BY GRACE OAKHIENA
BENIN CITY – In a renewed effort to foster peaceful coexistence between mining companies and host communities in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, the Edo State Government has inaugurated a five-member committee to investigate and address the recurring disputes surrounding gold mining activities in Dagbala.
The committee, set up by the Edo State Ministry of Mining, was constituted during a stakeholder meeting at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Benin City.
The session was presided over by the Commissioner for Mining, Hon. Andrew Ijegbai, and attended by key stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Omoruyi Ese; Directors; representatives of mining companies operating in Dagbala; and delegates from the host communities.
The committee is charged with developing practical solutions to the frequent misunderstandings involving established mining operators, new investors, and local farmers.
It will also streamline the process for space allocation in gold mining areas, register farmers for proper evaluation of crops affected by mining operations, and propose mechanisms to improve interactions between miners and the local farming population.
Speaking at the inauguration, Hon. Ijegbai noted that the committee’s structure, comprising two members from the Ministry of Mining, two representatives from Makana Makana Company, and one from the Dagbala community was deliberately designed to ensure fair representation and balanced decision-making.
“The odd number gives room for voting on contentious matters and promotes fairness,” he said, stressing the importance of policy implementation, technical expertise, and community inclusion.
The Permanent Secretary, Mrs Omoruyi, emphasised the ministry’s neutrality and commitment to equitable development.
She urged traditional leaders and youths in the area to avoid actions that could disrupt peace, warning that conflict would only undermine progress in the community.
She reiterated the state government’s resolve to provide a stable and supportive environment for mining, which she said would benefit both the state economy and local livelihoods.
