The Oyo State Government has said that the time has come to address the menace of illegal mining in the State, as these unlawful activities have gone unchecked.
The government said illegal mining has caused untold damage to the environment and hasjeopardized the health and livelihoods of its people.
This disclosure was made on Wednesday by the Director General, Oyo State Mineral Development Agency (OYSMIDA), Engr. Abiodun Oni, during a stakeholders’ sensitization and consultative forum held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan.
According to him, “this administration will no longer tolerate any form of illegal mining in the State and today’s consultative forum will focus on the 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.
Engr. Oni emphasized that the State Government will be involved in all activities within the communities, including the Community Development Agreement (CDA). This ensures that any investor’s activities are regularized, benefiting the State, Federal Government, Local Government, and the community.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Hon. Anthony Ogunsola, pointed out that many of the current challenges are 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 has brought relief to the communities.
Hon. Ogunsola also appealed to the citizens of Oyo State to continue supporting the current administration to enjoy further benefits of democracy.
In his goodwill message, the Commandant, NSCDC, Oyo State Command, Padonu Augustine, assured that they are committed to maintaining safe and secure mineralized communities, which will boost the economy and create opportunities for investors.
Mr. Augustine added that the Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has 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.