Ministry, HSENations partner to promote sustainability, innovation with SOMEA initiative

The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has partnered with HSENations International, organisers of Africa’s leading safety awards, to introduce the inaugural Solid Minerals Excellence Awards (SOMEA), an initiative spotlighting excellence and promoting sustainability, innovation, and responsible mining practices within Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

The Ministry affirmed its commitment to SOMEA in a statement delivered on behalf of Dele Alake, the Minister, by Esther Udo, Director, Investment Promotion & Mineral Trade department, addressed to HSENations, she stated.

“We recognize the importance of this initiative to foster best practices, encourage responsible mining, and enhance Nigeria’s solid minerals sector reputation nationally and internationally.”

Udo emphasized that SOMEA aligns with the Ministry’s strategic objectives to promote excellence, innovation, and sustainability, fostering a robust environment for responsible mining, economic growth, technological advancement, safety, and ethical governance. She highlighted the platform SOMEA will provide for stakeholders to exchange ideas, celebrate achievements, and forge partnerships to further enhance Nigeria’s mining industry.

Commending HSENations, she anticipates the maiden edition will set a new benchmark for recognizing excellence, serve as a catalyst for best practices and investment, and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a leading African mining destination.

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Femi Da-Silva, CEO, HSENations expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake for his efforts in advancing the ministry and explained the need for SOMEA.

“We are honored to partner with the Ministry to organize the first Solid Minerals Excellence Awards, aiming to promote best practices, sustainability, environmental care, and community engagement; to attract investments and talent, and enhance Nigeria’s global reputation in the sector.”

He emphasized that “SOMEA is more than an award ceremony; it’s a catalyst for continued sector development by recognizing impactful work, celebrating innovation, raising awareness, and promoting continuous improvement. By recognizing sector leaders, we aim to inspire transformative growth and set a benchmark for others.”

HSENations expressed strong confidence in SOMEA’s mission to promote excellence. The launch represents an exciting opportunity for the sector, combining recognition, responsibility, and growth for transformative impact. This collaboration marks a significant milestone towards sustainable and exemplary mining practices in Nigeria.

Nominations for the Solid Minerals Excellence Awards (SOMEA) are now officially open. And the event is set for October 16, 2025 in the Federal Capital City.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.