From Wilson Okereke, Afikpo
Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources in Ebonyi State, Chidi Onyia has said Nigeria cannot develop if it does not take concrete steps to harness the potentials of its mining sector.
According to him, as nations of the world grapple with the challenges of dwindling oil assets and prepare to shift focus to renewable energy, stakeholders should pay adequate attention to efforts geared towards strengthening the sector.
The Commissioner stated this at Amaopara community, in the Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, on Wednesday, while commissioning some bungalows of three-bedroom flat each and other projects constructed for natives in the area by Dolf Global Resources.
He lauded the mining firm for the gesture and thanked the people of Amaopara for providing the peaceful and cordial atmosphere for investors in the area.
He said: “Not just Ebonyi State, the country cannot fully develop until we start looking towards the solid minerals sector. This is because oil is already phasing out and since we are moving towards using renewal energy, it’s obvious the greater percentage of what we would be needing to power the green energy phase of our life would come from the solid minerals sector.”
He noted that the proactive position of the state government over mining has created a win-win situation for both miners and the host communities.
He added, “We are here today to perform some of the known ‘rituals’ of the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources under the present administration in Ebonyi State led by his Excellency, Bldr. Francis Nwifuru, which is in line with his People’s Charter of Needs.
“We all know before now, there have been miners in Ebonyi State. But it was obvious that the rights and privileges of our people as they concern mining were being denied. However, since this administration came on board we took it upon ourselves to work with the provisions of the Mining Act which simply stipulates that natives within mining areas should be relocated to safer grounds or places.
“So I want to commend the CEO of Dolf Global Resources, Mr Donald, for this wonderful milestone. This is the second time we are coming here and I’m convinced we will come back. He has done us proud;, but I’m not yet satisfied-yes, he has scored 40%; I would be giving him the ‘necessary handshake when he scores 50% and I know he would surpass that mark.”
Responding, Managing Director of Dolf Global Resources, Mr Donald Nnadi, said his company was determined to fulfill all the agreements reached with the host community, adding he was duly following the provisions of the Mining Act.
He thanked the state government for providing the enabling environment for businesses to thrive, saying “We are here today to commission some of the projects that I carried out here in our host community. Part of what we have done is the relocation of residents that were close to the mining sites. This is in line with the Mining Act, which mandates miners to do so. Initially, I relocated two and you have another two here, today making it four; and this is also ancestral gathering home I built for the people of Amaopara village as contained in my agreement with them.
“My relationship with the host community has been very cordial because I have tried as much as I can to fulfill the agreement I entered into with them. I have touched and done all the projects contained in the CDA and even more-scholarships, sinking of boreholes, relocation of residents, building of hospital, etc.”
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Ebere Awgu, expressed his satisfaction over the gesture and thanked governor Nwifuru for providing the leadership for miners to act accordingly, in the state.