Be alert, responsive to mining challenges, opportunities, Makinde tells chairmen

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has mandated the 33 newly elected local council chairmen to take responsibility for the challenges and opportunities in the mining sector within their jurisdiction.

The governor spoke through the Director-General, Oyo State Mineral Development Agency and Executive Chairman of the Pacesetter Mineral Development Company, Mr. Abiodun Oni, during a meeting at the agency’s office, in Ibadan.

Makinde emphasised the importance of harnessing the state’s mineral resources for the benefit of the citizens, stating that operations in the sector must not have adverse effect on the security of lives and property.

Noting that the mining sector is under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, he said states and local councils have a critical role to play in ensuring that mining operations are conducted securely with the consent of host communities.

He charged the council chairmen to ensure that miners obtain the necessary consent letters and community development agreements before commencing operations.

The director general emphasised that the primary duty of the government is to protect life and property, reason council chairmen must take this responsibility seriously, as mining operations can sometimes be accompanied by security risks.