The Oyo State Government has said that the time has come to address the menace of illegal mining in the State, as these unlawful activities have gone unchecked.

The Government said illegal mining has caused untold damage to the environment and has jeopardized the health and livelihoods of its people.

This disclosure was made today by the Director General, Oyo State Mineral Development Agency (OYSMIDA), Engr. Abiodun Oni, during a stakeholders’ sensitization and consultative forum held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan.

According to him, “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 Kings and Baales to be involved by signing consent letters”, he said.

Engr. Oni emphasized that the State Government will be involved in all activities within the communities, including the Community Development Agreement (CDA). This ensures that any investor’s activities are regularized, 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 are due to the infiltration of unknown individuals into communities, leading to insecurity, kidnapping, robbery, killings, and other social vices.

He urged the Kings and Baales to assist the Government in curbing these issues, noting that Governor Seyi Makinde’s signing of Executive Order 001/2023 has 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, NSCDC, Oyo State Command, Padonu Augustine, assured that they are committed to maintaining safe and secure mineralized communities, which will boost the economy and create opportunities for investors.

Mr. Augustine added that the Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has 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 the State.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Hon. Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has charged newly elected Local Government Chairmen to take responsibility for the challenges and opportunities in the mining sector in their respective areas.

The state Governor speaking through the Director General of Oyo State Mineral Development Agency, Mr. Abiodun Oni, during a meeting held at the Agency office, secretariat, Ibadan.

The Governor emphasized the importance of harnessing the State’s mineral resources for the benefit of citizens.

Mr. Oni highlighted that while the mining sector is under the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal Government, Local Governments have a critical role to play in ensuring that mining operations are conducted securely and with the consent of host communities. He stressed that Local Government Chairmen must ensure that miners obtain the necessary consent letters and Community Development Agreements before commencing operations.

The Director General emphasized that the primary duty of Government is to protect life and property, and that Local Government Chairmen must take this responsibility seriously, as mining operations can sometimes be accompanied by security risks. He urged the Chairmen to collaborate with the State Government to ensure that Oyo State is not a security risk in the mining industry.

In his own Goodwill message, the Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Hon. Engr. Akeem Olatunji, acknowledged the security challenges associated with mining operations and urged his colleagues to work with the State Government to maintain security and protect life and property in their areas.

In her own contribution, the Agency’s Coordinating Director, Mrs. Olufunke Omidiran, also encouraged the Chairmen to take an active role in mining operations in their areas, as it is part of their responsibility and a key aspect of their election mandate.

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