The Oyo State Government has advocated stronger collaborations among itself, licenced miners and community leaders as a way to promote safe, responsible and sustainable mining practices in the state.
The state government gave this indication recently through the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency (OYSMIDA), noting that the security and environmental concerns surrounding mining activities have made it imperative for all parties to work together to ensure the safety of miners, communities and the protection of the interests of all the parties.
Director-General of OYSMIDA, who also doubles as Special Adviser on Mineral Development to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, Honourable Abiodun Oni, while speaking at the engagement meeting held at the OYSMIDA Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, said that the mining sector is on the forefront of the Governor Makinde agenda as one of the pillars for the expansion of the state’s economy.
He added that the governor has also taken great interest in the sector as a result of the security concerns associated with mining activities, as according to him, securing the state is a major agenda of the Makinde administration and this led to the signing of an Executive Order to protect mining communities.
Oni called for a synergy among all stakeholders, stating that miners, community leaders, and relevant government agencies must work together to maintain peace and order within mining communities.
The DG added that it is also of great importance to understand and respect clearly defined roles and responsibilities, saying that this will help to create a more sustainable and productive mining sector in the state.
