By Ibidapo Olowolayemo, Ibadan
Thursday July 25, 2024
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The Oyo State government has said that the time has come to address the menace of illegal mining in the state, as it says “these unlawful activities have gone unchecked.”
The government said illegal mining had caused untold damage to the environment and had jeopardised the health and livelihoods of its people.
The development was contained in a statement made available to journalists by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, on Wednesday in Ibadan.
Oyelade said the disclosure was made same day by the Director General, Oyo State Mineral Development Agency (OYSMIDA), Engr. Abiodun Oni, during a stakeholders’ sensitisation and consultative forum held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
“This administration will no longer tolerate any form of illegal mining in the state; and today’s consultative forum will focus on the Executive Order 001/2023, which majors on the protection of mining communities in Oyo State.
“Illegal mining results in millions being siphoned from the state; and the state and federal governments do not benefit from this act. Therefore, it is imperative for the government to take responsibility and for obas and baales to be involved by signing consent letters,” Oni said.
Engr. Oni emphasised that the state government would be involved in all activities within the communities, including the Community Development Agreement (CDA).
“This ensures that any investor’s activities are regularised, benefiting the state, Federal Government, local government and the community.”
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Hon. Anthony Ogunsola, pointed out that many of the current challenges were due to the infiltration of unknown individuals into communities, leading to insecurity, kidnapping, robbery, killings and other social vices.
He urged the obas and baales in the communities to assist the government in curbing these issues, noting that Governor Makinde’s signing of Executive Order 001/2023 had brought relief to the communities.
Hon. Ogunsola also appealed to the citizens of Oyo State to continue supporting the current administration to enjoy further benefits of democracy.
In his goodwill message, the Commandant, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, Padonu Augustine, assured that the command was committed to maintaining safe and secure communities, a development he said would boost the economy and create opportunities for investors.
Mr. Augustine added that the Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, had recently adopted a proactive approach, in close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, by training some corps personnel as mines marshals to tackle illegal mining in states.
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