By Richard Ayinde, Osogbo.
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 while presenting his keynote address at the Scholarship Award ceremony and Odo Segilola Women Initiative Programme at Iperindo town in Atakumonsa East Local Government Area of Osun State on Thursday, March 24th, 2022.
The MIREMCO Chairman, noted that with more revenue coming into the state coffers through mining, Osun would in no time end over-reliance on federal allocation, even as the nation continue to struggle to end reliance on crude oil for revenue.
Prince Binuyo who commended the governor for minimising illegal gold mining in the state, said with the current efforts to sanitise the mining sector, mining will soon be good source of revenue for the state.
According to him, “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)”.
Prince Binuyo who enjoined the communities to continue to support Governor Oyetola’s led administration in the state, congratulated the communities for having Segilola in their midst lauded the beneficiaries of the awards reiterated the commitments of Governor Oyetola in partnering with willing investors in the country with interest in responsible gold mining in the state.
Presenting his welcome address, the Project Manager of the Company, Engr Olusola Olusomo said the awards presentation was in furtherance with the CDA agreement with the host communities, Odo-Ijesa, Imogbara and Iperindo.
Engr 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 winners to use it judiciously towards the development of themselves and entire community.
Some of the beneficiaries of the awards who spoke with our correspondent appreciated the organiser for counting them worthy with a promise that they would not let them down.
They also appreciated Mr Governor for his efforts in developing rural dwellers.
The award ceremony witnessed the attendance of politicians, students and traditional rulers.
