Governor Ododo Assures Artisanal Miners of Support,
… As Kogi Solid Minerals Commissioner Meets 3 Caretaker Chairmen, Truck hiring Association, Artisans youths in Ankpa Fed. Const.
The Kogi State Government has reiterated it resolve to get rid of illegal activities in the mining sector.
The Kogi State Commissioner For Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr Bashiru Gegu made the disclosure in a crucial meeting held with thee Caretaker Chairmen of Omala, Hon. Edigbo Ameh Mark, Olamaboro, Hon Ameh Williams and Ankpa, Hon. Engr Mohammed Ogbo. Also in attendance at the meeting where Truck hiring Association, Artisans and some youths of the Federal Constituency.
The meeting between the Commissioner and the three Caretaker Chairmen took place when Engr. Gegu visited Ankpa Federal Constituency today.
The crucial meeting took far discussions on how to get rid of illegal activities in Mining sector completely, pointing out that the State has zero tolerance for the operators of illegal miners.
The meeting looked at the issues of multiple revenue collections via unknown organization those in the act, said anyone found culpable with such receipt will be handed over to the security agencies.
The Stakeholders agreed with the State Government to follow procedures and Government policies in doing their businesses.
They equally agreed to maintain peace and be law abiding citizens.
The Stakeholders pleaded with the Government to intervene on the Community Development Agreement signed by the company and host company which some of them explained has expired.
They also pleaded to Government to tell the companies to relinquish certain percentage of their coverage area to them so as to earn a living.
Reacting to their demands, the Commissioner promised Government support if they abide by the rules put in place by the State Government, urged them to cooperate with the Companies.
According to the Commissioner, “When we boost revenue generation we can guarantee good roads, hospitals, potable water, schools and electricity”.
“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is poised to support the artisanal miners once they are ready to cooperate with the legal miners and has assured that he will also bring dividends of democracy to their door steps”.
Engr. Gegu thanked the security agencies overseeing the coverage area, praised them for living up to expectations in line of their duties.
