Oyo State’s governor, Seyi Makinde, issued an executive order on Monday to safeguard the state’s mining villages against exploitation and insecurity.
Another executive order for the creation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism was also signed by Makinde.
The Governor stated in his remarks that the signing was done to provide his administration’s efforts in the tourist and solid mineral sectors legal support.
He said that the two executive orders were issued in the context of his administration’s choice to forward its goal for economic expansion through the development of tourism and solid minerals.
The governor stated: “Even if mining activity is on the list of exclusive legislative activities, the state administration decided to take a proactive approach in guaranteeing proper protection of the mining communities against exploitation and insecurity, as well as on the related environmental issues.
“We have been keeping an eye on the changes in our mining communities for some time, and we have to deal with security issues surrounding those communities.”
“The second executive order is on the establishment of the ministry of culture and tourism, because culture and tourism is a major pillar in our roadmap for sustainable development, 2023-2027,” he stated.