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ODSG PLEDGES ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARD FOR UTE COMMUNITY
The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. (Dr.) Johnson Jaiyeola Alabi, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring investors adhere to best practices in mining activities for communities with mineral resources in order to avoid devastation or violation of environmental and human rights.
Honourable Alabi stated this when he received a delegation from Ute community, in Ose Local Government Area, led by the Chairman of the Mining Committee set-up by the Local Government, Mrs. Kehinde Omolara Adeniran , in his office, following the alleged mining excavation ongoing in their community, which according to them was being carried out by an unknown investor.
Welcoming the delegation, the Commissioner commended the community representative for convening the meeting, saying, “The essence of government is for the welfare of the people and security of lives and property”. He emphasized that no government would ever watch its citizens suffer, especially the Aiyedatiwa-led administration.
Engr. Alabi pleaded with Ute community representatives, saying that he understood the cause of resistance but the Aiyedatiwa administration has promised to create an enabling environment for investors and would by no means allow any form of distress for citizens. “Peace and cooperation of the host community is important to enable the exploration of viable minerals that would yield benefits for the community and State at large,” he added.
The Commissioner assured that the Ministry, investor and the community representatives would embark on a joint inspection to ensure best practices, effective community engagement and additionally enforce environmental and social regulations to avoid hazards, guarantee fairness to the community and ascertain sustainability of the mineral exploration.
In her remarks, the Senior Special Assistant on Mining, Hon. Folawe Sipasi, expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for his involvement and beckoned the host community to be rest assured that the government has heard their agitations. She charged them to be accommodating and not to hinder possible investment opportunities that could benefit the state at large.
Also speaking, the Convener, Dr. Jide Owoka, pleaded with the community representatives to allow peace and cooperation, so that the investors could ascertain the kind of minerals available in that area. He assured them that necessary standards would be met in order to enhance development within the Ute community.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Olabode Yusuf, in his remarks assured them that in the Community Development Agreement, all their requests would be spelled out. He urged them to eliminate any fear, saying that the government’s plan is all in a bid to ensure positive development for the Ute community.
According to a statement signed by the Information Officer in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, present at the meeting were: Secretary of the Committee, Hon. Osabiyi Olubunmi; Committee P.R.O, Mr. Ojo Bright; Hon. Yemi Omotade; Chief Taiwo Elewere, Directors from the Ministry among others.
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