By Ahmed Muhammed Danasabe Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has assured that local communities in the state will soon experience major economic transformation with the commencement of mining operations and new infrastructure development projects. The Special Adviser on Media to Kogi State Governor, Ismaila Isah, gave the assurance while featuring on Rapid TV in Abuja.
According to Isah, the recent acquisition of 15 mining licenses by the state government is poised to reinvigorate the economy in local communities across the state. "Kogi has over 32 mineral deposits, all in commercial quantities," he said. "The state government has floated a special purpose vehicle (SPV), under the solid minerals development company, to open up the mining sector to foreign and local investors."
Isah explained that the state government's approach is to make mining activities community-owned. "We are encouraging communities to float cooperatives that will allow them become critical stakeholders in the mining sector," he said. "Aside the usual corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts that companies present to our people, we want communities to have a say in the running of mining activities in their lands."
The Governor's spokesman also revealed that the state government has unveiled plans to train 25,000 youths to take the lead in the mineral exploration. "We will also ensure our youths play critical roles in the mining operations," he said.
Isah disclosed that Governor Ododo is currently in China, holding discussions with the international community on investment opportunities in Kogi State. "Aside from direct investment, Governor Ododo is also discussing about platforms for technology transfer and manpower exchanges towards enhancing skills and technology that will enable development of critical sectors like mining, agriculture, healthcare, education, power, and transportation," he said.
The Governor's spokesman assured that the state government is willing to open up the state's mining sector to investors that are genuine and willing to align with the state's development agenda. "We run a very smart government with smart people on board," he said. "We are selling the vast potentials of our state, including our large expanse of fertile lands and mineral resources."
On the agricultural sector, Isah said the Ododo-led administration has adopted a bottom-top approach to ensure economic transformation in different sectors of the state. "We are focused on farmers and farming communities," he said. "We are building that up by ensuring that we are mechanizing agricultural production."
The Governor's spokesman revealed that the state government will sustain the tempo and ensure rapid economic transformation within the next year. "Governor Ododo is in a hurry to make impact," he said. "He is a grassroot man who grew up in the village, on the farm, so he knows where the shoe pinches."
Isah assured that all stakeholders in the state will be carried along in the development of the Ododo administration, irrespective of political affiliation. "We are building a robust social register in the state to ensure grants and supports for MSMEs, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups get support from the government consistently," he said.
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Mining Industry