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Makinde Seeks Constitution Amendment Over Mineral Resource Ownership

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Makinde Seeks Constitution Amendment Over Mineral Resource Ownership
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde (left) being honoured as fellow of Nigeria Mining and Geosciences Society by the President of the Society, Engr Obadiah Simon Nkom at the 56th Annual International Conference of the society held in Ibadan. PHOTO: Oyo State Government

Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde on Tuesday called for a review of the exclusive legislative list of the Federal Government in the 1999 Constitution so as to delist the control of mineral resources from the list.

The governor, who spoke during a courtesy visit to him by the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr, Uchechukwu Ogah as well as while attending the opening ceremony of the 56th Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) in Ibadan, said that Oyo State was ready to partner with the Federal Government to develop the solid minerals sector in a bid to boost revenue generation.

While addressing participants of the annual conference, Makinde said that it was important that the control of mineral resources be delisted from the exclusive legislative list so as to help unlock the potential of the sector for economic growth.

He said that the state would readily support the national aspiration on the mining sector‘s commitment to the development of the sector and disclosed the provision of two hectres of land for the international gemstone market in the Akinyele area of the state.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, explained the readiness of Makinde’s administration to join hands with the Federal Government to develop the international gemstone market located in Ibadan, the state capital.

He added that if mineral resources were well-harnessed, the country could potentially improve its revenue generation.

Makinde said: “Mineral development and exploration are currently placed on the exclusive list of the Nigerian Constitution. This has retarded the development of the sector and eliminated direct state and local people’s participation.

“We know what this means in real terms: the state and the people have to wait to get a share of their natural resources instead of being the ones to share them.

“Well, the good news is that recently, Zamfara State was allowed to mine and own its gold deposits. It signals that it is time to again push for resource control for all states.As a matter of fact and urgency, here in Oyo State, we call for the delisting of the mineral resource ownership and development from the exclusive list.”

At the 56th annual conference of the society, held at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre, Ibadan, where the governor was conferred with a Fellowship of the Society, Makinde said that the decision to host the conference falls within his government’s agenda to diversify the economy.

He said: “We are here to support the national aspirations and that is why when the Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Solid Mineral Development Agency, Biodun Oni, and the Honourable Minister came and said we should give land for the gemstone market, we urgently moved ahead to do that.

“So, we will work together to ensure that it is developed rapidly.

“I must also mention that Ojoo (Ibadan) is probably where prices of most minerals are determined for Nigeria. It is an underground market but we want them to come into the open, trade freely and pay necessary taxes to the government.

“So, I will ask that the ministry should work with us to develop the market and we are ready to do everything possible to ensure it takes off as quickly as possible.”

He added: “This administration is standing on four major pillars; education, security, health and expansion of our economy. Hosting of the international conference actually falls within the expansion and diversification of our economy, which also ties into the national aspiration of diversification of the economy.

“Oyo State is blessed. The diversification of our economy is also broken into three broad areas based on the comparative advantage that we have in Oyo State. We are looking at agriculture and agro-processing simply because Oyo State has a landmass of about 29,000square kilometres.

“The same thing with infrastructure. We are located 110km outside of Lagos. If you are going anywhere in the Northern part of the country and you have to go by road, you must pass through Oyo State. So, we are out there, and if our infrastructure targets our economy, we believe a lot of people will come, and we can utilize that to expand our economy.

“Also, we believe that if we have to move away from oil, solid mineral development is an area that should assist us to wean us from just waiting for oil money to come from Abuja.”

According to the governor, the current administration in the state has provided a conducive environment for all the investors to thrive, saying the state has a framework that is designed to make the state a mining destination that is attractive to local and foreign investors.

“For the mining sector, we have a framework for the systematic development of our mineral potential. It is designed to make our state a mining destination, attractive to local and foreign investors.

“Our people from the Pacesetter Mineral Development Company (PMDC) and the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency (OYSMIDA) are present here today. They are ready to talk to you about this framework but let me lead by saying we have three entry levels for investors.”

