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ENGR. ALABI UNDERTAKES ASSESSMENT TOUR FOLLOWING ALLEGED BLASTING OPERATIONS IN ULUYAGBO COMMUNITY
In a demonstration of the Aiyedatiwa-led administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe and habitable environment for all residents, the Ondo State Government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, has embarked on an on-the-ground assessment tour in response to recent concerns raised by residents of Uluyagbo Community in Akure North Local Government Area over alleged harmful rock blasting activities.
According to reports circulating on social media, the rock blasting operations allegedly carried out by a company in the area have led to structural damage in some residential buildings, raising anxiety and fear among members of the community.
The Honourable Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. (Dr.) Johnson Jaiyeola Alabi, led a delegation from the Ministry to the site to inspect the situation firsthand and take necessary steps to address the concerns.
During the inspection, Engr. Alabi observed that the company had violated several federal regulations guiding mining and blasting activities. He emphasized that an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) must be conducted before any rock blasting can legally occur and that proper engagement with the State Government is required to evaluate potential environmental impacts.
> “Having thoroughly inspected the area, it is clear that no blasting activity should have taken place without Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA). This is a fundamental requirement for license approval. Moreover, operators must not work in isolation,” he stated.
The Ministry’s delegation also noted with concern that the blast site was located barely thirty meters from residential houses — a dangerously short distance. Engr. Alabi stressed that going forward, the State Government would begin collating its own data to effectively regulate mining operations, protect communities, and prevent environmental and health hazards.
He further reiterated the State Government’s recognition of the immense potential in the mining sector, particularly in the availability of mineral-rich rocks across the state.
> “Ondo State is blessed with abundant mineral resources, and the government has already begun developing policies to guide their sustainable exploration. Any miner interested in operating within the state must adhere strictly to State Government procedures despite being on the exclusive list. This will ensure proper documentation, data gathering, and ultimately, the revitalization of the mining sector,” Engr. Alabi added.
Responding to the allegations, the quarry operator, Pius Ayodele, MD of Dortmund, who was present at the site along with some of his staff, attempted to refute the claims, describing the situation as a case of trespass. He explained that several meetings were held with residents of the area prior to the commencement of the blasting operations, and that further dialogues had occurred following the alleged incidents. He also claimed that at least one affected resident voluntarily relocated for safety reasons and that compensation discussions had begun in good faith. He however claimed that there would be no compensation for the trespassers and that the matter is already pending in the court.
In closing, Engr. Alabi emphasized that the Ondo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, will not tolerate illegal mining operations. He reaffirmed the government’s readiness to enforce compliance and ensure that mining contributes positively to the state’s development while safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.
According to a statement signed by the Debbie Funmilayo, present at the assessment tour were: Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Bode Yusuf; Director of Mineral Resources, Engr. Abiodun Jones; Engr. Bidemi Oladapo and others.
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