By Stephen Adeleye.
The Kogi State Government has taken a significant step in developing its solid minerals sector, with the acquisition of 30 minerals titles spread across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
The State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Bashiru Gegu, stated this on Thursday in Lokoja, at the Grand Finale of the 2025 Kogi State NUJ Press Week, themed “Kogi State Solid Minerals: How Journalists Can Drive Development.”
Gegu, the Chairman of the occasion, said the move was part of the government’s efforts to boost revenue and drive economic growth.
Gegu, represented by Abdulsalam Hudu, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, emphasized that Kogi State is richly endowed with solid minerals such as iron ore, limestone, coal, gold, and tantalite, but the sector has remained largely untapped.
“It is important to note that Gov. Ododo’s efforts increased mineral titles from the existing 15 to 30 across the state.
“The acquisition of the minerals titles is a result of the relentless efforts of Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo to shore up the revenue base of the state.
“Kogi has acquired mining equipment to boost development and reduce reliance on oil revenue.
“High grade excavators, loaders, dump trucks help us compete with mining companies,” he said.
He stressed that Ododo’s administration has prioritized the development of the solid minerals sector, recognizing its potential to drive industrialization, job creation, and revenue diversification beyond oil.
He added: “With the acquisition of the minerals titles, the state is poised to become a major player in the solid minerals industry.
“The government is committed to ensuring that the sector is developed in a sustainable and responsible manner.
“The development is expected to open up multiple streams of revenue that would boost all-round development in the state”.
The commissioner charged journalists to play a pivotal role in driving development in the solid minerals sector.
The commissioner identified key ways journalists can drive development in the solid minerals sector, including investigative reporting and policy advocacy.
He urged the NUJ to promote responsible mining and sustainable development in collaboration with government, private sector and civil society.
The guest Speaker, Dr Tope Joel, in his paper, highlighted the role of the media in ensuring the actualization of the goal of harnessing Kogi State solid mineral deposits for economic development.
Joel urged Kogi Government to establish a solid mineral development company with a trained directorate to regulate and closely monitor mining activities.
He said the media should play a proactive role in reporting on mining activities to help harness Kogi State’s solid mineral deposits for socio-economic development.
Earlier, the Kogi NUJ, Mr Ademu Seidu, appealed to the state government to restore end-of-year financial assistance to its members and fulfill its promise of providing a brand new bus for the Union.
Seidu also urged the government to renovate the NUJ colonial building and the Lord Lugard wooden house in the NUJ premises.
He commended the state government, led by the Gov. Ahmed Ododo for creating a peaceful and conducive environment for the media sector to thrive.
The NUJ Chairman also commended the Governor’s leadership style, that has endeared his administration to the media sector.
He noted that the Council has achieved some milestones, including the revival of the NUJ clinic and construction of an overflow attached to the Council hall.
However, Seidu said the Council still faces challenges in sourcing funds to run the Secretariat and pay staff.
He thanked the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Evangelist Kingsley Femi Fanwo, and other government officials for their support.
The occasion featured the conferment of awards on notable personalities and government officials who have made positive impacts on society.
(NAN)
