By Grace Oakhiena
The Edo State Government through its Ministry of Mining and Energy has engaged the Dagbala Community in Akoko-Edo and the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) to chart the course of revitalizing the Mining Sector and harnessing its potential for economic growth.
The State Government’s Delegation was led by the Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Hon. Andrew Ijegbai; accompanied by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Finance, Investment, and Revenue Generation, Honorable Kizito Okpebholo; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mining and Energy, Mrs. Ese Martina Omoruyi; and the Director of Mining Operations, Mr. Ihianle Omoruyi.
Paramount among stakeholders were the Daudu of Dagbala, Chief Festus Daniel; a leading Elder in Council, Chief Paul Eriki; other distinguished members of the Community; the Managing Director of Ehibogu Nig Ltd, a mining company in Dagbala, Mr. Amos Oriakhi Okogbe; inspected some mining sites before dialogue, which ended in a truce.
Hon. Ijegbai expressed joy at visiting the Community and appreciated the wisdom of the State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, in appointing him to deploy his experience in promoting the Mining Sector. He urged the Community to create an enabling environment for investors, emphasizing its potentials for growth in the areas of infrastructural development, employment, and socio-economic prosperity.
The Commissioner assured the Community that the State Government would ensure that stakeholders received their due benefits. He urged them to express areas where they face challenges and to suggest possible interventions by the State Government.
Chief Eriki appreciated the Commissioner’s promptness in visiting the Community, which he said demonstrates his commitment to promoting the local economy. The Special Adviser, Hon. Okpebholo, added that the State Government aims to make the Mining Sector the number one revenue earner for the State, which he said can only be achieved with the Community’s cooperations and peaceful dialogue.
Mrs. Omoruyi, reiterated the State Government’s readiness to collaborate with the Community to improve the economy, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and peace in attracting investors.
Highpoint of the engagement was the appointment of Mr. Okogbe as the Chief Liaison Officer, as a token of commitment to further strengthen the State Government’s collaboration with the Community for rapid development.
The engagement marks a significant milestone in the Edo State Government’s efforts to revitalize the Mining Sector towards promoting economic growth. As the State Government continues to engage with local communities and investors, the future of the Mining Sector in the State promises huge prosperity.
