With a firm stance, the Oyo State Government has restated its dedication to combatting illegal mining activities within the state. The government emphasized how these illegal mining operations have inflicted severe harm on the environment, posing threats to the health and well-being of the state’s populace.
Abiodun Oni, the Director-General of the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency, conveyed this commitment during a recent stakeholders’ sensitization and consultative gathering convened at the House of Chiefs in the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the capital city.
Addressing the audience, Oni asserted, “This administration will not tolerate any form of unlawful mining in the state. Today’s consultative forum will highlight Executive Order 001/2023, which primarily focuses on safeguarding the mining communities in Oyo State.
Highlighting the adverse effects of illegal mining, Oni emphasized the financial drain on the state and federal coffers caused by these illegal activities. He stressed the importance of government intervention and the participation of local traditional rulers by endorsing consent letters.
The state government, according to Oni, will actively engage in all community-related initiatives, such as the Community Development Agreement, to ensure that investors’ operations are formalized, benefiting the state, federal government, local government, and the communities involved.
In a goodwill message, Anthony Ogunsola, the Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Solid Minerals, drew attention to the challenges arising from the infiltration of unknown elements into communities, leading to rising insecurity, kidnappings, robberies, and other social issues.
He urged local traditional rulers to collaborate with the government in tackling these problems, commending Governor Seyi Makinde’s enactment of Executive Order 001/2023, which has brought relief to affected communities.
Ogunsola also called upon the state’s residents to continue supporting the current administration to reap the full benefits of democracy.
Padonu Augustine, the Commandant of the NSCDC, Oyo State Command, affirmed their commitment to ensuring safe and secure mineral-rich communities, which he believed would enhance the economy and attract investment opportunities.
Augustine revealed that the Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, had recently adopted a proactive strategy in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals. This involved training corps personnel as mines marshals to combat illegal mining activities within the state.