By Yahaya Idris, Lokoja.
Solid minerals by all standard remain the most reliable alternative to the dwindling oil fortune as the nation can not afford to sit and watch its economy base fossils away.
Kogi state Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Engineer Abubakar Bashir Muhammed Gegu, made the observation while delivering a speech at a lecture conversation on mining and solid mineral development in Kogi state, organized by the University of Jos Alumni Association, Kogi state chapter in collaboration with the Geology department, Federal University, Lokoja.
Engineer Gegu who was the Chairman of the occasion, stated that the Federal government has already endorsed diversification of the major source of the economy to solid minerals and agriculture, as the two resources have remained unattractive to both the government, citizens and investors.
The Commissioner, disclosed that it was in this regard to complement the Federal government that Kogi state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, deemed it expedient to create the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources in the state.
He said the state Ministry of solid Minerals is to oversee the smooth and rapid development of the abundant Mineral resources , so as to benefit maximally from the naturally blessed by God and found everywhere in Kogi.
Engineer Gegu said the state ministry is also to mobilize investors, by providing necessary information on the available mineral resources in the state as well as branding them adequately.
The government of Kogi state under the leadership of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has mandated the Ministry of solid Minerals to mobilize and collaborate with small and. Scale investors for exploration and exploitation of solid minerals. across the state.
According to the Commissioner explained said that the solid minerals Ministry, with commencement of mining activities, the youths in the state will be opportune to create wealth through self employment, and promote rural economy to reduce among the people.
He said the state government will also benefit immensely as with increased revenue more quality. and infrastructure will be provided for the people for the development of the state.
Gegu therefore thanked the organizers for their interest in the efforts of Kogi state towards the development or solid Minerals and wished them successful deliberation.
Global Times Nigeria report that the Kogi State Deputy Governor, Chief Edward David Onoja, VC Federal University Lokoja, Professors from within and outside the State were in attendance.
The event held inside the multipurpose hall of the Federal University Lafia.