Governor Makinde explained that if the natural resources that were available in the state could be tapped, they would enhance the economy of the state.

Earlier, the Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Ogah, said he was in the state on a working visit to attend the 56th Annual International Conference of the Nigerian Society of Geoscientists and Exhibitions, held in Ibadan.

He said the courtesy visit was to greet the governor and share with him some worthwhile thoughts that impact positively on mutual interests of his (Makinde) government and the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.

Ogah tasked the Oyo State Government on the need for both governments to cherish and sustain mutually beneficial partnership on mining development.

READ ALSO: Fayemi Hands Over Ekiti Cargo Airport To Contractor

According to him, Oyo State is richly endowed with different types of mineral resources in commercial quantity and grade in several locations across the state.

The minister, who appreciated the state government for the donation of two hectares of land for the gemstone market, pointed out that the development showed commitment to enhancing the development of the solid minerals sector and increase the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR of the state.

According to him, these minerals are being explored and exploited by different mining companies including precious stones such as tourmaline, aquamarine, Amethyst, agate, garnet, crystal quartz etc.

He said: “Our primary goal is to use the industry as a springboard for the generation of well-paying jobs for our teeming unemployed youth population; creation of wealth and empowerment of our rural communities; enhancing government revenue-generating capacity; supply of mineral raw materials for industrial and economic development; and increasing foreign exchange earnings for the country,” he explained.

Similarly, while opening the conference, President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by the minister of state said his administration was committed to diversifying the nation’s economy away from dependence on oil and gas, using mining and agriculture sectors as viable options.

He added that his administration would continue to engage professional bodies in the development of Nigeria, adding that the centrality of the development of the mineral and energy sectors in the rejigging of the nation’s economy had necessitated the roll-out of a series of policy initiatives aimed at ensuring the economic growth of the country.

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Abiodun Congratulates Ododo, Uzodimma On Winning In Kogi, Imo

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Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun

 

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has described the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s governorship election in Kogi State as the affirmation of the confidence Nigerians have in the ability of the ruling party to extricate Nigeria from the current economic woes.

The APC governorship candidate, Usman Ododo emerged winner of the Kogi governorship election with 446,237 votes to beat Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who polled 259,052 votes to come second.

The win followed the earlier one in Imo State, where Governor Hope Uzodinma, also of the APC was declared the winner of Saturday’s election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Prince Abiodun, who is also he Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council For Kogi Governorship Election, said Ododo’s victory was the culmination of the successes recorded by the APC in the last eight years and the confidence reposed in the governor-elect.

Abiodun praised voters in Kogi State who trooped out en masse on Saturday to vote for Ododo, even as he acknowledged the resilience of Governor Yahya Bello in ensuring the electoral victory of the ruling party.

He reiterated the earlier pledge of President Tinubu to revamp the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and the National Iron Ore Mining Company at Itakpe, saying that the resuscitation of the companies will scale up socio-economic activities of the state and Nigeria in general.

Abiodun said: “I congratulate Governor-elect Usman Ododo on his well-deserved victory as the newly elected Governor of Kogi State. This resounding success at the polls reflects the trust and confidence the people of Kogi have placed in you to lead them into a future of progress and prosperity.

“Your dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people have been evident throughout your political career. As you assume the mantle of leadership, I have no doubt that you will continue to serve Kogi State with utmost integrity, diligence, and passion.

“Your election victory not only signifies the triumph of democracy but also presents an opportunity for transformative change in Kogi State. I have tremendous faith in your ability to successfully navigate the challenges that lie ahead and bring about positive growth in various sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and economic development.

“Furthermore, I am confident that under your visionary leadership, Kogi State will witness a renewed sense of unity, purpose, and inclusive governance. Your administration will prioritize the needs and aspirations of the people, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.

I also congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Yahya Bello and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the successful conclusion of Saturday’s election.”

On Sunday, Abiodun said the re-election of Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State is a confirmation of the trust the citizens have in his All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government.

