The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its dedication to eradicating illegal mining activities that have severely damaged the environment and harmed the health and livelihoods of its residents.
According to The PUNCH, the Director-General of the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency,Abiodun Oni emphasized this commitment during a stakeholders’ sensitisation and consultative forum held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan on Wednesday.
Oni stated, “The current administration will no longer tolerate illegal mining. Today’s forum is focused on Executive Order 001/2023, which prioritizes the protection of mining communities in Oyo State. Illegal mining siphons millions from the state, depriving both the state and Federal Governments of vital resources. It’s essential for the government to take action and for local leaders to sign consent letters.”
He added that the state government would oversee all community activities, including the Community Development Agreement, ensuring that investor activities are regularized and benefit all levels of government and the local community.
The Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Solid Minerals, Anthony Ogunsola highlighted the security challenges posed by illegal mining, including infiltration by unknown individuals leading to increased crime.
He urged local leaders to support the government’s efforts and noted that Governor Seyi Makinde’s Executive Order 001/2023 had alleviated some of these issues.
Ogunsola also called on citizens to continue supporting the current administration to reap more democratic benefits.
