By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has called on the newly elected Local Government Chairmen in the state to take responsibility for the challenges and opportunities in the mining sector in their respective areas.
The governor made the call in Ibadan, while speaking through the Director-General of the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency and Executive Chairman of the Pacesetter Mineral Development Company, Mr. Abiodun Oni,
According to the governor, the local government chairmen in doing this, should collaborate with the state government to ensure Oyo State is not a security risk in the mining industry.
He stressed the importance of harnessing Oyo State’s mineral resources for the benefit of citizens, and that operations in the sector must not be allowed to have adverse effect on the security of lives and property in the state.
Gov Makinde noted that while the mining sector is under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, states and local governments have a critical role to play in ensuring that mining operations are conducted securely and with the consent of host communities.
” 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”, he said.
Engr Makinde added, ” So, let me tell you that as the governor says, if you see something, say something and the government will do something. The governor has shown his passionate commitment to securing Oyo State from the dangerous side effects of mining by signing the Executive Order on Protection of Mining Communities against Insecurity and Exploitation”.
“But as his eyes and ears at the grassroots, you must be alive to your duties by ensuring that the state government is not kept in the dark regarding mining operations in your respective domains.”
Speaking further he said local government Chairmen in the state should ensure that miners obtain the necessary consent letters and Community Development Agreements before commencing operations.
According to him, the primary duty of the 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.
“Governor Makinde has demonstrated that security is paramount to economic expansion and the wellbeing of the people by investing heavily on securing the state.
“The government has demonstrated in the last five years that the primary function of securing lives and property is number one on its agenda; so, the government’s resolve to explore mineral development as one of the avenues for shoring up the resources of the state has not in any way eroded that function.
The agency’s Coordinating Director, Mrs. Olufunke Omidiran while speaking, urged the local government Chairmen to take an active role in mining operations in their areas, as it is part of their responsibilities and a key aspect of their election mandate.
Chairman of Oluyole Local Government Area, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, in his remarks urged his colleagues to work with the state government to maintain security and protect life and property in their areas.
