Rep Gaza’s Initiative Benefits 200 in Gemstone Mining

By Roseline Okafor, Nasarawa

Hon. Jonathan Gaza, member representing Keffi, Karu and Kokona federal constituency, has continued to show capacity in the area of empowerment and job creation for women and youth across Nasarawa state.

In his quest for human development, Jonathan Gaza brings hope for people by engaging 200 women and youths in a five-day intensive training on gemstone mining, mineral processing and polishing.

The program in partnership between Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences, NIMG Mining Consult and JEGI Paramount Multi Links Limited, held at Otusha hotel, Keffi, on Friday.

In a moment of jubilation, Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbwefi, the sponsor of the program and member representing Keffi, Kokona, and Karu Federal Constituency, said the training is designed to empower the people to discover their potentials and create wealth.

The lawmaker noted that despite Nasarawa State’s rich mineral deposits, many residents are unaware of its economic potential, hence the need for the training.

Hon. Gaza’s initiative aims to bridge the knowledge gap and equip women and youths with the skills needed to tap into the state’s mineral resources.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, Engr. Daniel Paul, Director of Training and Research at the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences Jos, said the initiative was designed to equip citizens with practical skills to thrive in the solid minerals sector.

According to him, “We’ve come to train youths, men and women on tantalite, monoxide and other metallic minerals—how to mine them and how to process them. We want to add value to these minerals as the state is known for solid minerals.”

Engr. Paul further noted that the women’s group received hands-on training in gemstone cutting and polishing.

“In the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences, we train people on how to cut, process and fix gemstones on pendants, necklaces and earrings. Through this, we want them to improve themselves and help themselves as well,” he said.

The CEO of JEGI Paramount Multi Links Limited, Mr. Itodo Sunday Innocent, said the training aimed to help core miners become independent.

“We’re training core miners and giving them mining tools and cash so they can start their own. Each person is to leave with brand-new mining materials and ₦300,000,” he stated.

Also speaking, Hon. Augustine Monday Akpu, Senior Legislative Aide to Hon. Gaza, applauded the initiative, describing it as one of several empowerment programmes facilitated by the lawmaker since assuming office as Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals.

He emphasized that the programme was inclusive and not politically driven.

“This is not a political gathering, as it consists of people from various parties—APC, PDP, SDP, LP. The aim is to empower youths and women across the state,” he said.

Participants were drawn from all 147 electoral wards across Nasarawa State.

Some beneficiaries expressed heartfelt appreciation to Hon. Gaza for the life-changing opportunity, praying that God grants his aspirations as the incoming 2027 governor of Nasarawa State.

Each of the 200 beneficiaries, went home with mining equipment such as water pumps, geological hammers, compasses, diggers, helmets, wheelbarrows, safety boots, reflective jackets, goggles and more.