In a landmark move by the Edo State Government in staying true to promises and showing accountability, the Ministry of Mining has brokered peace between farmers and miners in Dagbala Community of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, after months of disagreements over farm settlements allocated for mining activities.
The peace agreement was the outcome of a Stakeholders’ Engagement which centered on longstanding concerns over farm settlements used for mining. The high-powered delegation on behalf of the Edo State Government was led by the Commissioner for Mining, Hon. Andrew Ijegbai.
According to the Commissioner, farmers and mining operations had been at an impasse for months without resolution on agreed compensation for farmlands earmarked for mining activities. The situation had fueled distrust, heated discourse and the potential for wider unrest in the Community.
Addressing farmers, Hon. Ijegbai reminded them of the assurances he gave during his first visit after assuming office, that Edo State Government would never allow investors to exploit the people or abandon them to their fate reaffirming that mining in Edo State must bring accountability, meaningful development and lasting benefits to Host Communities.
“Government’s role is to ensure fairness, protect livelihoods, and guide investment in a way that uplifts everyone”. Hon. Ijegbai stated.
He further urged the people of Dagbala to embrace unity and cooperation with genuine investors, cautioning against division sown by illegal miners, whose interest is exploitation. He stressed that violence or disunity would hinder the Community’s growth and delay the opportunities that regulated mining could bring.
Speaking on behalf of the farmers,Chief Eriki Paul, expressed profound gratitude to the Edo State Government for its timely intervention in resolving the lingering farmland issues, noting that the swift response of the Ministry of Mining had restored hope to the Community, especially the reassurance that the people’s welfare remained a priority to the State Government.
He appealed to the Commissioner to remain unrelenting in his efforts towards dispute resolution between stakeholders in the Community, stressing that disagreements are a natural part of human interaction and may not always be avoidable. He emphasized that the people of Dagbala deeply appreciated the Government’s consistent willingness to listen, mediate and provide fair resolutions.
The meeting reached a consensus on the financial compensation for the use of farmland, for which payments were immediately made to farmers, a gesture that drew applause and restored confidence in the Government’s role as custodian of community welfare and sustainable resource management.
The resolution marks a significant milestone for Dagbala, and by extension, the broader mining landscape in Edo State. It signals the Edo State Government’s determination, under the leadership of Sen. Monday Okpebholo, to foster transparent partnerships, protect the rights of indigenes and ensure that the solid mineral sector contributes directly to grassroot development.
Grace Oakhiena
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Minning
PHOTO CAPTION
L- R: The Commissioner for Mining, Hon. Andrew Ijegbai and the Director of Mining, Mr. Ihianle Omoruyi while addressing stakeholders during the peace deal between farmers and miners in Dagbala Community of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
