Osogbo, April 3, 2023 – Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun State says he will revive the mining sector in the state as he has already stopped the forfeiture of mining licenses caused by mismanagement by the previous administration.
Adeleke made the pledge on Sunday at a meeting with Obadiah Nkom, the Director General of Nigeria Mining Cadastral Agency, after the submission of the report of the state’s Solid Minerals Committee.
He said that the state had about seven mining licenses across the solid mineral value chains that were almost sold off in the last days of the last administration.
Adeleke pledged to take actions to reposition the sector and ensure the revalidation of the state mining licenses, adding that he would also secure the state’s assets and stabilise its economy,
“My administration is ready to ensure all necessary fees are paid so that the state’s mining licenses can be secured.
“I am meeting you today to affirm our administration’s readiness to revalidate our mining licenses.
“We apologise for the conduct of the previous government. Under my watch, the licenses will be better managed in compliance with relevant laws.
“We also thank the mining authorities for protecting the state mining assets during those transition periods.
“We appreciate the professionalism of the management of the licensing office.
“On our part, we will pay the required fees and we will move ahead with a transparent management of the field operations.
“We are, however, coming back to meet the Federal Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals. Osun has been brutally environmentally violated.
“Those the Federal Government gave mining licenses to have destroyed the Osun environment.
“Underground water across the Eastern senatorial district is polluted. Osun deserves a marshal plan to clean up her environment.
“But we are coming to officially provide proof of these environmental crimes.
“We will partner with the Federal Ministry on how to clean up our environment. There must be accountability”, Governor Adeleke posited.
Nkom expressed the readiness of his agency to partner with the Osun State Government for the revival of the state’s mining sector.
He described Osun as an important mining state and commended the political will demonstrated by Governor Adeleke.
“This direct meeting with our agency is unprecedented in federal-state mining relations.
“We are honored and challenged by your Excellency’s direct meeting with me on this issue of Osun mining licenses.
“I can assure you that our cooperation is assured. We will work with your team to resolve all outstanding issues,” he said.
Kazeem Akinleye, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, applauded Governor Adeleke for his commitment to rescueing the mining sector in Osun State.
“We now have a matching order of his Excellency to work hard to ensure safety of the licenses.
“We will act immediately on the directive by hosting a follow up meeting with the agency and the Federal Ministry on the issue of environmental degradation and pollution,” he promised.
