EDSG TO PARTNER TERTIARY/RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS TO DEVELOP SOLID MINERAL SECTOR
The Edo State Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Hon. Enaholo Ojiefoh, recently held a meeting with the leadership of the Department of Geology at the University of Benin. The purpose of the meeting was to explore potential areas of partnership and tap into the vast knowledge resources available in tertiary institutions to revitalize the solid mineral industry in Edo State, thereby establishing it as a global mining hub.
Welcoming the Head of Department and his team to his office in Benin City, Hon. Enaholo emphasized that the state Governor, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, has created a conducive environment for investment growth in the state.
“Edo State is abundantly blessed with solid mineral resources that must be harnessed for the collective benefit of our people. It is crucial to develop the solid mineral sector, and we require the input of all stakeholders to achieve this objective. By developing and opening up the sector to investors and investments, we will create numerous job opportunities for our aspiring youth. We are also in the process of implementing plans to provide training for young individuals interested in engaging in mining business, marketing, and solid mineral exports.”
Hon. Enaholo revealed that the ministry intends to collaborate with tertiary and research institutions in acquiring and maintaining a comprehensive database of solid mineral resources. Additionally, this partnership will encompass extension services and training programs.
He further announced that the institutions would be an integral part of the committee established to drive this development process, while geology students would have the opportunity to participate in industrial attachments within the ministry.
Dr. S.A. Salami, the Head of Department for Geology, commended Hon. Enaholo for promoting a collaborative effort between the government, tertiary institutions, and research bodies to enhance the solid mineral industry in the state. He noted that this historic partnership had never been witnessed before in the state.
The Commissioner will also be meeting with other institutions to tap into their expertise and contribute to the advancement of the solid mineral sector in Edo State.
In another noteworthy development, Hon. Enaholo held a meeting with the Edo State Chapter of Women In Mining (WIM) at his office in Benin City.
Welcoming the State Coordinator, Mrs. Nomamidobo Jennifer, and other members of the association, the Commissioner urged them to approach their work with sincerity, consistency, and focus, as they were dealing with the hidden treasures of the earth.
