The Chairman, Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) Prince Omolade Binuyo has commended the Osun State Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola on his efforts to diversify the state’s economy through gold mining.
Prince Binuyo made this commendation on Thursday while presenting his keynote address at the Scholarship Award ceremony and Odo Segilola Women Initiative Programme, at Iperindo in Atakumosa East Local Government Area of the State.
The MIREMCO Chairman, noted that with more revenue coming into the State’s coffers through mining, Osun would in no time end over-reliance on federal allocation, even as the nation continues to struggle to end reliance on crude oil for revenue generation.
Prince Binuyo who commended the Governor for minimizing illegal gold mining in the State, said with the current efforts to sanitise the sector, mining will soon be a sustainable source of revenue generation in the State.
“I want to commend the Governor for taking alluvial mining activities from artisan to corporate level, with the involvement of private sector players coming for exploration and exportation.
“This will have a positive effect on the economy of the State because with current efforts of the Governor, in the next few years, gold will be our own crude oil in Osun state.
“Our state will be known for major supply of gold not only in Nigeria but globally.
“We are also collaborating with the Federal Government on mining. Our State is one of the two states, along with Kebbi State, selected as pilot states for the Presidential Artisanal
Gold Mining Development Initiative (PAGMI)”, he said.
Prince Binuyo who enjoined people of the communities to continue to support the Administration by being responsible hosts to Segilola mining firm situated in the ancient town.
He reiterated the commitment of Governor Oyetola to continue to collaborate and strengthen partnership with private and public organisations in his quest to achieve responsible mining.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Project Manager of the Company, Engr. Olusola Olusomo, said the awards presentation was in fulfilment of the company’s pledge to further tighten the existing bond and peaceful cohesion between the firm and the host communities.
Olusomo who appreciated the host communities for the mutual understanding and cordial relationship also commended the Osun State Government for creating enabling environment not only for them but to other investors.
He charged the award recipients to see the opportunity as a challenge to contribute significantly to the good and betterment of their various communities.
Speaking intermittently, some of the beneficiaries appreciated the government and management of the company for counting them worthy with a promise that they would not let them down.
