Edo State Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Hon. Enaholo Ojiefoh has met with the leadership of the Department of Geology, University of Benin to explore possible areas of partnership and to leverage on the wealth of knowledge in tertiary institutions to reposition the solid mineral business in Edo State with a view to making it a mining hub globally.
Receiving the Head of Department and his team in his office in Benin City, Hon. Enaholo said that the state’s Governor, Godwin Obaseki has created an environment for investments to flourish in the state.
“Edo State is blessed with solid mineral resources that need to be harnessed for the greater good of the people. The solid mineral sector of the state needs to be developed and we need inputs from every stakeholder to do that. When the sector is developed and opened up for investors and investments, a lot of job opportunities will be available for our teeming youths. Plans are in the pipeline to train youths on how to do mining business, marketing and solid mineral export”.
Hon. Enaholo disclosed that the ministry will be in partnership with tertiary and research institutions on data acquisition and repository in solid mineral which will also involve extension services and training.
He stated that the institution will be part of the committee that will be put in place to drive the process adding that the geology department and students will be involved in the ministry for industrial attachment.
The HOD, Geology, Dr Salami commended Hon. Enaholo for calling for partnership between the government, tertiary and research institutions to develop the solid mineral industry in the state noting that this has never happened in the history of the state.
The commissioner will also be meeting with other institutions to harness knowledge to develop the solid mineral sector of the state.
In another development, Hon. Enaholo also met with the Edo State Chapter of Women In Mining, WIM in his office in Benin City.
Receiving the state coordinator, Nomamidobo Jenifer and other members of the association, the commissioner urged them to be sincere, consistent and focused as they are dealing with the hidden treasures of the earth.
