The 33 recently elected local government chairmen in Oyo State have been directed by Governor Seyi Makinde to assume accountability for the potential and difficulties in the mining industry within their respective jurisdictions.
During a meeting held at the Agency’s office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the governor spoke through Abiodun Oni, the Executive Chairman of the Pacesetter Mineral Development Company and Director-General of the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency.
Governor Makinde stressed that it is crucial to use the state’s mineral resources for the good of its people, but he also pointed out that the industry’s operations must not be permitted to jeopardise the safety of people or property within the state.
Oni emphasised that although the federal government has sole authority over the mining industry, state and local governments are essential in ensuring that mining operations are carried out safely and with the permission of host communities.
Before starting operations, he directed the state’s local government chairmen to make sure miners secure the required consent letters and Community Development Agreements.
The director general stressed that, since mining operations might occasionally involve security hazards, local government chairmen must take this obligation seriously. The government’s fundamental duty is to protect life and property.
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In order to make sure that Oyo State does not pose a security risk to the mining industry, he asked the chairmen to work with the state administration.
He declared: “By making significant investments in state security, Governor Makinde has shown that security is essential to both economic growth and the welfare of the populace.
“The government’s determination to investigate mineral development as one of the ways to shore up the state’s resources has not in any way undermined that function, as it has shown over the last five years that protecting people and property is the top priority on its agenda.
Security is one of your duties as local administrators, and it is required of you to uphold this duty by shielding your community from the dangers associated with mining operations.
As the governor has stated, “Let me tell you that the government will act if you report anything if you see something.” The Executive Order on Protection of Mining Communities against Insecurity and Exploitation, which the governor signed, demonstrates his fervent dedication to protecting Oyo State from the hazardous impacts of mining.
“Yet you must be mindful of your responsibilities as his eyes and ears at the grassroots by making sure the state government is not kept in the dark about mining operations in your respective domains.”
