Govt vows to check illegal mining in Oyo

The Oyo State Government has vowed to address the menace of illegal mining saying, his unlawful activities have gone unchecked for years

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

Abiodun Oni, Director General, Oyo State Mineral Development Agency (OYSMIDA), stated this during a stakeholders’ sensitization and consultative forum held in Ibadan.

“This administration will no longer tolerate any form of illegal mining in the State and today’s consultative forum will focus on 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.

Oni emphasized that the State Government would be involved in all activities within the communities, including the Community Development Agreement (CDA). This would ensure that any investor’s activities are regularized, benefiting the State, Federal Government, Local Government, and the Community.

Read also: How illegal mining is robbing Nigeria blind

Anthony Ogunsola, Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals in his goodwill message, 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 Kings and Baales to assist the government in curbing these issues, noting that Governor Seyi Makinde’s signing of Executive Order 001/2023 had brought relief to the communities.

Ogunsola also appealed to the citizens of Oyo State to continue supporting the current administration to enjoy further benefits of democracy.

Padonu Augustine,Commandant NSCDC, Oyo State Command in his goodwill message, assured that the Corps are committed to maintaining safe and secure mineralized communities, which will boost the economy and create opportunities for investors.

Augustine added that the Commandant General, 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 the State.