…deploys team to Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, Kogi
The Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification Project (MinDiver) has deployed a team to sensitise communities in Edo, Ogun, Oyo, Kwara and Kogi States that will be affected by the Federal Government’s planned aeromagnetic surveys in the states.
The aim of the sensitisation is to mitigate the impact of palpable fears and tension that may arise as a result of the survey which is geared at improving the availability of geological information and data that would enhance the diversification of the economy through mineral sector development.
The sensitisation is necessary because the survey will involve the use of specialised aircraft flying at very low altitudes to capture magnetic anomalies.
PUNCH reports that the job will be undertaken by a consultant, Excalibur.
Areas where data will be captured in Edo State include Fugar in Etsako West LGA, Etsako Central, Etsako East, Igueben, Ikpoba-Okha and Oredo LGAs.
Ishaku Kigbu, media and communication officer of MinDiver, a World Bank Assisted Project under the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, speaking on the additional blocks of the Geophysical Mapping Survey in Edo State, said the team was in the state for renewed sensitisation having carried out an initial sensitisation prior to the start of the activity.
Kigbu said the Airborne Geophysical Mapping Survey started in June 2021 and that a robust sensitisation and enlightenment campaign was done in the 19 states that were to be covered.
He said the programme experienced overlaps due to weather conditions and logistical reasons but had been progressing well since it started.
“The current sensitisation exercise being embarked upon was to cover additional areas carved out to further re-sensitise the people of Edo not to panic upon sighting the aircraft,” Kigbu said.
“The reassurance is necessary due to the current security situation in the country,” he said.
