gives details

Energy

Minister Calls For Synergy To Fight Illegal Mining

By Web News 647

Minister of State for Mines and Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogan says all the tiers of government must partner and work together within the context of the provisions of the extant mining laws to unlock the minerals sector potentials and grow it to optimal level.

He stated this during a courtesy visit to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state at Governor’s office Ibadan as part of his a-day working visit for the 56th annual international Conference and exhibition of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society, NMGS.

Dr. Ogan said the collaboration would encouraged state government participation in mining activities using Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) which the State can establish, invest and undertake mining activities in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2011.

The minister of state for Mines and Steel Development also said the synergy would fight illegal mining and smuggling of mineral commodities and also provide job opportunities for the teeming youths.

He re-echoed the Federal Government’s determination in implementing policies aimed at diversifying the nation’s economy away from dependence on Oil to Mining and Agriculture through Mining. 

Dr. Ogan said with support of government and other stakeholders, the Oyo state could be transformed into a physically functional, economically vibrant, socially harmonious and most preferred sub-national mining destination in Nigeria. 

He appreciated Oyo state government for the donation of two hectares of land for gemstone market pointing out that the development showed commitment in enhancing the development of the solid minerals sector and increase the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR of the State.

In a remark, Governor Seyi Makinde acknowledged that the mineral resources if well harnessed would improve the revenue of the country .

Governor Makinde said the state was ready to support national aspiration on development which he said necessitated provision of two hectares of land for the gemstone market in Akinyele area of the state.

The governor therefore solicited the support of the federal ministry of mines and steel in hasten the building of the gemstone market in Akinyele, Ibadan with a view to improving the revenue of the state and the entire south west.

Iyabo Adebisi

Judiciary

Illegal Mining: Ondo Court Remands 15 Suspects

By Web News 556

An Ondo State Chief Magistrate court sitting in Akure has remanded at the Nigeria correctional service facility, Olokuta Akure 15 illegal gold miners pending a legal advice from the director of public prosecution in the state ministry of justice.

Magistrate Damilola Shekoni gave the ruling after the defendants were docked on a three count charge including illegal mining contrary to relevant laws of the land. 

Our correspondent reports that that the court also remanded three defendants arrested by Amotekun for illegal possession of firearms and cattle rearing in government reserve without permission.

The 15 defendants were arrested in Owo in the first week of February 2021 by operatives of the Ondo state security network, operation Amotekun during a sting operation.

Upon completion of investigation, the agency dragged the 15 defendants before magistrate Damilola Shekoni on a three count charge.

The charge include trespass on government reserves,  Illegal mining punishable under section 517 of the criminal laws of Ondo state and 134 of the minerals and mining act of 2007. 

The prosecuting counsel, Olusegun Akeredolu said the court has no jurisdiction to hear a case of illegal mining and prayed for the remand of the defendants pending the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution.

Counsel to the defendants, Yemi Salau who agreed with the prosecution on the lack of jurisdiction by the court however sought their bail citing section of 269 of the administration of criminal justice law in Ondo State.

Magistrate Shekoni after listening to arguments by counsel, especially on the jurisdiction of the court invoked 272 of the administration of criminal justice law and remanded the defendants in Owo and Ondo facilities of the Nigeria correctional services.

He directed the prosecution to forward the case file of the defendants to the office of Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice and adjourned the case till March 26th 2021.

He also said the Covid-19 test should be conducted on the defendants before their transfer to the correctional facility.

Counsel to the defendants, Yemi Salau and The State Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji adeleye expressed satisfaction with the proceedings.

Meanwhile, the court also remanded at the correctional facility, three defendants after they were docked by Amotekun on a three count charge including illegal firearms possession, and trespass in government forest reserves.

Their case was also adjourned to March 26 for further hearing.

Leke Adegbite

Economy

FG, Zamfara Govt. to Engage 70,000 Youths in Mining

By Web News 934

No fewer than 70,000 youths are expected to be gainfully employed by both the Federal Government and the Zamfara Government in mining activities in the state.

The Governor of Zamfara, Bello Matawalle, made this known in Maradun, Zamfara, on Tuesday when members of the state’s Council of Chiefs, paid him Salah homage at his country home in Maradun.

Matawalle said the measure was aimed at curbing illegal mining activities which had defied several government orders in the state.

“The youths in the state will be engaged in proper mining activities on how best to tap the abundant mineral deposits in the state as part of measures to improve the economy of the state and the nation in general,” the governor said.

He told the traditional rulers that 5,000 youths would be drawn from each of the 14 Local Government Areas of the state who would be engaged in the sector which would also encourage and guarantee self-reliance among youths in the state.

The governor also charged all the 17 members of the council to ensure that all forms of mining activities taking place in their domain were stopped forthwith.

He urged them to file and forward a report immediately there was a breach.

Matawalle who said the situation was improving, noted that the peace and reconciliation he introduced at the beginning of his administration was still open for bandits to repent and embrace peace.

The governor, in a statement by Jamilu Iliyasu, his Press Secretary, warned that recalcitrant criminals in the bushes would continue to face fire power from the armed forces.

He thanked the royal fathers for the visit and appealed for their continued support to his administration, as it strived to meet the yearnings of the people.

Earlier, Chairman of the state’s Council of Chiefs and Emir of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Muhammad, said they were at the governor’s residence to felicitate with him at the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, marking the end of the Ramadan fast.

He reiterated the council’s continued cooperation and support to the Matawalle-led administration in the state.

NAN

Economy

Reviving Igbeti Marble Site Will Boost State IGR- OYSHA

By Web News 1618

The need for the Oyo state government to fastrack the takeoff operation of Igbeti Marble site and getting investors for the development of other mineral deposits in the state form part of resolutions during plenary at the Oyo state house of assembly. 

This followed the adoption of a report by the committee on solid minerals development, presented by Mr. Femi Okedoyin representing Saki West state constituency.

The report, in pursuant to the motion earlier moved by Mr. Qozeem Olayanju representing Irepo/Olorunsogo constituency on the need to revive Igbeti Mable company, also urged the executive to urgently constitute the Nigerian Marble Mining company board for the development of mineral deposits in the state. 

It also recommended that the house committee on public account, finance and appropriation should consider upward review of the solid mineral agency capital expenditure in the 2020 budget. 

Speaking further on the report, the sponsor of the motion, Mr. Qozeem Olayanju expressed hope that the Igbeti Marble site will boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue if properly harnessed. 

The house in another development urged the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, on the need to expedite action on the issuance of National identity cards to citizens and residents of Oyo state.

Kehinde Mosope