INEC on Sunday declared Uzodinma, who is the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, the winner of Saturday’s governship election with wide margins.

Uzodinma scored 540,308 votes to beat other candidates in the election.

Prince Abiodun expressed delight that the resounding victory of Uzodinma attested to his leadership quality and delivery of the dividend of democracy to the people.

He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and INEC for the hitch-free Electoral process in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi states on Saturday.

He said: On behalf of the people of Ogun State, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations on your re-election as the Governor of Imo State. Your resounding victory is a testament to the trust and confidence that the people of Imo State have in your ability to lead them towards progress and prosperity.

“We are delighted to see that your vision for Imo State has resonated with the people and that you have been given a renewed mandate to continue the good work that you have already begun. Your commitment to transforming Imo State into a modern, vibrant, and prosperous state is a shining example to other leaders across the country.

“As you embark on your second term in office, may your leadership continue to inspire and uplift the people of Imo State. We look forward to working with you to deepen the ties between our two great states and to create a brighter future for all our citizens.

“Congratulations once again, and best wishes for a successful tenure.”

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Supreme Court Ruling Seals Unshakable Victory of Tinubu In 2023 Presidential Election – Abiodun

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Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has described the ruling by the Supreme Court, which dismissed the petitions of the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party against the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a watershed and a moment of joy for all Nigerians.

Governor Abiodun, in a statement he personally signed on Thursday described the judgement as rooted in law, even as he praised the judiciary for standing by the truth at all times.

The governor said the victory is for all Nigerians, moreso as it came when President Tinubu’s policies aimed at lifting Nigeria out of her malaise were beginning to take shape.

He siad: “In confirmation of his victory as a true reflection of the wishes of the majority of Nigerians who trooped out to exercise their franchise on February 25 this year, the Supreme Court, today, threw out the appeals filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), putting to rest eight months of contestation over the outcome of the poll.

“I congratulate Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of our great Party, and indeed all Nigerians on this great victory. This is a great moment for Nigeria, a watershed in our history, a moment of joy and pride for all of us.This is not just a victory for the President, it is a victory for the Nigerian State.

“I salute the judiciary for standing by the truth and giving a judgment that is rooted in the law, data and logic and overwhelming evidence. I salute the justices of the Appeal Court for giving a very solid, detailed and meticulous judgment that laid the foundation for today’s verdict by the Supreme Court, which is a well- thought out judgment that will further enrich our jurisprudence. I believe that this judgment will be seen worldwide as confirming with the global best practices in law.

“To be sure, this victory belongs to all Nigerians, including even the opposition parties which contested the outcome of the poll, because it affirms Nigeria’s irrevocable commitment to democracy and civil rule and further consolidates the entrenchment of the democratic ethos across the Nigerian landscape.

“Coming at a time the policies and programmes of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration are beginning to take shape to lift Nigerians out of the morass of despondency and despair, this victory is indeed a sweet one. It confirms the trust reposed by Nigerians in President Tinubu, the man made for a time like this when Nigerians yearn for radical change in their affairs.

“Like the President himself has said, I enjoin all Nigerians to unite as we collectively tackle the things that hold us together and reach for greater heights, firmly anchored on the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

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Confusion In APC As Sylva Is Disqualified From Bayelsa Gubernatorial Election

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Timipre Sylva

The All Progressives Congress (AP) is in confusion as its gubernatorial candidate in the Bayelsa election of November, Timipre Sylva, has been disqualified.

The disqualification came to the public attention as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released amended lists of governorship candidates on Tuesday, excluding Sylva and his running mate, Joshua Maciver.

The disqualification stems from a Federal High Court ruling on October 10, which held that Sylva is not qualified to contest the election because he has already served two terms as state governor. The judge ruled that allowing Sylva to contest again would breach the 1999 constitution.

But the APC gubernatorial campaign council has urged its supporters not to be deterred by the disqualification and has said that the party is appealing the decision.

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