By Grace Oakhiena
The Edo State Government through its Ministry of Mining in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Solid Mineral Development has concluded the profiling of six investors for gold mining in the State with concrete steps towards performing commensurate social responsibilities.
The Commissioner for Mining, Engr. Andrew Ijegbai officially introduced the profiled investors to the Ruling House and indigens of Dagbala Community during an official visit. The Commissioner was received by the Council of Elders amidst a great audience comprising women and youth of the Community.
Hon. Ijegbai while declaring the purpose of the visit, reiterated the commitments of the Edo State Government in protecting the interests of the people by direct involvement in the activities of investors in various mining communities. He assured that the profiling of the investors was to protect the Community from strangers with no knowledge of their backgrounds and intentions, saying that the companies would be held responsible when their workers engage in illegal mining as well as on what accrues to the Community, the State and the Federal governments.
The Commissioner urged the Community to provide an enabling environment to attract more external investors, assuring them that the Ministry of Mining is open to feedback to enable it address any misunderstanding in keeping with the State Government’s promise to protect the interests of its citizens and ensuring that they are not shortchanged by investors. He concluded that the initiative would be the beginning of great things to come, as it would benefit all stakeholders.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry also assured the indigenes of Dagbala of the State Government’s commitment to the development of the Community and to be rest assured that the investors were properly vetted and profiled and can be easily identified by the Task Force and Committee members as there are unique tags for proper identification and a means to flush out illegal miners that may try to encroach the various mining sites.
She urged them to be patient with the Sen. Monday Okpebholo-led Administration as the Government is one that fulfills promises as seen through the action of the Commissioner who has since fulfilled most promises made to the Dagbala Community beginning from his first visit to them; from constituting of task force, to revisiting the issue of mining and what accrues to the Community.
She stated that it was the Ministry’s core mandate to protect mining communities in the State and solicited the Community to support the Commissioner to fulfill all he has envisioned for them.
The meeting was concluded with various vote of thanks from the elders, who variously commended the Commissioner for respecting them and carry them along concerning the State Government’s plans. They urged him to continue his good works and not hesitate in bringing in more investors that will benefit the Community.
