In a move to harness the state’s mineral resources while ensuring the safety of citizens, Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has directed the 33 newly elected Local Government Chairmen to take a proactive role in monitoring mining operations within their respective jurisdictions.
The directive was conveyed by the Director-General of the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency and Executive Chairman of the Pacesetter Mineral Development Company, Mr. Abiodun Oni, during a meeting with the local government chairmen.
Governor Makinde emphasized the importance of leveraging the state’s mineral resources for the benefit of the people, but stressed that mining activities must not compromise the security of lives and property.
“The governor has demonstrated that security is paramount to economic expansion and the wellbeing of the people by investing heavily on securing the state,” Oni said. “As the administrators at the grassroots, security is one of your responsibilities, and it is expected that you should live up to that responsibility by protecting your people from the hazards of mining operations.”
Oni charged the local government chairmen to ensure that miners obtain the necessary consent letters and Community Development Agreements before commencing operations in their domains. He also urged them to collaborate with the state government to prevent Oyo State from becoming a security risk in the mining industry.
In her remarks, the Agency’s Coordinating Director, Mrs. Olufunke Omidiran, encouraged the local government chairmen to take an active role in mining operations, as it is a key aspect of their election mandate.
The Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, acknowledged the security challenges associated with mining operations and called on his colleagues to work with the state government to maintain security and protect life and property in their areas.
The event was attended by local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and stakeholders in the mining industry, underscoring the importance of the issue to the state’s development.
